Cards: Anzu ...

Anzu is a bespoke, design-led card and gift company founded in 1999 by Ellen McGrath. From teacups to high fashion Ellen creates stunning designs, which adorn inspiring gift products and greetings cards.

Today's post features Anzu's latest range of cards the luxurious 'Bejewelled' collection (below). A range inspired by beautiful jewellery and accessories. The range has been a huge hit since its launch and is now stocked by Harrods and Liberty's department stores in London.

The illustrations of the 'Bejewelled' collection showcase Anzu's signature style. With a strong emphasis on the decorative elements Ellen creates rich, indulgent images that are then encrusted with hand laid embellishments.

The designs include famous and historic jewels including the Windsor Royal Crown, Josephine Bonaparte's sapphire necklace and a decorative pile of Indian bangles.

 

Anzu is stocked in stores throughout the country, sold online and distributed worldwide. To find out more visit the official website, where you will not only find links to online stockists but also a gateway to Anzu's own inspirational blog.

Card & Gift Blog Update & some fruity stationery ...

Hello All,

As I'm coming up to completing my first year composing and publishing the blog I am in full reflective mode and on the look out for ways I can improve Card & Gift Blog next year. Over Christmas I'll be working on putting some plans into action and hopefully making the blog a little bit shinier, brighter and better for my lovely audience. Thank you to everyone who voted in the recent mini poll, all the views will be taken into account in the planning and designing of updates and improvements. If you have any further suggestions or things you'd like to see please send me a quick email to mail@cardandgiftblog.com ... all emails are welcome even if you just want to say hello!

Now to finish tonight's mini post I wanted to show you some pics of these fun notepads. I picked up a selection recently that included the Apple and Pear designs and everyone who has seen them adores them ... I hope you like them too. The fruit notepads from D-Bros make really cute stocking fillers. The 3D designs each contain approximately 150 sheets of paper cut into the fruit shapes and complete with printed pips. You can pick up a selection pack online that contains one each of the Apple & Pear memo blocks for £4.99 from Jaco Store. 

Gifts: Lotus de Wit ...

Today's post is dedicated to the jewellery and mini sculptures of Lotus de Wit, a jewellery designer and maker from Holywood in Co Down. The images are from two stunning silver collections ... 'Origami' & 'Bugs and Creatures'.

Crafted with heaps of inspiration and bucket loads of skill every single piece is a work of art and would make a unique gift idea. The 'Origami' range is inspired by the clean cut lines and shapes created in origami. From these basic forms Lotus de Wit creates intricate designs recreated in high quality silver. The result is a beautiful collection of  wearable jewellery including necklaces, earrings and studs.

‘Bugs and Creatures’ depicts the fascinating world of anthropods giving each little bug it's own personality and charm. The range includes wearable jewellery ... earrings, necklaces, rings and bangles as well as tea infusers, strainers and miniature sculptures.

For more information on stockists, a full price list or details on future exhibitions have a mooch around the Lotus de Wit website and get in touch with Lotus. Items can also be purchased online from sites such as Louth Craft Mark where a pair of Origami earrings are 55 Euros and a co-ordinated Origami pendant retails at 99 Euros.

Cards: The Sardine's Whiskers ...

Ally Court is the designer extraordinaire behind The Sardine's Whiskers, a creative world that specialises in clean, graphic-led greetings cards for all occasions. After working for many years in Broadcast Design, Ally decided to use her creativity and experience to create a unique range of  greetings cards; adopting fresh designs each with their own eccentric twist.

Today's images are chosen to show the scope of the collection ... with a few bestsellers thrown in for good measure. My favourite designs in the range are the cute and quirky images that have real warmth and humour such as the Seahorse, Snail and Octopus designs. The Sardine's Whiskers however have a strong selection of greetings cards for the male market with Spitfire Happy Birthday and the Motorbike Happy Birthday designs both being bestsellers. 

Each card is A6 in size measuring approximately 105mm x 148mm. They are designed & printed in England on heavyweight 330gsm Ivory board. All designs are cello-wrapped and supplied with a crisp white envelope.

The Sardine's Whiskers greetings cards retail at £1.90 each and can be purchased online via the Sardine's Whiskers store (via the NOTHS website). To go take a peek click here ... 

... and if you want to know more about The Sardine's Whiskers pop along to their official website.

Gifts: Juicy Lucy ...

Since the first Juicy Lucy fairies came into being in 1996 their twinkly ways have been captivating people left, right and centre so it's long overdue that Card & Gift Blog dedicates a post to their fun, chocolate-loving ways. Today we've got some of their gorgeous gifts and mini gifts to bring joy and fun to our Monday morning.

With Winter approaching I firmly believe everyone can benefit from a little bright spot in their day to day routine. The Juicy Lucy mini gift range has a whole host of cute little charms, with their cheeky hand-drawn images that do the job perfectly. The collection includes Keyrings and Pins, which retail at £2.50 and £2.99 respectively ...

The mini gift range also includes phone charms, tattoos, stickers and buttons. There's also mirrors too, which at £2.50 make a cute stocking filler for fantastically pretty fairies ...

When you've collected all of the mini gifts of Juicy Lucy, there's plenty more to keep you going such as adorable candle pots. Designs are available for celebrating a birthday, a new home or even a special fairy that deserves a magical candle with secret wishing powers. Candle pots are £4.75 each. You could alternatively treat yourself to a Juicy Lucy magic necklace for just £3.99.

All of the items on today's post and many more can be found and purchased on the Juicy Lucy website ... put on your best fairy wings and go take a peek!

... and please take a moment to hit one of the reactions buttons or leave me a comment!

**Please note - I had to make a slight alteration to this post. The images were changed as they'd got mixed up with some 2011 shots - oops! Fingers crossed they're all accurate now to what is available.**

Cards: Wishing Tree Cards ...

One of the best things about writing this blog is hearing from all the lovely folks who come across the page. I've had so many nice comments and emails from all over the world and it always makes my day when a new person gets in touch. I was really pleased this week to get a lovely email and some fab pictures from Wishing Tree Cards.

Designer Louise Allen working alongside sister Katie established Wishing Tree Cards in 2009. Originally from Bristol but currently residing in Greece, Louise and Katie produce design-led greetings cards full of bright, eye-catching colours. Today's images are from the brand new 'Ornate Occasions' range, which mixes contemporary graphics with natural elements.

All cards are produced in the UK using board approved by the FSC. Where possible all products used are recycled, recyclable or from sustainable sources.

Cards are available to purchase online, retailing at just £2.20 each. Louise and Katie will be adding many new designs to their collection so they are definitely 'ones to watch'. To see more greetings cards, get more information or start shopping pop along to the official website.

Cards: Itsy Ditsy ...

Itsy Ditsy is a shining and sparkling new company that launched at PG Live this year. Based in Sussex they create contemporary greetings cards of the highest calibre. Today we've got some images from their best selling 'Snow Crystals' range.

With the weather turning and frost appearing on a daily basis here in the UK it seemed oddly appropriate to show this beautiful range of photographic flower cards with their sparkly, shimmery images. Ignore the cold and take a look at the pretty crystal-look.

Designer Sarah-Jane Covey is a seasoned flower photographer, which really shows in the images which combine strength and delicacy to give a bold and beautiful finished design. The strong use of black and white in these cards gives them a unique contemporary feel perfect as a modern birthday or occasion card.

All cards are made from high quality, acid free and FSC approved board. Each greetings card has a co-ordinated envelope and cello-wrapping.

To find your nearest Itsy Ditsy stockist click here and to find out more about Itsy Ditsy take a peek at their website.

I love to hear your thoughts on Cards, Gifts or anything else you want to chat about so don't be afraid email me, leave a comment or seek me out on Facebook or Twitter.

Cards: Buttongirl Designs ...

Today's pictures are from the gorgeous greetings cards of Surface Pattern Designer Buttongirl! Six years experience designing prints and embroideries for the women's wear market has given Trudy (aka Buttongirl) the perfect skills to create a whole host of cute critters for a collection of adorable greetings cards.

A love of colour, drawing and embroidery encouraged Trudy to create Buttongirl Designs. The collection has cards suitable for all ages and occasions, with designs ranging from fun designs packed with patterns and bright colours to sophisticated ranges for when you're feeling glam and grown-up.

Today's images are from Buttongirl's printed range with not only bestsellers but also some brand new cards thrown in for good measure.

Each Buttongirl design is instantly recognisable for the exquisite details present. The tiny buttons, beads and stitches work seamlessly together to create magical cards with an enchanted feel. Trudy searches high and low at market stalls, haberdasheries and charity shops to find one-off fabrics that can be utilised in the designs.

Alongside the delightful printed ranges you can also get your hands on handmade cards. All cards are printed on premium board with printed cards retailing at £2.85 and handmade cards at £3.95.

As well as at shops and boutiques across the country you can also buy Buttongirl Designs at online hot spots such as Not on the High Street. For full details and to see more of the cards in this fabulous collection visit the Buttongirl website.

Gifts: Jessica Jewellery Design ...

From her base in Beadle, North Yorkshire Jessica Sherriff has been creating a collection of contemporary jewellery for the past six years. The perfect solution whether you're looking for statement accessories or gift ideas for friends and family. Let's take a little peek into the world of Jessica Jewellery Design. 

Inspired by the colours and landscape of the Yorkshire countryside, Jessica photographs the panoramic views, close up trees and flowers creating beautiful imagery that can be displayed within the acrylic jewellery. The images are distorted by utilising variety in the material thickness and a combination of matt and shiny surfaces to create intriguing effects. 

Each piece is hand-printed, formed, hand-sanded and polished to create the final piece. As you can see from the images the technique results in bold yet subtle colours and images.  

The full collection can be seen and purchased at Jessica's online shop. Prices start from £32.50 for earrings, £44 for pendants, £30 for bangles and £40 for cufflinks.

To see the online shop and find out more take a look at the Jessica Jewellery Design website. You can also make my day and leave me a comment ... or if you don't know what to type just click on one of the funky 'reaction' buttons.

Cards: Kissmekwik ...

Today is all about the smart, funny and charming graphics of the Kissmekwik range 'Drawn Ink'. Please sit back, relax, have a cuppa and take a look ...

Kissmekwik is a beloved and established company that has been going strong for a solid 12 years. Selling funny cards to the world they have been featured in the media on multiple occasions including pieces in The Face, The Guardian, Mail, Vogue and The Star and now Card & Gift Blog!

A new range to the Kissmekwik portfolio, 'Drawn Ink' is pulled together from the IPC magazine archives, bringing to life 100 years of Great British comics and Illustrations to delight and amuse.

'Drawn Ink' has 16 designs suitable for a variety of occasions. Each one retails at £2.00 an excellent price but buying in bulk via the Kissmekwik website means you'll get an even bigger bargain with free UK delivery on online orders over £10.

As well as 'Drawn Ink' there are a host of funny cards, gifts and wrap allowing you to co-ordinate all of your shopping on one funky website. I'm happy to testify that the cards and gifts make fab presents ... as I type my tea is resting on my very own Kissmekwik coaster, which makes me smile every time I see it.

To get purchasing Kissmekwik cards and gifts pop along to their website and don't forget to leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

Cards: The Strawberry Card Company - Part 2 ...

Hello again! As promised today we're back for our second and final part looking at the fabulous new card ranges of The Strawberry Card Company. Today is all about 'Grunge' ... Enjoy!

'Grunge' is fifteen greetings cards that defy occasions and speak directly to the individual ... a range that celebrates everyone from Rock Star, to tweeters and chocolate lovers.

With every card purchased you can also know that you are in in safe Eco-friendly hands. Designer Sian O'Donnell has switched her paper supply to board sourced from sustainable forests using mills that are FSC certified.

The cards use a high quality textured 260gsm board finished with a satin varnish to give an extra special sheen. The 'Grunge' range have a classic look, modernised with funky metallic text in bright colours.

Cards retail at £1.90 and are available in stores and boutiques across the UK and via worldwide suppliers. To find out more and seek out your nearest stockist seek out the contact information on The Strawberry Card Company website.

Cards: The Strawberry Card Company - Part 1 ...

Established in June 2006 The Strawberry Card Company is a publishing house that specialises in design-led greetings cards and stationery. Today and tomorrow we'll be looking at two of their brilliant new ranges.

The creation of designer and illustrator Sian O'Donnell, The Strawberry Card Company utilises Sian's background in illustration and pattern design to create a range of modern greetings cards with a unique and distinctive style. Knowing that everyone loves to receive post (the good kind - no bills or junk mail please) Sian has created a beautiful collection that provides a designer backdrop for personal heartfelt messages.

This desire for getting 'back to basics' and a passion for design has seen The Strawberry Card Company grow and grow with Strawberry Cards now available to buy in many of the UK's leading stores and boutiques as well as outlets around the world.

Today's images are from the cute Wonderland range, fifteen designs that retail at £1.90. Come back tomorrow to see another brand-new shiny set of cards. In the meantime if you want to find out more click here for The Strawberry Card Company website.

Cards: Tranquil Space Designs - Part 2 ...

As promised yesterday, today we have a sneaky look at Tranquil Space Designs newest range, so some fab bright pictures and not too much waffling from me today. Presenting ... 'Magic Mojo and his Twisted Whiskers'.

Adapted for cat lovers everywhere, the cards are a cute and funny twist on some classic movie posters. With 14 designs to choose from there is a mix of vintage and modern designs for film fanatics.

Cards are 5 x 7 and individually wrapped. Each card is blank making them suitable for a variety of occasions. Keep your eyes peeled for these cards as they hit shop shelves nationwide. Find out more on the Tranquil Space Designs website.