Photography Class Update

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Hey Everyone! So, I'm loving the class by Candice Stringham on using my DSLR. It's been very informative and easy to understand! One of the biggest things I've recognized in taking the class is my need for a new lens. I've been using my mom's Canon Rebel (thank you, Mom!) and the lenses she has go no wider than f/3.5. Because I'm shooting small things up close 75% of the time, I think I'm going to invest in one of these open aperture lenses that Candice recommended:

Have any of you photographers used this? Reviews?

-Song

Loving What You Make

Right now, I'm in the midst of lots of developments for Banana Grove Designs in areas like blogging and marketing. It's all very exciting! Recently, though,  I have felt the need to take another look at the most important area of owning a jewelry shop...the jewelry.

For a while, I have been dissatisfied with many of the pieces in my shop. I'm realizing what a problem it is for me to sell something if I'm not absolutely in love with it! To be honest, I'm not a jewelry fanatic, and I usually have to really like something in order to buy it for myself. Some people might think I shouldn't be selling jewelry when I don't naturally own or like a ton of it, but I view it as a positive thing! If I'm making jewelry that I would love, it means I'm being highly selective. Customers can only benefit from that.

With these thoughts in mind, I've spent some time figuring out what I like to produce, what pieces I love the most, etc. and developed some goals:

• I purpose to LOVE everything in my shop
• I purpose to make pieces that are simple, but visually interesting 
• I purpose to have a greater role in producing elements instead of merely assembling them (The pieces I've loved the most, I've had a greater hand in producing, by the way.)
• I purpose to make things that fit my own style
• I purpose to plan each and every thing I design so I can bring it to customers more efficiently
• I purpose to learn new techniques that will allow me to make more of what I love

Do you have goals for your own business? Are you making sure that what you produce is something you love?

-Song

Summer Clearance!!!

So...today's my birthday. When entrepreneurs have birthdays, they throw sales! This one is a week long! In trying to create room for new pieces, I'm having a clearance sale on select items. Everything in my Etsy shop in the SALE category is 50% OFF! Check it out here. Happy Shopping. :)

-Song

Initial Tag Necklaces

My new initial tag necklaces are finally in the shop! I'm excited because I've wanted to add these for a long time! They're great for layering with other delicate necklaces to add a personalized touch. Customers can choose from 14k gold filled or sterling silver chains and tags.  A few of my other necklaces will come with the option of adding an initial tag, too.

Switching gears from jewelry to health...This week I'm challenging myself to something. I'm ashamed to admit this, but I have never drunk eight glasses of water in a single day. It's ridiculous, but I just don't make time to hydrate as much as I should! I saw a pin this past week that prompted me to try drinking eight glasses or 6 BKR bottles a day for a week and see what happened. So, you are my accountability. I expect to be happier and healthier by Sunday! :)

-Song

Giveaway

Happy Monday! Pumpkin everything is coming! I can feel it! See...

recipe here

Some of you may already be familiar with Emmaline Bride. It's described as "the ultimate handmade wedding guide." They focus on everything from centerpieces to bridal jewelry, and it's all handmade. I joined their "marketplace" a while ago and am teaming up with them this week for a little giveaway! These earrings are up for grabs. Simply go here to enter! It ends on Friday. :)

I also wanted to show you the gold circle necklace that's new in the shop. You've seen the silver one already here.

Song...

Hello Week!

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Hello Week! You're pretty empty and promising, aren't you? Nothing out of the ordinary happening and I should have plenty of time to focus on work and some neglected projects! So, Hi-ho, Hi-ho and all that...

Here's the latest in the new collection... The leaf is pewter and oxidized, so I didn't want to use a shiny sterling silver chain with it. I thought the gold contrasted in a prettier way. Simple and dainty... What do you think? 

And a song for Monday...;)

Intergem

The Intergem show was so much fun! I took my sister and we had a great time perusing all the booths. We both felt like we were in a world market, there were so many different countries represented! I would've taken more pictures of the people in ethnic garb in some of the booths, but was afraid I might make someone mad. :)

I had no idea what to expect and was primarily just going to scout around, but money eventually made its way out of my pocket and was spent on some beautiful things...ruby, rutilated quartz, sandstone, and more... I'm excited to share them with you soon. :)

And next year, I'm bringing extra cash...thanks for going with me, sis!