Card & Gift Blog Holiday

Well the sun is shining and it's time for a brief pause in posts while Card & Gift Blog goes on a quick mini holiday ... I'll be recharging the batteries, catching up on odd jobs and I know I'll be doing a little hunting about for more fabulous cards and gifts.

As a quick (and cryptic) hint of the things to come on my return ... I've got some lovely greetings cards and gifts from brand new designers, some of the British Craft scene's favourite makers and some new stuff from established card & gift folks. So make sure you're back here next Monday 5th July, 'bright eyed and bushy tailed' when the blogging resumes. Take care, I'll be back before you know it & if you have cards or gift to show me - email me. Cee-gee.

Gifts: Originality by Jane Marsh ...

To end the week we have some beautiful surface pattern prints made into luxury pictures and scarves. Each of these bold, bright images is the creation of Jane Marsh.

Jane began her 'Originality' label ten years ago, with a passion for colour and pattern. Batik was the perfect medium enabling Jane to produce stunning images on her favourite themes ... flowers and animals.

These first two images are from Jane's collection of pictures. The silk batiks are printed with Jane's rich designs and mounted on stretched canvas. Measuring 60cm square the canvases retail at £165 for 'Ranunculi' (picture 1) and £156 for 'Time to Fly' (picture 2).

These final images are 'Tree' and 'Pool' two designs from Jane's collection of scarves. Measuring 110cm square the scarves are dyed silk georgette with hand rolled edges. Each scarf retails at £45.

As pictures for your home or accessories to compliment your wardrobe, Jane's 'Originality' prints make luxurious gifts. To see more or find out how and where to purchase Jane's accessories visit her website.

Cards: Lucy Gaughan ...

Today on Card & Gift Blog we're looking at some beautiful patterned greetings cards from Lucy Gaughan.

Lucy is a British designer who creates printed textiles, which are fashioned into this range of luxury greetings cards. The patterns start out life as hand-drawn images, which are then digitally manipulated to create the bold designs.

The collection of cards include striking imagery of flowers, birds and fans. Inspired by Lucy's interest in Eastern European, Japanese and Amish artwork, the cards mix modernity and tradition to create a fresh look.

As blank designs the range is perfect for any occasion. The cards retail at £3 each and are available to purchase from Lucy's online store.

To see all of these card designs and many more take a look at Lucy's website.

Gifts: Emmy-Gai Palmer Glass ...

Emmy-Gai Palmer is a glass artist living and working in the South-West of England. Emmy creates unique, blown glass with web-like metal inclusions.

Emmy uses crochet and knitting techniques that have been passed through the women of her family from generation to generation. These create beautiful, delicate 'webbing' designs on the glass-wear.

The textures of the smooth glass and the knitted wire work compliment each other perfectly to create a harmonious artwork. The glass pieces have earned Emmy multiple awards and prizes since she started exhibiting across the UK in 2006.

A full list of galleries that stock these wonderful pieces is available on Emmy's website. Prices start from £220.

Cards: Wakispeepee ...

Wakispeepee are a very green greetings card shop, selling a collection of cool cards designed by the folks at Salamander-inc. Today on Card & Gift Blog we're showing a few favourites from their range.

Wakispeepee specialise in ethical printing. Every greetings card is printed on recycled, uncoated papers, from managed forests with FSC accreditation. The sharp, bright colours are created with natural vegetable inks, which conform to standards of environmental good practice. Wakispeepee also ensure their printers are Carbon Neutral and cards are wrapped in bio-degradable cellophane.

Cards are all A6 size, presented with a stripy, Kraft paper envelope and retail at £2.45. All of the card designs shown here today can also be purchased as size A0 posters. Designs are mounted on MDF board and matt-laminated for a super flat, non-reflective finish. Posters are available to purchase for £89.

To see more of Wakispeepee's specialist, paper tailoring check out their website. 

Gifts: Helen Shere ...

Today on Card & Gift Blog we're looking at some unique Silver jewellery, inspired by pattern and folklore themes in illustration. Brooches, rings and pendants are hand made by Helen Shere. 

These distinct accessories are filled with country scenes. Animals including wrens and foxes are set among the trees and branches of the natural world. 

Working from her home studio in Nottingham, Helen cuts and stamps silver sheet and wire to create each piece. The majority of the jewellery is Silver, with accents of Copper and Brass adding colour and texture.

Details are 'drawn' onto the surface of the jewellery with techniques including stamping and oxidising ... creating an individual, tactile feeling to the pieces. 

Jewellery always makes a lovely gift and Helen's work can be purchased at galleries and fairs across the UK. Full details of outlets and exhibitions can be found on Helen's website.

The 'Bird in the Garden' rings are £60 each, as is the Silver Bird pendant. 'Copper Fox' necklace is £110 and the brooches start at £120.

Helen also sells her jewellery online via Etsy, take a look at her full collection of designs at her online shop.

Gifts: Lorna Syson Textiles ...

Following on from yesterday's post on ceramics, today we're looking at another way to help friends and family add some glamour to their homes. Stunning gifts in the form of the unique textile creations of Lorna Syson.

Lorna set up her textile business in 2009, following her graduation from Loughborough University with a First Class Honours Degree. Within six months she was showing her work at national fairs and exhibitions in the UK. Recently Lorna made her international debut; showcasing her work at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair.

Today's images are from Lorna's collection of hand-made sculptural textiles. The floral inspired, interior collection comprises cushions and wall decorations. Each of Lorna's creations is a one-off statement piece or from a limited edition collection, making them a truly individual gift.

The wall flowers (above) and cushions (below) are printed, laser cut and manipulated into floral patterns from materials including soft suede, wools and silk satin.

Unrivalled care and attention is given at every stage of the process; demonstrated in the wall flowers, where every flower is sewn petal by petal into a unique work of art.

All of Lorna's Interiors are available to purchase from her online shop. Prices start from £32 for cushions and £100 for wall flowers. More information about Lorna's work and her future exhibitions can be seen on her website.

Gifts: Clare Gage ...

Today on Card & Gift Blog we have some pretty ceramic designs from Clare Gage. Highlights from a collection of cups, tableware, bowls and vases that make beautiful homeware gifts.

From her studio in Chesterfield in Derbyshire, Clare creates elegant collectible homewares that fuse hand-crafted textiles with delicate ceramics.

A detailed process sees every piece of tableware formed from hand-woven fabrics. Each is transformed into individual moulds and recreated in porcelain.

Clare is a fellow of the Royal Society of Art and in 2007 won the prestigious 'Design Directions: Ceramic Futures Award'. An indication of the remarkable quality of the ceramics.

Each piece is slip cast in porcelain and individually hand-finished with textile-inspired 'stitches'. I love the whimsical touches of stitches and buttons on the designs.

Prices for Clare's homewares start from as little as £15 and can be purchased at her online store. You can also find out all of Clare's news at her website.

Cards & Stationery: Anne Taintor ...

The Anne Taintor collection of cards and stationery is described under the simple tag line 'Making Smart People Smile Since 1985' and it's easy to see why with her fun, whimsical designs ... here's a quick look at some of my favourites.

These cute note sets include notepad, sticky notes, and three co-ordinated floral sticky tabs combined in a durable folder with magnetic closure. Each stationery set has the signature Anne Taintor retro image combined with a witty saying.

Bright, printed cards with nostalgic images are given a modern overhaul with the application of cheeky lines of text. With a selection of birthday, everyday, event and blank cards there is an Anne Taintor greetings card for all occasions. All cards are printed on FSC-Certified stock by a Certified Green printer using 100% wind-generated electricity. 

Anne Taintor cards and stationery can be picked up in the UK from distributors YCUK, with prices starting from as little as £2.50. To find out more visit their website or make a trip to their shop in Brighton's Church Place. Folks putside the UK can find out more at the official Anne Taintor website.

Gifts: Katrina Alexander Jewellery ...

Katrina Alexander utilises organic forms and textures, architecture and everyday objects to inspire a line of exquisite jewellery. Today at Card & Gift Blog we're looking at some of her beautiful necklaces, hand made with silver and freshwater pearls.

The image above if the 'Drop Necklace with Leaf and Pearl. A short necklace with a long drop comprising a hand made, engraved silver leaf and freshwater coin pearls. Below is the dramatic 'Pearl Cluster' a short necklace with peacock pearl cluster. The necklaces retail at £79 and £75 respectively.

Katrina has also created a classic range of curved and twisted silver pendants, timeless designs that make a perfect gift as they go with any outfit. The 'Infinity Pendant' is made from silver using the art of 'lost wax carving'. A solid silver pendant, it is hallmarked with the Katrina Alexander makers mark and hung on a short leather necklace. £135 RRP.

The last image is the 'Mussel Pendant'. The silver is hammered and folded by hand to create an intricate twirl of precious metal. The pendant is then hung on a silver chain.The 'Mussel Pendant' is available for £75. 

Today's images are just a small selection of Katrina's collection, which can be seen and purchased online. To see more visit the official Katrina Alexander website and if you like what you see here please leave me a comment.

Cards: Ornate Patterns ...

Today we've got a look some bold and bright greeting cards from Ornate Patterns. Printed cards range in price from £2.10 to £2.40 and embellished cards between £3.50 and £4.00. To accompany the images, Ornate Patterns founder, Sally Moret, has given Card & Gift Blog a mini interview that tells the background story of the cards.

Interview with Sally Moret

How did Ornate Patterns get started?
I have always had two loves in the design world; shoes and patterns. My Fashion and Textile Degree took me into the specialized world of footwear design. From leaving, I managed to secure myself the best job ever, working for a London company called The Pentland Group. For many years I travelled the world not only designing shoes, but also clothes, hats, bags, graphics and prints too! From here I have become a freelance designer, which I love as it gives me more opportunities to explore new areas of design. My change in direction lead me into starting Ornate Patterns, however the publishing business has enabled me to stay true to my background as they want shoes and handbags too.

What is your inspiration?
My inspiration is what all girls love: shoes, handbags and of course patterns and print. I also love the Retro London trends of the 1960's combined with the influences of Art Nouveau and like to work with stylized flowers, swirling lines and bright colours. I love to travel and my favourite spots are Venice and Egypt. However Barcelona would be where I would go for inspiration. I just love the colours and mosaics Gaudi created.

How does a design evolve?
I start by drawing my designs on paper with pencil. It may take several days to create an idea I like and by then I might have drawn the same idea over and over several times. I mix my hand painted original artwork together with the graphical artwork of Illustrator to produce interesting and vibrant designs. I also use my background experience in the fashion industry.

What are your plans for the future?
It is now two years since I started this new full time business designing for the greetings card, gift-wrap, textiles industries and any other publishing business who want surface design work. What a hectic year it has been, learning to create my own website to showcase my new work. For 2010 my main objective is to embellish some of my original designs with illustrator to create more dynamic artwork with graphic and floral imagery, textured backgrounds and wording. I notice that working in Illustrator the final artwork can be changed to customer requirements more easily. I am also planing to print and embellish some of my own designs to sell locally to shops and on the Internet.

What is your ideal gift?
My ideal gift would be bunches of flowers, glass beads or design books.

What are your favourite websites?
My favourite websites would be:
www.cathkidston.co.uk
www.alluminaire.com (as I am one of there 'world class' designers!)
www.printpattern.blogspot.com
www.happyandrosie.blogspot.com
and of course ... www.cardandgifblog.blogspot.com

To see more of Sally's designs have a look at Ornate Pattern's website.

Gifts: Catherine Hammerton ...

Catherine Hammerton is a London based Designer & Maker specialising in printed and embroidered textiles. Today we have some pictures from her fabulous range of homewares.

Catherine brings together traditional silk screen printing and hand embroidery with state of the art digital technology. The overall effect is a celebration of the handmade aesthetic, channelled into a line of luxurious interior products, which are continually improved and expanded to include new and exciting items. 

Being eclectically inspired, where no influence from nature to military uniforms is off-limits gives Catherine's interior gift lines a fresh, innovative style. The current range of soft-furnishings includes throws, cushions and table linen.

Using the finest materials, prices start from £22 for a set of two Egyptian cotton napkins and £120 for table linens; hand printed and finished with vintage patchwork borders and trims. Cushions are £99, with designs digitally printed on Silk Viscose. Each cushion includes embellishments such as antique lace, ribbons, charms and crystals.

As well as soft-furnishings one of Catherine's specialities is designing bespoke and ready to wear wallpapers, which utilise original love letters, found papers, fabrics and charms to create an astounding collage-style design. Catherine has extended this range to include hanging blossom panels. Hand stitched from wax paper and decorated with lace perforations; they create a beautiful focal point in any home.

You can see more and find a link to Catherine's online shop at her website.