The other day while walking home, I noticed some fallen branches by the road and picked one up, thinking I could use it as a photo prop. I also took home a couple of pieces of bark for good measure but am not sure whether I'll use those eventually!

So far, I've not been very adventurous when it comes to props, but sometimes you have a piece of jewellery that lies flat and it just needs some help to be that little bit more visible. Yes, of course there are the standard manufactured earring stands and jewellery busts, and they should be included in product shots (though sometimes I'm a little guilty of not doing that) but I feel they can end up looking pretty cold and commercial. Bits of nature are always nice.

And if you've noticed, I've also slowly been changing my backgrounds, trying to make them toned down, less obtrusive and not form too much of a contrast with the subject. I don't know, it's just a subtle change for now. I am also working towards a couple of things for the new year.

I've been having this insane urge to create lots of things... not necessarily jewellery... loads of stuff from bags to muffins to all kinds of visual art. I feel like my brain's about to burst and that there will never be enough time for it all. Help.