Awesome Etsians #3: Artvision

I'd like to let you in on a little secret of mine. See this photo of my "She Must Make (f)Art" pocket mirror:

She Must Make (f)Art
copyright Moira Richardson 2010 - 2011

It "looks" like I finally figured out how to take great pictures of my pocket mirrors, but here's the secret: I actually used a template from Artvision to create this image. Artvision digital photo templates are high-resolution images that you use to create an image of your product. This won't help you if you make only one-of-a-kind pieces, but if you make something like my pocket mirrors, an item that you can sell over and over again, you'll love never have to take photographs of your hard to photograph items.

Buttons are a HUGE pain to photograph. I'm always getting a glare or a slightly blurry image. It's gotten a lot easier since I got my light box, but it's still something I'd rather avoid when I can. Why waste my time photographing mirrors when I can be working on another aspect of my etsy shop? Now I never have to photograph pocket mirrors! I just use my scanned image of my original collages, import them into the template, and save the image under a new name.

Artvision currently has 161 different template available for sale, so you're sure to find something that meets your needs. If you make glass pendants, Scrabble pendants, or buttons, you'll definitely want to check out Artvision. In addition to the template, Artvision sells a wide range of digital collage sheets in popular sizes.

Awesome Etsians #2: Piddix

If you use collage sheets in your artwork, you're probably already familiar with Piddix. If not, hurry over and check out what the shop has to offer! With vintage images from Alice in Wonderland to vintage German anatomy woodcuts to pinup girls, Piddix is sure to have something that tickles your fancy. Most images are offered in a variety of sizes, from 1/2 inch circles to 1 inch square to Scrabble tile sizes, but if Piddix doesn't carry the size you need, Corinna makes it easy for you to learn how to resize the images yourself on her website.

I am a HUGE fan of Piddix. I have bought too many collage sheets to count from Corinna, both for my own use and for use in my jewelry design classes with kids. I subscribed to her subscription service when it was offered, and I'm currently subscribed as one of her image testers! I love that I never have to worry about copyright issues when I use sheets from Piddix: she's already done the research to ensure that her images are royalty-free. Corinna is always quick to respond to emails, super friendly, and fast with delivery of online images. It's no wonder Piddix has become one of Etsy's Top Sellers!

Bright Mod Flowers
copyright Piddix 2010

Here's Corinna's profile from the Piddix website:

"Welcome to piddix licensing. Owner Corinna Buchholz regularly travels across the country with her family, a scanner and camera to gather inspiration in archives, beaches and mountains. Back home she uses her 15+ years of graphic design experience to create professional, unique designs that have made her one of the top independent sellers of images online. Piddix images are in use in nearly 50 countries and have been featured in countless publications including Belle Armoire Jewelry, HGTV, Stringing Magazine, Modish and two upcoming books."

Framed French Ephemera
copyright Piddix 2010

Learn more about Corinna of Piddix in the Quit Your Day Job feature on The Storque.

Learn about selling on Etsy from a true Etsy success story: Piddix.

Awesome Etsians #1: Beat Black

One of my favorite shops to browse on Etsy is Beat Black.

Zombie Cupcake Necklace II
copyright Beat Black 2010

 Sarah's work is always fresh and visually arresting. Whether it's the Zombie Cupcakes or I Heart Brains (Lunch Meat) pendants, there is always something beautiful and strange to check out. Every time I visit the store, there is something new and everything always looks more amazing that I remember. Sarah, a Torono, Ontario resident, creates all her work in her tiny apartment studio without molds, so every piece is truly one-of-a-kind. It's no wonder she's made over 500 sales on Etsy!

I Heart Brains (Lunch Meat)
copyright Beat Black 2010

Sarah makes necklaces, earrings, rings, brooches, cufflinks, ornaments and magnets. All items can be engraved with your choice of message (for an additional charge) or customized in your choice of color (for free!). With prices that range from $15 - $67, Beat Black offers something for everyone, whether you love zombies, human anatomy, or anything wonderfully strange.

On Sarah's blog, she recently posted images of her first pieces and showed how they evolved into the work she does today. I loved seeing how she's grown artistically over the years! I find it so inspiring!

Buy your own Beat Black creation on Etsy or by visiting Sarah's website.