Image used for stationery items
In May 2009, I gathered a few dolls that possess a unique characteristic and photographed them as a group. I uploaded the image to Vistaprint.com* where I ordered note cards and envelopes, note pads, and self-adhesive return address labels. The image used (shown above) covers the front of the note card; the back is blank with the exception of the statement/question at the very bottom: Black dolls are my passion ... what's yours? A smaller version of the image appears in the top center of the note pad, and a thumbnail version is used on the return address labels.
Front of doll note card printed on linen-looking card stock paper by Vistaprint.com
(Back Row, L-R)
Kemi is a one-of-a-kind dark leather doll by Lorna Paris that I first saw on exhibit during the 2005 International Black Doll Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After suffering deep regret for not buying the doll at the convention, I contacted Lorna by phone and purchased Kemi a few weeks later.
Lou Ellen is a one-of-a-kind cloth doll with hand-painted features crafted by independent doll artist, Gloria Young. Lou Ellen is part of the Lil’ Color’d Girls series and holds a basket of black berries. The doll’s creation was inspired by the phrase, “The blacker the berry, the sweeter the juice.” After Gloria made the doll, she shared pictures with me and shared the doll's story. This was an immediate purchase.
Kayin is a one-of-a-kind porcelain trunk doll by Goldie Wilson. I chose the Yoruba name Kayin, which means a child who has been desired for a long time. Kayin has a handmade trunk and several outfits made by Goldie. The tricycle with basket and wooden bear seen in the picture belong to Kayin.
Kayin is a one-of-a-kind porcelain trunk doll by Goldie Wilson. I chose the Yoruba name Kayin, which means a child who has been desired for a long time. Kayin has a handmade trunk and several outfits made by Goldie. The tricycle with basket and wooden bear seen in the picture belong to Kayin.
(Front Row, L-R)
Kayla is a limited-edition resin doll by Lorna Miller-Sands, who is well-known for her life-like babies.
Walnut Baby is a one-of-a-kind, spring-jointed doll carved from walnut wood by master carver, Floyd Bell.
Baby Nancy by Shindana Toys, Inc., is the first doll manufactured by the company known for being the first American company to mass-produce ethnically correct Black dolls. Baby Nancy’s head is marked: Div. of/Operation Bootstrap, Inc. USA/©1968 Shindana. The Shindana Toys, Inc. division of Operation Bootstrap, a Black-owned and operated business, made Black dolls designed by Black people from 1968 until the company ceased operation in the early 1980s.
After two years, its time to reorder, or choose another group of dolls to replenish my supply of unique Black doll stationery.
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*Vistaprint.com is an Ebates.com affiliate. Linking to their website from Ebates.com prior to making a purchase will generate 5% cash back, if you are a registered Ebates user.
What a nifty idea. I love it!
ReplyDeleteAwesome idea. I love Vistaprint. Sadly, I am the absolute worst when it comes to sending out cards. I think I need therapy for this. I buy the cards, usually I write in them, oftentimes I even address them. I have gone so far as to put stamps on some of them, and they still never make the mailbox. I have been doing this for years. That's why I know there is some deep rooted issue there. This would have been a wonderful idea when I made porcelain dolls. A great marketing tactic. I can still see ways that I can use it for VansDollTreasures. Wish me luck. Thanks for the idea.
ReplyDeleteThanks Hugs and Vanessa. Glad you like the idea.
ReplyDeleteVanessa -- you must do better or at least you have to stop placing stamps on the envelopes that you are not going to mail. Do you know how much postage costs? LOL!
Seriously, picture post cards, note cards, and business cards are great marketing tools. I used Vistaprint.com to create post cards that contain the front cover of my second book. I sent these to patrons two weeks after they purchased the book as an additional thank you for the purchase and to request their online book reviews. I have used Vistaprint.com to create business cards, but I created and printed my most recent bus. cards myself using bus. card paper and a Microsoft template.
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I did design my business cards at Vistaprint. It would be nice to have postcards to include in each of my packages that go out.
ReplyDeleteI need an assistant. I just can't do it all. I am in the process of making 2 sofas and 3 chairs. My computer is always by my side, so I can keep up with my emails, etc. I guess I could write additional notes at 3am. That's usually when I wake up. Right now, I need to make lots of furniture. No need to market more until I get more things in the store.
But when my clone arrives, I will put that on her TO DO list. LOL!
You are too funny, Vanessa.
ReplyDeletedbg