Image: sxc.hu

During the 1970s, I had an at-home quiltmaking and art business (whatever would bring income).  My painting, starting out with commissioned paintings and evolved into card and notepaper design.  I created these items to sell in shops around the area.

When I took on a full time job as a newspaper reporter, some of my art ventures were pushed into the background as I wrote about them instead of pursuing them for income.  In those days, before computers and personal printing programs, I painted or inked each item by hand.

Now I’m pondering…what shall I do with them?

• In these days of computer generated personal cards and notepaper, I could print them for my own use.  I’ve done this with some of my paintings.
• I could use them as designs for the site I’m setting up at Cafe Press.  They then could be transferred to a variety of items.
• I could try sending the designs to greeting card companies.  (However, I’m reluctant to give up ownership to them.)
• I can use the designs in some of my books.

What would you do?  I’ll keep you posted.

(Incidentally, you never know what you’ll come across if you continue with that 20 minutes per day of organization!)

Post from: Blisstree

Finding Artistic “Treasures”

Image: sxc.hu

“Where do you get your design ideas?” I’ve been asked 

My designs include:

•  Reproductions of my paintings  (Artists often reproduce their paintings as posters and postcards nowadays to get further mileage and income from their art work.  They may keep or eventually sell the original.)
•  Reproductions of photos (My family members are avid photographers, so I often use my husband’s and mine for cards.)
•  Sketches I make for particular cards, then scan them (This is so easy to do nowadays, when before scanners and computers, I had to draw each individually or take them to a commercial printer.)
•  Fabric postcards that I scan (With all the work that goes into them, it’s a shame to use these pieces of art only once.)

What has been your experience in creating notepaper and postcards?  Where do you get your ideas?

Post from: Blisstree

My Designs for Greeting Cards & Notepaper

You can make notepaper and postcards for your own use and/or to sell.  I’ve done both.  They also can be used as a way to promote your work.  (I’ll discuss this further in another post.)

Image: sxc.hu

When I began making notepaper, I had to draw designs (often floral ones) on each card individually, unless I wanted the expense of taking them to a printer.  Since I didn’t go into the production of my cards in a big way, I was able to do them individually.

Nowadays, I  make one design, scan it into the computer, and run off the number of copies I want on notepaper stock or card stock.  Of course, if I wanted them for sale, I’d look into having them produced by a print shop.  (More time effective and probably cost effective.)

I’ve never submitted my card designs to a card manufacturer, so don’t have information about this.  I’ve only sold by mail order and in gift and craft shops.  With web sites and places like Etsy, you can do sales on the Internet, too.

You also can utilize places like Café Press for printing cards on demand and paying only for those you order.  This enables you to send individuals to Café Press to order their own.  You don’t have to worry about shipping; then, as arranged, Cafe Press and similar businesses send you your money.

What has been your experience with greeting cards, notepaper and postcards?

Post from: Blisstree

Creating Notepaper & Postcards