Updated Blog

If you haven't already noticed, my blog has an updated layout! 

I felt like it was time for some improvements so I searched the interwebs for a new free Blogger template. My basic middle school knowledge of HTML and high school Photoshop skills allowed me to customize my layout preferences and update the color scheme from sunset orange to seafoam green. It was challenging but I loved every moment of it; I kind of forgot how much I used to enjoy doing this kind of web design/photo editing kind of projects.

My section tabs have now moved to the top of my blog - 

Inspiration: The page you're currently viewing, which contains all my blog posts and updates

Etsy Shop: The tab takes you straight to my online jewelry boutique

Jen's Jewelry Box: My newest section featuring my personal jewelry collection

About Me: Tidbits about me; similar to my profile page on Etsy

Have you noticed my starfish icon I designed?? (:

Any categories that blog posts have been listed under are now linked below my palm tree header -

behind the scenes: jewelry photography, designs in the works, my workspace

events: descriptions of any local arts and crafts events I've participated in - the most current events are listed in the right sidebar

featured: links to places The Glistening Pearl jewelry has been featured

love: features purchases I've made through Etsy or other local artists that I absolutely adore - yay handmade!

Finally,  I have a little slideshow that shows up right below my category listings and above my most recent blog post. I'll be updating those pictures from time to time and keeping you posted about the latest Glistening Pearl news. However, the slideshow may not show up in your browser if your Javascript hasn't been updated. Update it so you don't miss out!

I'm off to make homemade vegetable stock in a crockpot! Enjoy the rest of your week ~ hang in there; Friday is just around the corner! (:

Jen's Jewelry Box

Happy Friday, everyone!

I just created a new page called "Jen's Jewelry Box." I wanted to showcase all The Glistening Pearl pieces I've added into my own jewelry collection and provide a few comments about why I personally love those designs.

Although I only make what I would wear, there just happened to be something so irresistible about the pieces pictured in my jewelry box. Some, like the puka shell necklace pictured above, are currently one-of-a-kind and never made it to my Etsy site. However; I absolutely adore that piece and hope to find a few similar puka shells to offer that design in the future. When I get that excited about a creation, all I want to do is to be able to make that little slice of paradise available for everyone to enjoy.

I hope you enjoy browsing through my favorites!

Photography in Direct Sunlight

As much as I enjoy designing my pieces, I also get excited about photographing them. Jewelry is surprisingly difficult to photograph, especially when you have a simple point-and-shoot camera. (I'm hoping to eventually upgrade to a DSLR one day!). However, I kind of love the challenge, and I find it quite rewarding when the pictures turn out well.

Now that I'm in a new location, I decided it was time to work on a new photography set up. I always prefer shooting in natural lighting, and I find that diffused sunlight looks best for my work. Proper lighting has always been my biggest challenge, and I find it to be the most important aspect of my photography.

That being said, I thought it would be fun to share my simple DIY set up for direct sunlight photography:

SUPPLIES:

All purchased at my local craft store -Hobby Lobby- using a 40% off coupon found on their online website.

1. White poster board

Mine is around 2 x 3 feet, I believe

2. White construction paper (poster paper?)

 Approximately the same size as your poster board

3. White tissue paper

Or something comparable to diffuse light (shower curtain, etc.)

4. Backless (and glass-less) wooden picture frame

Find something large (but not bigger than your tissue paper!) and lightweight - It'll be easier to maneuver when shooting

5. Masking tape

Rather than just shooting on a large piece of construction paper, which can easily bend and warp with just a few uses, I've taped the paper onto a poster board. This keeps my shooting surface relatively clean and smooth over time. Conversely, rather than just using the poster board, I picked up the construction paper because it is cheaper to replace when your sheet becomes too dirty for your liking.

I wish my frame could be a little lighter, but I wasn't able to make a frame myself. As you can see, I've just used the masking tape to secure the tissue paper tautly against the frame. Voila! A relatively cheap light diffuser.

Sometimes I position my diffuser directly over the top of my jewelry, sometimes I have it leaning over the side. It really just depends on the direction of the light and which direction I want the light coming from.

Here's the outcome of my photo shoot last week. It's a little greyer than I'd like, but I'm still experimenting with what time of day works best for the lighting I need. Hope you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes!