greetings
In the last year or so, my blog and my book have together opened up all sorts of amazing, unexpected, undreamt-of opportunities for me. And one of the most amazing of these has just come to fruition.
Before I started blogging I'd never taken so much as a single photo with a digtal camera and had certainly never thought of myself as, or aspired to be, a photographer. And yet the most incredible thing has happened: a range of greetings cards printed by one of the most prestigious English card companies bears my photos and name.
In spring last year I was contacted by Sian who works as a design consultant for card businesses saying that she thought my photos which she'd seen in my book and on the blog would work well on greetings cards. Well, I had to read and re-read her email many times to convince myself she was meant what she said, and then I replied very cautiously as I couldn't believe this was for real. But no, she was deadly serious, and we met and had a lovely time playing with ideas and photos. These she carried off and several months later, hey presto, came back with a range of sixteen beautiful cards featuring cakes, flowers, yarn, knitting, sweets, balloons, jam tarts and lots of lovely colour and clever touches.
'The Gentle Art of Domesticity' range is being printed by Woodmansterne, a wonderful company whose cards I have bought so many times in the past that I am totally overawed to think that mine are now part of their range. They are arriving in shops now (although I don't yet have full details of distribution, I know that the company supplies many retailers) and I think I might just need smelling salts the first time I see them on sale.
So this post comes with greetings from a place I never thought I'd be: the world of greetings cards.
They look beautiful; congratulations! Will they be available in the USA?
Posted by: Mary K. in Rockport | January 12, 2009 at 14:07
Congratulations! I have a few special birthdays at the end of the month, hope I can get hold of them soon x
Posted by: Missy | January 12, 2009 at 14:12
Brilliant.I love your photos and it will be great to buy them to send to friends.I am really thrilled for you( and us ).
Posted by: barbara | January 12, 2009 at 14:17
Hello Jane
I have often thought your pictures were easily as good as those that you see on cards. I collect cards as inspirational sources for my knitting design so I think some of yours will be coming home with me!
By the way, you have inspired me to read The Shuttle - had it sitting on the bedside table for some months now... and I have just finished Miss Buncle's Book, another recent Persephone and I loved it.
Best wishes and well done re the card range, fabulous.
Alison
Posted by: Alison Crowther-Smith | January 12, 2009 at 14:17
Can't wait to see them! That really is a thrill!
Posted by: Gemma | January 12, 2009 at 14:18
Well done you! Do let me know if they´ll be selling them in Mexico...
Posted by: yvonne | January 12, 2009 at 14:26
Jane, that's exciting. I am reading your book (The Gentle Art of Domesticity) right now, and it inspired me to start my own blog (and start taking pictures of my crafts). Thank you!
Posted by: Jill | January 12, 2009 at 14:27
I'm not really surprised they wanted your photos for cards - they look stunning! I always admire the photography on other people's blogs but never seem to be able to make myself take more care with the photos I take!
Lucy x
Posted by: Lucy Locket-Pocket | January 12, 2009 at 14:27
Oh Jane, that really is wonderful, congratulations. I will be keeping an eye out for them.
Posted by: Rebecca | January 12, 2009 at 14:44
Congratulations! Your photographs are lovely, so the honor is well-deserved! Best of luck.
Please do let us know if they will be available in the U.S. Best, Stephanie
Posted by: Stephanie | January 12, 2009 at 14:44
This is great news! Congratulations! I, too, hope to be able to purchase/order these.
Posted by: Tamara | January 12, 2009 at 14:54
That company makes good quality cards with compelling pictures -- no wonder they want you!
P.S. Have seen these cards, not Jane's (yet), at Borders in New York City.
Posted by: Rae | January 12, 2009 at 14:55
congratulations! that is quite an honor.
xoxo
Posted by: irene | January 12, 2009 at 14:57
Congratulations! I cannot believe what you said about never having taken a digital photo before starting blogging! You cartainly have a natural gift for photogrophy! Am thrilled re. cards.
Posted by: Rhian | January 12, 2009 at 14:58
Congratulations! I cannot believe what you said about never having taken a digital photo before starting blogging! You cartainly have a natural gift for photogrophy! Am thrilled re. cards.
Posted by: Rhian | January 12, 2009 at 14:58
*photography - apologies!
Posted by: Rhian | January 12, 2009 at 14:59
Many well deserved Congratulations!
Posted by: +marzipan+ | January 12, 2009 at 15:04
Oh how wonderful! (although I'm not surprised!) You have the most beautiful photos. Do you suppose they'll be available in the US?
Posted by: KathrynGrace | January 12, 2009 at 15:06
Congratulations. Your photos are always lovely so I know why they would want to use your photos. I hope they make there way to the US as well.
Posted by: Regina | January 12, 2009 at 15:09
That's wonderful! Your photography is so beautiful it's great that someone thought of a way to be able to share it with others as note cards!
Posted by: Laura | January 12, 2009 at 15:30
What a lovely treat to be able to send or receive one of these cards. Congratulations.
Posted by: Mary Mccartney | January 12, 2009 at 15:32
Congratulations Jane. I'm not at all surprised as your photographs are always beautiful. I'm hoping I can find a local stockist.
Posted by: Gina | January 12, 2009 at 15:56
How exciting!
I adore your book, the photography is beautiful, vivid and full of imagination.
Posted by: A Thrifty Mrs | January 12, 2009 at 15:57
Fantastic colours! That's something that appeals to me with your blog. Everything always looks so clear and crisp
Posted by: dette | January 12, 2009 at 16:03
Jane that's amazing but not all together surprising!
Your photos are lovely and I can't wait to see them in a store near me so I can buy them all!
Woodmansterne are probably my favourite card company too so (they also do lovely advent calendars) I can share your joy at being picked by them - they do such fab ranges - and now yours! I am super thrilled for you.
S xxx
Posted by: Sarah | January 12, 2009 at 16:07
I haven't yet commented on the new blog. Finally taking time to put down the cup of coffee and type a few words.
I'm sure you never thought you'd be in the world of greeting cards, but I DID see that one coming. I'm thrilled for you. And more thrilled for me...can't wait to get the chance to pen a few notes inside your cards.
Posted by: KM | January 12, 2009 at 16:28
That's great; your photos are always colourful and cheery! Congratulations!
Posted by: Mary de B | January 12, 2009 at 16:31
Perfect! I'll be buying them.
Posted by: Cornflower | January 12, 2009 at 16:37
Congratulations ! That's very impressive , if not entirely surprising . I look forward to seeing them .
Posted by: SmitoniusAndSonata | January 12, 2009 at 16:39
Congrats! I received your book as a Christmas present (was on my wish list!) and I'm in the middle of it now. Your pictures are wonderful and I love your writing style! You've definitely inspired me to do more with my crafting and blogging. Thanks!
Posted by: Jess | January 12, 2009 at 16:39
Beautiful, gorgeous, vibrant - just what's needed on a windy wet day in Wiltshire. I sang your blog's praises on BBC local radio today as a 'superblogger'. They were asking why we bloggers blog. Silly question!
Posted by: Janice | January 12, 2009 at 16:49
Beautiful cards, I'll be buying some if I can track them down! Well done Jane x
Posted by: Mel | January 12, 2009 at 16:55
Wow!! They are delightfully charming and colorful cards, Jane. I am so happy for you. Do you ever just pinch yourself to make sure you are not dreaming? The little tree you started to grow years ago has taken root beautifully and branched off into so many different directions, that you have apples, oranges, pears, and cherries dropping everywhere. So, thank you, Jane, for allowing us to take bite after bite of the luscious fruits you have been generous enough to share.
Posted by: cathleen | January 12, 2009 at 16:55
Congratulations! I love your pictures and would be thrilled if the greeting cards were ever to be made available over here. (USA)
Posted by: Ruth | January 12, 2009 at 17:00
I love your photos and the cards look brilliant. I would totally by them. I hope they come to the U.S.!
Posted by: Julie | January 12, 2009 at 17:02
Your photography is one of the biggest draws to your blog for me. My favourite is still the bunch tulips lying on the grey wood. I call it up to my mind's eye whenever I need a lift of pure pleasure.
I too am hoping your cards will be available in the USA. Or I will impose on my friends in the UK to indulge me.
Posted by: Anne | January 12, 2009 at 17:32
Wow! They look lovely. Woodmansterne produce such beautiful cards and yours will fit in so well. I'll have to get myself a few...er...I mean, I'll have to buy some for upcoming birthdays..yep...exactly what I meant.
Posted by: Emma | January 12, 2009 at 17:38
What excellent news! I'll have to check the local gift and book shops to see if they carry Woodmansterne. If I can't find your cards here in the US, I'll try to get some on my next trip to the UK.
Now I'll be waiting to hear about that fabulous coffee table book, "Jane Brocket's World" coming to a store near me one of these Christmases!
Posted by: mesclun | January 12, 2009 at 17:41
Beautiful! What wonderful news, really exciting. I'll be looking out for them.
Posted by: Fran | January 12, 2009 at 18:16
Congratulations! I'm sure your family is as excited and thrilled as you are!
Posted by: Beth | January 12, 2009 at 18:25
Congrats! Very exciting!!! And you do take very beautiful.. intereseting pics... so I guess not necessarily as surprizeing to us.. as you. :) Very cool!
Posted by: Cindy | January 12, 2009 at 18:37
Well, I am not surprised at all, having loved your blog because of all the fabulous photos. This is a big deal and I am so proud and excited for you. Dream big! Can't wait to buy my own box of your cards.
Posted by: Amy in Loozyana | January 12, 2009 at 18:38
Wow! How cool! Congratulations! I hope that they'll be available here, as well, or that I can get them via the internet, because I love your images and that pile up there looks gorgeous!
Posted by: Eva | January 12, 2009 at 18:54
Excellent. I'm fed up with seeing Cath Kidston's name on virtually every product range going. I'd rather see Jane Brocket! Congratulations.
Posted by: Nicola | January 12, 2009 at 19:10
Congratulations Jane! They look stunning as always!
Posted by: alisonb2 | January 12, 2009 at 19:15
Soooooo neat! One of the reasons that I became an instant fan and faithful reader of your blog is the wonderful photos that accompany your honest writing. I'm not at all surprised you are now a greeting card photographer! Congratulations!
Posted by: Jessica Powers | January 12, 2009 at 19:24
Oh how lovely for you! I'd take the ripple blanket one if I could. Please let us Americans know if anyone will have them online. :>
Posted by: Elizabeth | January 12, 2009 at 19:29
Beautiful! That's really neat. Will they be available in the U.S.?
Posted by: Alicia | January 12, 2009 at 19:48
How exciting!l have a new reason for shopping this week..go and SPOT the cards!Congratulations Jane they will brighten up a very grey month..
Posted by: donna | January 12, 2009 at 20:07
Many congratulations! I'm not surprised at all. Your pix are beautiful.
Posted by: Katie | January 12, 2009 at 20:35