lillybochic – Page 17

Tips for creating a home photo studio

When I started my Etsy shop two years ago, there were a lot of things I had to do that were totally outside of my comfort zone. One of those things (a huge and important thing) was to learn how to take good and clear photographs. When selling handmade items, one piece of advice that is repeated as gospel is to take clear images in great lighting; that tell a story about the product; and that show off as many details about texture and colour as can be in a high resolution format.

That is a geeky way of saying that you really gotta learn how to make someone buy your product all through sight! Of course there are other factors that help people decide to buy your handmade item, but that’s a topic in a blog post for another day 😉

First thing: employ the ownership of a 3 light lamp on a sturdy stand. 3 lights are best not because of aesthetic, but because they can be moved and aimed to point at your handmade object in a way that enough light hits it. Think: laser beams!

Below we see a photo stage set with a mannequin. In order to get a smooth and uniform backdrop, I hanged a white poly material from the wall. This backdrop is really best when either totally white (or as close as you can get) because the light shined from your lamp needs to be “bounced back” at the camera to ensure a well illuminated photo.

Easy trick to help remember: Optics= studying how light is captured and refracted to enhance/change images. I’m sure there is a more scholarly explanation that that of course; but that’s a basic grade 8 review 🙂

ex3 — Notice the two lamps above and below – my camera is set up between the two: peeking through stand’s branches

Once the stage is set and the light hits all of the areas that you want to highlight, take a few test pictures to see whether you should use flash (or not); set a widescreen image; or fiddle around with any camera settings that you like to use.

ex4 — Green Hemp apron with green frills- a feminine design by LillyBoChic

Final product: a cropped image with the brightness and contrast increased slightly.

Green Hemp apron with green frills- a feminine design by LillyBoChic

For a non-professional photograph, I think it captures all of the elements that I had hoped for. I really like how crisp and clear the photo is- you can see the blue chalk lines on the garment (a temporary marking of course) that I used to line up each pocket.

That’s all for now, thanks for stopping by.

-S

January 18, 2016August 3, 2018 by @Lillybochic

Creating an apron with vintage material

Vintage fabric imported from Japan- Over the shoulder apron

The Japanese version of Batik dye is seen here in with this vintage fabric imported for LillyBoChic. It is unique, colorful, and breathes life into a medium I have made the foundation of my design line: the apron. One may ask: how many different ways can you make an apron?

I may answer: as many ways as you can wear one. (Probably a very high number)

This design is inspired by the classic over-the-shoulder style of apron. The pull-over design sits atop the shoulders of the wearer, with adjustable ties at the waist to accommodate various sizes. I included a front pocket (something I have been doing a lot of lately, out of a concern that my designs were lacking utility).

Pocket view of vintage fabric imported from Japan

Since I am accustomed to free-hand drafting many aspects of my designs, I tailored the chest area/collar of this apron to allow for a better fit. Tailoring also achieved a bell curve on the shape of the apron bottom, creating a frill/ looseness that adds a soft femininity. I’m pleased with how this turned out as I was contemplative of what type of apron design could be qualified to accommodate such a high-drama pattern.

Back side of Apron- Over the shoulder, ties at waist.

That’s all for now, and thanks for stopping by,

-S

January 4, 2016January 12, 2016 by @Lillybochic

Comissioned work- an apron named “Cheffrey”

cheffrey apron — An apron named Cheffrey

This was an experimental design for an apron to say the least. It was commissioned for a man, so I immediately decided that the shape and function needed to be masculine. Inspired by male characters from video games, I created a slouchy side apron with a diagonal flap. The flap covers three pockets that are hidden, providing full functionality. I hope the clients like this piece, as I think it truly showcases LillyBoChic originality.

October 25, 2015October 25, 2015 by @Lillybochic

Weeping Ocean and Untitled Acrylic on Canvas

The bright pink piece is entitled “Weeping Ocean”- however I am still deciding what to entitle the darker one. The contrast of their colour compositions didn’t exactly go as planned. I wanted the blues in the untitled piece to be a bit deeper- like a midnight blue.

The most interesting and unusual aspect of this piece is that attached the frames to each other with a hinge. The two can be opened to stand on its own, or laid flat to be hung together.

October 10, 2015August 12, 2016 by @Lillybochic

Little Apron for a little girl

Kid's animal apron — Kid’s animal apron- a view from my studio

As you can see in the photos above, I’ve free-handed a very cute child size apron for a girl- size 4. Instead of a regular hemline, I decided to add a frill made from the same material as the bodice.

The neck ties are also made from the same material- I did this by making a simple bias tape that I stitched together over top of raw edges. The result is a very finished look- and a garment that will last for years to come.

August 9, 2015September 30, 2015 by @Lillybochic

Bam! Sexy aprons on model chicks!

Both designs are available in my LillyBoChic store on Etsy!

reversed-cottoncandy-model — Throwback to an early LBC apron modeled by yours truly

My dear friend helped me model a few of my apron designs- and honestly, the product shows so much better on a real person, as opposed to a mannequin. I will definitely continue to use models, and I will try to actively recruit friends and family for this.

August 3, 2015September 30, 2015 by @Lillybochic

A Pale blue silk camisole inspired by vintage style

I worked on this piece a few weeks ago when I was inspired by something I had seen in a vintage shop. I sourced all of my own materials; but the design was not my own.

My favourite part of this piece would have to be the lace fringe that hangs down to provide a “1920’s lingere flapper girl” style”. I only wish I could have made this in a size large enough to wear for myself!

...just a little bit — …just a little bit

April 9, 2015August 12, 2016 by @Lillybochic

Japanese Silk Draping

I have always known that silk is one of my preferred mediums for design. The texture, weight, and structure of silk fabrics ignites my passion like few others.

Japanese Silk Draping techniques by LillyBoChic

March 11, 2015August 12, 2016 by @Lillybochic

Fem Focus

December 29, 2014August 12, 2016 by @Lillybochic

Edgy Modernity

..and at times you need to slouch and disappear…
One new look from the other day that captures understated sheer sleeves against grim black and white. Too much material creates a wrap look to add depth to any outfit.

December 29, 2014August 12, 2016 by @Lillybochic