Gifts: Vanessa Gade Jewellery ...

To end the week I thought it would be nice to post on some gorgeous jewellery. With this in mind today's post is dedicated to the contemporary precious metal designs of Vanessa Gade Jewellery.

All of the necklaces on today's post come from Vanessa's signature 'Inner Circle' collection. Fine chains and hand fabricated circles are combined to create pieces with clean lines and a sophisticated minimal style.

Each necklace is handcrafted in San Francisco, where Vanessa finds inspiration in the diverse urban landscape. The architectural  influence of San Francisco is evident in the structural quality of each necklace.

A variety of beautiful designs are available in sterling silver, oxidised silver and 14K Gold. Circles are hung on 17" chains, but customisation to the length can be accommodated. The designs on today's post range from $164 to $195 (American Dollars) but more designs in the range start at just $108 on Vanessa's website.

Vanessa has been amazingly kind and generous to offer Card & Gift Blog readers a fabulous 20% discount on purchases. To claim your discount email a note with your order stating you read this blog post and Vanessa will amend your invoice. So now is the time to buy yourself something pretty and grab a bargain. Go to Vanessa Gade Jewellery here.

Due to the bank holiday on Monday, Card & Gift Blog will be on a mini break, returning on Tuesday. If you have a card or gift recommendation please email me.

Gifts: Gemma Correll ...

Carrying on from yesterday's post I thought we'd have another quick look at some brilliant illustrated gifts. Today the spotlight is on artist Gemma Correll  who is based in Norwich, England. Gemma currently sells her gifts worldwide via Etsy. 

Tote bags have become a big trend recently and are a great way to show off unique and quirky design. These 100% organic cotton tote bags each feature Gemma's fun illustrations. 'Boston Tea Party' (above) is printed in 3 colours, using environmentally friendly inks. 'Let's Ride' (below) is a 2 colour 'girl and pup' print. Bags are $18 and $16 (American Dollars) respectively.

The 'Winter Friends' notepad is an A5 stationery set containing 50 sheets of high quality 100gsm paper. An ideal mini gift or stocking filler this notepad can be snapped up for the bargain price of $6.

Gemma has a wonderful portfolio of illustrations, this limited edition screen-print 'Pugs Not Drugs' is a brilliant way to cherish one of the whimsical designs. An A2 size, this poster has been limited to a run of just 50 copies, making it a rare gift idea. Each poster is printed on a quality 220gsm paper, perfect for framing. The design can be purchased for $26.

To see or purchase from Gemma's portfolio go along to her website.

Stationery: Andy Pratt Designs - Journals ...

I thought I would include an extra post this afternoon so I could show you a little bit more from Andy Pratt Designs ... these fantastic journals.

The first set of images are from Andy's new fabric hardbound journals. Each notebook measures 6" x 9" and contains 100 pages, with a choice of plain or lined paper.

This bright and funky 'Brooklyn Rooftop' journal has a large landscape illustration that spans the front and back covers. Like the 'Great Ideas Bottle' journal it makes a great gift idea for just $18. (Prices in American Dollars). 

Journals also come in a 'Mini Memo' size. Like their larger counterpart each notebook is a fabric hardbound journal. The compact version measures a neat 3.5" x 5".

Each 'Mini Memo' has 100 sheets of lined paper and comes with its own fancy pen. Best of all every one has a classic Andy Pratt illustration. 'Mini Memos' are $17.50.

Many more designs are available direct from Andy Pratt Design, take a wander to their online store.

If you produce fab cards or gifts that you think would look nice here please send me an email.

Cards: Andy Pratt Design ...

We seem to be having an American theme to the posts this week and I couldn't resist continuing this today with some fabulous greetings cards from Andy Pratt Design. Andy is an illustrator and graphic designer living in New York City, who has worked with Cartoon Network, Lego and Comedy Central to name just a few.

On today's post we have a small selection of greetings cards from the Andy Pratt Design collection. Covering a variety of birthdays and occasions; all of the cards have charming illustrations and bright colours.

All designs are blank inside for your own personalised message. Each card is available to buy as a pack of 8 cards (1 design per pack) for $16 or as single cards for $3.50 and can be dispatched worldwide.

The Eco credentials of the range is an important factor to Andy Pratt Design. Amongst the designs you will find the use of recycled, biodegradable boards and corn or soy based solvents in the printing process.

To see a bit more from Andy Pratt Design check back this afternoon when Cards & Gift Blog will be showcasing some of Andy's fabulous stationery collection.

Gifts: Heather Knight ...

Ceramics make a fabulous gift; a useful item for the home that can be cherished, combined with the artistry of a handmade work of art.  On today's post we're looking at the wonderful work of Heather Knight.

Heather specializes in ceramic designs inspired by nature such as this fabulous 'Coral Bowl'. Handmade from English porcelain, the bowl has a delicate translucency.  Highly functional yet sculptural, the bowl has a strong coral texture that can be seen on the close up picture below. Each bowl is made to order at $110 (prices are in American Dollars).

These intricate 'Ceramic Wall Tiles' are some of Heather's most celebrated wares and have been featured in Interior Design Magazine. Tiles measure approximately 9" square. The complete collection consists of nine designs and can be purchased for $2100.

Alternatively you can pick your favourite design, individual tiles are $250 each. Build up you own unique collection with each tile. 

 

This cute collection of 3 'Micro Tiles' is sure to be a popular addition to any home. Measuring 5" square each 3D tile has the same delicate intricacy of the full-sized tiles. The textures shown below are Fungi, Turf and Hydrangea but you can choose your 3 favourites from the range. The set is priced $200.

The first item to grab my attention amongst Heather's ceramics were these fabulous 'Sea Urchin Bowls'. Pictured below is the collection of 3 bowls. Like all of the items shown today they are handmade, making each one unique. You can purchase the  set for $170 or buy bowls individually for $60.

Today's pictures are just a small preview of Heather's beautiful porcelain collection. To see more visit her online store.

If you produce Cards or Gifts that you would like to see featured here or have a favourite designer to rave about drop me an email here.

Gifts: boldsimple - bold & simple ...

boldsimple make all things bold and simple; jewellery that makes a statement in a quiet, elegant way. Each piece is designed as if it were a modern sculpture that people can wear and treasure every day.

Inspired by unusual or vintage materials boldsimple create jewellery in limited numbers ... making a perfect special gift. This stunning 'Gold Tangle' necklace comprises 10 handmade, gold-filled tangle balls suspended on a linked chain.

Matching 'Gold Tangle' earrings are also available. Single spheres of tangled gold-filled wire forms on contrasting sterling silver ear-wires. The necklace retails at $180 and earrings at $22 (today's prices are in American Dollars).

Alongside their gold designs, boldsimple have a collection of contemporary sterling silver earrings. Above are the unique 'Arc' earrings. Each has two sterling silver discs at their end adding movement to the dynamic arc shape. The earrings are $22. The 'Dot Dot Dot' earrings are simple sterling silver wires fixed with 3 snowy white glass beads. These gorgeous lightweight earrings are available for just $18.

boldsimple sell their jewellery worldwide, shipping from their base in Cambridge, Massachusetts. To see more of their collection have a look at their online shop.

Stationery: Engrave ...

Engrave aim to 'bring art into everyday life' ... today were looking at designs from their collection of engraved leather notebook covers.

Designs are handmade in Portland, Oregon. Engrave curates an artist series, which it laser engraves onto the leather covers. The image above is 'Yup' by Paulo Arraiano. The design features characters heavily influenced by graffiti aesthetics and old-school cartoons.

'Strange World' by Happy Lovers Town is the work of Jonathan Calugi, a graphic artist living in Pistoia, Italy. Like all of Engrave's art covers it slips easily onto a Moleskine® notebook, making it re-usable time and time again. 

Christopher Bettig is a painter/artist/designer based in Los Angeles, he has created this on-trend 'Owls' design. Perfect to individualise your stationery. Like all of the leather covers it is tactile when engraved and only looks better with age.

The final design is 'Blackbird' by Cole Gerst, a graphic artist and painter from California. Like all of the covers on today's post it fits the pocket version of the Moleskine® notebook. Covers retail at $60 (American Dollars) and can be purchased from Engrave's online shop.

Gifts: Natural Histoire ...

Jewellery always makes a fabulous gift and today we've got some beautiful pieces from Natural Histoire. Based in Seattle, Natural Histoire founder Jenny Vorwaller has sold her brand of contemporary jewellery to folks all over the world since 2005.

Each pendant is handmade and shows off delicate details. The 'Bicycle Necklace' is a sweet pendant-style necklace, which is Gold plated and hung on a 15" long chain. The necklace is available for $22. (Today's prices are in American Dollars).

'Camera Love' is a mini camera charm with intricate details, mounted on a sterling silver 16" heart chain. Each chain also features a sterling silver tag; hand stamped, the standard message reads “XO”. As all tags are handmade they can be personalised upon request. 'Camera Love' retails at $28.

The 'Timeless Necklace' utilises recycled vintage clock faces. Each is carefully stripped, hammered and smoothed from its mechanism, leaving a pretty charm. Hung on layers upon layers of blackened metal chains, the vintage elements are given a modern twist, creating a one of kind design.  Each is specially gift boxed and made to order at $72.

To get your hands on any of these necklaces, or see the rest of Jenny's designs take a peek at the Natural Histoire online shop.

Cards: Paper Salad ...

Here at Card & Gift Blog I was recently sent some cute and colourful greetings cards from Paper Salad. There were so many lovely designs to choose from ... here are a few of my favourites from their collection.

Designers Karen & Claire started creating their wonderful brand of greetings cards from from their freelance design studio in 2005. The Paper Salad style comes through on every card, with each featuring one of their quirky hand drawn images.

The first three designs on today's post are from the new children's range 'Adorable'. They have fantastic details to compliment the graphics ... a dimpled board, bright colours, a wavy die cut top to each card and a custom printed envelope. 

Also new to Paper Salad is 'Cloud 9' ... a range of 16 occasion cards. Designs have a tactile quality, with textured board, die cut detailing and a shiny silver foil finish.   

In addition to these new ranges, there are over 100 designs in the Paper Salad portfolio, including printed cards, social stationery, wrap and ribbons. Below are two of my favourites from 'Sweet Talk' and 'Spangle'... gorgeous sparkly cards covered with flitter. 

Paper Salad are stocked all over the UK and ship their designs worldwide. Full contact details to find, or become a stockist are on their website. Trade customers can also take advantage of their online shop. 

Gifts: Chop Shop ...

Chop Shop specialise in creating clothing to satisfy those nerdy cravings. A one-stop-shop of obscure Sci-Fi references and clever type designs. Today we're featuring some of their funky kids apparel.

Chop Shop create T-Shirts with distinctive bold prints. Such as the Helbotica T-Shirt (above) and WeScareMonsters (below). Each features a funky white print on a colourful backdrop. Available in a variety of colours and in sizes for all kids, T-Shirt's retail at $23 (Prices in American Dollars).

When one T-Shirt is simply not enough, Chop Shop also offer the option of buying a co-ordinated series of designs. This set of Sci-Fi T-Shirts come in a range of colours. Each has distinctive Sci-Fi inspired silhouettes, complete with glow in the dark aliens. The set are Chop Shop best sellers and can be purchased for $50 ... And they even come in adult sizes.

For the ultimate gift choose a Chop Shop Robot Tin. Each kit contains two T-Shirts; one adult-sized weRobot T-Shirt and one kids weRobot T-Shirt ... perfect to deck out a good percentage of any family.

Also inside are three randomly chosen weRobot badges and the handsome tin itself, with it's artwork screen-printed by hand ... all that for just $45. 

For the young at heart, Chop Shop also create a collection of adults T-Shirts. To see and purchase more of their designs have a look at their website.

Gifts: Mudpuppy - Hand Crafted Ceramics ...

This Monday morning we're looking at some Peking Turquoise Blue ceramics from Mudpuppy. The work of Mike McDowell, each piece is a beautiful, hand crafted object for the home.

Mudpuppy create their stunning animal ceramics from vintage molds, such as this thoughtful Monkey ... perfect to sit and ponder as it decorates a mantelpiece, shelf or ledge.

The blue monkey and birds such as those in Mudpuppy's Arboretum Series (shown above) are made using a slip cast method, from buff coloured stoneware clay. The material gives each animal a beautiful aged look.

Like all of the animals in today's post this pair of miniature ceramic birds are glazed with a clear turquoise blue crackle glaze. The glaze is then rubbed with black India ink to create a stunning finish. The paired birds are also available in a range of colours (shown below) for those who want to collect the series.

Each animal is carefully boxed in nesting material and tied with twine to make the perfect gift. Today's ceramic creatures retail at $26 for a miniature pair of birds, $32 for Arboretum Bird and $42 for a Monkey (prices are in American Dollars). To see more and purchase any of the range, take a look at the Mudpuppy website. Trade enquiries can email Mike here.