A Little Catch Up

 It's been another busy week behind the scenes.

The second batch of greeting cards arrived and I've managed to get almost all of them sorted and added to the website. Well... almost! 😂 I've still got three left to upload, so I can't quite say they're all done yet.

 

I've also reopened my Etsy shop. If I'm honest, Etsy hasn't been my favourite place to sell, but it's supposed to be one of the best places for greeting cards, so I'm giving it another chance and seeing how it goes this time.

I'm already in the process of ordering another batch of cards with some new designs. Once they're here, my attention will turn to getting back out to a few markets and craft fairs in the run-up to Christmas.

Talking of Christmas... I can't believe I'm even writing that in July! 🎄

This year I've created two calendars. One is a wildlife calendar, and the other is a Nature with a Touch of Magic calendar. Quite a few people asked if I'd be doing a magical version this year, so I thought, why not?

They'll both be available to pre-order very soon. This year I won't be ordering a huge amount of stock. Instead, I'll be ordering based on pre-orders, so if you'd like one, please make sure you order during the pre-order period so I know how many to have printed.

After the next batch of cards arrives, it'll be time to start working on the Christmas collection. It feels strange thinking about robins, snow and fairy lights while I'm still out photographing butterflies!

Talking of photography, I've completely fallen down the macro rabbit hole.

I've wanted to explore macro photography for a long time, and now that I've started experimenting with different techniques and learning how to get the best from my gear, I thought it would be fun to document the journey. That's where Nature in the Spotlight comes in.

It'll be a little series where I share what I'm learning, the successes, the failures, and hopefully a few interesting discoveries along the way.

I know macro photography is a bit of a niche and probably isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I find the tiny world absolutely fascinating. It's amazing what you can discover when you stop and look a little closer.

Finally, I wanted to mention social media.

I've been trying to grow my Facebook page, Picture This, and if I'm honest, it's been slow going. I do have a lovely group of followers though, and to every one of you who likes, comments and shares my work, thank you. Your support means more than you probably realise.

I think I've been guilty of comparing Facebook with TikTok... two words I never thought I'd hear myself say!

I only started TikTok to try something different. It's very video-based, and anyone who knows me knows I don't particularly enjoy being on camera. I always feel a bit awkward and self-conscious.

But somehow, people have been incredibly kind, and I'm getting close to 10,000 interactions from followers. I genuinely can't believe it. I feel incredibly fortunate and very grateful.

The plan is simply to carry on making those little videos and share them on Facebook too.

I never started social media to chase likes or become some sort of internet celebrity. I started sharing because photography became part of my recovery after my stroke. If sharing that journey helps just one person realise there can still be life after a stroke—even though some days are incredibly difficult—then it's all been worthwhile.

Before I sign off, I just want to say a heartfelt thank you.

The response to my greeting cards has been amazing. Every order, every like, every comment, every share and every kind word genuinely means the world to me. Running a small business isn't always easy, but the support you've shown gives me the motivation to keep creating.

Thank you all so much.

Until next Sunday...

Bob