Gifts: Dribblebuster ...

Dribblebuster is an award winning company founded in 2007 that sell a selection of brilliant bits and bobs for babies. Today we've got some picture of the best-selling, classic French toy - Sophie la Giraffe. A favourite teething toy in France for over 40 years it's a cute and practical gift for new babies and available online from Dribblebuster.

Sophie la Giraffe is a toy made from 100% natural rubber, giving them a soft, pliable feel for babies to handle. Each Giraffe toy is painted with non-toxic, food-grade paints making it a safe, perfect material for babies to chew; with a bumpy head designed to help soothe sore teething gums.

The soft colours are stimulating to a baby’s senses, as is the gentle squeak when squeezed. Sophie la Giraffe is lightweight and easy to grasp for tiny hands. Each toy is 7" (17cm) tall and suitable for babies aged 0-12 months.

Sophie la Giraffe retails at £12.95 and is available online at the Dribblebuster website.

Happy Bank Holiday!

Hi All!

Hope those of you in the UK are having a nice Bank Holiday. I'll be back to posting tomorrow but just wanted to quickly remind you about the discount that the lovely folks at Night Owl Paper Goods have offered to all of the Card & Gift Blog readers. So pop along to www.nightowlpapergoods.com you've got 15% off all orders placed through August 31! Simply pop some of their fab stationery bits and bobs in your basket and enter the coupon code "giftcardblog" at checkout.

Enjoy the last few hours of Bank Holiday Night or Monday for those of you outside the UK! See you tomorrow.

Gifts: Night Owl Paper Goods ...

On Tuesday we showcased some special Wood Greetings Cards from Night Owl Paper Goods with the promise of showing you some of their gift ranges ... well keeping my promise, today's post has some lovely photos including: Calendars, Journals and Tote Bags.

The 2011 Desk Calendars come in 2 distinct designs: Wood Critter and Botanical. Each design is a 12 month calendar printed on sustainably harvested Birch wood. The wood is thinly sliced and uses no water & very little power to finish making it very Eco-Friendly. Mounted in a clear display case, they retail at $24 (American Dollars) and can be shipped worldwide.

Spiral-Bound Journals are the perfect gift for notes & sketches. The inside front cover of this design reads… “A place to scribble your poetic musings or daily doings.” The journal is made from Eco-friendly, sustainably harvested birch; with blank 100% post-consumer recycled pages. Retailing at $18.

The final gift is a great place to carry and store all of your Owl possessions. A roomy & durable tote bag with hand stitched label and a funky, silk-screened design. Tote bags are made from 100% recycled organic cotton; from a fair trade production in India. The Eco-friendly wooden hang tag can even be reused as a bookmark. Tote bags retail at $29.

All of these items and many more can be purchase from the online store, to see the full collection of Cards & Gifts from Night Owl Paper Goods go take a peek at their website. To see Tuesday's post on their gorgeous Wood Greeting Cards click here.

Cards: Open Box Design ...

Open Box Design are an award-winning company that make bright, bold greetings cards. Today's images are from their hugely popular 3-Dimensional, Pop-Up card ranges: Brilliant Birthdays, Lov3d Up and Wuff.

Images shown above from the 'Brilliant Birthdays' collection originally sold out on their first print run. Listening to the demand of the industry Open Box Design developed the range into a selection of 18 shimmering designs covering ages, birthdays and new baby designs. 

'Lov3d Up' adds words to the 3-Dimensional mix, with a 'teaser' phrase on the front of the card that only reveals the true grand gesture of the message when the card is opened. These are elegant designs that are contemporary, cheeky and romantic.

The final 3-Dimensional card range from Open Box Design is a collection for the dog-lovers. Each 'Wuff' card has the simple outline of a dog on the cover, but as the card is opened the pup comes to life in its Pop Up form. 

2010 has been an enormously successful year for Open Box Design; a constantly growing, innovative company there will be lots of exciting new ranges added to their greetings card collection in the coming months and years. Remember to keep a close eye out for them, you can even start now by taking a look at their website.

Cards: Night Owl Paper Goods ...

I'm really excited about showing today's pictures as they come from one of my favourites ... Night Owl Paper Goods. I thought it was the loveliest collection of Cards & Gifts I'd come across and am pleased to be able to show them here. In the 9 months I have been writing the blog and in the 7 years that I spent working in the Card & Gift Industry (the pre-blogging days) these cute, 'Eco-chic' designs are some of my favourites.

The folks behind Night Owl Paper Goods are Alan and Jennifer who grew up in the rural landscapes of Kentucky and Iowa; sharing a childhood passion for collecting stamps, trading stickers and recycling paper scraps into handmade crafts. In Night Owl Paper Goods they have created their own world of 'modern yet folksy' wood & letterpress stationery, notebooks, tote bags & lots more. Today we've got some images from their unique 'Wood Cards' collection and later in the week there will be a post of their gorgeous gift range.

Alan and Jennifer are inspired by the work of Swedish and American folk artists, as well as the fantastic colours of nature, adding their own sweet creatures to the mix. Their range of wood cards are ideal as an original greetings card, a special stationery piece or even a miniature work of art. The cards are made from Eco-friendly, sustainably harvested Birch. The wood grain varies between each card making them unique every time. Easy to write on with pen or pencil, each card is supplied with a bright colour envelope.

Cards can be purchased online from the Night Owl Paper Goods store as single cards for $6 and as a pack of 6 cards for $24. Prices are in American Dollars. To see the whole range, including a fabulous range of occasion cards check out the Night Owl Paper Goods website and don't forget to look out for gifts post later in the week!

Gifts: Faye Power ...

Sometimes the best gifts are individual items that you wont find anywhere else and this is what struck me most when I saw the ceramic pieces of Faye Power. Today we've got a small selection of tea service items from Faye's collection that will be make quirky and original gifts.

All of these cute, illustrated ceramics are available by contacting Faye directly through her website. Individual prices are available on request.

The ceramic pieces in Faye's collection are created using new and found ceramics, which are decorated with digitally printed transfers that are produced from Faye's original illustrations.

 
Faye's illustrations are all hand collaged and drawn using newspaper/magazine cuttings, found paper, pencil and ink. The two current ranges in the collection are 'Enjoying Royal - Tea' inspired by the Royal family (and their famous corgis!) and 'Birds Can Fly So High', which draws on the shapes and patterns of feathers.

Faye's bird illustrations are bang on trend at the moment and will make a beautiful addition to any home. To see more of the collection check out the gallery of ceramics on Faye's official website.

Cards & Gifts: OrangeBeautiful ...

OrangeBeautiful officially began trading in 2004 but its roots are much older. From childhood designer Emily has loved creating, but it is with OrangeBeautiful that she has discovered her true passion ... fashioning beautiful designs in paper. Today we have some great images from the OrangeBeautiful collection.

OrangeBeautiful's fresh designs use quality materials and are assembled using the finest craftsmanship. The range of notebooks and journals (shown above) includes a set of four pamphlet books in cool, geometric designs. The letterpress designs are printed with black ink on the white covers. The hardback journal is a steel gray cover screen-printed with a magenta lace pattern. Each book is expertly hand-bound using a dark grey long-stitch. There are 3 sets of Pamphlet books to choose from retailing at $14. Hardback journals are also priced $14 each (prices in American Dollars).

OrangeBeautiful have a gorgeous collection of Letterpress cards, including patterned designs (above) and text cards (below). The geometric Royal pattern is a set of 6 cards printed in black and white and can be co-ordinated with a choice of warm or cool coloured envelopes. Cards are packaged in a stunning letterpress printed paper box for $16. Text cards are printed with a variety of words, the images on today's post are the  “HELLO” or “THANK YOU” typography designs in steel blue ink. The set retails at $14 for 6 cards. All OrangeBeautiful's cards are blank inside making them a glamourous stationery choice or occasion card.

All of the items shown here today and many more designs are available to purchase at the OrangeBeautiful online store and more information can be seen on their website. Those of you lucky enough to reside in the Chicago area can also check out the OrangeBeautiful store at 4658 N Damen Avenue.

Don't forget to leave a comment on today's post!

Gifts: Ruth Bridges ...

Today's post features the elegant jewellery designs of Ruth Bridges; contemporary jewellery designed and made in her workshop in Hove. Ruth then exhibits and sells her pieces in shops, galleries and exhibitions across the UK, as well as to the online world via her website.

Ruth currently has three ranges in her portfolio: 'Lode' is a collection of silver designs featuring a contrasting stripe of eighteen-carat white or yellow gold, finished with exquisite details of tiny diamonds and sapphires; 'Flint' are tactile pressed forms in silver with a line of contrasting 18ct white or yellow gold;  The Pierced collection features unique tactile pieces that have a hollow shape with delicate hand-pierced details.

Ruth draws inspiration from sources including rock formations and pebbles smoothed and hollowed by the elements, map symbols and mathematical drawings. These natural shapes are mirrored in the smooth, tactile silhouettes that can be found in Ruth's jewellery. The images shown today (from the top) are 'Wide Band with White Diamonds' £305; 'Short Pendant with Diamonds' £330; 'Tiny Pendant and Loop Necklace' £160; 'Large Ring with White Diamonds' £255; 'Small Pendant' £130 and 'Bangle' £230. 

Ruth's jewellery makes a wonderful gift idea; a beautiful, classic range that is instantly wearable. All of these items are available to purchase from Ruth's online store. Check out the website here. 

Stationery: Jellybeans ...

Today's images are all the way from Ontario, Canada via the online shop of Jellybeans. Checking out the Supermarkethq site recently I came across Jellybeans and loved the simple, natural imagery to be found on their stationery items. Angie Vandenbogaard, the artist behind these sweet greetings cards and gift tags uses nature as the inspiration for her fresh, colourful designs.

Jellybeans' greetings cards are available in packs or singles. The designs shown above are 'La Petite Cottage in the Forest' and 'La Petite Forest'. These cute forest prints are available in a set of four cards (2 of each design) with matching white envelopes. Below is the 'Red Balloon Art Card', a design sold as a single card. All of the greetings cards are blank inside making them suitable for a variety of occasions. Packs retail at $9.50 and single designs at $3.50 (prices in American Dollars).

The final image is Jellybeans collection of gift tags a perfect way to pretty up a present. Sold in a pack of 6 tags, the designs have a spring theme with 3 x 'Circle of Friends' and 3 x 'Cherry Blossoms'. Gift Tags are printed on heavy textured board, with rounded edges and pretty ribbons to finish. The Gift Tag pack retails at $9.00. 

To see more from the Jellybeans portfolio visit their online shop.

If you design or create greetings cards, stationery or gifts please email me. I'd love to hear about your products.

Gifts: Catherine Green ...

Catherine Green is a textile artist creating original works of art from her studio in Mirfield, West Yorkshire. Today we've got a special preview of some of her beautiful, natural pictures ahead of the launch of Catherine's online shop.

Catherine's work take inspiration from the environment; including the coast at Spurn Point, the wild hedgerows and the landscapes of Yorkshire. Each piece is a highly elaborate design that interweaves different processes to achieve the finished design. 

Recently Catherine has been experimenting with techniques including the application of dye to devore fabrics and deconstructed screen printing. The prints are added to with thickened dyes and hand-drawn elements. Devore paste is then used to 'carve away' areas to reveal the hidden silk fabric beneath. Intricate details finish each artwork to provide rich detail and interest.

Catherine's work can be found at galleries across the UK, a list of which can be found on her website. Take a few minutes to sign up to the newsletter so you can be first in line at the launch of the online shop.

Gifts: More Than Words ...

Sorry for my absence from blogging for the last couple of days ... summer flu hit and left me in need of some rest & recuperation time! I'm happy to be back today and showcasing a fabulous company that I came across in the wonderful world of Twitter.

Today's images come from the collection of Bespoke & Limited Edition Typographic Art of More Than Words. The canvases can be chosen from a select range or created from scratch to your own personal preferences. You're free to craft your own personal artwork from a special date, favourite memory, favourite things, celebrating a special event or even your perfect song lyrics.

Using only the highest quality materials, More than Words specialise in premium canvas, acrylic and framed prints, which are professionally crafted to fine art standards. Each museum quality print is finished with fine art Satin varnish that helps protect against light and marking. The pictures are available in square, portrait or landscape orientation.

All of the More Than Words collection can be purchased online, prices range between £65 and £440. To see more and start creating your own canvas pop along to the website.

Gifts: Tracie Murchison ,,,

I love finding gift ideas among the British craft community, so I was absolutely delighted when I saw these fabulous cups and jugs by Tracie Murchison. They're such unique creations that they will make a truly special gift idea. 

Tracie hand makes each piece using her own technique of individually layering silk, ephemera and wood veneer to create unique forms. The process of layering is repeated using a variety of different materials, gentle sanding then removes some traces of the chosen materials. By revealing lower layers Tracie is able to show the hidden layers, giving each piece its own identity. 

Inspired by traditional and modern ceramics, textiles and basketry, Tracie's pieces have familiar forms developed into new and interesting works of art. The pieces perfectly balance the textures of silk, handmade paper, newspaper and pages from old books with a smooth wood veneer. Current ranges include the 'Alice Annie collection' which uses reproduced love letters, photographs and fabrics left to Tracie by her Great Aunt Alice and 'Original collections', which uses original books, letters and photographs to create unique pieces that become talking points and cannot be copied.

To see more from Tracie's Portfolio, look up exhibition details and get full contact info take a look at her website.