Playing with photography

Many of our desires start with what we look at. So, it's important to entice that sense through photography.  I know this theory is true due to all the recipes I have saved on pinterest. Many of those pictures have me salivating before I even know what kind of dish it is! Since this is the case with pictures, I need to learn how to take better ones.

In high school, I took a photography course. That same year, I was the Art Editor in Yearbook. I remember running all around school campus taking everyone's picture and claiming it was for the yearbook. And though some did make it into the yearbook, most of the pictures I took were really for my own practice.

 Though I wouldn't call myself any type of expert, I think I'm pretty good at taking pictures of people. But, when it come to objects, I have reached a realm that I am clueless in. I know to watch for shadows and blurriness, but now I'm learning to watch for how the lights make the jewelry sparkle or how the background color washes out the gems. Argh! It's a little overwhelming. But, I can do this.

 Via U! Photography has some excellent pointers on taking photography. I especially liked the page on making silver jewelry shine. But, it also has pointers on taking professional pictures without professional eqipment, among other things. I have a couple of studio lights coming in the mail. Once I receive them,  I will definitely be putting more of these pointers to use. I have already started using white paper as a light reflecction.

In the mean time, I have been practicing with angles on a new ring I made. What do you think?

Reality Television is my Muse

I was watching "Braxton Family Values" and saw the coolest earrings on one of the girls. The earrings looked like it was made by fabric, yet it seemed heavy enough to dangle like earrings should. It also had a little glimmer to it. I had to find this magical fabric! So, I went downtown to LA as quickly as I could and searched for it. I finally found it in the very last store I searched. It's metal cloth!!!

This cloth has an irridescent shimmer to it. With the burgundy glass pearl it's perfect for the nightlife - hanging out at a bar, jazz club, whatever.  These earrings make me happy. :)

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Fabulous beginning

I love jewelry. I believe no matter what you wear, you can make it look great with the right accessories. So, at a time where I didn't have the money to buy any more jewelry (though I already had tons in my closest), I thought, "Why not make your own?" There's where it all began

I researched tools, techniques, types of beads, etc. When I had all the knowledge my brain could take at the time, I finally began working on a necklace. It was a simple piece, but I was so proud of myself. So, I started telling friends that I started making jewelry. The best mistake I have made.

A close friend of mine, in late 2007, asked if I would make some pieces for a wedding party. It through me for a loop. I wasn't experienced. I had only made one piece before that conversation - when she reads this blog, she'll probably kill me. But, I figured I had to start somewhere. And I had confidence that I could do a good job, even if I had to spend months to get it right.

So, I went back researching and practicing. In a few months, I had learned many techniques, especially with metal wire. Then I started researching types of metals and beads and gems to use. I  was doing so much research that I didn't start the pieces until a month before the wedding! However, in 2008, when she got married, I was proud of the finished product.

The pictures are horrible. But, I never expected to put them on a blog. :)

Bracelet with aquamarine beads, mother of pearl clasp, sterling silver metal, and Lapis lazuli beads

Chandelier earrings with sterling silver metal and aquamarine beads

Double necklace with sterling silver chain and light aqua chalcedony quartz beads

Dangle earrings with sterling silver chain and light aqua chalcedony quartz beads

I must admit, the girls looked beautiful in my jewelry. So, four years have passed and I decided that it's time I start moving forward. Why not begin with a blog?