Two Pennies Left

Fortune_Smiles

unhappy_shopper wrote: »

Fortune, I have 2 suggestions for you.

1. Include the dimensions of your watercolours - may be they are mentioned somewhere and I didn't spot them.

2. Include a sample picture which is mounted and framed, similar to the ones you showed us in the decoupage frame.

HTH.

Mint1955 wrote: »

Are you also able to do larger versions? If so maybe add those sizes And prices as well.

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

The dimensions are included in each of the picture descriptions but it doesn't look like they are prominent enough if you couldn't spot them US. I'll look at making that bit stand out a bit more.

I've learnt how to mount the pictures myself so have bought some pre-cut mounts and hinging tape and will mount all the pictures when they arrive (much cheaper than the shop quote). I've also had a look round some of the other shops and got some good ideas for 'staging' the photos. I do think they look better mounted and the kits include sealable cellophane bags so even the packaging will look 'proper'.

I will be doing some larger pictures (eventually) which will be similar sized insects but more of them. I've tried enlarging the single insects but they don't work as well.

Thank you again - I really appreciate your feedback.

Fortune x

brizzledfw

Hey FS these are rather lovely..speaking with a bit of a heritage of wildlife lovers in my household and entomologists particularly (sp?) I am pretty impressed by you sketching some of the lesser known and lesser loved insects in your garden.

Looking forward to seeing the lacewing and you have also got me thinking about Xmas pressies..;)

Have a great day x

Fortune_Smiles

Thank you so much Brizzle. I really appreciate the feedback - helps to build your confidence when you're just starting out. I'm really drawn to the lesser known gribblies and no one else seems to be doing them at the moment... there may be a good reason for this (insert rolling about laughing smilie which MSE isn't allowing at the moment).

Am thinking about a Silverfish next (insert many more rolling about laughing smilies).

Fortune x

gallygirl

As long as you don't do earwigs

Woodlice are cute though

postingalwaysposting

Fortune your paintings are amazing! Truly, you have a gift.

Fortune_Smiles wrote: »

A local florists has agreed to display my work in their shop So pleased that they think my work is good enough and it's given me the confidence to approach some other local shops in the future. I've had to buy some frames though.Fortune x

As a suggestion I would give the florist some busniess cards with your folksy address on. Then if anyone asks the owner they can be directed there. I think you can get 100's for £3 on somewhere like vistaprint. You could also send one out with each picture sold.

Also maybe you can sell them at craft fairs at christmas and offer a framing service ie ikea frames and mounts?

Not all listings are displaying the whole description certainly the ladybird and green tiger beetle arn't. Good luck for your first sell!

Fortune_Smiles

postingalwaysposting wrote: »

Fortune your paintings are amazing! Truly, you have a gift.



As a suggestion I would give the florist some busniess cards with your folksy address on. Then if anyone asks the owner they can be directed there. I think you can get 100's for £3 on somewhere like vistaprint. You could also send one out with each picture sold.

Also maybe you can sell them at craft fairs at christmas and offer a framing service ie ikea frames and mounts?

Not all listings are displaying the whole description certainly the ladybird and green tiger beetle arn't. Good luck for your first sell!

Thanks PAP - what a lovely thing to say. Agree with the business cards. In the meantime, I've done some labels to stick on the back of the mounts/frames. Will also leave some info with the florist about the subjects and materials, etc.

Thanks for letting me know about the descriptions - I'll look into that.

Fortune x

postingalwaysposting

That is a good compromise.

Could I also make one more suggestion? On five of your listed piece you have signed the painting next to the creature which looks very professional. However on the other three you havn't, is there a reason for this? I would much prefer them to be signed the same, as if I were to buy more than one to make it a set of four on a wall lets say it would look better if they all had the same layout iyswim.

Also could you make a listing for a 'commisioned' piece, where for a higher price someone can email you a picture of a creature they would like painted?

Also why not set it as your 'homepage' here on MSE?

Fortune_Smiles

postingalwaysposting wrote: »

That is a good compromise.

Could I also make one more suggestion? On five of your listed piece you have signed the painting next to the creature which looks very professional. However on the other three you havn't, is there a reason for this? I would much prefer them to be signed the same, as if I were to buy more than one to make it a set of four on a wall lets say it would look better if they all had the same layout iyswim.

Also could you make a listing for a 'commisioned' piece, where for a higher price someone can email you a picture of a creature they would like painted?

Also why not set it as your 'homepage' here on MSE?

Hi PAP. I've fixed the descriptions - thank you for that. Well spotted on the signatures. I did start signing on the painting itself but was told that some people preferred the signature to be more discrete so am now signing on the bottom. I can easily add a signature if someone wants it. I have offered to do commissions but would rather talk to someone about that first before they ordered or paid anything. I'd like to make sure I could do a good job on an item before committing.

Brilliant idea about setting a 'homepage' on MSE, but... do you know how I do that?

This is great advice PAP. Thanks again.

Fortune x

postingalwaysposting

Fortune_Smiles wrote: »

Hi PAP. I've fixed the descriptions - thank you for that. Well spotted on the signatures. I did start signing on the painting itself but was told that some people preferred the signature to be more discrete so am now signing on the bottom. I can easily add a signature if someone wants it. I have offered to do commissions but would rather talk to someone about that first before they ordered or paid anything. I'd like to make sure I could do a good job on an item before committing.

Brilliant idea about setting a 'homepage' on MSE, but... do you know how I do that?

This is great advice PAP. Thanks again.

Fortune x

Ahhh ok, maybe you can add in the description about adding the signature? I would certainly prefer to know you can do it than ask after paying.

Re the commisions maybe make a different listing explaining that you are happy to do commisions etc and how that would work for both yourself and the customer.

The homepage is set as -
User cp - Edit your details - Homepage box near top.

Ahh its ok, I used to sell my own cards so kinda up-to-date on selling handmade. I don't know if you know this but Folksy is a bristish site, if you decide to sell abroad I would suggest using Etsy too as thats more well known in the states etc.

Fortune_Smiles

I've just sold a painting! I suspect it was one of you guys and, if so, I am doubly thrilled. If one of my frugal and cost savvy friends in the box thinks it's worth splashing out on one of my scribblings then they must be worth it. Thank you, thank you. I'm so pleased.

Now it's confession time re yesterday's hen party:

• £3.00 parking costs at the station (and I raided Mr Marmite to get change)
• £1.00 for a K1tkat from the vending machine
• £14.50 rail fare
• £40.00 for the chocolate making event (it was brilliant)
• £10.00 contribution to drinks at a bar after
• £5.00 contribution towards taxi costs to the restaurant
• £25.00 for a 3 course dinner. The food was good but the venue was a restaurant/club and the music a little too loud for me (I'm such a granny)
• £4.50 tube costs to get back to the station. I'd intended to walk but my eyesight is so poor (granny) I couldn't read my map properly in the dark and went the wrong way up Regents street. Didn't want to miss my train home so jumped on the tube when I hit Oxford Circus and realised my mistake. Must get Mr F to show me how to get maps on my iPhone
• so that makes - £103 (several shocked smilies are called for here but I'm worried that will muck up the post so you'll have to use your imagination. I have some ebay items to do that should help to offset the damage
• 13p to Mr Marmite - the poor starving creature
• a NSD today

Now, do I eat the rest of the chocolates I made or save them for when Mr F gets home as I promised? Hope you have all had a fabulous weekend.

Fortune x