Testing the Waters

For several years, I have been promising myself that I would open an online store. Originally I thought it would be an Etsy shop, and that may still happen. At Christmas time I showed my Facebook friends a cushion I had created using my own art. I planned to order one but it was through Fine Art America and between the exchange rates and shipping it added up to more than I was willing to pay...and that would have been at my wholesale price. Apparently, nobody else wanted one either, not that I did any actual marketing. 

I have since located two Canadian companies that also print items on demand. I sent one of them a photo of a piece of art I created to see how it would look on their products. I am quite pleased but, as there are what some of you might consider flaws in my artwork, I wanted to see if they spoiled the effect once printed bigger than the actual art. I have ordered two products in vastly different materials so that I can see how these things look in person. That will also give me a clear idea if I should change the routine thread colour, and whether I want more than just my name on the labels. 

The company I'm testing first is highly attentive.  I have had an email each day explaining various aspects of their website, how things work, and how to get my patterns adjusted on the products more in line with what I had in mind. They also tell me what steps to take to create my shop online or in person.  I even got a quick reply when I sent an email asking a question.  So far,  I am quite impressed. 

 

As everything is printed, cut, and sewn only after either you or I order it, it will take a couple of weeks to arrive.  If all goes well, I will add designs and open the shop.  The other company I found prints completely different things in a more simplified way. I might test a few of their products out too.  And Etsy? Well, if I get perfectly good test products I decide I don't want to keep, maybe I will try selling them there.  At least I have finally started to test the waters on this long-awaited project.

Recognition, However Small

 As we go through life we often take on tasks for which we get no recognition. Some of them are done for fun and others are required of us. Some are even a combination of both.  

Take, for instance, the books I read for authors and publishers. I am given these publications for free in exchange for a review. Most of the time I consider that a privilege. I enjoy reading and it doesn't cost me anything to take advantage of this opportunity.  I am allowed to express an opinion,  and believe me, if I don’t enjoy the book, for whatever reason, I will definitely tell you.

Recently I had the chance to read a pre-publication copy of Across the Shining Sea by Hunter Chadwick. It was not the first book from this author that I have read, and I'm sure it won't be the last.  This book is the first in a series of three, but they will be complete stories, independent of the others. Across the Shining Sea is now available for pre-order on Amazon. 

But what I am here to tell you about today is that this author chose to quote my review in his latest newsletter and on his web page. That tickles me, as just yesterday, I was told that the painting I did for the contest I told you about last fall is now appearing on the information screen at the local health centres.  Even though I did not win the contest, or go into any great description of a good book, I am feeling recognized. It's a great way to start my year.