Studio Friday: Look Back

This week's topic for Friday July 13th: LOOK BACK!

They say don't ever look back, nor dwell on things for too long. One is supposed to instead just move on, eyes straight ahead focused on one's goal.
BUT...here's the but... while it is certainly true to not look back and dwell on the negative events it is one of the best things one can do, to look back... but on the positive things and see how far you have come!!!

"The people who are happy and fulfilled measure their progress by comparing where they are against where they’ve come from. The people who are stressed and dissatisfied measure progress by comparing where they are against their ideals."- Jamie Smart

This topic is a little bittersweet for me because as you may already know from reading one of my last posts, I'm letting go of my original dream for Yvette Designs.

Looking back to the start of my jewelry making endeavors, I have come a long way. I went from not knowing what a blog was, to being blogging obsessed; from being photographically challenged, to nearly accomplished. The materials that I used have evolved to better quality and the jewelry now has a more young and contemporary style.

My first and only jewelry party is depicted in these two photos above. I hosted it at my home. The day that I sent the invitations the city began roadwork on my narrow two way street(I had no idea they were going to do this), and it completely threw the success of the party. I only had a few guests, and only one of them bought jewelry. I put a lot of effort into it, and I was crushed, but I kept forging ahead with my sales in other ways.

This photo was one of my first attempts with hot lamps and an empty milk carton diffuser. I would sweat to death in my little home office or in the hallway where I'd try to get the perfect shots to put up on my new blog. At this time, I had never even heard of Etsy. Now, getting the perfect shot is as simple as point, click, and some minor Corel Photo touch ups, and Etsy is no longer a mystery.

My jewelry and I have come a long way. The journey has been fun, but there is still more to do. Since I'm ever changing, it should be interesting to see how my skills and jewelry develop in the next year. Maybe then I will do another similar post to have a walk down memory lane.

Dismay: The Rainy Day

I had big plans for today that were supposed to get me that much closer to presenting the new YD website to all of you. However, mother nature had other plans for me. It has been pouring down rain all morning, and with no strong natural light in the forecast for today, I won't be able to re-take my product shots.

Recently, I took a look at the nearly finished "Necklaces" page and thought the images needed more "oomph!", so yet another day of photographing is in order.

Wellington Rain Boots!

Really, I am such a perfectionist. Especially when it comes to my product shots. In fact, that is the reason why I am still working on this project. I rely on natural light, rather than bulbs because I find that they cast a yellow, green, or blue tint that really distorts the true color of my jewelry. So, I am at the mercy of nature on this one.

(I wish I could just curl up in this space with a book today.)

Though, my sister in law called me the other day to tell me about an awesome studio lighting kit she had just bought from Wal-Mart for only $50. I'll have to see about the lights in this little kit. Wendy, expect a phone call.

Studio Decorating Inspiration

The Studio

Hands down, the studio is my favorite room of the house. It was the room that when I first saw the home plans clinched the deal for me. I had to have it. I don't remember what my initial dream for the room was. I'm not sure if I really had a distinct plan for it at all.

I'm pleased with the look of it so far, but feel that there is still more to be done. Now, I'm on a search for inspiration to finish the decor in just the perfect way. These photos are generally in the same color palate. I love the lime washed walls, in the photo above, but white floors are just not practical for me.


Here, an electric blue chair sits against a serene backdrop. It makes me feel like a punch of unexpected color would be a great touch for my room, as are fresh flowers every now and then.

I added this photo because it's just the treatment that I've been planning on giving to the large folding closet doors in the studio. Though, this wallpaper is not what I had in mind, it is quite the focal point of the room. Maybe a lavender, chocolate, or a gray pattern against white would do well in my space.