Working Tuesday: Creating a new product line - the reveal!

I've finally gotten the new product line in the Etsy Shop! I've been working for weeks trying to find exactly the right company to print the photo cards I've been designing for the past few months. I tried printing them on both Shutterfly and Kodak Gallery. Although I usually recommend using Shutterfly for your photo products, I found that the photos printed better through Kodak Gallery - the quality was better, photos were crisper and the color is fantastic.

I've just started putting the note cards in the shop, but I have about 10 different sets to designs to get in before I'm finished with this first round of designs. Some of the first I put in are the scripture note cards shown above. I've found that most cards containing scriptures are either cheesy, contain bad photography or are of questionable quality, which is why quality was so important to me. I have striven to use scriptures that match the photo in some way - and to look for scriptures that would fit different occasions. I also love that you can frame the photo if you'd like!

Well, that's the latest from Swoon Studios. Other sets are coming soon. Hope you like the new line!

Working Tuesday: New Work!

I've been a busy bee gathering things up to put into the etsy shop in anticipation of the Christmas season. I tend to have things made, but take forever to get them into the shop. I'm always working on refining the photos - finding ways to better showcase the items in that TINY little square you see in etsy listings.

I've probably got 20 more sets of earrings to list, along with probably 5 or 6 more eyeglass leashes. I've even got more necklace sets and glass tile pendants ready to list. I've also just ordered what will be the basis for a new line for the store - I'll preview that line here when the order comes in!! I'm very excited about where things are going with Swoon Studios in the next couple months.

And if you've not heard, all profits from Swoon Studios sales between now and midnight November 20th will go to help build a school for needy children in Kenya. The project is being spearheaded by an organization called One Home Many Hopes - an organization in whose mission I strongly believe!

So keep your eyes on the shop. And if you're interested in getting some early Christmas shopping done, think about helping build a school at the same time!

Working Tuesday: Creating a new product line

You may have noticed I'm a fan of photography. That's not to say I've learned much beyond set my camera on automatic and shoot. But I am learning and I'm always looking for the perfect photo.

I've been toying with the idea of creating a product line that somehow incorporates my photographs. I've thought of calendars and note cards. The problem is finding an artist to do a layout and then finding the right printer to print the product.

For many years, I've used Shutterfly to create notecards and calendars for my family and friends. The problem has always been with their need to brand the heck out of their products. I understand they have begun a program for those interested in selling their work that allows the artist to put their branding on the back instead of the Shutterfly logo. I'm still investigating this and other routes to find the best product I can offer customers.

The bottom line is that starting a new product line is not always as simple as having a vision or idea. Often the key is in execution and the perseverance to find the right path to a marketable finished product. And sometimes I have a hard time getting down that road.