Big scarf FLOWERS

Here's the very special silk scarf I've painted as a custom order for a wonderful couple from USA.

 Handpainted silk scarf FLOWERS on ETSY

The scarf became their bridal canopy! Oh, I feel so honored. The couple stated that the scarf will eventually become their heirloom :)

This silk scarf is big: approx. 203 x 61 cm (80x24 inch) and I had some fun placing it on my small desk (160 x 60cm) ;) This scarf has a stained - glass feel to it and it was achieved by double painting.

Firstly, I painted flowers and backgroud using silk paints and water based gutta outline. Then I fixed the paints, washed it and ... yes, painted again, this time with black just to make the contour. I really like the finished piece, but it was twice the work... hence the price.

I am going to use this double - painting technique more often, hopefully this spring when there will be more time for creating new designs... and a lot of inspiration from nature.
 For next few months there is an idea of bordered scarfs... but that's something for the next blog post ;)

Ohh, if you wish there are more pictures of this scarf on my Pinterest Board!

Good Photography for Etsy #2

Good pictures sell your products on Etsy

Yes, that is easy to say, but let's face it, we have limited resources while taking pictures. 

The camera (oh, why are they so expensive) the lighting (if I use the artificial light, colors won't be good) the location (oh such a small apartment)... and so on!

Silk scarf Hortensia the edited photo and the unedited version. 

On the right you can see a part of my bookshelf and how dark my apartment really is :O

What can we do to make the photos better? 

 Here's some good tips I've collected from Etsy Teams and various forums:

Use delicate, light background. 

Period. Your white wall is probably the safest option. 

Do not use your floor, it scares the customers off to see the item on the floor or in other unhygienic place! 

Do not use red or yellow or other strong colors as a background, they will change the perception of the item's colors.

A & D colors are the same. B & C are the same. Would you believe it? 

Use natural light 

So maybe a terrace or the balcony? Sometimes the window light is sufficient. If the camera is good, you can probably get more colors and make the picture brighter during computer editing... but beware, if the photo is dark, there could be some quality loss.

The Freesia silk scarf picture was too dark.

There is no way for me to make it more light without loosing quality and orange - coral colors. Meh, it was a dark, cloudy day :(

Take as many photos as you can

 

102 photos just to get 5 good for this Hortensia scarf on ETSY

It's easier to find a good photo in 200 than in 20 ;) 

I must confess there are times when I just don't feel like taking pictures and I am doing it without thinking. That's not so good neither. There can be 200 bad pictures, so put your work into it! Take a good aim! Take close-ups and shots for the entire item. Try something new!

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The basic for Etsy photography are quite straightforward, I think. Well, the picture editing part is something REALLY interesting :) please stay tunned for my next blog post!

Kimono inspired silk scarf FREESIA

New silk scarf - Freesia - this time inspired by Japanese art of Kimono painting.

Handpainted silk scarf Freesia on Etsy

This scarf is something new for me as I am under an influence of... 'Shogun' by James Clavell. I looked into Kimono desings and was swept off my feet! Again, Japanese art, style and perfection made me speechless.

This orange & white scarf is decorated with Freesia flowers and bordered with coral - orange outline. I was pleasantly surprised how beautifully the silk works with a dark border - the draping of the silk is much more visible.
I am going to explore this Kimono inspired idea for a scarf design some more this winter. I'd love to make a series of different colors and flowers... and I think the next one will be hollyhocks!

ROWAN silk scarf - Ready to go!

Today I wanted to share with you my newly painted silk scarf... this time in vibrant red - white color set :) Usually, I enjoy colorful paintings, but lately I felt like creating something minimalist in design.

Silk scarf Rowan - ready to go on ETSY!

This silk scarf was inspired by a Japanese art of kimono painting. I am listening to 'Shogun' by James Clavell audiobook nowadays, and once again I fell in love with the Japanese sense of style, aesthetic... everything! I dug for kimono art on google and... oh! There's so much beauty!

Silk scarf Rowan - ready to go on ETSY!

This is a natural silk, Habotai Light, which is semi - transparent, delicate and a bit glossy. It is my absolute favorite :3

 Silk scarf Rowan - ready to go on ETSY!

I am very pleased with the design, the red border makes the silk 'drapping' effect so much more visible!

I hope you will like this Mountain Ash scarf :) For now it's ready and waiting!