Much like most days, the first thing I did today was to say “hello,” to our cat, who has this strange habit of waiting until morning, then deciding to lay on my chest and purr for a while. It’s actually a very nice way to wake up.

Now, to skip from that part of the day, past the shower and other morning ritual, we arrive at checking Etsy. I took a look around our own store, as well as some others, and started looking around at the photos. Now, the ones in our shop have certainly improved recently, and ChibiMe was asking for help with photos in the forum, so I decided to reveal my secret … I always pretend that whatever I’m taking a photo of at the moment is a flower! With the sun being out so often recently, we go into the back yard and I turn off the flash, turn on the macro, and follow some basic flower-shooting tips.

1. Keep the flash off, keep the sun behind you.

2. Use macro, and get very close.

3. Take many shots when you think you’ve got a good one. Assuming you’re using a digital camera, you’ve got nothing to lose.

I hope those help some of you non-photographers out there with your product photos!

Between last night and this morning, two new items have shown up in the Gypsy Muffin Shop. First, we have a black velvet choker.

“This thick black choker is made with soft velvet, trimmed with an intricate design on the bottom. A small red jewel decorates the center, and from it hangs a peace-sign pendant. A beautiful piece, or “peace,” if you will.”

The choker sells for $14, and can of course be found here.

The second new piece of the day is this adorable pink and black choker with a “skullerfly” applique.

“Very cute, with a light-hearted and playful edge! This choker is perfect for the bright, sunny days of coming seasons. Made with love :)”

It goes for $8 currently, right here.

The least expensive item currently posted over at the Gypsy Muffin Etsy Store. Read on for more pictures, and details.

The first item I’ll be using this blog to shamelessly bring your attention to is this very summer, or spring looking headband. If you got here through etsy, this is the part you came for: the pictures! More than what is available there, anyway. Click the images for a full-sized version.

If you want it, head over to Gypsy Muffin. This piece is selling for $7.00, with $5.00 shipping.