NEW in the shop...Butterfly wing CUFFLINKS!

Can you tell I'm excited? These have been on my 'bridal list' for ages, I'm very happy to
1. have finally made them
and
2. have amazing photos of them for the shop. It's not easy!


(Here's a little secret, the shirt in the pictures is just a regular shirt. shhHHH!!) I had to pretend its a French cuff for the photo shoot. Next trip to the store, and I'm going to get a nice crisp white one ready for my next wedding event so I can dress up my date! (and have a new model to sport some around my pals). Find them in the jewelry section of my shop.

What do you think?

Stock Photo Product Shoot!

above, basic photo set-up from a birds eye view
below, what it ends up looking like to you!

I'd been meaning to re-do my glass butterfly necklace basic product shots for a while now. Some of the wing color options I had in the past are now harder to find, or just seasonally different. The [particular] listing had so many wings in it, and so many were currently hard to find, the listing was starting to sound like a sad story. "This wing is brighter now, this one is only ready in 20 days, this wing is no where to be found, this little piggy went weee weeee weee all the way home"...

above, new detail shot that I can use as a generic photo for other listings in my shop

above, the OLD stock photo
below, the NEW stock photos

So- as I do for all my "stock photo" product shoots, I have to make. Make lots of product at once. This is tricky, because its costly & time consuming. Costly because I have to have all the components before anyone pays me. Lots of components. I generally like doing it, but those two things make it hard to get a start on it. Often when I have a large order from a bride, for example, I take that as an opportunity to do some bulk stock photography.


Why do I like having stock photography of my jewelry?

1.)Because it makes my life EASY.
Well, easier. Its time consuming to do a photo shoot, so I might as well do it all at once- you have to get by those first 2 things (time and money) to get there, and then you have to wait for the right kind of daylight. Winter in Massachusetts is generally perfect for that though. Then I usually have to photo-edit them for a while. (With the right daylighting though, you will cut down on photo edit time. )
So back for the "easier" part... if I make "stock" photos, I will have to spend less time, in the long run, on each individual item in my shop. I state in each listing that 'Im happy to send a photo first', but this actually doesnt happen all that often. People are trusting, and they also seem to like a surprise. But on the rare occasion that they ask, its no trouble, because all they want is one photo, not five photos with every single angle and proper lighting. They mostly want to see the basics of the wing.

2.)Because its good to have images for websites or blogs to use for promotions.
If I have a collection of images, I can use them for a general idea of "who is popko?". I use these images for craft show applications, press, promotions, business cards or postcards. I can also use them in other listings on my site, if Im selling a pink necklace in the same setting, I already have a stock photo of a model wearing 5 of them. I plug that it and Im done!

Heres a few more photos of what my silly little set-ups look like. I always like to step away and take a picture of what Im actually doing. Below is a mash of stock and individual item pictures. I thought you might like to see how it all starts!

It usually begins with nice lighting. I prefer daylight, not too sunny. Bright overcast days work well for me. I place everything in the same huuuge window that I am fortunate to have. Its the one with all day sun and only sun rays in the afternoon. Sun rays kill my photos.

Below is a funny picture, the paintbrush is holding the necklaces, over the coffee and sugar containers. Im a professional, trust me! *wink*

below, the end result of the coffee & sugar escapade

I usually use plain white computer paper as a background. Ive chosen to use a rock or leaf or branch as a background. My jewelry is natural and I think it compliments it in a smart way. The first few pictures at the top were on a wooden drawer that I use at craft shows. I like the warmth the wood is bringing to the whole image. I'm still a white paper fan overall.

I know this post is just touching on a few ideas about product photography (mostly the idea that it feels really good to have some stock photos on hand!!!). I am, by no means, a pro, or really even know that much about my camera.
If you have questions about settings or such, ask in the comments below.
I hope you've enjoyed this little behind-the-scenes here at PoPkO headquarters!

NEW in the SHOP! Butterfly Wing Necklaces and a BLOG SPECIAL!

Hey folks! Ive got a slightly new design in the shop! I say slightly only because the new part is the bail. Its small. The part that has the little link that holds the chain..that's the bail. My other design has a large bail, its got a different feeling to it, maybe a little formal I would say. This new style I would call versatile. A little more casual even? I don't know how to call it exactly, but its my new favorite. The ones in the shop are the SMALL size, 20mm. I also have a LARGE 25mm, but just haven't photographed it quite yet.
I'll put the two styles together so you can see for yourself.
NEW DESIGN SPECIAL!!!
The first three peeps to purchase one of these (or all three!) get $5 OFF! Mention this ad in the message to seller during checkout and I will refund you immediately. NEW DESIGN (above)
TRADITIONAL DESIGN (below)

busy bee/ busy butterfly

Ive been away working and playing. Im in Cape Cod! I packed for an 8 day trip and its turning into a 20 day trip. Good thing I brought half my studio with me.

Its been fun and BUSY! Im still trying to perfectly balance keeping up my business, selling jewelry on the pier, making new things (or collecting supplies with the intention to make new things) and spending time with my enormous family (four sisters from out of town, four neices and nephews, friends), and this week....building a carnival parade float to ride on for Thursdays parade! It never ends in the summer. There is only balance, and my daily nap (neither of which I am getting as much as I want) . I hadnt taken naps for years (though I have always always been a big fan and advocate of the nap), I find myself napping everyday at 2pm, or trying to at least. The days I cant, due to something fun happening or packing/shipping etsy things, I am in bed by 9:30pm.

These are the newest butterfly wing necklaces. It was a special custom order that is just so gorgoues when together. This is a side-by-side photo of the reverse of each pendant. There are two different wings in almost all of them, Can you find the ones that are singles wings? Its tricky because some do not look the same front to back.

SO, that is my update for now. I know Ive been neglecting the blog and updates- but its just the way summer goes. Im even considering when to close the shop for two weeks so that I can just sit down and create completely new items like earrings and etched glass works, resin castings and molds. I find that even when I put a shipping delay I still ship because I know it will be too huge of a pile of work at the end if I dotn slowly get it out the door.
It all takes time, but i think if I temporarily close the shop I might be able to hunker down and work work work. Which is actually what I love to do. See you soon!

The Little Things,,, Hello Sunshine!

detail of real butterfly wing pendants
Originally uploaded by PoPkO!

I really love taking photographs, and find myself with a camera in my hand all day long. I especially love macro, and hers a good example of why. I see these pendants all the time, I'm constantly making them and working with them. To me, they are all something that I fawn over a little bit, for the few moments that it is mine, and then wrap and ship out. When I take a photo of it like this, I can get all excited about it again, by seeing it in a different light.

In the studio

What am I up to?

I've got another prototype for my blue butterfly wing pendants. It's a highly requested color in this shape/size. I've been meaning to work harder at getting this one into it's final stages for a while, but the truth is, my other orders have been keeping me really busy. So I'm thankful for that, but I always like to get new things rolling.

Here's what I made tonight with a few mishaps along the way. This one is a little rough and tumble, but its my first one! It's the blue morpho butterfly wing under glass, set into sterling silver. I made one prior to this that crackled and chipped all over. I think the glass was too snug. I used a glass grinder and a few tools for this so I thought you'd like to see!

This is my new super smooth bit. Oh how I love thee. This grinder is great too, it was my mothers when she did stained glass when I was just a kid. It has really lasted!

*****
Soooo, on another note, I've got one of my fused glass jewelry pieces in a FREE Giveaway at the Etsy Glass Artist blog. Just click the photo below to get there. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment in that blog post, (and join the mailing list while youre at it, so we can send you info on other freebies and EGA sales).

Each month there will be a freebie drawing over there, just for fun,

so feel free to become a blog follower to stay updated.

Contest! Name my little monsters.

These are my newest little adorables! They are like little glitter monster. They are a form of the glitter pop rings that I currently carry in the shop. These will be rings also, possibly other products as well, bit I'm starting them out as rings. These aren't ready to go out just yet. I still need to grind the edges, finish them off and add the ring base. I also have different designs coming out, with matching eye sizes and multiple eyes and dont forget the cyclops. I can't help myself but show them off before they are ready. They make me smile and get all googly over them, pun intended.

SOOOOO...whats the contest? THEY NEED A NAME!

--Name my googly eyed glitter monster rings--

Yes, that seems to be a fitting name, but if you leave a comment below with your name idea and I choose it, you lose rights to the name but you WIN A RING! You can even choose the color that you want.

Currently the color choices are:

-Pink

-Ruby

-Golden

-Lavender

-Emerald

-Aquamarine

-Sage

-Antique Silver

I am going to be listing them in my shop by the end of the week, but the contest will be open until I find a suitable name, (even if I list them in my shop with a fake name before that). If I choose a name that I thought of myself and DON'T choose one of your ideas, I will pick my top three from the comments below, have a short poll vote and send a prize to that winner. If there are two of the same ideas, I will put both into the drawing. (that way even if you are really not a creative thinker you can still play).

So, get your thinking caps on and get your sillies out....Let's hear your ideas in the comments below!

(note: post your comment just once and it will show up in a few hours after it gets approved, this is so those spam sites dont get in)

Through the Looking Glass

This is the newest necklace in a collection of mirrored jewelry. Its reflective! OOH! This pendant has a mirror set into a hand poured plastic over a brushed metal disc. Its smooth, glassy & clear and the mirror is really fun to play with. You can check your teeth or light a piece of paper on fire

(I didn't suggest that, I am not liable I am not liable!!)

OR...you can reflect the light onto someone to flirty flirt with them. How about an S.O.S?

I call this Through the Looking Glass, after the Lewis Carol book, with Alice and her mirror adventures. Quite whimsical I say.

NEWSLETTER WINNER:

I also wanted to list this today to show everyone that the newsletter winner from this month will be wearing one of these lovelies very soon!

Congratulations to K.L. from Arizona was drawn to win the small version (seen in photo above). I hope you find something wonderful on the other side of "The Glass"!

If YOU want to join in the fun, and be entered to the monthly drawing, join my mailing list on the left column in my blog. Cheers!

Little Update on Holiday Things (vague enough?)

Today is the last day of the fused glass sale!

HURRY! HURRY!

Okay so you dont have to run, but there are still some lovelies in the shop I must say.

And if you dont need any glass...maybe you just needed a butterfly wing necklace MORE!*

*This is the most popular style this year, (glass style), next to the oval monarch design.

I have been insanely busy with butterflies this season! For the Holidays people are going bonkers for these little peices of nature. I LOVE IT!!!! I am up at night hunched over in my studio mixing and making and finishing and polishing these little delights. They have been made to order, basically because I cant get ahead of orders. I cant seem to make more than I need. But thats fine with me. I have been SOOO happy this season with my etsy shop and 6 craft shows. I feel like Ive worked harder than I ever have, and thats rewarding beyond description. This year, unlike the last two on etsy, I have decided to stop shipping on Dec 21. This is my physical reward, my Christmas present to myself (besides the stationary tape dispenser!!).

a butterfly production line photo

Also, more on 'the shop', among being busy enough to be losing sleep, I have added my newest little lovelies- the Glitter Pop Pendant. TADA!!

I like these because they aremade just 'for the fun of it'. I like the sparkle and I like to see what color combinations I come up with. They are like little candies to me, so I want to keep making more.

Back to orders now, a few more days for "the push" to continue. I cant wait to finally decorate for Christmas this weekend! (yeah i know)

Hello Hollywood!

Heres a glimpse of a few new earring designs I've been working on. I hope to have them in the shop next week. Unless anyone wants to volunteer to write a fetching description for me!


These earrings make me think of someone dressing up for a big event. They all have something that make me drool, like the juicy pinks, the sparkle of the silver and crystal, the jewel tones. I had holiday parties in mind when I satrted these, and boy do I want to go to one now!

All of these beads (except the cherry pink ones) are czech glass, picked up on one of my trips to Czech Republic to visit my sister. Now thats a good 'business' trip!

NEW DESIGN! yes i'm screaming!

I'm thoroughly excited to show off a few of my newest butterfly wing pendant designs. Its a full wing set into an aluminum disc. I LOVE love this. I gave the inside a brushed finish, so under the wing there is a ton of depth when the light shines on it. Its a very hip design, I might say. I have finally found a way to use the shape of the wing in my jewelry. Wings have so many pretty frilly edges, or organic shapes to them, that I just haven't been able to preserve with the silver designs. So here they are, my newest.......I've got two sizes in my shop, both at the same price. They cost me almost the same to make, but I really need/want to offer different sizes. Do you think having different sizes at the same price a problem? Will buyers be confused?

Also, I am offering this style with an unfinished black ribbon. No chain this time like the others. I am trying something new there, to see what people need. Would you want a chain to be included, or the option to buy in addition?