Arts & Crafts

Ludalu Handmade Photo Cards (and a Giveaway)

Jenny Hanson and son, Noah.

"So many things in our modern world are digital and soulless. Giving and receiving an actual ‘thing’ has so much more meaning and importance. It’s like saying, ‘I care about you so much that I’m going to take the time to write something down on a paper card and mail it to you’.” That’s Jenny Hanson’s philosophy as to why people still prefer receiving cards the snail-mail way, even in today's technology-driven era. Jenny recently opened up her own Etsy store, Ludalu, where she sells beautiful handmade photo cards.
Jenny grew up in Lake Oswego, Oregon and currently resides in Portland. She is a proud Mother of two boys, ages five and two. Jenny first began shooting photography when she was in high school. She said, “I didn't really ‘learn’ as much as just practice doing something that I loved from an early age.” One of Jenny's strengths in photography that she identified was her ability to “compose a great picture, not necessarily all of the technical stuff.”

"Villa Hermosa Cat," a Ludalu handmade photo card.

Jenny describes her style of photography as a “mix of the ordinary with the unexpected.” She said, “I try to capture what is special about each moment that I photograph by using interesting compositions and a touch of editing. I try not to over-edit my photos, because I still want there to be an element of realism for people to relate with.”
Jenny shared why she has come to love photography so much. She said, "A photograph can capture and even enhance a memory or experience. Photography is a way to document our lives in a fun, creative and expressive way. I want to inspire those who see my pictures to think about something they might not have otherwise thought about or maybe see something in a different way than they did before. If I can do this, then I feel like I have accomplished something."
Jenny shoots with a Canon Rebel XS camera and uses a Canon f1.8-50mm lens. She specializes in portrait and abstract photography. “I love to shoot my kids and children in general, animals, flowers, cool buildings, random objects, etc.,” she said.

"Colombine,"a Ludalu handmade photo card.

Recently Jenny decided to couple her love of photography with another long-time hobby of hers, creating handmade cards. She explained, “I’ve been making cards for my family and friends for a long time, and I thought it would be fun to start selling them.” She launched her Etsy store, Ludalu, in May of 2010. She discussed how she came up with the name for her store. “I have a two-year-old named Luke. We started calling him Lulu from time to time. (We are big on nicknames). That then morphed into Ludalu. I like that it's simple and short.”
Jenny offered a few words of advice to others considering starting their own small businesses. "It takes a lot of time to get it going, but just hang in there. Don't worry about how much actual profit you are making when you first start out or else it will discourage you," she said.
Jenny concluded by stating that she would like to share her "vision of the world and the happiness I receive from photographing it with many, many people...I would also like many, many people to buy my cards!"
Ludalu handmade photo cards are made out of recycled white cardstock. The photographs are of the highest quality, printed on matte paper in a professional lab. Each card comes in a clear plastic sleeve. They can be purchased individually for $3 a card or in sets of four ($10), six ($13.50), or ten ($20). She has received 100% positive feedback from her Etsy customers.

"Ukulele," a Ludalu handmade photo card

Giveaway
Jenny Hanson is graciously offering one of my readers a set of four handmade Ludalu photo cards (a $10 value). Simply leave a comment below to be entered into this giveaway (one entry per person). If you have a couple of extra minutes, drop by Ludalu (www.etsy.com/shop/ludalu) and let us know which set of photo cards you would select if you won. You can even leave Jenny some love by hearting her Etsy store while you're there!

One winner will be selected at random after August 31, 2010.

Special Offer
If you're not the big winner of the giveaway, Jenny is offering two exclusive deals for my blog readers.
• Buy one photo card, and get one free.
• Half-priced shipping on any photo sets.

Just send Jenny a message through the "contact buyer" feature before Checkout. Offer valid through August 31, 2010.