View Full Version : A Kettle of Fish - Card Updates
Love the mothers day card... you are fab you know you are!!!
:D
BB x
Ignore my PM, hadn't seen this thread - That's fantastic!
You sure you wouldn't like a larger one Feekles *fnar ;)
Spoken to Clintons - will be trialling beginning of October and also be put in the new store in London (white... something... will find out more) at the end of October! Hooray!
Now... Asda. They love my designs buuut because I'm a small business they won't deal with me (they look for a million pound turnover)...
... think I can blag my way in?
*goes off to make a few phone calls*
Oh and Tink - but ofcourse!
I will give you a list of what's available in a couple of days - will be ordering up a few more soon sooo will hang on til I know whether there's any neeew :D
Now... Asda. They love my designs buuut because I'm a small business they won't deal with me (they look for a million pound turnover)...
That's easy. I will charge you £1M for an artwork. You can then charge me £1M for a card. That gives you £1M turnover :D
Sounds very promising :D
Will you know what stores will have the trial runs?
Yup... I have to deliver to all of them! As soon as I know you guys will know :p ;)
Desmo... you now owe me *puts little finger to face* Ooone Meeellliooon ... pounds! (but then I owe back :( )
Teeheeehee!
Can't get through... will bug again in a bit!
Knipples
26-08-2008, 18:31
I want to buy some as well.
Christmas cards?
:D
Shout pheebs and I mean it I will buy some.
/me wants some
/me will get my big sis to buy loads from a Clintons in London :D
Christmas cards are still a-coming!
I need to find a decent manufacturer to make me boxes with my designs on for Christmas Cards (so I can sell packs of 25 and such).
Annoyingly I am struggling to find one, let alone an FSC approved one (environmentally friendly jobby... trying to do my bit and all)
As soon as that's sorted it's all go from there :)
Oh... Athena are now having my cards 100% by next week. They're going into one store for the moment buuuut I'm sure it will domino into others! :D
I need to find a decent manufacturer to make me boxes with my designs on for Christmas Cards (so I can sell packs of 25 and such).
Not sure if this is of any help. It's a scan from our trade book, don't know any of the companies listed but they're in the Cartons section as you can see so you might find something there or they may at least be able to point you in the right direction :)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v112/piggymon/Odds%20and%20Ends/Cartons.jpg
Carlton Cards aren't interested - they've got inhouse artists and can apparently access similar styles to mine. Boo.
Just thought I would share this too... :)
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/083108-AFriend-BoysSmell.png
Pffft at similar style, bet they're still not as good as yours :D
Nice smelly bum card;D
Is that one aimed at me? (PUN INTENDED...DO YOU SEE WHAT I DID THERE?)
lol! Only if Sineady thinks it's applicable ;)
Knipples
01-09-2008, 17:41
Carlton Cards aren't interested - they've got inhouse artists and can apparently access similar styles to mine. Boo.
Just thought I would share this too... :)
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/083108-AFriend-BoysSmell.png
I WANT ONE!!! I can think of sooooo many people who I could send that to because im always calling boys stinky!
Piggymon
01-09-2008, 18:00
lol! Only if Sineady thinks it's applicable ;)
With him it's ALWAYS applicable ! :angry: ;D
don't know any of the companies listed but they're in the Cartons section as you can see so you might find something there or they may at least be able to point you in the right direction :)
Dude, they're cartoons. :rolleyes:
TinkerBell
01-09-2008, 21:18
Love it :D So true as well!! :p Can't wait to get some of your cards :D
FakeSnake
01-09-2008, 21:32
peebee
I need all your new designs i have not got already
this weekend, bring them, or you may get snogged and spanked
this weekend, bring them, or you may get snogged and spanked
Some things no one should have to be subjected to :p
I think I'm telling everyone this due to sheer excitement buuuut...
MY CARDS ARE GOING TO BE IN CLINTONS IN OCTOBER! YAaaaaaaaaaaaY!
They're going to beeee:
Boston, Pescod Square, Lincs
Sutton Coldfield, The Parade, West Midlands
Gateshead, New Red Mall, Metro Centre
Leeds, White Rose, White Rose Centre
Glasgow, Provan Walk
Southend (138 High Street), Essex
Manchester, Arndale Centre
White City, London
Lime Street, London
Bishopsgate, London
:D :D :D :D :D
They're on trial for a month and if they pass (eak! Fingers crossed!) then we'll get launched into a load of their stores and become a bit more permanent! :D
Sooo. If any of you guys happen to be wandering past the above shops - run in and take some photos for me (and buy a card!! I need to pass!) ;D
Tis exciting! Some of the cards they've selected are... a bit weird! I'm not sure why they've picked them if I'm honest! *humm*. We'll see what happens!
Best get back to wrapping packing and parceling up everything!
:D
leowyatt
19-09-2008, 09:23
Manchestoh is do able for us :D
I think I'm telling everyone this due to sheer excitement buuuut...
MY CARDS ARE GOING TO BE IN CLINTONS IN OCTOBER! YAaaaaaaaaaaaY!
They're going to beeee:
Boston, Pescod Square, Lincs
Sutton Coldfield, The Parade, West Midlands
Gateshead, New Red Mall, Metro Centre
Leeds, White Rose, White Rose Centre
Glasgow, Provan Walk
Southend (138 High Street), Essex
Manchester, Arndale Centre
White City, London
Lime Street, London
Bishopsgate, London
:D :D :D :D :D
They're on trial for a month and if they pass (eak! Fingers crossed!) then we'll get launched into a load of their stores and become a bit more permanent! :D
Sooo. If any of you guys happen to be wandering past the above shops - run in and take some photos for me (and buy a card!! I need to pass!) ;D
Tis exciting! Some of the cards they've selected are... a bit weird! I'm not sure why they've picked them if I'm honest! *humm*. We'll see what happens!
Best get back to wrapping packing and parceling up everything!
:D
ooooh ill look in the arndale shop :D:D
I suggest we have a food meet in Liverpool St and head down to Clintons on Bishopsgate en masse... LOL
OK I could always pop in one lunchtime ;) hee hee! Can't wait!
BB x
cleanbluesky
19-09-2008, 10:17
I wondered why some people were plugging a KettleOfFish...
Pheebs, care to give us a rundown of the process you've gone through to get them in the shops, including the creative work and why you chose cards?
I've only joined the forum recently so I don't know the background
I wondered why some people were plugging a KettleOfFish...
Pheebs, care to give us a rundown of the process you've gone through to get them in the shops, including the creative work and why you chose cards?
I've only joined the forum recently so I don't know the background
*takes deep breath in*
Well!
I've been a big doodler all my life. Used to get a good finger waggling at school for dooderling and not listening (though I'm a laaaaady! I can do two things at once!) A few years back now I started doing a kind of doodle diary - I would doodle silly thoughts and little things that had happened during the day - all on paint. The drawings were rubbish but in a funny rubbish way.
People ended up seeing them, thought they had potential as a brand and I giggled about it and was all "yeh yeh yeh". After toying around with drawings and trying out a sketch pad and adobe photoshop I started doing more non-crabby drawings just as a past time type thing. I then had mooore people comment and eventually, a year ago I compiled a load of drawings and took them to a big branding/licensing company and asked their thoughts. I asked a number of other big wigs too in the industry and.. well they loved them. They needed a tad of tweaking and I took onboard comments, went away and figured
"hmm. If these guys think they have potential then I'll go for it. But 100% into it and see what happens in the next couple of years"
Quit my job (eak!) got designing and spent a good few months sorting out what kind of style to go for/webby, finances, printers, business gumph etc. By Feb/March I was all ready to go go go and started contacting loads of companies, sending off samples and what not.
And yes! I've done the odd stall, I've been doing custom designs for people (which most donate towards) and yeh! All's good! Clintons - I didn't expect a response as I am a small business but they contacted me two days after I sent the stuff and were nuts on it! :) Had a meeting with a head buyer and now I'm here :)
Tis gooooooooood!
We were actually looking at travelodges near Sutton Coldfield to see if it was doable to see your cards ;D But it's not really as it's the wrong side of Brum for us so will take forever :(
I want to go to Manchester but my Mum's not so keen :p So have to wait till they become national :D
cleanbluesky
19-09-2008, 11:03
Interesting... so what lead you from doodler to understanding how to market your products and approaching 'big wigs'?
Interesting... so what lead you from doodler to understanding how to market your products and approaching 'big wigs'?
Ermm... I'm not sure. If I want to do something I will do it and do it big. That's the way I operate - nothing to me is impossible :) I think... I figured if I was going to take this seriously I should probably find out whether it's worth my time or if I'm on a road to no where. I know friends and randoms liked my stuff but I wanted an unbiased opinion, so why not ask the top man in the business? So I did just that! :)
Marketing wise.. I've learned a lot from friends in business and been on a number of business courses... but to me much of it's common sense (I'm not meaning to sound big headed when I say that! I have lots to learn and always am - it's just up to now I have looked at what others have done and their standards and tried to replicate something on parr but different and if I can... better ;)). :)
Pheebs, you should go into public speaking for people wanting to set up their own businesses :D
I'm serious here, I know I'm not good at getting my point across at the moment but you have acheived a lot in a relatively short space of time, your knowledge and persistance in this would be beneficial and inspirational to others.
I'll take a picture of me browsing in Bishopsgate with my kettleoffish stylee t-shirt on!
Yaaaaaaaaay Wyrel! Remember it's in October so the won't be there now!
Heh - thanks vix! I haven't done public speaking in donkey yonks! Would probably make a complete fool of myself!
I don't feel established enough to be able to give all inspiring talks! I have seen a couple of chaps giving talks on setting up their own businesses and they have so much more under their belt than I! Although I've achieved so far quite a lot in comparison to other major brands... I would prefer to hang fire until I can say 100% that I did something successful :)
Good idea for the future though! I like it!
You're very good at inspirational talks Pheebs ;) Or at least you are when it comes to talking to me about it :D
I'm sure you could go into it if you wanted to :)
cleanbluesky
19-09-2008, 11:59
Do you print the stuff yourself Pheebs?
Nope! Our printers are poop!
I have a print company down the road that does it for me! They made a big big BIG booboo this past week though and I had to be a bit grumpy with them. Doh!
Not to worry, all the stuffs done now and I'm now just waiting envelopes and cello bags!
*edit* and Jen! That's because your business plans are GENIUS! :D
cleanbluesky
19-09-2008, 12:07
Can you recommend any business courses or books?
Regarding public speaking I think you'll find it is a business in itself rather than a consequence of another business - the only problem is that there are so many products out there that seem bogus - all sales and marketing techniques to give people cheap slogans, essentially tell them what they already knew.
chumpychops
19-09-2008, 12:55
How do I add a 'CBS is addicted to courses rather than actually doing anything' tag?
Do I need more posts before thats enabled?
We don't have the tag system at all
chumpychops
19-09-2008, 12:59
So how on earth do you semi-anonymously snipe at each other then?
YAAAAAAAAAY! Envelopes and cello bags have arrived!
Leeeeeets wrap pack and parcel up! Outside in the sunneroo! :D
Business courses I did were ones set up down here by the southwest business enterprise people. They were free but damned good. Chap who did it has left now but he was the biggest star of them all.
If you are looking at setting up your own business and want to know niggly bits I will happily have a chat and pull out some ideas :) I think Haly has hit the right idea though and is doing a book keeping course at her local college. If you've not studied stuff like this I would suggest it's a good idea - I'm trying to find a way onto one at the moment because right now I'm winging it with what I know but when things get big I think I will be left behind a little!
Book wise - every book I have read so far has been a bit patronising and pants (especially the sales and pitching books I have read). Maybe because I don't have issues with how to present myself to people/what to say etc I feel that way. (Most of what I have learned has been off people/meeting people/discussing business with professionals etc) Books are great but only if you can apply them in reality and directly to your business.
Depending on your product and what you plan on doing just... depends on what you focus on in large :) As said - email me and I will let you know what I know (but it's not everything by far!) One biggest bit of advice I can say it's socialise with EVERYONE and stay in contact with them all with frequent catch up calls/emails etc! If I didn't do that, I wouldn't have got where I am now :)
Snuggle Ferret
19-09-2008, 13:36
Congratulations on getting your cards into Clintons :-)
cleanbluesky
19-09-2008, 13:40
Depending on your product and what you plan on doing just... depends on what you focus on in large :) As said - email me and I will let you know what I know (but it's not everything by far!) One biggest bit of advice I can say it's socialise with EVERYONE and stay in contact with them all with frequent catch up calls/emails etc! If I didn't do that, I wouldn't have got where I am now :)
You'll have to go into that further... exactly whom do you socialise with and how?
and how?
Means talking to people not just questioning them ;) :p
I open my mouth and make noises that resemble words and then structure them into sentences. The person I speak with retorts back to me in a similar manner and we thus have a conversation. ;)
As above - email me and if I can help you out I will :)
The most important thing is right now - MY CARDS ARE DUE TO BE IN CLINTONS! :) Woo!
Once again a big congrats on your Clinton's achievement Pheebledee - I know once people see them they will fall in love with them and *fingers crossed* sales shall rocket!
It takes so much more than having a good idea/talent, but you've shown a real head for business and self-management : keep it up and I'll buy you a small hawaiian pizza*... :)
*might be lies. but the thought is there.
Knipples
19-09-2008, 16:34
Darn! None of those Clintons are near me!
I'd have happily gone in and done loads of random poses and told EVERYONE in the shop how fab the cards are.
TinkerBell
19-09-2008, 16:35
I can't wait till they are in the shops and I can go to the nearest one :D Woooo!
I'd have happily gone in and done loads of random poses and told EVERYONE in the shop how fab the cards are.
I would have done too but none near me
*aaaaaaaaRrrrrrrrrrrIiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiEEEEEeeeeeeeoo oooooooooo!!!*
What a nightmare weekend!
Printers... God bless them... have been apologising to me this morning like you wouldn't believe!
Last week, when I got through my 3000 odd cards (two days later than anticipated and unfolded! :shocked:) I discovered four sets of designs were scored completely off (as in... completely and entirely - they folded wonky!) meaning near 800 cards were unsaleable!
Noooooo!
So! I rang them saying "Noooooo!" and begged for them to give me a small amount of reprints done that day so I could get one batch off and then the rest could wait until Thursday/Friday. Friday comes and due to having to wait for envelopes to be delivered, I couldn't go pick up the reprints until the afternoon.
Pick them up, thank them muchly, get home and due to friends coming round I had to have a quick tidy up and make it not look like we'd just moved in (boxes are EVERYWHERE!)
Opened the box of reprints yester and once again... they're all scored off and unsaleable.
I near but died!
Sent them a message this morning saying "waaaaaaaaaagh! This can't happen!! What has happened! I need to send them off this afternoon/tomorrow morning!! You plonkers!!!!!!" and yeh.
Nightmare!
They're getting enough off the print today for the initial batch to be sent off and then getting the rest to me later but zomg! I didn't need this!
Apparently the guy who did it has been given a right old rollicking! Though, due to it being a small amount they think it's the small processing machine that's slightly mucked up! Erk!
Silly silly moos have aged me by about 2million years!
Still all in all things are going smoothly! I am planning on watching all the episodes of Star Wars whilst folding and stuffing the rest of the cards. I can do about 70 - 80 now in an hour! Yaaay!
*is going to need a massage/spa weekend after this!*
Oh and by the way this means I have 360 (each) slightly off scored cards of:
http://pheebeh.googlepages.com/RAN015-SmellARat.png
http://pheebeh.googlepages.com/RAN005-Doggycopy.png
http://pheebeh.googlepages.com/ILY007-Oldcopy.png
http://pheebeh.googlepages.com/LOV005-LoveForYou.png
Might have to flog them somewhere for next to nothing price!! Any takers?! :p
So much for QA procedures?
Any takers?! :p
mememememe :D
lol! Shall I bring them up to you missy?! And how many of which ones would you like :p I'll charge you nothing as I owe you for a bottle of wine!!!
I know Garp - I was like "heh... you've got to be kidding!" Poor Picky had me all in a flap yester afternoon repeatedly saying "Nooooooooo! NOoooooOOOo! NooooooooooOO! NOOOO!"
They're giving me a discount and paying for the extra postage costs I have had to incur. Apparently it's something to do with their small production machine (they reckon it's out by 5mm) and so they're only using their mega machines for me now (damn right!)
Still! Didn't need the stress! Good thing this has happened now and not mid trial. Mid trial and the happy "It's okay, I just don't expect to pay full price! Hope you have a nice day" pheebs will turn into psycho "OMG YOU IDIOTS ARE YOU SERIOUS ARRRRRRRRRGH!!" pheebs. I may even have to set Arnie on them and make him recreate the crazy baseball bat scene in the office from Collateral Damage.
http://pheebeh.googlepages.com/AngryArnold.png
Hehehehe!
*doesn't think she could ever be that mean*
They are brilliant! :D
Have you sent them to Bishopsgate yet? :p
BB x
They are brilliant! :D
Have you sent them to Bishopsgate yet? :p
BB x
Nope. Because the little wotsits ruined 3 sets of designs - I have to wait for them to be done prior to sending off :p ;D But as soon as I go down to that post office with the Bishopsgates box and "give it to the lady through the back hatch" as she always so kindly puts it, I will call you and say "THEY'RE COMMMMMMMMING!!"
;D
I'll buy a few of the slightly off scored ones :D
Pity we don't live nearer, could have helped with the folding today :)
Knipples
22-09-2008, 16:56
MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
I dont mind slightly wonky ones, want me to PM you my address? shout how much you want!
:)
Yup! If anyone wants the cards I'm only asking for postage and packaging and envelope costs!
They're not *that* bad. I'm just a uber perfectionist :)
PM me addy and what you want of each and I will send them through later this week/next week as I am up to here *points at the stars above* with boxes and work to do for Clintons :)
Congrats on the Clintons deal - I was in there yesterday. I'll look forward to seeing some of your stuff :thumbsup:
Pheebs, I'm interested - Did you decide which lines they're trialling or was that decision made by Clintons themselves? Which are the ones that are going out?
They decided!
Have to admit there were some right weirdo choices... some picked aren't exactly the best!
I think they're just testing the different ranges though!
These are the ones going on sale:
Proper Chocolate Bar
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/Clintons/Apropchocbar.png
Run
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/Clintons/Run.png
Birthday People
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/Clintons/Birthdaypeople.png
Hoorah
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/Clintons/Hoorah.png
Bottoms Up
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/Clintons/Bottomsup.png
Dye
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/Clintons/Dye.png
Yay
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/Clintons/Yay.png
Ragh
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/Clintons/Ragh.png
Feeling Rubbish
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/Clintons/Feelingrubbish.png
Box of Love
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/Clintons/Boxoflove.png
Man United
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/Clintons/Manunited.png
Old
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/Clintons/Old.png
Love For You
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/Clintons/Loveforyou.png
Matrix
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/Clintons/Matrix.png
Smell a Rat
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/Clintons/SmellARat.png
Doggy
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/Clintons/Doggy.png
The initial stock has all gone off to their relevant stores now! Hooooraaaaay!
Meaning all I need to do is fold and pack up the next 2000 cards in time for October and pray like crazy they will sell like mad.
*please please please please please please please work*
*PLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeEEEEEeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaa AAAAAAsSSsSSEEEE*
Bit of a relief sending the initial orders off though. Am all relaxed and happy :)
Carlton Cards aren't interested - they've got inhouse artists and can apparently access similar styles to mine. Boo.
Just thought I would share this too... :)
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/083108-AFriend-BoysSmell.png
that's absolutely fantastic :D
Hehehe I like that one too Grandad :D
Another little update - the cards will also be popping into Athena in Leeds in the next couple of weeks and hopefully when they sell well (which they will) they'll spread to their other stores!
So any northern monkeys - if you get a chance to pop into the feasegate branch and take a photo that'll be grand :D
If I want to do something I will do it and do it big. That's the way I operate - nothing to me is impossible :)
Too damn right :) No point in being small. No point in being just another person. Congrats on getting your stuff in stores and I really really hope it sells out.
Two more days! Two more days! And then they will be in Clintons!!
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!
Two more days! Two more days! And then they will be in Clintons!!
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!
\o/
:D
BB x
TinkerBell
29-09-2008, 17:47
Woooooo, can't wait to go and see them in the shop! :D Wooottttt!!!
Quite an unusual selection there so I hope they sell well. The nearest to me is Southend so it sounds like a good excuse to go visit my brother who lives there :)
Quite an unusual selection there so I hope they sell well. The nearest to me is Southend so it sounds like a good excuse to go visit my brother who lives there :)
I love the prioritisation there.
"I'll pop in and see my brother because the cards are there" vs "I'll pop in and see the cards cos my brother is there"
:D
It is a bit of a weird selection - some of the random ones I was like "eak! Not sure how they're going to be received by the public but okay then!"
They're aware some will sell better than others and have said that if some aren't as fast selling they will swap them for other designs (after the trial... if I pass it ;)) So yeh! Watch me go grey in a month people ;)
Knipples
29-09-2008, 19:24
So yeh! Watch me go grey in a month people ;)
Awww it must be like having kids and then watching them go off to school for the first time!
Im sure they will be a HUGE success!
well - they should be in the stores now! :D
I'm in London this Saturday to buy a jacket and some running shoes, should anyone be about for a Clintons ambush!
Edit: I posted a reply to a completely different set of posts. No idea what happened there.
Edit 2: Aha, I only read up to the end of page 3. Still makes sense though!
I checked Bishopsgate today and couldn't see anything :(
Maybe they hadn't unpacked their delivery yet - lazy :p
BB x
Psymonkee
01-10-2008, 19:46
I'm going to look on Saturday :)
Remember to take photos :D (and buy cards ;) )
Psymonkee
01-10-2008, 21:23
Buying is the primary goal :p
Birthday season abounds :(
Bishopsgate maybe having theirs in store a little later as they're part of a mini matrix in line with Whitecity and so they're waiting for that all to happen! I'm not sure though!
Very exciting!
Cool ok... went in today and still not there... wasn't armed with monies or camera anyways and was going to go in tomorrow to punch the manager on the nose and ask where they were! :D
BB x
I'll have a butchers in Bishopsgate tomorrow if I actually get to take a lunch break!
Hey hey kids!
They're selling like hot cakes in Manchester! YAAAAAAAAY!
Apparently not yet on the shop floor in Leeds, but are out in Sutton Coldfield and Kent :D
I don't know about the rest as I haven't sent scouts out to them as of yet! I will be calling all the stores tomorrow though to ensure they're all a o k with the replen details and what not :)
YAAAAAAAAAAAY!
*Holds breath for a month* :D
Psymonkee
05-10-2008, 19:29
Awesome :D
Not been able to check yesterday but am deffo in town wed/thur :)
I'm in Leeds this week so I'll have a look
When they're out in Bishopsgate I'll try and stick my head in :D
Hey hey kids!
They're selling like hot cakes in Manchester! YAAAAAAAAY!
Apparently not yet on the shop floor in Leeds, but are out in Sutton Coldfield and Kent :D
Sounds good Pheebs - everything crossed for the trial.
Where are they in Kent? Sorry if you have already said but I had a scan through thread and couldn't see.
Thanks x
Piggymon
05-10-2008, 19:52
Excellent news Pheebs !!! :D \o/
Erk they're not in Kent! My bad! For some bizarre reason I got gateshead muddled up with that big shopping center in maidstone (in my head... the addresses are all correct... phew!)
Calling up the shops today and checking everythings out and dandy :)
Glad to hear they are selling like hotcakes up North!
Kick Bishopsgate up the proverbial ;)
BB x
Just called Bishopsgate and they're supposedly putting them in the store today! Hooray!
Whiterose Leeds said they had people in requesting them this weekend (even though they weren't on the shop floor!) Apparently students? Not sure who it was but thank you! They're now egging them on up there :D
TinkerBell
06-10-2008, 21:43
Woooo!!! I am soooo pleased for you hun :D
I WILL go to the sutton coldfield one this week! Hopefully tomorrow, will have to see how work pans out though, booo!
Told you they would do brilliantly :D
Athena have just ordered.... 18 more designs on top of their current 12 - they're wanting to make a nice big display of them up in Leeds!
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! :D
Awesomeness :D
Cooool! Hopefully Zirax can pop in and take a photo!
Athena have just ordered.... 18 more designs on top of their current 12 - they're wanting to make a nice big display of them up in Leeds!
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! :D
Awesomeness :D
Excellent! I shall ask Paul to pop in and take a pic!
Pheebs get your charm whip cracking on some shops in the South West!
(Failing your charm offensive, get picky to threaten them with frozen boiling waters!)
Hehehee I am trying to get them in other places down south west but now is an awkward time as a lot of the footage for general cards is being reduced for seasonal cards instead! Boo! And seasonal cards get picked generally in the January/February time (and I didn't have everything up and running for pitches until April!)
:)
Athena should have their new order by beginning of next week... so a display can be done any time around then I guess :)
Ahhhhhhh! I lied! It's not in Athena Leeds it's in Athena York! My bad! Any where up north = all the same place to I ;)
Apparently Bishopsgate still doesn't have them out but it might be because their in a matrix with White City who aren't opening until.... 30th October! :)
Arseholes! Was going to kick her in the fanny!
BB x
TinkerBell
07-10-2008, 14:08
Well I think today is the day I will be going to the Sutton Coldfield store! Wooo!! Hopefully they will have some cards left ;)
Really chuffed about Athena hun :D
Apparently Bishopsgate still doesn't have them out but it might be because their in a matrix with White City who aren't opening until.... 30th October! :)
Stuck my head in about an hour ago, and no cards :'(
Presumably when they finally make it, you'll still get a month's trial there?
Knipples
07-10-2008, 18:01
Get them in Bristol, and I will drag all my buddies down to buy oodles of them!
Yeh they will have a month out - I think they'll be running through November!
Brizzle will come I am sure :D Just need to conquer this small batch of shops first and then go mad!
TinkerBell
07-10-2008, 18:09
Looky what I found! :D Woooo!!
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y160/TinkerBell_01/07102008005.jpg
Knipples
07-10-2008, 18:11
How blooming fantastic do they look all laid out in the shop!
Wow!
:cool:
Piggymon
07-10-2008, 18:12
Awesome ! \o/
They got my lay out plan upside down :(
Boo to them!
But YAAAAAAAY to them being on shelves :D
Woo hoo!!!
Does Tink get a prize for first pic?
Yay! :D
Bishopsgate are crap crappity crap!!! :angry:
BB x
TinkerBell
07-10-2008, 18:55
Woo hoo!!!
Does Tink get a prize for first pic?
Me likes that idea! :p
It was soooo weird seeing them on the shelves! But reallyyy exciting! So much so that I bought 9 of them!! :D
WOO!!! :D
So cool seeing them all official like :D
Get some in Pompy/Soton kinda area - hell now we have a bike again anywhere south coasty would be great for a day trip :D
I bet it's great to see them up in the shops! Well done :)
LOL 9 of them! You crazy lady :D But thank you! Hehehee
And yes I think you're right nutcase, I do believe Tink does indeed deserve a prize! I will see what's up my sleeve!
hmmm. Just an old tissue. Maybe I will look elsewhere ;)
Maybe I should have read the thread before making the massive (well, 10 minute) journey up to Bishopsgate today. Rubbish.
On the other hand I went out in my kettleoffish t-shirt on Saturday and it was very well received! (I think, I'd had rather a lot to drink, what with it being my birthday....)
That t-shirt is fantastic.
Now... for £15 I can get a custom tshirt done and for around £22 a hoodie! Includes delivery too :)
leowyatt
09-10-2008, 14:36
which t-shirt burble I can't see owt :(
I think it's the one of Wyrels tshirt design thingy (Where did Indigo?) The kind of not-standard akof design :)
which t-shirt burble I can't see owt :(
The images are dead but it was posted in this thread.
leowyatt
09-10-2008, 15:10
ah ok, thought I was going mad there ;D
That photo is ace. They're actually real and everything.
Now... for £15 I can get a custom tshirt done and for around £22 a hoodie! Includes delivery too :)
Oooh hoodie is tempting :D Could have a zombie one :cool: Have to have a think and let you know :)
which t-shirt burble I can't see owt :(
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c240/peatjg/untitled.jpg
I wiped all my photobucket stuff, I've chopped my face off here cause I was totally smashed and it wasn't pretty.
leowyatt
10-10-2008, 07:42
sweet!!! Pheebs you have to start selling T-Shirts! :D
I wiped all my photobucket stuff, I've chopped my face off here cause I was totally smashed and it wasn't pretty.
When is it ever pretty? :p
BB x
When is it ever pretty? :p
BB x
How 'bout you shut that pie hole or I shove that smilie where the indigo don't shine huh?
How 'bout you shut that pie hole or I shove that smilie where the indigo don't shine huh?
:D
BB x
I *may* have nicked a persons joke in doing this but it made me lol lots and I've never seen it as a card...
Does it work though I ask you!?! I'm not convinced!
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/Random-GoingOutNow.png
Clintons update: Had an email from Silvia - so far the cards are selling well and she's hopeful they will be launched into a further matrix. She has said many of the stores have been reducing their footage meaning the specialist ranges are being cut - but that's all going to be taken into consideration in the final outcome.
Still scary stuff though!
Great news about Clintons :)
Not convinced about that joke though.. it barely got a chuckle from me :(
NokkonWud
13-10-2008, 12:32
It's one of those, if someone is saying it, stammering over it, it's hilarious. Reading it out on a card doesn't have that same impact.
You could fake a little impact by putting '...Sex' at the bottom, under the image, but even then I'm still not too sure. Like Garp, not convinced. Especially in such an awesome range, it stands out.
That's exactly what I thought!
*puts on the back burner*
Got some other awesome ones though :D
Skyscraper poo or Banjo > 2...3...sex
:)
Kell_ee001
17-10-2008, 11:17
While out an about yesterday, looking around shops and having a coffee...
Something caught my eye...
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a139/kell_ee001/Photos/KoF.jpg
Oh! What is this!?
A closer inspection is needed...
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a139/kell_ee001/Photos/KoF2.jpg
Woo hoo! :D
leowyatt
17-10-2008, 11:33
huzzah!! :D
Streeteh
17-10-2008, 11:57
Are these now available across the UK in clintons etc? Been looking through the website and really like a few of them, would especially like to get them if i know who's making them; makes it a little more special :E
(i know this info is probably already in the thread, it's just a bit overwhelming to read through the whole thing so any info would be brill)
Are these now available across the UK in clintons etc?
http://www.boat-drinks.co.uk/showpost.php?p=234279&postcount=297 :D
Streeteh
17-10-2008, 12:09
http://www.boat-drinks.co.uk/showpost.php?p=234279&postcount=297 :D
Awesome, cheers, hopefully they'll roll out to Kingston before xmas
Are these now available across the UK in clintons etc? Been looking through the website and really like a few of them, would especially like to get them if i know who's making them; makes it a little more special :E
(i know this info is probably already in the thread, it's just a bit overwhelming to read through the whole thing so any info would be brill)
They'll be back on fleabay this weekend too :)
Glad you like them! :D
Oh and Kitten - Clintons said that they're taking into consideration the footage lost on specialist cards due to christmas! I have sent an email saying about the display too so hopefully that will be taken into account :)
Kell_ee001
17-10-2008, 13:23
That's the Clintons in the Metrocentre above. It's quite a big card shop and they had 3 aisles in the store, that section was in the middle aisle and in the first section :D
nellystew
17-10-2008, 15:31
They'll be back on fleabay this weekend too :)
.....
Hi Pheebs
How long will they be on Ebay for?
10 days :D Im relisting them tomorrow as I have had to do a stock check (a number of cards had minor print errors on them which I wasn't content about so had to play around and see what I've got before I put them back up :))
Normally they're there continuously!
:)
Kell! I've just seen your photos! God knows how I missed them before! AWESOME! YAayaayayyay!
*hopes they sell muchos of them!* The guy in Newcastle is lovely :) I will call him after this weekend to see if they need replenning :)
Those photos are just beyond exciting!!!! Pheebs is phamous! :D
TinkerBell
17-10-2008, 20:39
Those photos are just beyond exciting!!!! Pheebs is phamous! :D
Pheebs was famous before ;) She is just UBER phamous now :p
A thought on that "indigo" t-shirt. Maybe do that as a get well soon card, with the message inside it "Sorry to hear you're feeling off colour"?
If I am ever in the Arndale and i remember I will have a look.
A thought on that "indigo" t-shirt. Maybe do that as a get well soon card, with the message inside it "Sorry to hear you're feeling off colour"?
You could make the indigo bright pink!
Date: 24 October
Time: 5pm
Location: Clintons Bishopsgate, London
Ta Da :D
http://photos-e.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v352/13/71/549039743/n549039743_1559796_7105.jpg
Didn't buy any cos overdrawn :o
Date: 24 October
Time: 5pm
Location: Clintons Bishopsgate, London
Ta Da :D
YAAAAYYYY!!!!!! Hurry up and get them into the States!!! ;D
SidewinderINC
24-10-2008, 21:06
Get them into bluewater and Lakeside :p
Well, just anywhere that doesn't require approaching anyone even remotely considerable as a 'northener' will do :p
Well, pretty much anywhere is north of you, so that'll be quite a challenge. :p
Cooooooooool! They're in Bishopsgate early!
Excellent stuff :)
Thank God they are in Bishopsgate was going to start picketing them :p
Can advertise them in my work newsletter now as they are 'on hand' :D
BB x
Groovy, I think I'll have a look see at lunchtime!
I can confirm they are in Leeds White Rose Centre :) We may have bought some :p
Davey_Pitch
27-10-2008, 14:42
Get some in Liverpool Pheebs! :p
Wow, this is seriously amazing. Look how far you've come in the past year. So proud of you Pheebs :) When are they coming to Leicester/Derby/Nottingham? :p
Oh, not sure if someone's already mentioned it, but it would be brilliant if you could put together some of the Christmas themed cards into a pack for people to buy. I'd love to send them to my family and friends!
I agree Kate, on both counts :)
Actually seeing them in Clintons (which I think is the biggest Clintons ever!) was amazing. I looked at some of the other cards around them and they were all done by paper companies or design companies, and there is our Pheebs up there with them! I really hope the trial goes well, it looks like a biiiiig world out there, but you have got what it takes!
Perhaps you could do a pack of smaller Xmas cards for a couple of quid?
Yeah, I thought I remembered someone saying something. Come on Pheebs, hurry up!!! :p
You impatient bunch of monkeys :p
;D
It's still Shocktober!!! We have the Halloween yet!
I have been working on converting a load of images for an online webby soooo unfortunately my times been on that and also on the recovery of oneself!!
For all your christmas nutters though there *will* be packs out for the purchasing in November I promise. They're not going to be the standard size but slightly widgier ones :)
They'll be around by end of next week so hang in there!!
The prices/quantities haven't yet been figured out btw due to waiting back on a quote from the printers :)
*wubs*
Get some in Liverpool Pheebs! :p
Indeed. I randomly checked in Clinton cards the other day in town just incase. Also, yey to Xmas cards :D
Does 'widgier' mean they'll comply with Royal Mail requirements for 'standard letter' size (A5 or less I think).
/cheapskate. :)
Well they currently already do so I should imagine so - yars :)
Knipples
29-10-2008, 21:02
HURRY UP DAMMIT!!!
;D
Out of these handful of Nerd Cards which TWO would you select to go into clintons? (They will be with the Matrix style one and the "Nerds - Putthing the STUD into STUDying)
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/NRD001.png
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/NRD008.png
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/NRD002.png
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/NRD004.png
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/NRD005.png
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/NRD007.png
??
I know they're nerdy and appeal to nerds only but that's the whole idea :)
Blue Screen one and 'I love you more than I love my Computer'.
I really like the pi one too though :D
Like the last 2 best :)
Ditto.
Yeah last two I think as they can be used for 'Nerd' genre but also 'Love' and 'forgetting birthdays etc'
Like Pi one too though :(
BB x
BSOD is ace. You could go really abstract for the Mac crowd. Do a kernel panic card with a colonel panicing. I think the "I love you more than my computer" card is the wrong way round. "I love my computer more than you" ;) Probably not the most commercially viable option though. But those 2 are great.
Davey_Pitch
30-10-2008, 13:10
I love the Pi one, and the blue screen one as well, they're my faves I think :)
I think the "I love you more than my computer" card is the wrong way round. "I love my computer more than you" ;) Probably not the most commercially viable option though.
I disagree with you master Pete, the I love you one would be perfick for my bro to give to his missus as she is always complaining when shes over that he's always on it!!!
BB x
The last two are the most commercially appealing I think, although i do like the Pi one :)
I disagree with you master Pete, the I love you one would be perfick for my bro to give to his missus as she is always complaining when shes over that he's always on it!!!
BB x
I think the original idea will definitely sell. But I'm not sure my take on it would, a card that says "I love my computer more than you" or would people get the joke?
I dunno, maybe people will think as it as a more general reference of 'work' than a computer itself?
BB x
Maybe. I can just see gf's crying and throwing kittens and gorillas at the bf for buying a card that says he loves his pc more than her :D
Psymonkee
30-10-2008, 15:20
Last 2 but love the Pi :D
Pi, and "Love you more than I love my computer" :)
OOoh lots of people have picked the last two and Mmm Pi which are the ones I was going to put forward (as I thought they were more commercially viable whilst still remaining quite nerdy)
Athena have the Mmm Pi one and I would like to get more of the "specialised" into their stores as... well.. they're more of a specialised store aren't they :)
Hum hum hum.
I think "I love you more than I love my computer" is a deffo... it's now just a toss up between "Hi" and "Memory Malfunction"
Hum hum huuuuuum!
Fankoo for your help!
I have news on the Clintons front buuut it's quite a lengthy news bit (starts off bad but then gets really good ;D) About to have a bath so will explain when I have time tomorrow!
*wubs*
leowyatt
30-10-2008, 21:56
we need news now woman!!!!!
TinkerBell
30-10-2008, 23:53
we need news now woman!!!!!
My thoughts exactly! I don't know giving us half the information... Grrrrr :p
*wubs you really*
I love them ALL!!! If I saw any of them in the store, I seriously would get them.
I like pi and the problem with computer one best. :D
Okay News!!
Basically week 1 and 3 in stores was superb. Weeks 2 and 4 weren't so good but apparently last week it was poop for everyone.
Because of the last figures it meant they couldn't set up an account for me. She was nice and understanding in explaining this as she understood that many of the stores didn't get the cards out til late/didn't have the full range out and also didn't replen when they had sold out of a design (leaving me at a slight disadvantage!) The problem was - the stores they were in weren't the normal test stores so many of them didn't "get" the whole replen and needing to get them out etc. Sadly though she couldn't exactly chase them all up.
So. That was the bad news.
Good news - she still thinks they're a seller and wants me on board (I think she kind of felt my frustration of the above too) and so... has found a way to do it. She's put me in contact with a publisher who has had an account with them for years and said that if I go through them - they will do the printing, packing, distributing and replen as required... meaning it could stay in Clintons and get launched into a load more stores. It would take the stress off me for printing and delivering - all I would have to do is design and then take a commission of what's sold (and to be honest that's what I have been looking to do for a while!! Being small costs are huge so I think it will even out quite nicely royalties wise).
So YAY! Good news one.
Good news two.
Spoke to the publishers and they sound ace. They're a medium sized business but having been in the industry for donkeys have their feet in many doors - including Asda and Sainsburys (of which Asda has been super keen at taking my stuff on but couldn't due to me being so small). Had a chat to the main chap about this and he said he has a lot in Asda at the moment so I'm convinced we'll be able to get in there by the new year. After seeing the designs too he reckons Sainsburys would be interested as well and has given me all the contact details for them.
YAY!
So. All in all it's ace. I haven't found out the terms yet but am sure we can figure something decent out (especially if it gets me the exposure of Asda and Sainsburys as well - plus he deals in Australia and America too :D) I still have full control of what designs gets put forward as well as pitching - although I think they have a load of sales people too who may be able to spread the word to other independents if I so wish them to.
It's just all good. All very very good. :D I am SO glad I haven't been able to have an account set up tbh! This works out... well.. perfectly :D
So yes! That's what's happening at the moment! Mental still work wise hence why I've been a bit absent this week but hopefully this means it will relieve me of a bit of the leg work and give me more time to worry about designing, which I've felt behind on lately!
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!
Sounds like it's worked out for the best then :) It's a bit poopy that they think the reason you had low sales was because the stores didn't know what was going on :/ But it soulds like the way forward is a good one, you can just concentrate on designing and let someone else stress about printing and delivery. Win!
Davey_Pitch
31-10-2008, 10:01
Fantastic news Pheebs, I'm so happy for you. :)
Yay sounds awesome. Its a bit of a shame that you sorta got screwed by the middle man in the first bit but like you said, its worked out for the best. How amazing would it be to bump into your cards in Oz? Congrats :D
Brilliant news :D Really happy for you :)
Sweet deal, keep up the good work!
That's amazing news. I'm sure just the first on a long list of successes to come. All you need to worry about now is feeling uninspired. ;)
TinkerBell
31-10-2008, 19:02
Woooo Hooooo, that is brilliant :D Worked out in the end which is awesome! I am soooooo pleased for you hun *lots and lots of hugs* :D
:party1:
Sounds fantastic :D
p.s. Bishopsgate sold 3 today :o
I have seen the AKOF cards for sale - woohoo!
Any updates on christmas cards? I want to send a couple to Oz so they need posting early :)
Christmas cards won't be off the print for another 2 weeks I'm afraid! I will post the designs this week so if people want to bagsy any they're welcome to :)
Blackstar
02-11-2008, 20:33
Get some into Edinburgh already! ;) Fabby news from Clintons.
Spot the difference
Nutty's visit on 24th October:
http://photos-e.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v352/13/71/549039743/n549039743_1559796_7105.jpg
Mine on 13th November (today):
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/9594/500hk0.jpg
That's good news isn't it? :D
Even if it only shows which are more popular :)
BB x
Awesome!
Shame they didn't get their act together and make orders properly!!
Moosebags!
Having this contract sorted next week hopefully and I then can select what cards are put in shops! Hooray!
:D
If you spent less time dreaming about zombies and more time on the cards...
Hang on a sec, have you thought about "friendly zombie" cards?
:cool:
Been there, done that and someone has a tshirt of it ;) ;D :p
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/ebay/zombie.png
Been there, done that and someone has a tshirt of it ;) ;D :p
:cool:
Which has reminded me, I've still not taken a photo! I will do though in the next few days. :)
zomg is anyone up in the York area?!
If so, could you do me a HUGE favour and pop into the Athena there and take a snap of my display!?!
They now have a range of 30!! Yes! 3 - 0! T-H-I-R-T-Y there!!
Apparently selling like mad! Can't wait to get into the other Athenas down here in January! :D
A colleague of mine is going oop North this weekend and is spending the night in York. I'll see if he'll have a look.
Been there, done that and someone has a tshirt of it ;) ;D :p
I should have known better :D
TinkerBell
13-11-2008, 19:54
Woooo that is awesome news!! :D Tell Athena to build more stores god dammit! :p
That is amazing though having 30 different cards in the store :shocked: :D
That's cool Pheebs :)
What sort of deal do you have? Is it sale or return or have they bought stock?
They have bought stock :)
Tis aceroo!
Spot the difference
Nutty's That's good news isn't it? :D
Even if it only shows which are more popular :)
BB x
I think I went on the Friday (14th) and there were even fewer than that :D
Was cool seeing them in real life (but not as cool as wearing one of your designs!)
:D
woo woo!
Right - at long last (if people are still interested.. times ticking afterall) I've managed to *finally* get somewhere with my print company and get onto their backs about Christmas cards!
The following designs are going to be available in packs of 25 (100mm x 100mm). Price wise - well the printers are taking their time on sorting that one out too so you will have to hang fire (I will probably know tomorrow)!
If you are interested though let me know and I will ensure there's plenty to go round and more :) I will hopefully get them off the press by this Friday - if not Monday so would be able to despatch them around midweek next week (will need paypal payments prior to!) in time for you to send them out before December!! And don't worry - if you say yay and then think "erk" if I say an outrageous price you aren't obliged to have them/I won't be offended :) Just want to make sure I have enough for people :)
Hoping it's not too late to get in there but yeh - things have been a bit mental :)
Big wubs and let me know either in this thread/via PMs if I need to pencil you in anywhere :)
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/XMAS004-PolarBearStars.png
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/XMAS002-ReindeerStars.png
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/XMAS001-SantaStars.png
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/XMAS005-PenguinStars.png
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/XMAS003-SnowmanStars.png
leowyatt
17-11-2008, 19:21
we want somes!!! :D
I'm interested depending on price :D
Just a bit of clarification - is that 'all cards one design', or a mixture in each pack?
My list of recipients isn't long enough to buy more than one pack. That's all. :)
Mixture - 5 of each per pack :)
Knipples
17-11-2008, 20:09
I want some please!
:)
Awesomness. Consider me interested. My list of people to send cards to is sadly rather short, but I'm sure most will appreciate an AKOF card this year. :)
Blighter
17-11-2008, 20:28
I'm interested :D
Are the other Christmas ones going to be on general sale too?
:D yay!
BB x
Depending on price, I'd be up for three or four of those packs :)
I would be interested too :)
I'ma interested in a pack, maybe 2 :)
Psymonkee
17-11-2008, 23:30
1 or maybe 2 :)
Who needs Clintons, eh? ;D
Blighter
18-11-2008, 01:17
I bought some shiny glittery pink ones from clintons, and boring blue ones for the guys :p
.. and someone at work wants a pack as well (she's crazy about purple and is already convinced you made them that colour especially for her!).
Davey_Pitch
18-11-2008, 11:31
Colour me interested in a pack please, depending on price :)
Dymetrie
18-11-2008, 13:57
Definitely be wanting a pack of those methinks :D
Pumpkinstew
18-11-2008, 14:06
Is there a message inside or are they blank?
Blank :) All my cards are blank inside at the moment - it's something that I've decided to try and do because I personally find it massively annoying when you find a really decent card and then open it up and it's got something written inside that you don't want there!! Drives me insane! I like to write all my own gumph inside the card - I feel having messages written inside makes it a bit impersonal :)
Buuuut some people are lazy and prefer it (especially when it comes to Christmas Cards ;)) Though! Another reason I didn't want to write "Happy Christmas" and things on the inside is because we know a few Jewish people who, although don't celebrate Christmas still enjoy the festivness so we have to struggle to find suitable cards to send them that aren't covered with "Happy Christmas" and things :)
Printers said they'd let me know costs this afternoon.... so I will hopefully know costs by tonight :)
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