My distaste for permanence

Good morning, my many mystical muffincakes!

Today I am lamenting the permanent qualities of permanence.  I'm not really the type of person who does well with making decisions that cannot be unmade. Example: I'm in a buffet line ready for dessert. What do I pick? The pie? The cake? The ice cream?  All three, obviously, because then you don't risk regrets.

So, you wonder, what in the world is this girl rambling about?  The name! The Mighty Sprout! I keep wanting to change it as I think of things that I like more.

Wouldn't MossMoss be a nice name? Or Victorious?

I'm tempted, dear friends, tempted indeed...

Etsy Says: Take better photos

Well hello, friendly friends!  

You may remember last week's Etsy Says, where I failed miserably at all but 1 of the ideas. And, in case you have been holding your breath since then... No, I haven't had any success joining an Etsy team.  So, I guess I actually failed at ALL of the ideas. Let's see what I can do with this week's suggestions!

So, Etsy has sent me three tips for "Quick and Easy Photos."

1.  The Right Camera.  

The first thing you learn is that you do not need a trillion dollar camera to take good pictures. Great! Because I didn't want to go and buy another camera... cause I don't have the money.

Then, we learn about lighting. Natural is the way to go! Some of the photos I took for my Etsy shop were at night, and you can definitely see the difference. They're really grainy... 

vs 

Alright, point taken. I will re-shoot those later. You know... when there's daylight!

2.  Photo tips!  

These were pretty interesting, and reminded me that I need to take a little bit more care with my photos. I just get all anxious and want to shoot, so I don't care too much about whether the light is going down... That, and better composition.   Okay, I'll wrap that up with the one above.

3. Take photos that are worthy of the front page.

Yep.  See above.

Okay. So I have learned that I need to re-shoot and take more care with composition and light. Great! So umm... I can't really do that right now. But if anyone has good thoughts on what would be appropriate to shoot my jewelry on... let me know!

To be or not to be... a vendor.

I have been considering the idea of applying for a spot at one of the local farmer's markets.  Although it seems like a no-brainer, a few things are holding me back.
1. Do I really have the time to create enough pieces to fill a 10x10 space?
We all remember how stressed I was about the last big event I participated in. Elan was probably contemplating murder, just to put both of us out of our misery.  And this would be so much more!
2. A 10x10 space requires some fashion of furnishing, of which I do not have.
So, now I also need to think about acquiring tables and possibly a tent. Plus, you can't just pop up some tables and say you're open for business. You need some finesse! How would I display the jewelry [that I have to find the time to make].  And then there's getting change, and bags.... and table clothes, at the very least.
3.  I like to sleep in late.
Yes, the market opens early, which means I would need to be there even earlier.  On a Saturday.  I know, I know, stupid reason.

So, thoughts? Has anyone ever done one of these before? Or want to share a booth? Or at least give me some words of wisdom?
Anything? Anything?

Packaging

The key to a good brand is to be thorough and thoughtful.  Carrying a consistent identity throughout the process (from introduction, purchase, all the way to receipt) is hugely important.  I certainly lay no claims that I have mastered this art... In fact, today's post comes from my own research.
In short, I need to work on my packaging. While Lovely Package doesn't have an abundance of (or really, any) jewelry package examples, they do show how graphics and thought can differentiate your brand from everyone else's.
Here's a few I'm digging...

Created to act as a reminder of those less fortunate at Christmastime.

Designed by Dorothy

Artel Artyomovyh graphic design bureau designed a set of coasters “Made in Ukraine” for Chiga-biga™ designer gifts on-line store. The package and coasters are decorated with traditional ukrainian ornaments.

Designed by Artel Artyomovyh 

A line of animal food

Designed by Sara Strand

Biodegradable dog poop bags!

Design by Nate Williams

Tough to compete with...
Well, wish me luck!