Kate Harper had another interesting article a while back. For those who think greeting cards are becoming a thing of the past, read this and check out the links. Her newsletter read:

I recently listened to an excellent interview on Kindle Chronicles podcast, with Neil Strandberg, manager of operations at Denver’s renowned Tattered Cover Book Store, about his experience of the e-book revolution.

He made an interesting statement:
In the most financially successful bookstores, the fastest growing inventory now is not a book, but sideline items (includes cards and gifts) . They are now the most profitable part of the business.

I was surprised to hear this.

Perhaps the gift industry is keeping the bookstore industry afloat?

Check out the audio interview online: http://www.thekindlechronicles.com/2011/02/11/tkc-134-neil-strandberg/

You can also subscribe the podcast on itunes.

~ Kate Harper Designs www.kateharperdesigns.com

"Been thinkin' of ya . . .How are ya? . . Whatcha been up to?" 5.5"x 4.25" Greeting Card, Blank Inside

"It's Here ... It's Here ... Spring is Finally Here!" 5"x7" Greeting Card, Blank Inside

Giving someone the courtesy of a thank you note after having dinner at their home is always appreciated. Here is an idea of what you might say.

“Dear  . . .

Dinner was absolutely perfect. Your gourmet meal was incredibly delicious and you attention to detail is unsurpassed. The entire evening was divine.

Thank you for inviting us.”

Here is a fine note card perfect for just such an occasion. It’s understated, yet sophisticated.

#136, 5.5" x 4.25", Shadowed Tulip, Box of 8/$15 or Box or 16/$25

In a recent newsletter from art coach, Alyson Stanfield, she referenced a recent article on hand written cards http://snipurl.com/u2inh Whether you are sending a card to a friend or business associate Alyson suggests using your postal system! Sending stuff in the regular mail will help you stand out. Personally writing a note will impress them even more.  You’ll be diversifying your delivery and content while keeping your name in front of people.

© 2010 Alyson B. Stanfield. Alyson takes the mystery out of marketing your art and making more money as an artist. Visit http://www.ArtBizCoach.com to get articles just like this one delivered to your inbox.

My son works at the post office in Indiana, he will appreciate it too!

Saying “Thanks for a Job Well Done” is always appropriate. To follow is an idea of what you might say to someone who has done a great job on their presentation.

“Hello . . .

As anticipated your presentation was fabulous. Sandy had mentioned you were good with colors and I concur. Thank you for your help.

As promised, I am enclosing information about my company. We’ll get together to discuss opportunities soon.”

Here is one of many cards created from my watercolor paintings that would be appropriate for a business contact.

#162, Kristy's Rose Note Card, blank inside, 5.5"x4.25", $15 box of eight, $25 box of 20

Painting birds has always brought me joy and cardinals are certainly one of my favorite birds. Adding them to murals has always been fun, especially in Colorado since they don’t live here. I find people from the midwest usually miss seeing them and they have actually asked me to add them to their murals.

Two little things I miss living in Colorado,  besides family and friends, are cardinals and lightning bugs (fireflies). Not having investigated it, I’m wondering if it is the altitude that keeps them away. I must admit creating this painting made me a bit homesick for family – well, it is that time of year.

The cardinal is the state bird of Indiana, where I grew up. It also is the state bird of Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina. Let me know if that’s way more information than you needed.

When deciding on a setting for the cardinals I immediately envisioned snow and then the pine trees to add more color and textual interest. You seldom miss seeing the beautiful red of the male cardinal in the snow covered trees in the midwest during the winter.

This is the original painting which measures 8.5″ x 6.5″.

Snow Covered Cardinals in Watercolor

My new Christmas card for 2009 is from this painting. Some cropping was done so the birds could be as large as possible, hope you enjoy it. The cards come in boxes of ten with a bright red loop around it. The price is $15 for a box of ten cards. Christmas cards are available from my website, the Snow Covered Cardinals should be up soon.

Snow Covered Cardinals, New 2009 Christmas Card

Testimonial:

Hi Mickey,

I’m very pleased with the cards.  The ones for Tanya were for my daughter and I was able to get them to her by her birthday on the 11th .  She loves them.
Thank you and I will definitely keep your information for future orders for myself and gifts.  They make such nice gifts.

Jan H