I took this photo last Christmas and was damned chuffed with myself. I popped it in a blog post at the time and revelled in the praise that was forthcoming. I remember one reader suggested it could be a Christmas card.
A few weeks ago I came across the photo on my computer and thought, “You know, they were right, this could be a Christmas card”. So I did some searching and found lots of online companies out there, happy to take your snaps and turn them into festive greeting cards. Having said that, many of them had this idea that everyone wants a jolly border, usually red, with snowflakes, to accompany the photo, together with the “Greetings from the Jones Family” scrawled along the bottom.
I didn’t want that. I wanted a Christmas card like the arty ones from Woodmansterne, or ones you pick up in little chichi craft shops, just an elegant image on the front, a simple greeting inside, and room for me to write my own message.
Much faffing about later, I came across the Bonusprint website and they allowed the customer to have the option of no border. Hoorah! Better still, if I got cracking, they had 25% off for a limited period. It didn’t take long to upload the photo, type in the inventive message “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year” and press, ‘add to basket’.
A few days later, and a day or two of panic when I convinced myself I’d typed ‘Chrismtas’, they landed on the doormat. The result is this:
How about that! Large A5, stiff card, decent envelopes and all my own work. Of course the problem is, I would like the recipients of the card to know this was ALL MY OWN WORK and by not having anything pre-typed on it, they will think I’ve just picked it up from WH Smiths. So I will have to scribble “Notice the lovely picture? I did that!” on every one.
Clever lady and what a great idea.
Very Bored – It's so unlike me. I never make things, have no creative bent, so this is quite a novelty, and in November to boot!
Sheer class – well done you!
Steve – thank you. I'm bloody brilliant, am I not?
Next year you'll have to get hold of something like Photoshop where you can type words over the photo – and credit yourself.
Well done.
I've just found a card I made last year – it's a mosaic of a Christmas tree made from cutting old cards up. I must have had a lot of time on my hands is all I can say.
Great idea and a lovely pic. Might even try something like this myself next year!
That is such a wonderful image and even better that you took it yourself. We have had the offer of some cheesy personalised ones, I am just waiting for them to arrive!
Expat Mum – The Christmas tree mosaic sounds dead clever: out of my league, cuz. But maybe this is a start, I may have an artistic streak after all.
Rachgrif – if I can do it, anyone can. The photo itself was a bit of a surprise: I think the sun shone at just the right time.
The Mad House – That's the funny thing about the personalised ones; they are in danger of being received like a round robin Christmas letter. I'd still want to write a message in the card so it wasn't too business-like?
Well done you! fab picture and you must of course write something in it to show how very personal it is!
Lovely picture. And having to write it's your own picture, gives you more to write. Or you can just print this blog post and mail it with the cards.
show off! 😉
but too nice not to be personalized. couldn't you add a label on the back of the card. you could run them off on the computer. 'Photo by Trish.'
Libby, Susie and Clippy – yes, I'm going to have to put something: I suspect a ps after the 'love from' bit will have to suffice.
Wow, nifty card and all your own work! I'd be chuffed too!
Wow! That is a fantastic idea, never thought of it. I'm going to look into doing it myself with some of the farm shots I've taken this weekend. Beautiful picture. I don't want all the borders either, it spoils the whole effect. The image is perfect as it is.
CJ xx
Sarah – it's not often I do anything creative so I'm very pleased.
CJ – well worth a go. It was quite a simple procedure (ish) but if you get stuck just email me and I'll help. Shame they haven't got the 25% off discount anymore. I did look at a couple of other websites but they were too complicated for me.
Quite agree that having the Jones family on the card would have been unwise. As for the border, Crystal Jigsaw's photos will probable have it in the far distance.
You ought to put a copyright notice somewhere on your blog otherwise someone might copy your photo.
very very impressed!
Looks great, love the red berries. And yes, you definitely need to get some credit for that being your own photo!
Troy – I keep telling myself to put a copyright notice on my blog. Thanks for the nudge. (Crystal Jigsaw's border….very clever!)
Lorraine and Make do mum – thanks ladies. I think a note in capital letters on the inside of the card should do the trick, accompanied by a large arrow.
That is a rather fabulous card. I spent hours yesterday trudging thru the woods in knee deep snow in search of a berry or two but the birds must have beaten me to them – it was bleak I tell ya 🙂
Nikkii – WHOO HOO! Mrs Photography Queen, she say "Yes".
My garden has plenty of berries again. I think I took the photo last year by venturing out in the cold for all of two minutes!