A Really Slow Learning Curve...

...and an obsessive attention to detail means I spend most of each day thinking of ways to improve my Etsy.com listings.

At first, I shot pieces on plaster mannequins. The display forms stay where you put them, don't chew gum, talk, or play with their hair while I'm pointing the camera at them. After experimenting, I found the best time of day for optimum daylight, the best room to use, etc. And I took an insane number of pictures.

Now to publish. I was happy with the individual pictures. But, as a whole, apparently people felt they're boring: row after row of white mannequins. The only thing that changes is the piece they are wearing. Potential customers would veer away from my shop without interesting images.

*Sigh* They're right. After several days perusing other sites, I knew the direction I would take. I ransacked the house, collecting all the funky demitasses, plates, wine glasses, and other chtatchkas that would be useful and started again. MUUUUuuuuch better!

before...

...and after shots of yellow turquoise earrings

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Last weekend, Dear Ya-ya Debbie, came over to model my yummy silk scarves (Stock whose pictures badly needed spicing up). She did an amazing job. What a creative mind!

before and after shots of a scarflet

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a beautiful scarf becomes a chic belt

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a chiffon scarf becomes a floaty little overskirt

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Debbie modeled for a couple of hours on Saturday. There were MANY pieces still to photograph after she left, so I thought of other ways to hook people into viewing. I raided my shoe collection for some sexy little numbers. Artful draping, crazy gorgeous shoes, result: a high "wow" factor.

My favorite pair of beaded and ruffled taffeta shoes
are a fab display base

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quilted violet suede and patent leather:
a great contrast to blue silk

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Debbie hard at work



FINALLY! Time to goof off a little

So How's That Doodling Going?

For the past two weeks I have been "noodling with my doodling", as promised in my last post! I haven't started sketching my new clothing ideas yet, as I first thought. I wanted to see how rusty my drawing skills are after a 20 year hiatus. After the first two test drawings, I can safely say... I've still got it! Whew, what a relief. Since it took me several years of drawing lessons to build the skill, I really didn't want to have to start all over again. I've posted the two best sketches right here. Now that I remember how much fun sketching can be, you can bet I'll be making time to do it a bit each week. I let it go because there just weren't enough hours in the day to fit in all I wanted to do. Sketching kind of got lost at the side of the road, so to speak.

Since I know my hand can draw what my eyes see, I'll start actually doing work this week. What will that be like, I wonder? I've had such a long break that I can't think of where to begin! I guess, I'll jump feet first into the middle of some project and work my way out. I still have to limit the time I spend at any task, so I'll start with itty bitty baby steps, and see where they take me.

After my shows last Fall, I am REALLY low on my shibori scarves. Making more will be priority one. I have several of the components dyed already, I just have to sit down and match complementary pieces together and stitch 'em up. Add beads at the corners for tassels and weight, and voila, glorious art is ready for the wearing. I'll post some pix when they are done. Meanwhile, if you just can't wait to see some examples, you can visit my website at kate-tracton-designs.com.

Time to go walk the dog...

Shibori Girl