Should I or Shan't I ?

[Tillyboo]

Having read other mumsnetters questions about hand-made cards I am now in two minds as to pursue the addition of cards to things I already make to sell.

I use photography on my cards and have a couple of designs in my profile page as examples.

I was thinking of charging £1.80 per card, is this a reasonable amount for 5" X 5" blank greeting card. I only use high quality cards and envelopes and cellophane wraps for protection.

Would I be better off putting together a selection of cards in a pack ? What would I charge for say 4 cards ? I can't see people willing to pay 4 x £1.80 for a pack ?

I'd be grateful if someone could take a look and tell me what they think.

I do have a small interior and garden shop interested in selling them but obviously they need to make something on the cards too.
What sort of % should I expect them to want ?

I've never done this before so am totaly in the dark here.

Photo's in profile page

You don't appear to have a profile page.

can't find profile !

Should be there now ?

did you make that heart cake too ?
I think £1.80 is reasonable for each card - prob better to sell separately. Not sure of what percentage a shop might take though.

My dd & I made the cake for 'Daddy' for his birthday. It's very pink but dd's favourite colour so it had to be done.

I was doing to shots for a friends potential business website and the Lilac sprig was part of that. I put it in dd's sandpit to take the photo.

I thought if I charged the shop £1.80 p/card, they can then add on whatever they want, probably up to £2.50 at a guess.

It's like anything though isn't it, something is only worth what someone is prepared to pay for it.

cards are pretty expensive everywhere these days - I thought of doing my own as I'm an illustrator but not sure whether it'd be worth it after all the labour/materials etc !!
Good luck with them - hope you sell loads

If you are an illustrator have you tried submitting to Phoenix Trading ?

I'm sure they pay something like £400 for every design accepted and if they use that design for a greeting card, gift tag and wrapping paper you get 3 x £400 which can be a good little earner as they bring out new designs several times a year.

They do get loads of submissions every month but you never know. Take a look at their website

Have you got any examples of your work in your profile, I love painting and art

grr , I have tried them but was turned down - think they have artists similar to me...!
Haven't put anything on my profile to show but will let you know when I do so you can take a look !

Me too, said they liked my work but not their style - which was a fob off in my opinion. I am surprised a some of the artwork they do accept to be honest so it's not necessarily a reflection on your work submitted.

I was a trader for a while and got to vote on the designs shortlisted for their 2006 Xmas card range. Some were really lovely but I was very surprised to see the final choices - I thought it was a poor selection in my opinion.

Would love to see your work

tried to download a few earlier, will go and see if it's worked ! Agree with you about Phoenix - I feel a bit pissed off with them now and ignore their stalls at fairs etc !!!

Tilly - have put 2 pics on so far - it's being a bit slow though so gave up for time being !

Tilly - have put 2 pics on so far - it's being a bit slow though so gave up for time being !

Wow, they are fab !

I really like the style, they look very familiar - did you submit something to Phoenix last Xmas ? or where would I have seen your work before ?

As I said, I think Phoenix chooses a lot of tat , I really don't like a particular series of cards, the A-Z of bras, sheep, computers etc. and can't understand why they would turn work such as yours down.

Your illustrations are really fresh, have I seen them in a children's book ?

thank you tillyboo - you are kind !
I have illustrated quite a lot of children's poetry collections for Macmillan - all black and white - and have also illustrated a few books of my own and a big book of Gervaise Phinn's poetry for little children -so maybe you've seen them !? I haven't submitted any work to Phoenix for a few yrs though.

Hi,

Aha ! I thought I recognised your work.

I think I've found your work on the internet on beehiveillustration, under a different name ?

I really like your work, so simple yet really effective and endearing !

I love Korky Paul too (Winnie the Witch, The Rascally Cake, Wonky Donkey etc.)

Let me know if you illustrate anything new ?

yes I'm with Beehive ! and thank you, it's really nice to be recognised !! Am just starting a new job so will let you know what it is (educational book ) - sorry if typing is a bit wild -have had too much wine at a housewarming party !!

Tillyboo - can you take a peek at my profile page and see whether you think the little wire heart I've just made is ok ? Am hoping to sell some at a friend's new shop...your opinion would be most welcome ! thanks

Hi,

I love the concept but take the point someone made about it looking a little bare - although it might be cos it's a small photo.

I do really like it though, unusual idea. Maybe a couple of bigger buttons on either side and couple more beads - but not too fussy.

Or how about a couple of pom pom balls, you know the ones we would make as kids around a bit of cardboard and then cut through the loops ? Can' really remember how to do it. I think the wool texture would go well with the buttons and it would fit with the vintage look ???

I'll have another think tomorrow ...

PS : Have had mother in law here so not been on MN for a few evenings.

I've done a few more card designs which I'll put in my profile - see what you think.

thanks tilly - am going to get a few more bits and pieces and fiddle around with it - bits of ribbon/fabric etc other buttons - it is a v small ornament though, so don't want to make it too gaudy and overloaded !
Am waiting to start a new illustration job, so might have to put things on hold for a bit - first job for ages and although I'm very grateful it's a bit pesky coming in the school hols !

had a quick look at newest cards - look sweet from what I can see but the pics are a bit small to see clearly !! Do you print the photos on to card or photo paper ?