DIY: Baby's First Birthday Decorations

I love pinning (and pining!) on Pinterest. I love drooling over picture perfect snaps on Instagram. I love reading blogs that have professional level pictures to show you how to just "Do It Yourself".

Like with anything you love too much, there is often the down side: realising that you don't have the time, money, patience, etc. to get it look just like how "they" did it. For a long time I would see something, want to try it but then talk myself out of it.

"I don't have the right tools."

"I don't have enough money to do that the right way."

"My camera doesn't take good enough pictures: how will the WORLD know that I've created something creative?!"

"What's the point if it doesn't look like I hired a professional to do it!!"

The pressure was starting to mount as my little boy's first birthday approached. Now admittedly this pressure was coming from myself and literally no one else. I like coordination! I like themes! Always have, always will. However, I just couldn't justify purchasing all the items I'd saved in my shopping cart at this amazing speciality party shop (if you are wondering where I started my birthday journey then check them out).

My First Ever Etsy Sale!

Yup, you read that right! I have had my first every Etsy sale! WOO! YAY! YIPPEE!

However, you may also be familiar with this as well if you've got an Etsy shop: the immediate euphoria of selling an item is quickly replaced with "holy shit, someone's now going to review my work. Someone who is not a friend or a family member. Eeeee!!"

When I first checked my email and saw "Etsy Order Confirmation" my first thought was, "Oh god have I been late night shopping again?! I don't remember buying anything..." And then I read the whole thing and realised it was a confirmation for an order that someone had placed through my shop! My shop!

I was so excited I ran upstairs and woke up the other half. "SORRY, KNOW YOU HAVE WORK IN THE MORNING BUT I HAVE HAD AN ORDER THROUGH!" I danced a little jig. I may have even fist pumped (I did). It was midnight and I should have really been going to bed having finished three other orders for friends (through Facebook) but I just couldn't. I had to get it started.

As I started the work I began to get nervous. Oh man. This is going to go out in the world. It's going to be a reflection on me as a person, crafter, businessperson. Holy crap. Oh man. Stop shaking, hands!

Even though I have been out there promoting myself and sharing my work on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, this feels different.

It's terrifying and exciting all at the same time. It's pushing me to be better and to create something really unique that people will like, will share and will want to come back for more. It's making me think how I want my items to look when they arrive - packaging is so important! Tissue paper, wrapping, bows, tags, etc. And it's also pushing my creativity, probably the thing I love the most. 

Whenever I get a new idea or inspiration for a make, it's such a rush. There has been a lot of trial and error (and I'm sure there will be much more to come!) but I've found it really empowering so far. And I'm just at the beginning of this small biz journey.

So here's to the next order! And the next. And the next!

Use What You Got!

One of my favourite things to do is product photography. I'm no expert and I am still learning how to take a perfect photo but I'm having fun thinking up new ways to make my items look appealing. It's so important to have clear, fun, images to go with your items - it helps potential customers see your wares in their home.

Good lighting:
     I'm really struggling with this at the moment as every single spot in my house seems to be just plain wrong for getting natural light in. Also this time of year the sunlight is often in short supply! The days are short, it's often grey and rainy, and I usually only have time to do pictures in the evenings when the little one has gone to bed.

*TIP*: A way to help your lighting situation is by creating backdrops that catch the natural light. This blog post over on All By Mama is really chock full of helpful tips. One I have recently started using is the reflector to catch the light. I find that it even works if you have to use harsh fluorescent light in your kitchen because it's midnight and there's no daylight to be found! I had two large pieces of white card lying around and now I'm using them as a white back drop and a reflector.

It's not perfect but I think it still looks pretty good (even if it's
 taken under the harsh glare of my kitchen light!) and I
 can't wait to try it out with natural sunlight. 

Props:
     You don't need to break the bank and go out and buy a bunch of props. Once I started really looking around my house to see the things I already own, I was surprised and amazed at the number of things I have that tie in with my products. I have heart decorations, old books, library "stuff", loads of baby items like plush toys and rattles, etc.

Vintage books and a library card stamp work
perfectly with this library card frame. 

Slate stag coasters: perfect little nod to the stag
heart decorations.

 I bought these chalk coasters from Avon and
 hadn't used them much. Ta da! Perfect signs.

Twine and mini pegs - easy peasy! It's important to find
items that also tie in with your brand and how you'd like #
your business to come across to customers. I like twee things: mini
pegs, lots of hearts, pastel colours for signage, etc.

Something simple: a bit of a ribbon! I have loads around
the house now for Christmas wrapping. Simple and sweet.

I bought this key ages ago as prop to use at my wedding
and it looks great next to a frame.

Photo Editing Site:
     Yup, I'm going to mention it again: PICMONKEY! If you are not using this by now, or something similar, you need to! Doing a quick edit on a picture or creating a fun sign to promote a sale or giveaway I think elevates your brand and make it look more professional. I tend to use the same colours and fonts so that there is a continuity across my pictures. Below is a selection of designs I've created to use across all the social media.

Hopefully the above can help, maybe even spark that light bulb "Aha!" moment about something you have in your house that will help elevate your product photos or give you an idea on how to create marketing strategies, for free!