Despite the ongoing lockdown – the end of which might thankfully be in sight – there has been no shortage of new product sourcing opportunities thanks to an intense flurry of digital exhibitions which have brought the wider world to our desktops. Whilst nothing can beat the face-to-face networking and buzz of a live show, there is something to be said for browing at leisure with a cup of tea in hand and a pair of slippers on your feet in place of foot-unfriendly high heels and business attire!
Greetings cards and stationery hold a special place in our hearts after years spent in this wonderful industry and we have been keen to see what the digital world had to offer in the way of new ranges. As many in the UK won’t have had a chance to visit Maison et Objet either in person or in the virtual ether, we have scoured their card offering for funky and fab new designs.
Above is a selection from publishers and designers including: All the Ways to Say….whatever sentiment you have in mind, even if it’s growing behind a bunch of flowers; German family business Nuukk (Formes Berlin); sustainably focused East End Press, where everything handprinted on recycled paper and sustainably sourced wood, like these vibrant bugs and hedgerow garlands; the classically stylish florals and Christmas cards of Tassotti Italy and the exotic and detailed artwork featuring puffer fish of Creative Lab Amsterdam.
Octaveo’s ingenious multi-use cards which incorporate an attractive clip which doubles up as a bookmark; the marvelously irreverent Dutch brand, Shake it Baby (hello Queenie!); the French chic of Vissevasse’s new baby design; American stationer, Rifle Paper Co, whose Atomic Soda range includes this lovely Super Dad card; new concept, Citigami from Litogami, which presents a light-flashing greeting card powered by daylight and contemporary German brand, The Buttique.
Super stylish Par from Amsterdam, whose designs pictured here are coloured with distinctive Delf Blue; Tokyo Milk’s gorgeous luxe greetings presented in a tin like playing cards and Sugai World, whose cute Clip & Card collection of animal characters is produced from natural fibre paper which is bendable when wet and has a mouldable shape. Last but not least, when you’ve finished writing all those cards you might like to put your pens and pencils neatly away in this fab desk top organiser in the shape of a giant pencil by eco-friendly brand, Qualy.
