As well as vintage bunting I still have half a dozen more of the little matchbox books to make in the next few weeks to complete the limited edition of 50... not to mention a couple of additional orders. If you are still waiting... I promise it will not be for much longer! So far I have made 44 unique books and matchboxes, each one a different style and with different decoration. In addition I made 20 unique Jubilee books, 12 13 of which have sold. In total 56 books gone to new owners... with 55 very satisfied customers. I have had some lovely feedback.
But I guess you cannot please all of the people all of the time. The recipient of book No. 44 "Fishy Tales" was not a satisfied customer and on receipt of her book emailed me to say "I feel most disappointed as it seems to lack the detail and thought that have gone into the others...of course my book was one of the last of the 50 to be made and I know I would find it difficult to be as inspired at that stage"
I will be the first to admit that this one is not as intricate as some but it is equally as detailed as some of the others. I think the recipient had her heart set on one of the embroidered books but in fact I have only made very few that are embroidered and I made it quite clear it always was going to be luck of the draw. The price reflected the books with the least amount of detail... it was a bonus to get one more detailed.
I also respect the recipient's disappointment and the need to let me know, however what did upset me was the suggestion that less thought had gone into this book and that my inspiration might be waning. Every single book I've made has been thought about and made with equal care and attention. I expressed my apologies and offered that she could return the book and I wouldn't cash the cheque. I admit I was surprised to be taken up on the offer... but I was... and so here it is... book number 44 "Fishy Tales"
It is an accordian book with hard covers, covered in handmade turquoise paper. It is tied with a silk ribbon and the front is decorated with a sparkly fish bead. The matchbox is covered with a collage of fish printed paper and is decorated with tiny shells and a porcelein dolphin button. And it is available in my Etsy shop * now should anyone feel that this is actually quite nice!
* Sold... thank you!
And I promise that if you are still waiting for a book it is because I haven't wanted to rush any of them and yours will be made with as much care as the very first book... and every other one since.
Oh dear. Well, it is very pretty. Pleasing customers is always a tricky game -- everyone has different expectations and sometimes the two just don't meet in the middle. And that's ok! I'm sure that cute little fishy will find a good home!
ReplyDeleteOh, how disappointing for you. I had better not say any more on the subject...fingers crossed that it will sell anyway. (The time taken to make them is worth the money anyway.)
ReplyDeleteHugs!
May I have it please Gina? You know me and the sea lol Cheque will be in the post, post haste!
ReplyDeleteoops! Gone already, it swam away and I really should read the whole post before I jump in :-)
ReplyDeleteI am taking it upon myself to say 'take your time over fulfilling the last orders for little books'. I don't mind waiting a bit longer for my two, and would hate to think you felt pressured into getting them done more quickly than time comfortably allows. If I don't spend too much money at ArtVanGo on Thursday I might be naughty and have a Jubilee book as well!
ReplyDeleteSo glad the Fishy book found a good home - I thought it was sweet.
Oh Gina, There had to be one-didn't there!!!!!!! Vera.
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ReplyDeleteaw Gina .... how disappointing particularly as they are to raise money. glad to see you sold it so quickly!
ReplyDeleteDear Gina,
ReplyDeleteI had something similar happen once. It is irksome and awkward. Not much you can do but be gracious as you have been.
You are always making something beautiful.
I thought it looked sweet and whimsical. At least the majority of folks liked them and that is a big plus
ReplyDeletePunters, eh...
ReplyDeleteLike you said yourself: "You can't please all of the people all of the time".
ReplyDeleteThat persons loss, there's always one, unbelievable.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of loss, now that there are gaps in the black cloud caused by the family bereavement I mentioned to you, I can see that I could have handled this differently. I apologise again for feeling the need to return the book and continue to wish you well with your own family issues. I am glad the book found a new buyer so quickly.
ReplyDeleteYou can't please all of the people all of the time... I thought it was delightful and am glad it found a new home. xx
ReplyDeleteGina, if there is one thing that springs to mind when I think of your creations it is attention to detail and your lovely fishy book is no exception. It sounds like you handled a difficult situation with grace and generosity and again, knowing you that is no suprise x
ReplyDeleteWell it was her loss and the book has now gone to someone who will appreciate it! It was gorgeous as is all your work - anyone who knows you couldn't doubt you would put the same amount of time and thought into each one.
ReplyDeleteOh well there are some odd people about. I think it's perfect and is just what was asked for so don't let it worry you. Hope your feeling relaxed and refreshed after your holiday.
ReplyDeleteI would definitely have bought that little fishy book if it hadn't gone already, and I'm sure you could have sold it many times over. Not really in the spirit of the enterprise, though, to send it back...very queer!
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