THE RAMBLINGS OF A STRUGGLING ARTIST ON LIFE WITH TWO TERRIERS, A PONY WITH ISSUES AND OTHER WILDLIFE AND BIRDS THAT CROSS OUR PATH

1 October 2013

CHRISTMAS CARDS ANYONE?

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I had intended to publish a post called 'DEW' with many delightful shots of droplet ridden webs and grasses, but quite frankly, the pictures weren't great thanks to the incessant hill fog and lack of manual focus on the camera. This technical issue was not one I considered when making the purchase and am now sorely regretting. Great camera in many ways, but trying time and time again to get it to focus on a blade of grass or anything equally ephemeral is a nightmare. It doesn't like fog and keeps telling me it can't focus. So, rather than bore myself and you with a series of very slightly out of focus shots of bits of water, I am seeking your advice.

Some of you have suggested I do a calendar in the past and also Christmas cards. I've found that I can get ten cards produced for £4.99 plus the postage as long as I order a hundred. If I were to put them into packs of two of each of five designs, would any of you be interested in buying them? After paying postage I think they would cost about £5.20 for a pack plus whatever the postage to your part of the world would be. I'd put them on Etsy so they work out the currency for me which is handy. I would really appreciate your opinion on what you think would make the best five designs from the 14 here. I think, given their square-ish shape, I imagine they might need to be cropped to a more rectangular card. They will be more notelet size and blank inside. If I get them done bigger, they start to double in price which isn't really the idea. Personally, I like 1, 5, 9, 13 and 14, but I'd be REALLY grateful for your input. I guess if no one wants them I can always use them myself again.....and again....and again. So, pen and paper at the ready? opinions please......

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Right, I'll await feedback. Do email me if you'd rather not comment, at emparko@gmail.com. Until next time, here's another early Snippet picture on the theme of snow.





46 comments:

  1. well you know me, I love the photo of Snippet, I think he would make an irresistible Christmas card!
    we always print our own cards, views of the Abbey or the Tor in the snow. This year it will be a drawing of Santa that my son did when he was 7.
    I'm sure any of these photos would make an attractive card (especially "number 15" smile).

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  2. Oh gosh, I love them ALL and youcan definitely put me down for a pack, though I think I will just put them on the wall, rather than have to give them AWAY . . . My favourites are 1, 3, 4, 8, 9 and 12, but as I said, I love them ALL.

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  3. They are wonderful! I really like 1,5,6,10 and 13 :) and number 15 too!!

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  4. Lovely images Em I particularly like 4 8 9 13 14. Snippet looks very handsome in the white snow. I would buy a pack Em. I also support the RNLI and the Donkey Sanctuary with Christmas cards so yours would make a nice addition to my choice. What might be nice on the landscape ones would be the location-just a thought.

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    1. Good idea Suzie, although they're all pretty much within a mile of home!

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  5. I think all the photos are lovely and would be great for cards, but I particularly love no 8 as I do like sunshine on snow (and this has such a stunning view). I'm hoping to produce homemade cards here this year (to give to family & friends). I suppose it is the time of year to start thinking about Christmas!
    Snippet in the snow with white beard is gorgeous! Does he love being in it?

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    1. He does. He was a bit small that first year and kept disappearing into drifts.

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  6. Crikey Em... I know the weather has been bad up there, but...
    4, 8, 10, 11, 13.

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  7. Hi Em. I'm also (attempting) to make our Crimble cards this year. My favourites are 4, 8 and 12. I also think you should add the one of Snippet. People always like sheep in the snow but maybe the background on that one is too similar to their own colour to let them really stand out? Just a thought and feel free to ignore as these things are definitely personal! Have you thought about selling a range of Dartmoor cards year round? Your shots sum the place up so beautifully. Could you get them into local shops maybe? They are much nicer than many you see in the stores. CT :-)

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    1. Thanks CT. Actually - that's why I like the sheep one so much! I'm so pleased I asked people because it shows how different people's tastes are. Once I see how these turn out, I'll definitely look into all year round ones, yes.

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  8. HI Em 2,8, 10 12 and 13 Hope that helps but really they are all lovely.

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    1. Thanks Margaret. So interesting about number 8 - by far the most popular and not my choice at all! I have to learn to listen though.....

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  9. They are all lovely snowy scenes but I think 4, 6, 8, 10 and 11 are my faves and obviously snippet looks gorgeous too!

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  10. They are all beautiful - almost impossible to pick just 5!!! Excellent exposures too - snow is difficult to get right. If I had to choose just five I would go for 1, 3, 8, 13 and 15. Snippet has to be included - such a cute Christmassy photo :)

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    1. Snow is my favourite thing to photograph I think - thanks for your choices - the tally so far is very interesting.

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  11. I would be interested in the first photograph and also in the sheep one Em. I don't know how to use Pay Pal though, but would be happy to send you a cheque if you let me know your address. See how things go.

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  12. Sorry forgot to say - I would be happy to buy a pack whichever photos you choose :)

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    1. Thanks RR - I think it's worth doing even if only three of you do!

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  13. They're all lovely but my favs are 1, 3, 8, 13 and 10.

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    1. Another vote for number 8.....only two for my favourite number 9! Thanks LRH - much appreciated.

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    1. 8 and 13 are the most popular - you clearly have good taste. I like the sparkly yet grim and grey features of number 9. I must check who the other two people were who chose it.....x

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  15. Somehow I missed this post!!!

    I love 1-6, 8 and 12

    :)

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  16. I like 8, 11, 13, and 14, The others seem too desolate for me as Christmas cards, but maybe that's the look you were going for. For 13, would you have something corny like "Wishing ewe a Merry Christmas"? I also really like the photo of Snippet.

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    1. I think if you like Dartmoor, you like desolate! Perhaps I could provide a 'wishing ewe a merry Christmas' sticker with that card for the ultimate choice.

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  17. I have tried to post this twice... I like 9 better than 8... the background in 8 is too much the same value as the tree
    I like 3 9 10 14 and Snippet.
    I went back through your posts and I like the first and last photo in your Ice River set. 12 December 2012 # 6 and 7/ Plus the one where the trees are leaning over and you see footprints walking away.
    Not that this helps you in anyway.

    cheers, parsnip

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    1. I did look at those too, when I was choosing, but thought the snow was more Christmas-like. I couldn't find a decent Robin either!

      SO pleased you like number 9.

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    2. opps forgot # 1 I really liked that one better than 8. I guess I am out numbered.

      cheers, parsnip

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    3. Yep - me too and luckily that's one of the top five. I think most of the answers are in and it's looking like 1, 4, 8, 10 and 13.

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  18. Hi Em, I like 1, 2, 3 and 8 for what its worth. I also like the photo of Snippet.

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    1. Hi Carla - lovely to hear from you and thanks for your input.....votes registered.

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  19. 2, 8, and 12, love the Snippet one as well. I have to say ;) that Dartmoor is more beautiful than the Cornish moors. Print the ones you want and we will all buy some. X

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    1. I think the Cornish moors just aren't big enough to get that sense of endless wilderness. Still beautiful though! I'm going to order them next week. x

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  20. 2,4,5,13,14
    And of course Snippit would appeal to dog fanciers!

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  21. So pleased you like 5 - it's had VERY few votes unfortunately!

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  22. 1, 3 , 13 & Snippet without the harness :) xx

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment. It's great to read them and I will always try to reply.