With the British greeting card market leading the world and still managing to grow, we have no trouble celebrating some of the wonderful independent card designers and illustrators working in the UK.
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Word on the street is up to 70% of shops in the UK have some kind of greeting card offering and any retailer wishing to stock cards will be seriously spoilt for choice. The instore selection will of course depend on your customers’ taste and budget, but here are some fresh ideas for new summer and Autumn merchandise to keep them coming in store.
As part of our British Craft Trade Fair extravaganza we’ve looked at some of the super card publishers who’ll be presenting their latest ranges at the show. Catching our eye early in the day was the talented Ruth Thorp, who will showcase her new Journey Collection. All the new designs are available as both art cards and prints. Says Ruth of her work:
“My ethos of design parallels my belief that a life should be built on happiness and a sense of pride and worth which can touch others in a positive light. Ultimately, I feel that design across different disciplines should focus on people, meeting the needs of the user and creating products that inspire, function efficiently and can be enjoyed.”
Equally talented but quite different in style is the lovely, whimsical Artinker, creator of distinctive, detailed illustrations that bring out the character of these delightful animal subjects. BCTF is the first time you can see Hertfordshire-based Artinker at any trade fair, with all designs available as both limited edition prints and greeting cards.
Also focusing on animals in general and birds in particular is the card maker, Bird, a traditional artist living and working in rural Shropshire. All designs will be available at the show as mounted prints and greeting cards, alongside a good selection of original work. Passionate about supporting local business, Bird cards are printed eight miles away from the studio, whilst screen printed products are made 12 miles away.
Peacock feathers, flowers, butterflies, horses, squirrels, owls , birds and bees are all subjects of Rebecca Christian’s fantastic greeting cards and art prints – there’s even matching jewellery for coordinated merchandising. We think the cute pair of squirrels featured here are perfect for Valentine’s or any occasion where romance is on the cards.
Last but not least is Sky Siouki, whose design stems from lovingly hand-drawn illustrations and abstract paintings, taking key inspiration from the natural world and modern art. All products are made in the UK using natural, high quality materials, fulfilling Sky Siouki’s aim to offer a unique range of beautiful yet ethical products.
Sky’s current design collection, ‘Flight’, focuses on the ethereal beauty of birds. This distinctive selection of artwork features detailed studies of various different bird species amongst abstract painted landscapes and rugged foliage. Fragments of gold leaf peep out from thick patches of oil paint, overlaid with delicate botanical drawings suggesting scenes of unexplored wilderness, all printed onto products with an organic feel. The designs are available on a range of printed homewares ideal as gifts.
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Featured images include:
– Fairy made Paperart
– Judy Lumley Print
– DM Collection
– Ruth Thorp Studio Journey
– ArtInker
– Bird
– Rebecca Christian
– Sky Siouki
– Noble Fine Art
– Lindsay Norman Art
– Savannah Storm
