DENMAN ISLAND CRAFT FAIR Dec. 6 & 7
Dec. 1, 2014 - For the past week I've been busy preparing for the Denman fair. As usual, card-making seems to consume more than its share of time. Trying to decide which cards to add to the inventory is always a challenge. In the past I've printed more than a few that I thought would be great, but they never sold. For example, the Tree Swallow with its fantastic iridescent blue back glistening in the sun. It's one of the card that gets the most attention, but very few are sold. Once again, what appeals to me and what appeals to the public may not be the same. Later in the journal I'll show some of the new cards I've added to the line-up, some all-time favorites, and a few more misses.
What else do I have besides cards and books? Calendars are popular. One year I gambled and produced 100. Fortunately, I also sold 100, but it's always a gamble. If they don't sell, they're not worth much in the recycle bin. Last year I reduced production to 75 and had no problem. 75 seems like a comfortable number and that's what I ordered for this year. Through personal contacts and the Fanny Bay Fair I'm now down to 25.
Before I show you some of my new cards for the fair I'm going to give you an update on the sales of my new book, VANCOUVER ISLAND BUTTERFLIES.
BOOK UPDATE
After the first month I'll give myself a "reasonable" for my report card. If you want to translate that to a letter grade, how about a generous "B!" Yes, I could have been more aggressive with badgering the media and maybe a couple of book signings, but there's still time.
Briefly, book-sellers have been excellent. All were enthusiastically receptive, and MUNRO'S have already re-ordered. As far as I can estimate, there has been a steady trickle of sales but no great rush. Some of the bookstores provide a running tab of their inventory so I can tell you that Bolen sold 3 books and I know Chapters sold three. Hopefully, when people realize that it would make a fantastic Christmas gift sales will escalate.
The media campaign has also been good with newspaper interviews by the Nanaimo Bulletin and Daily News. Saanich News and the Oceanside Star were supportive by publishing press releases. I'm not sure if any other papers used the press release. CBC Radio saw the article in the Saanich News and got on board with a radio interview at 7:50 am on Dec. 18. I am grateful for all the press so far and will continue to the campaign for two more weeks.
Direct orders for books have been brisk. Locally, most people have been willing to support their local artist, especially my buddies at Fairwinds Golf Club. Orders from those of you who follow my website have also been brisk. Two mail-order customers worth mentioning because of their distance were Jim from St. Paul, Minnesota and Farid from Sweden. I can tell you that postage to most places in the US is $16.03 for small packet. For Sweden it's only $17.30, but delivery time is about 5 weeks.
RIP
While I'm thinking of mailed books, I would like to express my condolences to the Hardwick family in Gig Harbor. I had the pleasure of meeting Bob when he offered to take me to the Olympic Mountains to look for the Johnson's Hairstreak. Although the Johnson's was a no-show, it was a joy to spend a few hours with such an knowledgeable, affable, and upbeat gentleman. To compensate for the no-show Bob offered me the use of his excellent Johnson's Hairstreak photo which is on page 47 of my book and will serve as a tribute to a fine lepidopterist and person. I did mail a copy of the book to Bob's wife and she was very appreciative to receive it as a memento of Bob's passion for butterflies and willingness to share his expertise with others.
Ready for the Fair - New Cards
I had to think twice about producing butterfly cards. Despite their beauty people still gravitate to what they're familiar with - birds. Most people know nothing about butterflies in their environment. A few have heard of the Monarch which is a rare migrant to the island, but have no knowledge of local, resident butterflies. Most people know about Bald Eagles and humming birds, so it is no surprise that they have been two enduring card favorites. Most have never heard of Sara's Orangetip, Zerene Fritillary, or Taylor's Checkerspot.
Contradicting my own wisdom, I flipped the coin and decided to print a series of butterfly cards. The results at the Fanny Bay Fair were disappointing to say the least. Most people glazed right over them and focuseds on the bird cards. I think I sold two. Will they do any better on Denman Island? Actually, it doesn't matter. I'm committed to speak for the butterflies and will continue to do so regardless of any obstacles or setbacks. In fact, I've even decided to do more presentations in 2015.
You won't be surprised to see that I've added the Salt Spring Zerene Fritillary to my line-up of cards. It's one of my favorite butterfly photos. Besides gracing the cover of my book, it has also been used in several newspaper articles. I only managed a few shots of the Zerene and was lucky to get this shot. It was mid-day. I got as low as I could to get the eye-level shot - an angle to show the bottom side of the wing and a level shot of the eye. The Canada thistle provided a pleasing complementing colour.
The Taylor's Checkerspot is my best bet for Denman. Some of you may know that the Taylor's is unique to Denman where the last existing population in BC is clinging to existence. Last year I actually made five cards for the Denman show, and they all sold. That's a positive sign.
The angel of spring - the Sara's Orangetip is one of my all-time favorites (along with many more). The elegant marbling on the ventral wings is part of its beauty and sophistication. How can anyone resist this card?
The Lorquin's is one of our most prolific summer butterflies. It's distinctive markings make it a popular species.
Circle cards - While I was experimenting with designs this summer I took a fancy to the circle design. It eliminates much of the distracting background and focuses attention to the butterfly. Does it appeal to you? I hope it appeals to some as I went overboard and repeated the pattern for more than a few species.
The Arctic Tern is an amazing bird. I love the way it hovers in the air to search and wait for prey. This is one of my few new bird cards.
Bald Eagles are always a favorite, but finding the right pose is a challenge. The Old Dutch pair at Qualicum was my best of the year, but I was too busy with butterflies to spend much time looking for the perfect eagle(s) shot.
The Great Blue Hero at french Creek has been one of my all-time best. Just for variety I've added this shot from Qualicum Beach.
Who doesn't like the Red-breasted Nuthatch? This is my first nuthatch card. Will it be my last?
Harry the hummer - another all-time favorite. This is my best view from the back. The front view with the glistening gorget is popular. I suspect that I might end up using all these for my Christmas cards.
There's something magical about the White Raven. I'm hoping this will fly off the shelf.
The fascination with the White Raven is a universal phenomena. This is an all-time favorite card and so is the eagle family below.
SEE YOU AT THE FAIR!
A Craft fair is more than just a sales event. It is a great place to connect with people with similar interests, and those with budding curiosities. It's always a pleasure to share whatever I know with anyone who is interested. If you don't have anything better to do, see you at the fair!
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Bird Poster
My poster is on display at: Victoria - Swan Lake Nature House. (Note: This poster has been produced in a more manageable size and is now available for $20 unlaminated and $32 laminated.)
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PUBLICATIONS
