By JLC Handmade Jewelry

The Circle of Life Collection

2011-02-27T11:25:00.000-08:00

Lately, I have been inspired by some very touching stories on life, loss and happiness, and I wanted to create something that can help reflect on that.

Life is full of precious moments of joy, laughter and happiness. But it is also filled with moments of loss and sadness. But, I believe that it is a combination of all these moments and emotions that make us who we are.

Many cultures have their own variation of The Circle of Life. It’s mysterious, wonderful and painful all at the same time. I wanted something that would memorialize the moments of joy and the sorrow that we inevitably feel. Whether it’s the happy moments of a marriage, birth or a milestone, or cherished moments like the memories of loved ones who have departed, my goal is to create something that holds all life’s precious memories.

Deepak Chopra says that human beings are made of body, mind and spirit. Of these, spirit is primary, for it connects us to the source of everything. It’s comforting to know what we’ll always have the spirit and memories of our special moments and our loved ones which lasts forever.

What's special to you in your circle of life?

2011-02-24T13:23:00.001-08:00

This season is all about experimenting colors! Check out this new item I'll be sporting this Spring!
http://www.byjlc.com/PhotoGallery.asp?ProductCode=N22036

How To Take Excellent Photographs of Jewelry Without Breaking your Bank

2011-02-18T12:31:00.000-08:00

Since I’ve started making jewelry, I have been trying to take great photographs of my product and I am finally happy with my results. Now, by no means do I claim to be a professional photographer, but I think I have sufficiently conquered the art of taking great photos of my products, without an expensive camera or unnecessary props.

Step 1: Choose a background that is pleasing to the eye. I find that plain solid backgrounds work best; however, backgrounds with simple watermark patterns may give your piece that extra edge. Please see below for examples:

Background with pattern (special lighting)

Plain Background (natural lighting)

Step 2: Set your camera to the proper functions. I found this was very difficult at first, but I’ve learnt which setting works best through trial and error.

I use a very old Sony digital camera that has very limited functions but that's the best thing about it, you don't have to spend time learning all the functions since you may only need to learn a few to start with! Of course, the more you know the better, but if time is an issue the following are all you need for now:

~Macro - use for close up pictures, it helps to focus on the small details

~White Balance - set camera to daylight if you are using natural sunlight
(There will be a little more about this later on)

~Set it to the light bulb if you are using special lighting,
(There will be a little more on this later on)

~Exposure - adjust it according to what you see on the camera, usually this is trial and error, experiment with a few different levels and see what you get and remember the settings so that you can use the same settings next time.

Step 3: Choose your lighting. You can decide whether you wish to use natural light of special lighting. You can achieve the same results with both effects. In the pictures above, the one with the plain background uses 'natural light' while the other one uses 'special lighting.'

I find the main difference between the two is that with 'natural lighting' you are limited to taking your pictures during the day on brighter days. If you get rainy days then you're pretty much out of luck. Special lighting gives you the flexibility to take your pictures any time during the day or night (if you're a night owl!).

Now, for thrifty photographers who may not want to spend a great deal for special lighting, two big flashlights work just as well. Place the flashlights on a raised platform and aim them towards the back or the sides of your jewelry and begin shooting. With practice, this method will work very well.

Using these three simple methods you can get excellent photographs of your pieces which you’ve already worked so hard to create. If you have any feedback, or more at-home photographing techniques or questions please feel free to contact me at lyne@byjlc.com.

2011 Wedding Trend: Vibrant & Snazzy!

2011-02-10T14:18:00.000-08:00

According to buzzle.com 2011 weddings couldn't be more colorful! It's the year to pop out in vibrant colors experimenting the fun and spontaneous side. Perfect for those who were never a fan of the tradition black and white weddings! Popular colors for 2011 are:

Dark Chocolate
Sangria or Brick Red
Dark Tangerine
Deep Blue
Persian Green
Agate Blue
Oyster Gray
Mocha Taupe
Moccasin
Dark Chestnut

If you have special requests for wedding pieces in the above colors please feel free to send me a message! Special discounts available for wedding parties, please ask!

Happy Shopping!

By JLC
www.byjlc.com

5 Easy Steps to Edit Your Photos Using PaperPort

2010-12-10T12:56:00.000-08:00

Have you been struggling with your jewelry pictures and never getting it right? Well, I think you are among many of us who have tried and failed but settled with whatever we have.

Through a series of long and somewhat comical events, starting with my PC getting a virus, and me having to re-install ¬all my software, I have discovered a software called PaperPort that made editing my photographs so much easier.
At first, I wasn't quite happy with the software because the functions are very limited when compared to the infamous Photoshop, however, I stuck through it and to my surprise I was completely happy with my end results. And the best thing was it didn't take a LONG time to achieve this. All it took was 5 easy steps.

Step 1: Take GOOD pictures (see previous post)

Step 2: Uploading your pictures to the computer.

Step 3: Open the picture you want to edit. Select Page, then Enhance. Automatically, a screen with many different options of the current images with certain enhancements will show. By default, the 'contrast & brightness' is selected. You can use the little slider on the bottom to choose the level of intensity. Then choose the picture with the best level of contrast and brightness.

Step 4: Select Page, Resize. Resize it.

(Optional - if you want to add blur or a tint of color you can do that under enhancement as well.)

Step 5: Save. Finish. It’s as simple as that!

The only drawback is that PaperPort is not a free software, but you should be able to find free trials to download. Also, PaperPort is mainly use for maintaining paper documents, but it works great for ME for my particular purpose.

Hope you find it useful!
By JLC Jewelry and Hair Accessories
www.byjlc.com

Girl Jewelry Making Birthday Party!

2010-12-09T11:18:00.001-08:00

Is your little girl's birthday coming and you have no idea what to do? Does the thought of going through the hassle of planning, organizing, buying and cleaning have you in a panic?

Well, have you considered a Jewelry-making Birthday Party!

Jewelry making is unique and fun, but most of all it helps your youngsters' explore their creativity! Best of all, we handle all the supplies and clean-up.

One of my friends was watching the 'Mom Show' some time ago, and even they thought that jewelry making was a fun activity for any birthday party or sleepover! Your kids will be able to show off their creations to all their friends, with a sense of great pride and accomplishment.

Service area including Vaughan, Richmondhill, Markham and Toronto!

For more info on Jewelry-making Birthday Parties contact me at lyne@byjlc.com.

By JLC
www.byjlc.com

I am on LOU LOU Magazine!

2010-11-25T20:58:00.000-08:00

So happy to be on Lou Lou Magazine's November issue! Get your magazine today for special discount code!

I have recently added some more items with better pictures hopefully you'll enjoy!

Happy November Shopping!

No longer MIA!

2010-04-30T12:54:00.000-07:00

I am so happy to be back into the jewelry world and the online world!! I've been MIA-ing for almost two years! To celebrate my return I am offering 10% off my jewelry at www.byjlc.com now till July 2010.

I am currently working on lots of new designs just trying to gather myself and put everything together. Tons of things are happening at the same time I need to soak everything in, bit by bit.

You can follow my tweets at http://twitter.com/audlettevlor.

Ready for some mustard!

2008-08-27T06:48:00.000-07:00

I was reading up on some new fall color to prepare my lines and I came across Michael Kor's fall color suggestions, here goes:

Colors in shades of gold, honey and mustard will make a good warm transition from summer to fall to even winter. He picked out six shades of mustard color we can wear according to our complexions.

-Light, creamy yellow looks good on blond and dark complexions but medium complexions to avoid it.
-Lime green like wasabi looks good on most complexions but be careful with this color best to keep it simple and make it an accent color like a scarf, handbag, or shoe.
-Bright shade of a classic yellow mustard color, again this is best kept as an accent color.
-Next is a grainy mix of rust and yellow this color flatter every women but it's probably better to keep this in the accessories side.
-Another one is a burnt orange with flecks of yellow and brown this looks good on black and most warm tones.
-Last one is a mixed of brown tone dots with cognac and honey this shade looks good on almost everyone.

So there are lots of choices out there ladies, have some fun this fall! Look out for my jewelry in these shades!

By JLC team
www.byjlc.com

See us on LOULOU!

2008-07-30T10:17:00.000-07:00

See us on LOULOU Magazine's August edition. We are being feature
as one of the their deal of the month.

Use the coupon "LOULOU" at checkout and receive 25% off your product! For details please see LOULOU magazine. Offer valid from
July 25 - August 28, 2008.

Enjoy and happy shopping!

By JLC team
www.byjlc.com