Raw Soil: It's A Crafty World!

packaging

2010-09-15T20:00:00.004-04:00

...

2010-09-15T03:18:00.004-04:00

2010-09-14T19:05:00.002-04:00

My newest line of bracelets starting out at just $7.

BIY by KDNY

2010-08-19T13:18:00.000-04:00

BLING IT YOURSELF!

I will soon be selling design kits (including patterns and supplies) for your cell phones and other electronic devices! Keep your eyes peeled!

It's been a while!

2010-08-18T16:19:00.002-04:00

How in the world have you all been?!?! I haven't updated this blog in over a year you guys!

Mainly because I have been really, really busy with work and moving...

...that, and I am a terrible writer, ha.

I figured, since I've been so cruel and neglectful, I would treat you all by putting up a lil tutorial for any of you Friendship Bracelet makers out there. So feel free to check it out, and let me know if there is anything that you do not understand. CLICK HERE

Also, I have a newish Etsy store! I am no longer updating mimi.etsy.com I am now at www.knottybracelets.etsy.com There is a link in the side bar to the right if you'd like to check it out. I will show you a couple items I have in there right now:

Yes, I am making cellphone cases now too! Any custom design you want on any silicone skin or hard plastic faceplate. I've seen people selling these for over $200 on etsy JUST for a case! They look gorgeous but is it really worth it? Especially for people who tend to have "phone accidents" here and there? My cases are a fraction of the cost! starting as low as $30 and never going over $100 I will update you with more designs as I go along.

Thanks for stopping by!
xoxo

Double Zig-Zag Friendship Bracelet Tutorial

2010-08-18T16:00:00.002-04:00

You’ll need 2 different colors of thread 40″ each. For the purpose of this pattern, we’ll say four 40″ blue thread and six 40″ yellow threads.

Arrange threads in this manner: (The threads are parted in such a way to illustrate the 5 threads that will make the left and right zig-zags)

Legend: Y=Yellow B=Blue

First, you’ll be working on the right zig-zag of the double zig-zag. Starting with the 5th string from right (Y), make four forward double knots.

Do the same with the next four strings until you create a diagonal stripe with Y, B, Y, B, Y pattern.

To create the zig-zag, create four backward knots using the rightmost string (Y).

Do step 3 four more times with the succeeding strings to create the same Y, B, Y, B, Y pattern.

Now, work on the left zig-zag. Take the 5th string from left and create four backward knots.

Do step 5 four more times using the succeeding strings to create Y, B, Y, B, Y pattern.

Create four forward knots with the leftmost string (Y).

Repeat step 7 four more times.

To join the left and right zig-zags, make a double knot using the two strings in the middle (5th and 6th strings).

Repeat steps 1 through 9 until the desired length.

Tie your bracelet and cut the remaining strings.

2009-04-30T17:03:00.004-04:00

I really do love making these:

Contact me if you are interesting in owning any of these...

2008-11-07T20:53:00.002-05:00

I don't understand why it is so difficult for me to pick just one field to excel in.

I find myself wanting to make hand-bound journals, soaps & candles, and all sorts of ceramics, photogaphy and jewelry. They are all so completely different from each other. I am sure that I could possibly interweave a couple of them together, but I don't want to make mediocre crafts anymore. Besides, there is no way that I could afford to invest in all of them.

I think I am Craft ADD...

One friend thinks I should stay with Jewelry, while another thinks I should focus on candles. But honestly, this very minute, I really want to make soaps and journals. *sigh* something is wrong with me. Do you know how many books there are about soap making, much less anything else? HUNDREDS! I'd be broke even if every book cost only $1 lol (and they don't unfortunately)

Im torn.

Nostalgia Anyone?

2008-05-10T05:02:00.004-04:00

It's Blockhead!
Originally uploaded by mimistuff

It must seem as if I am not creating anything, but I am. I am just very picky with things, and usually end up turning down up to 70% of my work and never taking photos of them. And just because I take a photo or two doesn't mean I am going to upload it online to show off, y'know what I mean?

Anyway here is one of the other 30% of my creations =)
It is Block Head from that old TV show Gumby, anyone ever heard of it??

I am going through a Nostalgic period right now and I want to watch all of the cartoons and eat all of the candy (like fruit stripe) that I grew up on, y'know? So hopefully I can stir up some creative juices.

Go on, tell me about some of your Nostalgic shows and candy and such!

♥MiSS MiCHELLE

MY CUSTOM CARD FROM STOREYSHOP!

2008-04-14T11:19:00.002-04:00

Here is a photo of my latest Etsy purchase:

Oh my gosh, my words can not fully express how excited I am about this birthday card for my older sister! No lie, this is exactly how I pictured it when I described to Helen at Storeyshop what I wanted (from the colors to the balloons and double hearts)!! You'd think custom work would take a while, but no, Helen is like... Superwoman she made this and shipped it off the very next day! Thank you, thank you, thank you ^_^

Even the wrapping was too cute not to take a picture of haha!

♥MD

New Flickr Group!

2008-03-29T14:53:00.002-04:00

I recently created a new group on Flickr called IBTOE (I Bought This On Etsy). There are only a few members as of right now, but I wanted to showcase some of the photos already in the pool. If you ever bought anything on Etsy, take a picture of it and come join us:

i loved you from the first time i seed you...

2008-03-26T13:14:00.005-04:00

Is it just me, or does it look like I have enough beads to last a life time (or two)? This isn't even my entire stock, it's only the SEED beads I wanted to show you. I'm not even sure if this is all of them.

I got this sudden urge to start beading yesterday. I have two unfinished creations right now:

Would you believe me if I told you I wasn't even really into beading? By the looks of my collection, Im sure you're saying "NO", but I don't know the first thing about it honestly. Im still trying to figure out how I finished the last seed bead necklace I made, which was almost 2 years ago now...

Maybe I closed it with a crimp bead and a regular old lobster clasp.... No, I don't even think I knew what a crimp bead was back then, much less how to use one. Again, I am not really into beading.

Hey, maybe this will give me an excuse to expand my seemingly endless collection... I can't believe I have over 40 different colors and not ONE of them is.... white *sigh*. That really strains my creative juice flow. I think everything needs a little bit of white.

Etsy Favorites 03.18.08

2008-03-18T12:40:00.009-04:00

Today I decided on featuring a few recycled, reconstructed, Trashionista items from Etsy!

I really like this fork bangle from joyrog's store! It is hand-crafted from antique EPNS cutlery(at least 100 years old). I believe that joyrog is new to etsy (just joined in Jan.), and from Australia! Aussie Aussie Aussie OY OY OY! Haha. Make sure to check out all of her other recycled "jewellery" soon to become very popular around here.

Check out this handmade Thank You card from hoipolloi! It is completely, and I mean COMPLETELY recycled! Not only is this beautiful photo stitched onto handmade paper (made from eggcartons and toilet paper rolls),

"It will be shipped to you sewn up in sheets of re-used birthday tissue, between several layers of cardboard cut from cereal or granola boxes, with love."

You can also take a peek at Amanda's blog to see a few snapshots of her paper-making process: HERE

Here is what KateBlack likes to call a "Trash Book". It has been reconstructed out of a 1960's childs encyclopedia book! The cover features a violin & bow, a photo of moon craters, stained glass and more. This hand bound work of art is perfect for writing poems, songs, or journal entries, as well as sketches, designs, and photos!

Okay, I know it isn't Christmas anymore, but this reusable Bodywreath really made me laugh! It's funny because almost all of the dolls that I had growing up somehow managed to become naked and/or headless somewhere around my room. If only I had thought of this idea first, huh? Haha!

This bracelet is made from non other than recycled Black & White grocery bags! Arnym also has gorgeous clutches and purses made from this seemingly endless medium. The colors she uses are wonderful and can be made to match practically any article of clothing you have. This just goes to show that you really CAN reuse almost anything and in the most incredible ways!

Don't be fooled by the magnitude of this photo. These are tiny little gold, silver, and copper colored rings made by folding what looks like little strips of metallic paper! UNBE-WEAVE-ABLE! All rings are made to order so make sure to specify the size you'd like. Also don't forget to have a look at the rest of FrucciDesign's shop, full of many a wonderous paper things!

Are you ready for hundreds of tomatos?

2008-03-17T11:37:00.003-04:00

If anyone is interested in gardening you might be interested in this event. TomatoMania is the worlds largest tomato seedling sale and it happens every year at the end of March or the begining of April. There are various locations around CA and CT. Don't worry if you do not live around these areas because you can purchase seedlings online at the TomatoMania website.

Jewelry

2008-03-08T17:53:00.002-05:00

I've completed TWO necklaces to put in my shop today, and started on this one for myself. It's a ring that Dustin gave to me, and I love it so much! I wanted to add a few extras to it so that I can proudly wear it around my neck. It isn't completed yet though.

MY PEACEFUL GARDEN

2008-03-05T14:21:00.005-05:00

I can't wait till the day I have my own property, where I can plant my own garden, paint my own walls, and really feel at home. But alas since I am only 20 and still have no career, this is a very long-term goal.

I think I am feeling this way because I don't live alone or with anyone I love. Instead I live with 3 other girls who are either messy, selfish, or... well slutty. Not only that, but two of my roommates have a "guest". I say that in quotes because they HAVEN'T LEFT YET! It's been months, seriously. The worse thing about it is that my roommates "guests" get more guests in this house than we do, and they have no respect for the other people who live in this house. I can't count on both hands how many times I've been woken up at 2 or 3 in the morning by someone banging on our front door to be let in, or how many times someone has set off the fire alarm by either turning the stove too high, or forgetting that they are cooking. It's stressing I tell you.

So I am just going to close my eyes for a minute, and pretend that I am not even here. That no one is eating the food in my fridge when it is CLEARLY labeled with my name on it. I am going to imagine a day without a loud television watching itself because someone forgot to turn it off when they left the room. I am going to imagine a night without drunken people banging on my door asking for hugs and kisses. I am going to pretend there is no one with 2 ton feet banging up and down the stairs, no one crying and screaming at their boyfriends or girlfriends, no one asking me for money with absolutely no intention of returning it back to me.

No, Im just going to pretend that I am in my own space, my own quiet, peaceful garden.

Show me what you're workin' with!

2008-03-03T11:52:00.002-05:00

I WANNA SEE WHAT YOUR CURRENT PROJECT IS!

Ill show you mine if you show me yours, hee hee!

I've been making friendship bracelets for the past few days.

I just added this one to my shop (great colors, no?)

Now show me your projects! If you can figure out how to post a pic in my comments section go right on ahead. If not, just tell me about it! Link to a photo if you must.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

♥MD

But it was just a paper bag...

2008-02-28T14:14:00.002-05:00

As I was doing my daily rounds reading my fellow crafters blogs, I saw what I thought was a duck running around outside of my window. But it was just a paper bag. It resembled a mini tornado because it just kept going around and around and around. I tried to get a video of it, but it flew WAYYY up into the air just when I pressed record. What a tease. I took a pic anyway just to illustrate what it did haha!

Mmmm just look at that BIG tasty cookie! It is seriously larger than my hand! I made some really tasty Peanut Butter Cookies last night for my roomates and I. Didn't meassure a THING! Haha I love being able to do that. I just dumped a HUGE amount of crunchy peanut butter in a bowl with an egg, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, i-cant-believe-this-shit (its not butter), and a dash of salt and slowy mixed in some flour and VOILA homemade cookie dough! I know im weird, but I spread some butter on the bottom of the cookie sheet to give it a very slight buttery taste on the bottom of the cookies. I wish I made more, but it waas just enough batter for four REALLY LARGE cookies!

The post without any pictures!

2008-02-27T02:20:00.007-05:00

As you can see (if you have been her before), I've changed my blogs layout. I originally just wanted to find a wider layout so that parts of my pictures wouldn't continue to get cut off in my posts, but all of the premade blogger layouts that I liked were the same size. So I ended up going in and changing parts of the HTML myself.

I also switched the order of things on my side-bar, took some annoying things off, and replaced them with slightly less annoying things. Like an RSS feed, that I don't really know too much about, but everyone seems to be into. I also added a few more people to the Blogs of Mention section (im sure that's not what I called it, but that sounds nicer, I should change it), as well as a donation button *GASP*

In the world of ETSY!
Today I've added a new listing in my shop, my first listing in a couple months actually. It is an over-priced Red Cross Friendship Bracelet. I just can't bear to sell it for 3 dollars knowing that I spent well over 3... even 4 hours tying knot after knot after knot AFTER KNOT to make it.

I also got a really cute message from Nancy at Circa Ceramics today in response to my feedback photos I also asked if they had a blog:

Thank you!!! We're back home, and I looked at our feedback & your pictures - those are FANTASTIC! You made our day lady!!! And sure, we can swap links for blogs! Here's ours:
http://circaceramics.blogspot.com/

We feel loved :D

Awesome!

Yay!!!!

Nancy :)

Haha, I made someones day, how awesome!

Lastly, I purchased some amazing Designer Scrapbooking Papers from Nicole at AmonetteN. I don't scrapbook, nor do I know how, but I can't resist pretty paper! I plan to use these as backdrops for my photographs, I think that is going to be pretty cool. I have a feeling the bright orange and green backdrop im using now is going to get very old VERY quickly.

AND THAT'S ALL SHE WROTE
♥

Circa Ceramics @ Etsy!

2008-02-25T14:41:00.003-05:00

About a week or so ago I said to a friend

"You know what I want?"

"What do you want?"

"I want a new mug. A BIG ONE! I want... A bowl with a handle on it!"

I bought these mugs from Circa Ceramics.

Simple Scrapbooks Resolutions Sweepstakes!

2008-02-25T07:51:00.005-05:00

QUICK! I JUST FOUND THIS SWEEPSTAKES ! IT ENDS IN JUST 4 DAYS!

Entry Form: CLICK HERE
One grand-prize winner and a friend will win a 3-night scrapbooking retreat with Simple Scrapbooks editors Wendy Smedley and Angie Lucas at the Sweetwater House in Fort Morgan, Colo., May 28-31. Prize includes lodging, meals, and all class materials ($600 total value!). Travel not included.

First-prize winners will receive the following scrapbooking supplies:
# 3 winners: QuicKutz Silhouette digital die-cutter ($369 value each)
# 3 winners: 6-month subscription to ScrapJammies.com kit club ($250 value each)
# 3 winners: Free pass to the Photography 101 online class ($150 value each)
# 3 winners: Karen Foster planner and calendar kits ($100 value each)

Expiration Date: 2/29/2008
MUST BE 18+ TO ENTER!

Nahia Creation’s Giveaway!

2008-02-24T19:49:00.005-05:00

Yay, I won a giveaway!

I just got some YUMMY Chocolate Espresso Soap in the mail from Nahia Creations!

And she included some Peppermint Lemongrass Lip Balm!

I think im in love, I survive on Lip Balm and Chap Stick ^_^

Check out Shelly Ann Jones': Etsy, Site, & Blog. THANK YOU!

bracelet.necklace.fun

2008-02-22T22:53:00.001-05:00

wohoo! I made myself a light box

2008-02-21T14:06:00.006-05:00

THAT MEANS BETTER PHOTOS!

I know it's cheap but it works!

I cut squares holes out of a box and covered them

with plastic garbage bags.

Wasn't too hard. Didn't even take an hour.

INDIEPLUBLIC

2008-02-12T16:08:00.000-05:00

I just joined this site called Indepublic!

I don't know too much, but by the looks of it, it's like myspace for those who love to create and those who love to appreciate!

It was really easy for me to create my profile, no confusion there.

At Indepublic you can interect with others by joining groups, or getting involved in the forums. There you can meet new people to add to your friends list and invite people you already know to join in the fun.

One thing I really like is how easily you can upload photos. Not only can you send in photos from your computer or phone, but indiepublic is compatible with Flickr, so if you are already a member and have photos up, you don't have to go trough the hassle of uploading, sorting and describing each photo. You can even choose which galleries you do and do not want to share.

(I uploaded a total of 30 photos in about 2 min. full of descriptions and links that I had on my Flickr account)

I believe you can also upload videos and post blogs there, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. And now there is a Learning Library where you can read marketing articles, diy tips, inspirational stories and more!

All of this and I have been a member for less than 2 hours!

I can only imagine what else I am about to find out from this place...

Find more photos like this on Indiepublic

Bat Necklace

2008-02-12T09:38:00.000-05:00

New Pendant

2008-02-11T14:48:00.000-05:00

HOLY JEBUS BATMAN!

Im making this into a necklace right now.

Will update pics later today

Etsy Favorites 02.11.08

2008-02-11T11:06:00.001-05:00

Cuff Cult makes leather cuffs like this rockin winged star cuff by recycling vintage belts! This is my favorite cuff at the moment and im happy yet sad that it sold already, because I was planning on getting it for a certain someone I know.

All the way from Italy, these handbound journals are unique and hip. All the paper has been ripped and cut sheet by sheet and each book is glued and sewed with care. Kurberry has a very fresh personality and I know this just by looking at her colorful shop! She has prints available for purchase as well.

Samaria Project's precious little birdies can now guard your precious jewelry! Each paper mache box is hand painted with love and care (awwww). She also has jewelry, scarves and Rockies for sale.

Can you believe this electric blue tote bag is made out of duct tape?!

I can't either! It's got a very fashionable look, and has a magnetic closure, you can also get one custom made with pockets and pen holders if you choose. KMC Designs also sells really funky wallats and purses. There is a wicked Snoopy wallet that Im eyeing right now....

Have a nice day folks,

Peace, love, and sales!

~MD

Letter to one half of my new pair of earrings...

2008-02-08T16:46:00.000-05:00

Dear Earring,

Why did you fall off? I JUST BOUGHT YOU! What the BLOG's wrong with you? Where are you?? Are you in my driveway? Are you on the floor of Fred Meyer? What the BLOG am I supposed to do with only one earring? It's not the BLOGGING 80's for christsake.

SonofaBLOGBLOGGER. >_<

*curse words have been replaced

GREENKNICKERS

2008-01-22T09:48:00.000-05:00

CHECK OUT THESE GLOBAL WARMING KNICKERS!

When you wear them the warmth from your body reveals the effects of glabal warming...

NEAT HUH??

(click on the photo to buy a pair or check out what else they've got)

LITTLE RANDOM UPDATES

2008-01-20T12:42:00.000-05:00

Since I haven't posted since Dec,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

I was gifted a pack of Prisma colored pencils!

I should be getting them in the mail on tues.

I think I will pull out my shrink plastic and

create some interesting pendants.

Im not very good at drawing though,

so Ill probably just find some coloring book to use.

I Can't wait to show off what I make!

Every time I go into the Etsy chatrooms

people ask me why nothing is in my shop.

I tell them that I am not really a seller,

& that crafting is my hobby not my job.

I actually buy more than I sell on Etsy.

Then they just try and promote their shop to me, haha.

But I like it.

I find really interesting people to talk to,

and awesome shops to look at and promote here =]

I don't know what I want to do with RawSoil.

At first I wanted it to be more professional than personal,

but at the same time I want to post about my progress as well.

Hmm, I know it's my blog and I can do with it whatever I please,

but Id also like to hear everyone eles opinions on this.

Would you prefer just to see helpful links in here?

As well as shop promotions?

All I know is that I like PICTURES!

A lot of them, haha.

That is what attracts me to blogs,

when they are visually as well as mentally pleasing =]

AND THAT'S ALL SHE WROTE

Free Gift Tags!

2007-12-24T14:39:00.000-05:00

(click the photo)

PaperSeed was so nice enough to offer everyone some free printable gift tags!

If only I had passed by these earlier. I am still going to download these for future use, along with the other free downloads available on her blog. Be sure to leave her a note if you use them

Happy Holidays

Scrapbooking Basics

2007-12-24T00:49:00.000-05:00

If you are new to scrabooking than this is the magazine for you!

The best thing about it, is that it is all free for you in this interactive online magazine

CLICK HERE

HANDMADE NATION

2007-12-19T15:10:00.000-05:00

I think I wasted a good 3 valuable hours today on YouTube.

But it was all worth it because I found this kick as video clip!

This is A sneak peak of selected footage from a crafty documentary called

Handmade Nation: The Rise of DIY Art, Craft & Design.

Learn more here: http://www.handmadenationmovie.com/

Creative Glass Guild of Etsy

2007-12-15T09:55:00.000-05:00

If you are into glass, and havent already joined the guild, you NEED to!

I just checked out their website and I am in awe already!
There are plenty of tutorials, chock full of pictures, tips, suggestions, and plenty selfless advertising!

CLICKIE

♥M

LATE-GIFT-GIVING

2007-12-15T09:13:00.000-05:00

I just so happend to pass by this website called rainbowpix today.

It is a really neat website where you can order Photo Gifts for your friends and family. Like posters, cards, jewelry, mugs, bags, and more

http://www.rainbowpix.co.uk/

LATE CHRISTMAS IDEA MAYBE??

Speaking of late gift giving, Im all for it!
It doesn't matter to me if I get a gift a few days, or even weeks after a certain holiday.
It's always fun getting a gift, right?

That may just be what I do next year. Buy (or make) all of my gifts AFTER christmas hee hee...

Then everyone can brag about my gifts since they will be the last recieved and hopefully the most memorable.... MWAHA yea!

FINALLY

2007-12-11T00:42:00.000-05:00

About a week ago I made a post about purchasing some supplies from etsy.com

(click here to see the post)

Well I finally got my shipment today, and got right to work!

can you believe this is the first real necklace Ive ever made?

what do you think??

♥M

HOLIDAY GREETINGS!

2007-12-06T21:20:00.001-05:00

What better way to compliment a gift with a HOLLYRIFIC greeting card??

(click the photos to view more of these brilliant cards)

♥Michelle

LEARN HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN BEAD CAPS

2007-12-05T18:53:00.002-05:00

(click on the banner)

I found this beautiful tutorial today on etsy.

If you are an intermediate, or an expert in wire-wrapping,

this would be a very interesting project to look up.

Not a wire-wrapping expert?

CLICK HERE for beginner tutorials and more

♥M

DID YOU PLEDGE??

2007-12-05T13:08:00.000-05:00

Why yes, yes I did...

you should too

IM A BIT RUSTY

2007-12-03T21:42:00.000-05:00

Look what I just bought at doubleangeldesign's shop:

Yea, I went bronze and copper crazy today. I just love the darker, more rusty-looking jewelry. I can't wait to show you all what I create with these supplies. I hope my family likes what I make for them this christmas. I also just spent about one hundred dollars at FMG (Fire Mountain Gems) so expect to see some more project ideas from me =]

I hope you all are getting your Holiday shopping done!

♥ Michelle

LINK EXCHANGE!

2007-12-01T18:18:00.012-05:00

LINK EXCHANGE IS WHERE YOU AND SOMEONE ELSE TRADE LINKS BY ADDING THEM TO YOU PAGE AND VICE-VERSA. IT HELPS MOVE YOUR SITE UP IN SEARCH ENGINES, AND GET MORE VISITORS TO YOU PAGES.

LINKS

Cut Out And Collect

White Lye Soap - Handmade Soap Company.

Sonnala - Unique Stuff for Unique People

Isn't That Cute ?! - Original, Cute Handcrafts That Bring Cheer & Chuckles to Any Occasion

Pink Quartz Minerals - When Only Natural Will Do

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO EXCHANGE LINKS WITH ME, LEAVE YOUR LINK HERE, THEN ADD MY LINK TO YOU PAGE: http://rawsoil.blogspot.com

I WILL BE CHECKING TO SEE IF MY LINK IS ON YOUR PAGES EVERY NOW AND AGAIN =]

(blogs will be posted on the side bar, and website will be posted here until further notice)

*I will delete your comments once your link is up =)

Photos are an essential ingredient to your Shops final recipe.

2007-11-27T15:43:00.001-05:00

(All photos that are not mine are linked to the owners)

Okay, so I was in an Etsy chat room today when someone started talking about why she wasn't selling anything in her shop. We talked about Advertising and other things, but what seemed to be her problem were her Photos.

Now, mind you, I am no Pro, in fact I have never had a Photography class in my life, but with a decent digital camera, a lot of experimentation and a few informational websites, I am able to take photos like this first set, and not like the second...

Before I toss my tiny bit of wisdom your way, let's get something clear about your photos & selling things online.

Photos are an absolutely essential ingredient to your Shops final recipe!

Your customers can't pick up, try on, smell, or examine your products, so your photos need to provide enough information to fulfill those needs for them.

If you are not into Photography, you don't have to worry about getting a big fancy schmancy camera.

My camera is a point and shoot, but it's not like a crappy disposable camera. To be specific I have a Canon Powershot A640. It has 10 mega pixels (which is more than enough for product shots, you really only need 5 or 6 in my opinion), and it also has a 4x zooming option. The best thing about digital cameras is the

MACRO option!

It's what makes your really close-up shoots come out clear and detailed.

It is usually displayed as a little flower icon on your camera.

LIGHTING

Unless you are a wiz when it comes to your camera, or just really lucky, Flash is a NO NO!

I suggest taking your photos in a well light room, or near a source of natural light, like a window. Your pictures won't have a big ugly bright spot on them that way.

ANGLES

Experiment with different angles of your products. If you are taking more than one photo, you don't need the entire product to be in every shot. Make your potential customers WANT to see the rest of it!

BACKGROUNDS & MODELS

Some people like the more professional look of just a white or black background, while others like things to look more... hip with bright in-your-face colors, or little patterns and such. One thing to remember when using backgrounds, though, is to avoid confusion. With a more complicated item, it isn't in your best interest to have a heavily patterned background that would take away from what you are selling. But if you have a more simple item, a colored or patterned background is good to avoid blandness...

Another thing you could try is models. When I say models I don't necessarily mean people. Use pets, or dolls, or glass objects or even fruit! This is just one way to be creative, so why not just try it?
All of my product shots are taken near a window, usually on a white piece of printer paper, but sometimes on other things like carpet, tables.... anything that compliments my pieces really =]

So this is pretty much what I know about photographing my products. If you are confused with anything I said, just leave a comment with your questions and concerns, or just leave me a comment telling me how awesome I am, cuz you know I love it!

Best of luck to everyone! I'd love to see what photos you come up with and I also recommend leaving any Tips & Tricks you enjoy using.

Peace, Love, and SALES!

♥M

Bottles made out of corn?!

2007-11-27T01:15:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,
What an eco-friendly morning it is!
I know this isn't necessarily crafty, but I went to Publix today and bought some NOBLE JUICE, it's 100% Florida Tangerine Juice. It's like eating a tangerine minus the chewing! The eco-friendly part about this is that it comes in what they call an “E Bottle”, which is made of, get this, corn... Yes, I said CORN! Heehee, E Bottle I dunno why but that makes me chuckle inside... Maybe I can just give it to my E Goat when im done with it =]

♥M

Its Cyber Monday! Are you shopping??

2007-11-26T06:15:00.001-05:00

Pull out those credit cards folks, it is officially the biggest day in Internet Shopping!
Now I could sit here and tell you all the HOT deals at Best Buy or Amazon.com (which I totally recommend you doing), but I'm not here to talk about electronics, I'm here to talk craft!

So lets go on over to Etsy.com where you can buy and sell handmade goods. Here is just a taste of all the SWEET things you can buy today. It's so sweet its already giving me a cavity!

Each of these craftsters have amazing talent, as well as GINORMOUS potential!

I am honored to be sharing that talent with you all today. Please check out their shops, and if you see anything you like, buy it! Or you could add it to your wish list, and demand that Santa get it for you With The Quickness!

Have a wonderful day everyone

♥M

Raw Soil!!

2007-11-26T04:35:00.000-05:00

Hello ello my fellow crafters.
Michelle here, reporting live from a very comfy bed somewhere in Fl.

Welcome to Raw Soil!
I will be posting all of the interesting & useful things I find about crafts here.
Think of it as another supplier to your endless collection of junk!

Tell all of your friends about Raw Soil! Because with your help, I can RULE THE WORLD!!
Or at least a little online chunk of it =]

and dont forget to leave a comment every once in a while. Because comments are like cookies, not neccesary, but HELLA tasty!

♥M