Thursday, August 11, 2011

Photography...Who me?

How is it possible that I am writing a post about photography?
Well, after several Etsy convos asking about my photography and complimenting my photography...here goes!

First of all, I didn't start off this way. It has taken the time, learning, experience and the right camera. Honestly, I am embarrassed to look back at some of my first pictures for my shop. I soon learned how very important it is on Etsy to have really good pictures of your items. It makes a HUGE difference. Even now, I am not 100% happy with all of my pictures. There is still room for improvement.

What kind of camera do I use? Canon EOS Rebel XS

How did I learn to use it? Ashley Ann Campbell's SnapShop. I learned A TON in one Saturday at Ashley's house. Before that, I always had my camera on the automatic mode. I learned how to shoot manually, and what all of those little buttons (as seen above) on the camera mean and what they do.

I am SO blessed to live in the same area as Ashley and was able to take this class at her (amazing, fun, creative ideas everywhere) house. However, she is now offering her class online. In fact, you can sign up now for the next class- it starts September 5th.

One of the many tips that I learned at the SnapShop was to *not* have the item you are photographing be perfectly in the center. It just looks more interesting if the item is slightly to the left or right of center.
What else? Well, I get A LOT of practice. Since I am adding at least one item to the shop everyday, I take a lot of pictures. This has forced me to figure out what time of day offers the best lighting. I talk almost all of my pictures in my youngest daughter's room. It has very pale aqua blue walls, and that seems to work well. And the surface? It's a simple white table from Pottery Barn Kids...also borrowed from my daughters.

And speaking of my daughters, sometimes they help me with my pictures. They love it, and I have to admit, those little hands are pretty cute!

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Whatever...


Have you heard of Whatever (the blog)? It's the home of many amazing photographs, lots of fun craft ideas and recipes, and all kinds of interesting things that Meg has to say.
I love getting glimpses of her home- it just looks like a fun place to be. She has several wonderful vintage pieces mixed in with her decor, and of course I love that. Look at this summer list. What a neat idea...and aren't those chairs below it great?

I may have mentioned a time or two that I love seeing where items from my shop end up...LOVE it. Meg recently purchased this number 5 sign from the shop, and I was so thrilled to see it in place. Do you see it- just to the left of all of the fun going on in this picture?
PS- If you need a "4" like Meg's "5", well then here you go.
Also...bellalulu vintage now has a facebook page HERE!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

I Spy...(at Anthropologie!)

I have mentioned the wonderfully talented Kara Paslay here before (above picture borrowed from her blog). Her husband made my concrete table top...which we are still just loving! In fact, Kara also showed recently how she "concreted" her entry wall. Brilliant!

Well...Kara now works for our local Anthropology store as the display coordinator. What a fun job, and Kara is absolutely perfect for it! I follow her blog, and have loved seeing some of the displays she has done there.

The other day, I had a few minutes to browse through the store (quick iphone picture above). I had seen this nautical themed display on Kara's blog, but in person I noticed an exciting detail. A pulley! From my shop! Kara bought it from my shop a while back and it was so much fun to see it sitting there in the display of one of my favorite stores. So thanks, Kara, for that little thrill. ALL of your work looks great! Here's a closer look at that pulley...

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

The older the better...

The sign above was one of my favorite finds. It sold from my Etsy shop almost a year ago. As I was walking through Pottery Barn recently, I noticed this...

Pottery Barn, you are lovely. I have purchased some great things from you. This sign is cute, but it just isn't as good as the real deal.

Friday, February 11, 2011

I'm sitting next to Harrison Ford

Well, not really ME...but an old globe from my shop is in this Etsy Storque article, curated by Roxana of Nerd Boyfriend.

She put together 3 collections of things, and my globe was placed in the Indiana Jones collection. Is it just wrong that I've never seen an Indiana Jones movie?

A huge thank you to Roxana...she made my day (week) with the nice compliment she made about my shop in this article!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Kootoyoo...and another where are they now

I have subscribed to Kirsty's blog, kootoyoo, for a long time. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, and has a "sometimes shop" here. In a recent post she was showing this wonderful bag that she made from an old flour sack. Don't you love it?

Something else in the above picture also caught my eye, though. Actually, two somethings...those signs sitting on top of the mirror. They came from my shop. I had forgotten about them, but I was so happy to see them again. Thank you Kirsty for that unintentional peak at their new home! It's just perfect.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Just discovered: Ruti's Roots

I love Etsy...where else can you find so many things you didn't even know you needed?
Aren't these bowls wonderful? I LOVE them. Ruti is so talented...see her shop here.

This map one may be my favorite. It is, of course, already sold.
And isn't this darling? Great colors.