Time for a Change!

So inspired was I by yesterday's photographic journey, that I decided to change the header of this blog today. I think this might be a good thing to do once or twice a year to keep it looking fresh and interesting. I really like 'blogging' as a medium of communication and have noticed that, for many people, it has taken a back step to their Facebook page updates. As I have always found it quite difficult to self-promote, I have decided to keep my fb profile for personal connections. Many of my customers are visitors, tourists or passers-by so, at this point, I'm not sure if I can justify spending yet more time online. I've even given Twitter consideration, as everyone in the art/craft world seems to have an account, but have decided that this would just be another distraction from my real passion--creating!

Everglades Gardens - Leura

Images (clockwise from top left): Lilac Terrace, NSW Waratah, View across Jamison Valley, Old Man Banksia, Rhododendron Walk, Bird Bath, Maple Leaves on the Watercourse

Yesterday I visited the Everglades Historic House & Gardens. It is a popular tourist attraction but, other than that, I did not know much about it. I ended up walking around the gardens for about two hours and mangaged to take a few nice photographs--I'm still constantly learning. Today, I produced these into photographic cards, four of which are collaged in the image above (2 x portrait, 2 x landscape). I'm not sure how quickly these cards will sell, but I have really enjoyed creating this pictorial glimpse of Leura's much-loved attraction.

If you are interested in purchasing any Everglades cards, please email me and I can send you attachments of available designs. Professionally-printed photographic cards are $3 each. For every $20 you spend, you will receive a free photographic card up to the value of $2.50. Please mention this post.

Beaded Bracelets

I haven't posted as frequently as usual--it seems like I'm just getting busier and busier! I really don't know where all my time is going these days although I have built up a lot of stock over the past few weeks. There are still HEAPS of things I plan to make which I already have the materials for--it will take time to gradually create these products in 2011. Lately, I have been getting a bit carried away with jewellery making and neglecting my cards. Sadly, jewellery has been selling more successfully at the markets I have been attending. Before I priced the bracelets above, I thought I'd take a couple of quick shots. The picture on the left features bracelets designed for girls, whilst the picture on the right features bracelets for young women and adults. Prices range from $4 to $8. Click on the image for a closer look.
 

Great Gift Idea

One of my online customers recently purchased a large quantity of photographic cards to give away as gifts. She explained that she ties them up into the little bundles and gives them away to friends and family to say "thank you" or for other special occasions. I thought this was such a great idea, that I've taken a photo of a bundle of cards as an example. Please read the post below if you are interested in ordering any photographic cards.

Christmas Photographic Cards

I've just received a new order of professionally-printed photographic cards and I'm really happy with them. They're vibrant and work well with coordinating envelopes. If you are interested in ordering any of these cards, I can post between 15-16 cards for $6.95 by registered post. These cards are perfect for sending to loved ones overseas as all of the photos have been taken in Australia. I accept bank deposit and PayPal. Printed cards are $3.00 each and you will receive a free card up to the value of $2.50 for every $20 spent. Please mention this post.

One of my favourites...

Just thought I'd do a quick post of one of my favourite cards. Besides my love of leaves and everything green, I also like retro-style designs. A card like this is a little funky and, admittedly, doesn't appeal to majority of my Blue Mountains' customers. I usually sell cards like this to Sydney-siders from suburbs like Newtown or Bondi! I'm not sure why this is but it sure would be interesting to try a few markets in the city. The only problem is the stall costs they charge--as high as $100 for a trestle table. I can't perceive how I would be able to cover costs, let alone make any profit, and wonder how other stallholders are able to do it?!

P.S. I'm love that the blogger software let me insert images at a larger size today! I'm assuming that this is their new browser for uploading images--they look really effective at this size :)