New Photographic Cards

I'm always adding new photographic cards to the collection, and hope to have some fresh designs ready for Christmas (yes, people have already started thinking about it!) I took this picture at The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah earlier this year. It was a gorgeous day after a rainy week and I thoroughly enjoyed the cool climate atmosphere. It's well worth a visit if you love botanic diversity and aesthetic views.

Mounted photographic cards are $2.50 each (professionally printed card designs are $3.00 each) and come with a coordinating envelope. If you are interested in purchasing any, please email me and I can send you attachments of some of my most popular images (or check out images on this blog). These cards are perfect for sending to loved ones overseas as all of the photos have been taken in Australia and the South Pacific. I accept bank deposit and PayPal (the same options offered on the 'online markets' madeit and Etsy).

It's tough at times...

Image above: Fifth Avenue Floral Stamp by Stampin' Up!

Here are a few of my latest cards. I'm starting to realise that there really is no end to the diversity of cards that can be made! I've started to scratch the surface but so much more creativity is still waiting to emerge...

On another note, trying to grow a small business can be extemely tough and, at times, I wonder if I have spent more on materials, tools and stall costs than I have made. Nearly everything I sell is made by hand, so it is also a time-consuming venture. Lately, I have been challenging myself to make better cards at a faster rate. This has quite been tough because I don't wish to skimp on quality. I have also been approached by a couple of potential stockists, but actually haven't had time yet to make the stock!

Recently, I made the worst decision I have ever made for 'Green Gifts' since 2003 (in terms of lost money and time). I rented a stall space in a shop in Sydney for four days (which needed to be prepaid). Unfortunately, I tumbled for the positive blog posts and other reviews promoting this new initiative without first visiting the shop. The reality is that the shop is in a poor location with very limited foot traffic. The operators will receive the short-term benefit of rental income from people like me, but ultimately, the enterprise will leave frustration and disappointment in its wake.

I just wish the operators would be true to themselves and the craft community who are trusting them to do the right thing. The initiative will work for some, but only very few. I'm annoyed with myself because I am used to achieving a certain level of success for my hard work and feel completely duped this time round (due to non-disclosure of the likelihood of infrequent sales). I still have two days left and it is looking improbable that I will even recoup the cost of the materials for the items sold, let alone the stall costs! Live and learn people...

Business Products

Ateca's Travel Services, Lautoka Hotel Foyer, Lautoka, Fiji

Whilst staying in Lautoka, Fiji, we wanted to do a few adventurous things. However, it was difficult to find any Tourist Information in this town (actually, it's the second largest city in Fiji!) On the third last day, we thought we would approach the one person who seemed to know anything, a lady named Ateca, who rents a space in the Lautoka Hotel foyer. She was more than happy to organise a trekking tour for the next day and it turned out to be quite an adventure (expect the unexpected when visiting Fiji and you won't be disappointed).

The city of Lautoka has quite a bit to offer the tourist, but there is a lack of information available. Soon, I will be posting a review about the trek because I wish to promote this sustainable eco-tourism initiative. Ateca also gave us some helpful information about the best and cheapest way to get to the Port Denarau Marina, so I have offered to send her some business cards and a banner, designed and printed free-of-charge.

Green Gifts' design services include: all design needs for personal use and small business (business cards, banners, flyers, stationery, etc.), wedding and event stationery, and photo scanning/digital photo restoration services. Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in using any of these services and I will be happy to help :) Don't forget to contact Ateca if you are planning to visit Fiji in the near future. Ask her questions and she will do her best to organise some interesting local activities for you to do during your stay in Lautoka.

Return from Paradise

 Poolside Flora, Lautoka Hotel, Lautoka, Fiji Islands

Sunset, Treasure Island, Mamanuca Group, Fiji Islands

Leaves in the Light, Nausori, Fiji Islands

I have recently returned home from a short trip to Fiji. My sister and her husband chose to be married over there and had the most quintessential beach wedding (and honeymoon!) possible. As I was a bridesmaid, I didn't have the chance to snap too many pics on the day :( but can't wait to see the professional photos when they emerge. Due to the overall schedule of the trip, there weren't copious opportunities to take photographs but I tried to keep an eye out for interesting subject matter and managed to take a few decent shots. I'm hoping that a couple of shots will make successful photographic cards for my market stall.

Fiji is a beautiful country. I love the way in which any form of travel forces you to reflect and, in some ways, creates a mindshift within you. It's because you're away from the humdrum and routine of everyday life (not that my life is particularly routinised since leaving teaching). I haven't quite returned to 'reality' yet. Having neglected 'Green Gifts' for the entire month of June, I'm dreadfully low in stock and in no position to visit potential stockists who, undoubtedly, will not wait for me forever! I'll just have to hope for the best. Fiji was worth it...

So encouraged!

Well, I'd be lying if I didn't acknowledge that the Global Financial Crisis has affected the 'markets' scene over the last 12 months. It has been a slog for myself and many of my fellow stallholders. I've been hanging in there, determined to make even cuter products and putting excessive time and research into sourcing cheaper, higher quality materials. However, things have been picking up for me lately, bolstered by the fact that I have been fortunate enough to have indoor stall spots during some rather chilly winter mountains' days. This may be shortlived, as regular stallholders vie for larger spots, relegating me to whatever space is left :(

Last weekend was extremely encouraging, as the market organiser gave me a particularly large spot on Saturday and I had the opportunity to really display the range of cards I stock. I sold numerous HANDMADE CARDS that day, which makes me very happy because a) I love making them, and b) This is the part of 'Green Gifts' that I am aiming to expand. And guess what? I received a call yesterday from a prominent Sydney-based independent bookshop who may be interested in stocking a range of my cards! A staff member had purchased a handmade card or two from me on the weekend and had shown them to his boss. This is one of the most positive developments for 'Green Gifts' in 2011, and the kind of thing I would like to embark on.

My beautiful sister...

I was googling some things about Leura, Blue Mountains today when I stumbled upon a photograph of my sister. It is still being used as part of Spa Sublime's advertising after all these years! I don't think my sister received much money (if any) for this shoot (I believe there are some other photos too) but it is a lovely shot and kudos must also go to the photographer who took it. My sister currently works in the beauty industry in Bondi Junction and has been a great help to me in terms of facial skin treatments. I had moderate to severe acne for 17 years, and was taunted daily for many years, which affected my self-confidence immensely. She has really been a great support in helping to reduce scarring and skin damage on my face. Thank you beautiful Chervonne!