The Spooky Season

Halloween is just two weeks away. Are you ready?

Check out this creepy doll from Olde Tyme Notions. Wouldn't it be perfect with your spooky decor?

20s Zombie French boudoir doll

Want to spookify your wardrobe? How about this spider necklace from Whimsicals?  

Halloween Spiders Lair Necklace

If you're more of a do-it-yourself-er, you could start with this inspiration kit from haileys bobbins...

Halloween---Inspiration Kit

This treat basket from such and sort altered would go perfectly on your mantle or as a centerpiece on your dining room table.

Rusty Shabby Halloweeny Treat Basket

Maybe you need a little pick-me-up just for yourself. I bet this soap from savor doesn't smell wicked (or maybe it does 😉)...

Whipped Soap Wicked

What's Halloween without some classic monsters? Frankenstein's monster from Indy & Cleo is sure to add a little something to your day.

FRANKENSTEIN Handmade Scrabble Tile Pendant

And what's more Halloween than a pirate skeleton from Salty Seas Studios? Not much, I'd wager.

Pirate Mason Jar Snowglobe

And make sure to check out the other Halloween offerings from the members of the team. There's sure to be something else to spook you. 

Much thanks to Annie from annie k designs for curating most of the items in this post.

Keeping Your Focus

When it comes to selecting pictures to use in your listings, there are a lot of things that should be obvious. But, if you take a look on Etsy, you will find listings which have pictures that aren't all that great. So, it's time to state some things plainly.

All your listing photos should be in focus.

The best way to ensure that you don't make this error is to take a lot of pictures when photographing your items. I mean, a lot a lot. If we assume that you're planning on having ten photos in your listing (which should be the goal), then, at minimum, you should be taking thirty pictures of your item. Although, it would not be a bad idea to take fifty shots or more when doing your photography.

Yes, this is overkill, but the idea is to select the best ten pictures. You should have a lot to choose from.

If you've been at this a while, you might know exactly what angles and views work best. But you're taking at least two of each "pose", right? That way you still have plenty of pictures to choose from.

There are photographers who deliberately choose to blur things in their photos. When you know what you're doing and you're getting the intended effect, that's fine. But those of us (like me) who aren't all that confident in their photographic skills should stick to making sure their pictures are in focus.

I will not be calling out any sellers for this, so I have some beautifully focused photos to share today.

First up, notice how this soap pops in the image:

Whipped Soap VEGAN Hot Coffee 8 oz Creme Fraiche by savor

Even in a smaller size, you can clearly see the musical notes on the plate:

Fused glass art plate by Caroline4art

We can easily see how this piece is assembled:

lidded pine needle basket with a driftwood root top by Heart of Almanor

For smaller items, like keychains, it's vital that the item is clearly photographed:

Personalized Keychain Edward Gorey by Tresijas

And see how clear this scarf is:

Silk Scarf Handpainted in Copper and Brown by Ocean Avenue Silks

How well focused are your pictures? How many photos do you take when photographing your items?

Searching for a T-Shirt

It's March, which means I'm in the market for a t-shirt for my brother's birthday. What do my fellow team makers have available?

KEEP FIGHTING or FRAK Off Battlestar Galactica T-shirt by Sloth Art

Monsters Adult T-shirt by Little Smarty Pantz 

T-shirts as expected. But the search term "tshirt" also picks up a couple other interesting choices... 

Like, I did not expect to find a messenger bag, although this is an interesting choice.

Messenger Bag, Auto Body Shop by Merah Muda

I wonder what this is going to smell like...

My Boyfriends T-shirt Creme Fraiche by savor

Not something my brother would enjoy, but here's something really cute for a little girl...

Lavender long sleeve t-shirt dress by 100acreCo

An eclectic mix. Have you ever found an interesting item when searching out something else? Have you ever considered adding t-shirts to your line? 

Think Pink

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Pink is its color. So, in honor of October, here are some pink things to remind us that the fight to eradicate this disease is far from over.

Women Angel Heart Knit Jewelry Brooch Pin - Breast Cancer Awareness by ohmay

reVetro is donating a portion of the proceeds from items in their Pink Shop to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Check out their Facebook and Instagram for more details...

Bourbon Whiskey Pink Ribbon Wrap Bracelet by reVetro

And for some more pink around the team...

Fragrant Pink Tuberose Pillar Candle by Badan Body

Filthy Cute 2 oz Mini Creme Fraiche Whipped Soap by savor

Handmade Custom Twist Ballpoint Pen by ASH Woodshops

30 teeny tiny miniature square pink envelope note card sets by teeny tiny envelopes

Pale Pink Peace Crane Bird by localcolorist

Pink and Black Girl Skull Dog Harness by Kaleidoscope Of Colors

Silk Scarf Bandana by Ocean Avenue Silks

Aromatherapy Eye Pillow by anniekdesigns

For Mom

It's almost May, so that means it's almost time for Mother's Day.

I've always been of a mind to pamper Mom, so here are a couple things that might do the trick...

Rosemary, Basil and Lemongrass Essential Oil Infused Soy Candle by Mosaico diMangino

Cherry Whipped Soap Creme by savor

Or something that's just pretty...

Peach Blossom Faerie by Tango Cat Gems

Now, if I'm shopping for my mom, I know exactly what she likes. Something like this...

Natural Amethyst Druzy Earrings by Designs by Shirl

Or this will be perfect...

Australian Opal Necklace by Copper Tree Art

But for some it's their first Mother's Day, and it should be celebrated...

Happy 1st Mother's Day Vintage Silverware Hand Stamped Spoon by Bella Jackson Studios 

And don't forget the mom who was "promoted"...

Grandma Heart Charm Necklace by Love Your Bling

And make sure to check out all the Mother's Day ideas at: 

Mother's Day curated by California Crafters Club Of Etsy - CCCOE on Etsy

A Few More Things for Fall

The team was asked for fall items. They came up with many. Part one of the list is here. What follows are some more...

Long Crystal Earrings by Encanto Design

Decorative Leaves Pillow Cover by Pillows 4 Fun

Thanksgiving Tutu by Tiara's Boutique

Frosted Pumpkin Spice Whipped Soap by savor

Fringe and Feathers Acorns and FuN Giving Thanks Holiday Wreath by Wild Mountain Wreaths 

Fall Hair Bow by Too Too Kute

Hand Crocheted Hanging Kitchen Towels by Frans Homemade Wonders

A very nice selection, don't you think? I couldn't fit them all into the blog post, but make sure to check them all out here:

🍁 Autumn & Thanksgiving 🍂 curated by California Crafters Club Of Etsy - CCCOE on Etsy