Hi Sara!

I’m so sorry–I’m just seeing your question :\ I don’t get over here that often.

I’m assuming that you figured out your question, but honestly, I would cut the sheet
metal as close to your bed as possible–I think–so your furniture, bases, etc…can be
nice and flush.

Still haven’t sold my press–hoping I will soon. If you know anyone, direct them my way 🙂

Happy Thanksgiving and Press On!
Dee

Hi Danielle, 

One thing I forgot to mention is the terms. Generally, you would want to set a minimum amount ($150.00 is pretty standard) for the first order and take the payment via credit card right away. As you establish a relationship with the store you can let them start doing a Net 30. It’s important to keep track and send reminders if they are late on payment though.

Also, cards are sold in packs (usually 6 per design). Sometimes a store will request less if they are a small boutique. For boxed cards (ie: 6/box) 3-4 boxes per design is common–depends on the store and the volume they require. Boxed cards are very popular during the holidays, so be prepared…

Since you are starting out, it wouldn’t hurt to ask each store what their most popular cards are: Birthdays and Thank You cards are always needed, but it would be good for you to know as you build your line what to focus on. If you get a rep or reps they will tell you. Bottom line, stores want new and different all the time! If your cards look like something they’ve never seen before or your collection has a really strong voice you will do well. Ideally, your cards should look like a cohesive line. When I walk into a stationery store, I know right away: That’s egg press, that’s got to be Hello Lucky!, Rifle Paper Co., etc…When I illustrated a new collection for Dee&Lala, it was always tempting to try something different and we strayed a little bit sometimes, but if it was too different than the look we established, we avoided it.

Oh, and I would make sure to set an appointment with the stores you want to be in. Ask to speak to the buyer (which is usually the owner) and make sure to confirm your appointment. Have your deck, line sheet and order form ready. You’ll be an old pro in no time…

xo, 

Dee

Basically what you will need is: 

1. A Deck – a ‘shoebox’ (you can use a plastic shoebox-size box for your cards–Container Store is a good source). Generally reps want to see the cards grouped in categories (ie: birthday, anniversary, congratulations, etc…).  Each card should be packaged in a clear protective sleeve and you should have the item name and number on each card along with the price (the item # and price are most important).

2. A line sheet: this is basically a sheet that shows an image (can be digital illustrations or photos) of each card, the name and Item number. This makes it easy for the rep and store buyer to write down an order! You can create a .pdf, but you will need to print a copy or copies for your rep to reference and show the store.

Put yourself in your rep’s shoes. They are representing a number of lines. Make sure everything is organized and you have the names and item numbers on each piece so they can quickly reference a card and write it down on an order form. Note: some reps use their own order form, others may want yours. Either way, the most important info is the store name, buyer, payment method and info and cards they are buying.

Down the road  you may have a full catalog and then a seasonal line sheet showing your new cards. You will need to prepare and ship a deck to each rep. As you add and subtract cards from your line you will need to send the new and request the old back as your line evolves.

Good Luck!

xo, Dee

I can send you a list of reps. I have a list from when I owned a greeting card line. It’s a very small world, so if a rep isn’t taking on new lines, they may be able to refer you to someone. We always preferred to work in independent reps.

Email me 😉

 

Definitely the Stationery Show and sales reps! At least to get things rolling… Don’t expect a huge amount of orders from the show, but hopefully, if you attract a few key stores, sales reps will want to rep you…Good Luck!

I would inspect your wood mounted mag plates… 

 

Laura, 

 

What kind of plates are you using? Are you sure they are perfectly even? I was having this issue recently (I use magnesium plates) and realized the plate was warped because the wood sliver underneath was warped). When I used my other plates, everything printed perfectly fine, so it confirmed that my roller height was okay and my impression was even.

 

Have you had any luck?

 

xo, 

Dee

 

 

At a quick glance, this looks like an over inking issue. Living in a humid climate is actually a good thing for printing. It opens the paper in a way that actually gives a nice pillowy impression.

I would try taking a bit of ink off and try that first. 

Good luck!

xo, Dee

 

I was having the same issue and it sounds like you may need to check to be absolutely sure that your platen is perfectly even/parallel to the chase (as a whole). Take the time to test all four corners. Take similar plates, put them in each corner and you will see where you need to adjust. Make sure to have someone there to help you and be careful–make only one adjustment at a time and check. It takes a good bit of strength and some time, but it’s WORTH IT!! Good Luck!! xo, Dee

 

PS. This is assuming that you’ve checked your plate, tympan, packing, etc…Make sure to do this first…;)

 

Oh, and one more thing… make sure your rollers and taped rails don’t have any sticky buildup from the tape… 

Sarah! Thank you for such a nice response! I so much appreciate it as I am I’m working up the nerve to color the edges of my latest job this weekend.

 

I experimented over last weekend and so far, I like your method best. I have considered using an airbrush, which I think would work well, but I like the idea of using the same mixed ink for the edges that I’ve used for the project (as opposed to matching air brush paints to the ink — that will be another learning curve).

 

Thank you!! Fingers crossed…

xo, Dee

Hi Sarah, 

 

Do you use any kind of matte medium first? Also, do you use a specific kind of wax?

Thank you so much for posting this. I’m going to give it a shot…

 

xo, 

Dee

 

PS. The invitations that you’ve shown are just beautiful… 🙂

 

 

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