Vintage Playing Cards ...

Vintage Playing Cards specialise in handmade greetings cards, frames and stationery made from, and inspired by original vintage games. Today's post is some of their unique framed designs; a gift idea for the design conscious and a vintage-inspired addition perfect for any home. Each frame contains individually sourced playing cards from a 1930's spelling game, upcycled into a new piece of art. Flexible to your requirements, each design can spell out your own message - creating a bespoke, personalised gift. Whatever the design, each framed picture is handmade with great attention to detail; every card arrangement is double mounted with cream and black before being set into stylish box frame.

Today's images are just a small selection demonstrating what the cards could spell out. A4 frames holding up to four letters are priced at £35 and larger frames, which can be personalised with words of up to ten letters are £45. The Tick Tock Clock is priced at £75. To find out more and purchase your own Vintage Playing Cards design pop along to the website by clicking here. 

Two New Greetings Card Ranges from Cardelicious ...

Cardelicious specialise in extremely enjoyable cards. Founded in 2003 by Raed Jibrail the company mission is to entertain and delight. Going from strength to strength, Cardelicious has an impressive collection of designs in their portfolio. Today's post is dedicated to giving you a sneak peek at two of their brand new ranges.

The first set of images is from the 'Being Human' collection, inspired by the hit BBC three comedy / drama. The show revolves around three housemates, who just happen to be a werewolf, a vampire and a ghost, and their quest to come to terms with who they are. The collection has been launched with eight designs and more in development. Each of the designs features quotes from the TV show and illustrate why it has become a huge cult viewing hit. With lots of friends who love the show I know I'll be sending a few of these out! 

The second new range is 'Vintage'. Inspired by the 1940's and 1950's and in particular the style of Bewitched (my personal favourite) and The Jetsons. There are currently 16 designs in the collection; including birthdays, ages and occasions. The cards are a bright, colourful edition to the retro trend.

All of the cards featured today (and a heap more) are available to purchase online at the Cardelicious website. The Being Human and Vintage designs are priced at £2.00 each. Click here to go straight to the website.

P.S. I love to hear what you think so please leave a comment, it's now super easy with a freshly installed DISQUS commenting system ... just click on 'comments and reactions' below. Thank you.

Artist Spot featuring Priscilla Jones ...

Using nostalgic imagery Priscilla Jones creates contemporary stitched mixed media artworks in 2D and 3D.  Today's post is a gallery of some of the pieces; inspired by cakes, teacups and teapots. The unique style adopted in every piece gives them a wonderful individuality; Priscilla uses found materials to craft the designs, incorporating unusual and beautiful items that conjure up memories and a love of sewing from her childhood. Working from her studio & gallery on the Northwest coast of England, Priscilla uses her surroundings to inspire and influence the art pieces - the faded beauty reflecting the picturesque environment. An award winning artist, Priscilla exhibits her collections across the UK and Europe, as well as teaching and running The Edge Gallery with husband Ian.

To see more from Priscilla Jones check out her lovely blog and website. To purchase your own item from the Priscilla Jones collection take a look at the online shop at The Edge Gallery.

Illustrated Cards & Prints by Squashed Rainbows ...

Today's images come from the greetings cards, notecards and illustrated prints of Sara Prebble; the Designer behind Squashed Rainbows. Sara has been illustrating for the over 5 years, with a wide array of experience designing for magazines, a choclatier and the retail industry. With Squashed Rainbows, Sara uses all that expertise crafting her designs into cards, stationery and gift products. The focus of each product is the gorgeous illustrations; my favourites are the animal characters, reminiscent of illustrations in children's books it feels like there is a story behind every one.

Items featured in today's post are: New Baby, New Home, Celebration and Anniversary greetings cards, £2.20; Pack of six Cupcake Notecards, £8.75; and Sara Prebble original illustrations, £12.99.

Cards are printed on board that is 25 % recycled and 75% FSC approved from sustainable sources. Each design is co-ordinated with a matching bright envelope and in a biodegradable cello bag. Prints are created on an embossed board with a 300mm square, mount board frame. 

To see more of the Squashed Rainbows collection or purchase any of the items shown here today; click here and you'll be transported to the online shop.

Luxurious Gifts by Haskell Natural Candles ...

Haskell Natural Candles create 100% soya wax candles; Each one is carefully crafted from organic soyabeans and hand-poured in designer Kathryn's barn in Cheshire. A beautiful gift idea the candles will add a stunning aroma and touch of luxury to any home. Haskell Natural Candles are available in a variety of designs: the Tumbler Candle, Classic Cube Candle as well as a wide selection of Pillar Candles. You can also choose any of 20 different fragrances giving you a gift idea that is bespoke to your requirements. In contrast to regular paraffin wax candles, soya wax candles produce 90% less soot making them better for the environment. To see more of the collection click here.

 

Items in the collection include: Tumbler Candle, £14.99; Classic Cube Candle, £16.99; Small Classic Cube, £12.99, Travel Tin, £8.00 and Pillar Candles, £12.99. All are available to purchase online (stock may vary) from the Haskell Natural Candles website.

Brand Love - Five Dollar Shake ...

Five Dollar Shake is a multi-award winning company designing luxury greetings cards and stationery. Today's post is dedicated to showing a bit of brand love for the greetings cards, stationery, gift wrap and canvases they're creating. Every design is made from scratch here in the UK. A little army based in Sussex assemble every card and then add on every tiny embellishment. The result is a collection of glamorous, delicate hand-finished designs. Not just beautiful, the cards and stationery also have their Eco-credentials in check, using high quality board and envelopes sourced from renewable, sustainable materials.

Recently Five Dollar Shake has launched a new social media based website where fans of the brand can purchase designs. The products can also be found in the most famous stores and amazing independent boutiques across the world; from these stockists you will find exclusive ranges fresh from the Five Dollar Shake studio. Since they began in 1998, Five Dollar Shake has built up an extensive portfolio of designs covering every occasion so you're bound to find a heap of products to love. Prices start from £3.99.

To find out more about Five Dollar Shake, see the collection or find a stockist visit the official website. If you want to check out the new social media store click here to go straight there.

Melodic Makeover for Soul UK ...

It's been a while since we featured any gift wrap on the blog; a terrible oversight considering how important it is to the gift giving business! Today's post is therefore a little overdue ... I was delighted to hear about a new collection featuring not just gorgeous gift wrap but also some lovely greetings cards that were launched to the trade in May & should be hitting the shops right now. 'Soul Melody' are sparkly, new designs from Soul UK. The popular Melody range has been given a glamorous makeover; 4 new wrap designs and 28 new greetings cards have been given fresh colours, elegant patterns and delicate texture details. Every design also has generous highlights of silver foil and flitter.

To find out more about Soul UK and to find your nearest stockist visit the Soul UK website.

You can also see more Soul UK greetings cards in the Card & Gift Blog archive, click here to have a look. I'd also love to hear your comments about the range ... what do you think?