FLOWERS FOR FRAMING AND FUNDS

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We live near a populous center, so access to my market was relatively easy. If your place is out in the backwoods, get together 15 or 20 pictures and make a day of it downtown. Go anywhere, from super-straight gift boutiques to real head shops. There's no need to make a special sales effort. Just be sincere and honest, and your genuine local handcraft will practically sell itself. Most likely you'll find—as I did—that people are really interested and friendly from the start.

Almost all shops will take articles on a consignment basis (that is, you leave four or five and when they're sold you get the cash). Be sure to tell the proprietors what you think your pictures should sell for ... you'll probably be asked anyway. My five-by-seven-inch size goes for about $3.00, and the store generally takes 10% of the price as commission. The exposure is certainly worth 30¢!

Give the storekeeper your name, address and telephone number, if you have one, and don't leave the shop without a receipt to show that the establishment has so many of your pictures. Although I've found no rip-offs yet, it's best to be on the safe side. File the paper carefully should you need it in the future.

Then sit back and wait . . . but keep busy making more Pictures and trying new places to sell. Usually you'll come across a real business doer who will make a special effort to display and talk up your goodies. Also, don't forget any exhibits of local crafts in shopping centers and community fairs.

Original work really goes over. The more effort you put into the venture, the higher the return. Just use your eyes and imagination, create, enjoy . . . and keep those extra funds rolling in.

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