Cards: Eggnogg - Have you been Eggnogged? ...

Hi All, I wouldn't normally post on greetings cards for two days in a row, but today's card images looked so bright and fun when they appeared in the Card & Gift Blog inbox that I thought they were the perfect thing to send us all into the weekend smiling. Today's images are from 'Zoo' and 'Party Animal', two bold collections from Eggnogg.

The illustrator, designer and creator of everything Eggnogg is Kate Edmunds. Kate previously worked as a TV graphic designer for 10 years before moving to a career in illustration when her children were born. After illustrating numerous children's books and using her weird and wonderful creatures to adorn greetings cards for family and friends, Kate decided to set up her own company and Eggnogg was born. 

The fun, quirky designs have developed into a collection of over 80 cards for birthdays and occasions, with new Spring lines on the way. All designs feature Kate's signature style using black lines, textures and saturated colours to ensure every image makes a huge impact on a special day.

All of Eggnogg's cards can be purchased online via the official website or through NOTHS, at just £1.95 each you can easily pick up an individual design or a Zoo's worth of Eggnogg's animal cards.

Cards: Sabah Designs ...

I thought we'd have a break from the gifts today and have a look at some beautiful handmade greetings cards from Sabah Designs. A UK based publisher (situated in my home county of Leicestershire), Sabah Designs specialise in creating exquisite embroidered greetings cards.

The first image is from 'Polka Tots' a range of vibrant cards with children in mind, although the young at heart are sure to like the cute emblems. There are 12 designs in total, each with a central embroidered design that is matched with a spotty grosgrain ribbon.

The 'Golden Orchid' collection (above) and 'Silver Linings' (below) are definitely ranges for the grown-ups. 'Golden Orchid is a new range that has recently featured as a highlight of the Harrogate Home & Gift Fair. The cards use sophisticated designs in a neutral palette of black and white. The similarly classy collection 'Silver Linings' is a range of elegant occasion cards made with organza fabrics, silver hand-stitched details and diamantes.  

Today's final image is from the 'Walk on Wild' collection. 12 greetings cards with funky, fashion orientated designs. Each image is created using a leopard print fabric fresh from the catwalk and co-ordinated with a hot pink envelope.

Sabah Designs send their greetings cards all over the world as well as selling them in high quality stores and boutiques across the UK. To see a full list of stockists and find out more pop along to the official website.

If you create & sell greetings cards that you'd like to tell the world about ... email me.

Gifts: Creme Nouveau ...

Creme Nouveau is a collection of wonderfully quirky, handmade jewellery by kitsch fanatic Katherine Hawkins.

Katherine studied Design Crafts at DeMontfort University and went on to perfect a number of disciplines including making glass beads, textiles and resin casting. This craft knowledge combined with a keen eye for beautiful unique elements gives the Creme Nouveau label its unique edge. Seeking out vintage gems and antique treasures, Katherine combines these retro bits and bobs to create gorgeous new pieces.

The Creme Nouveau collection has graced the pages of Time Out magazine and the catwalk at Brighton Fashion week, but it was at the 2010 British Craft Trade Fair where I first came across the sparkly creations. I was so impressed by the selection of necklaces, bracelets, earrings and brooches that I had to get in touch with Katherine for a few images that I could share with you. These necklaces retail at £120 and the bracelets at £60. They can be purchased from the Creme Nouveau online shop and would be a unique, luxurious gift.

Today's images are just a few examples from the range, to see the full portfolio have a look at the Creme Nouveau website. You can also shop online to order one or more of these craft creations.

I love to see your comments, so please type in a few words or hit one of the new nifty reaction buttons!

Gifts: Dooodolls - Designer Monsters ...

Dooodolls began in 2004 the brain child of Malaysian graphic designer Darren Chen. Starting as a hobby in 2002 Darren began the collection creating individual hand sewn toys for friends and family. They proved to be popular and Darren has gone on to develop a full range of toys and accessories. From a small cottage industry, Dooodolls has become a global success and a huge hit at the yearly international toy fairs. Today we've got some pictures of a few of the monsters that made their way to the Card & Gift Blog garden.

Dooodolls is a designer world of monsters, aliens and wild animals - each one unique and adorable in their own way; with their own characters, background and personalities. The three monsters Card & Gift Blog has adopted are Third Eye, Cupipi and Pinkie Pirate.  

The individual style of these monsters is designed to make people laugh. There is a wide range of characters and products to choose from. With everything from big gifts to stocking fillers there is a Dooodolls gift for everyone. Available to purchase from the official online store, plush toys start from $9, plush pillows from $38 and keyrings retail at around $5 (Prices are in American Dollars).

To purchase your own Dooodolls character or find out how to stock these fab creatures check out the Dooodolls website and don't forget to leave me a comment on the range - you can even use the new 'reactions' buttons at the bottom of the post.

Gifts: Pins and Ribbons ...

Hi All, apologies for missing a post on Friday, I blame a late night showing of Inception, keeping me in a dream state (fab film if you get a chance to go and see it).
Today however things are back to normal and we're starting the week with some designer homewares from the award winning and Eco-friendly Pins and Ribbons. 

Pins and Ribbons create a selection of memo boards in funky bright materials, including spots (shown above), stripes, gingham and florals. The French style memo boards will brighten up rooms and give a useful spot to store important paperwork. Currently the Pins and Ribbons online store has a special offer meaning stylish memo board prices start at just £14.95. Framed memo boards are also available, with a choice of wooden frames from £45.

With over 70 different designs to choose from these cute fabric Door Stops make a lovely gift for the house proud and design conscious. Available in a selection of materials and with a variety of shapes, such as 'Kensington' (above) and Square (below). Each Door Stop is filled with wheat and fragrant lavender and retails at £28.

The final image is a great 'stocking-filler' gift. These Lavender Hearts are ideal to fragrance rooms and drawers. Each is hand-crafted from a selection of fashionable fabrics. Hearts are 14cm with 4cm of ribbon for hanging and can be personalised with a choice of special messages. These pretty little keepsakes retail at £12.99 each.

To see more from the Pins and Ribbons collection, have a look at their website and don't forget to tell me what you think using the comments.

Cards: Made With Love Stationery Boutique ...

Made With Love Stationery Boutique design and create luxury event stationery and greetings cards for the truly special occasions in life. Today we have a few examples from their bright and beautiful range.

Above is the modern barcode design ... a perfectly unisex birthday card that can be personalised with your own words. The design is printed on a clean, white linen art board using a rainbow barcode image. Cards are then hand tied with a satin ribbon, available in a variety of bright colours. The 'Cheeky Baby' greeting card (shown below) is the perfect card to congratulate proud new parents. Each card features a cute, felt nappy, individually folded and fastened with a real safety pin. As each card is handmade the design can be adapted, adding extra nappies for twins or triplets. The design is printed on a silky pearl polka dot card and hand tied with a satin ribbon bow and then boxed with envelope and hand tied with ribbon closure.

'God Save The Queen' is a greetings card with a classic union jack theme and punk-inspired typeface. Each card is printed on a silky pearl board and hand tied with a co-ordinated satin ribbon bow. This design is available in a variety of colours; the picture below shows the stylish pink & chocolate combination.

As well as modern designs Made With Love Stationery Boutique also has a cool collection of retro designs. Our final image is the 'Retro Rose Bud Birthday Card' - this one has been designed for Mums, but like many of the cards in the range it can be personalised to your requirements. Every design in 'Retro' is a polka dot print that is hand-finished with a pretty parchment rose bud and hand tied with a satin ribbon knot.

Made With Love Stationery Boutique has a thoroughly extensive range of hand-finished cards that can be personalised to make them a special addition to any event. Prices start from £4, with a box and bow for an extra £1. To see more and purchase from the collection, take a look at the website.

Don't forget to test out the new comments page ... let me know what you think of today's post.

Gifts: This is a Limited Edition ...

This is a Limited Edition Collection brings together some of the most exciting new artists, creating an eclectic mix of art prints, canvases, homewares and accessories. Today we've got a few images from this fabulous range.

These bright, bold cushions are 'Bunnies' by Joel Ledbetter and 'Monkey Pillow' by Chuck U. The cushions are made from super soft faux suede and are available in a 40cm x 40cm Art Cushion size or a 100cm x 100cm Floor Cushion. A limited edition, only 250 prints of each design are produced and every one has a certificate of authenticity, making them a rare gift. Cushions are priced from £39 and can be shipped worldwide.

Like all items in the This is a Limited Edition Collection, these Cup and Saucer Sets are all produced in the UK. Eight designs are currently available from a variety of artists. The images shown are 'Dead Fragile' by Dan Baldwin and 'Gumball' by Vault 49. Each gift boxed set is from a limited run of 250 prints and comes with a mini art print signed by the artist. Each set is available to purchase at £39.

The final images are from the range of mini bags. Whether used as a make-up bag, wash bag or pencil case, they're the most stunning bags around. Like all of the collection, the mini bags are limited to a run of just 1000 pieces for each design. Each bag has a nice chunky zip and a button badge on the zip pull. Bags are 30cm wide and 20cm high. The designs shown on today's post are 'Cherries' by Zutto and 'Doe a Deer' by Julie West and retail at £29 each, with matching eye masks also available.

These are just a few designs from the fantastic collection. Each is a work of art in a new form and they make wonderful gifts. Check out the whole range at the This is a Limited Edition website.

Cards: Quitting Hollywood - Jolly Mixtures ...

Those of you with good memories will remember that back in May, Card & Gift Blog showcased the Paw Play range from Quitting Hollywood, if you want to remind yourself of the post click here. Well I'm pleased to say the lovely folks at Quitting Hollywood have been back in touch to give us a sneak peek of their new range 'Jolly Mixtures'. The range isn't officially out till October, so this is a special treat for us ... so today is all about funny greetings cards and minimal waffling from me.

Jolly Mixtures is a fun, bright range of every day greetings cards suitable for a variety of occasions. Each card is designed with special 3D software and the finished cards are embossed to give a strong 3D effect. The range has 14 different designs and each card retails at £1.95.

To see more from Quitting Hollywood check out their very funky website. If you design greetings cards or create your own gift lines that you would like to see featured on Card & Gift Blog drop me a line here.

Gifts: Hollie Brown - Wedding Prints ...

Today we're looking at some images of Giclee Art Prints from the the 'Love Birds Wedding Collection' of Hollie Brown - a perfect gift idea for weddings and even engagements or anniversaries.

Hollie is a freelance Decorative Illustrator and Print Maker who works out of a studio in my home county of Leicestershire, England. Since graduating from university in 2007 with a First Class Hons degree in Surface Pattern Design she has gone on to win a series of prestigious awards and design placements.

Hollie's prints are created on heavy weight acid free paper, all designs are hand-finished and embellished with stitching, found papers and fabrics. These individual touches make each design unique and a special idea for a gift. All prints are mounted (with the option of framing) and signed by Hollie.

Prints from the 'Love Birds' collection are currently on special offer, so there's a chance to pick up a bargain with mounted prints at £40 and framed designs at £65.To find out more and find a stockist near you, take a look at Hollie's website.

Quick Message ...

Hi All,

Just a very quick message to advise that I have made an amendment to the comments option on the blog. I had one or two folks who were experiencing problems leaving comments. I've now amended the process and a pop-up box will appear when you want to leave a comment. In testing this has been working fine, but if you have any problems please email me. I love to hear your comments on the gift ideas and the wonderful designers who let me show their creations on the blog. I'd hate to think you're suffering silently with a troublesome comment system , so test it out for me and let me know what you think!

Gifts: Emily Richard Jewellery ...

From her home town in Rugby, England, Emily Richard makes small collections of high quality, contemporary, design-led jewellery. On today's post we've got a few images from her range of necklaces.

Emily studied her craft at the Birmingham City University School of Jewellery and has gone on to win two prestigious Goldsmiths Craftsmanship and Design Awards for Technological Innovation. Emily uses the most innovative new technologies to produce her designs, which results in a highly original, yet wearable collection.

The necklaces shown today (from top to bottom) are the 'Suspense Necklace', which uses coloured threads to contrast against the precious metal and support a central gemstone. The 'Swivel-Grid Necklace', a unique one-off piece, which uses oxidised Silver in a grid format; sitting on two axis the necklace can move and be positioned in different ways. Lastly the 'Torus Pendant' is from an award-winning collection inspired by mathematical models.

The necklaces shown today retail at £82 (Suspense Necklace), £552 (Swivel Grid Necklace) and £238 (Torus Pendant). Emily Richard Jewellery is available at public events, via selected galleries and online. For more information go along to the official website.

Cards & Gifts: Esther Coombs ...

Esther Coombs 'Drawn on Ceramics' range has become a new force in the world of Ceramics, becoming a huge hit at craft shows and in glossy magazines. The images on today's post are a few examples of the collection (and as a bonus a few of Esther's greetings cards).

The range begins with Esther collecting discarded ceramic pieces at car boot sales and in charity shops. These vintage pieces are rewritten with a new story, through the application of Esther's quirky illustrations. With their new features the items are 'Up-Cycled' into a new form; creating practical, yet decorative items such as tea sets or cake stands (as shown above).

By combining vintage ceramics pieces with modern illustration gives each piece a unique feel, which in turn makes them a unique gift. By creating something new and beautiful from neglected pieces Esther is creating a gift for the Eco-Conscious. Even the packaging is sourced to be recyclable or compostable, with minimal impact of the environment.

Esther has a wide selection of ceramics at a variety of price ranges, to see more and buy items take a look at her website.

Gifts: Sarah Ford Textiles ...

As we're firmly into wedding season, I thought it was quite appropriate timing to show you some photos from the wedding collection of Sarah Ford Textiles.

I first saw Sarah's work at this years British Craft Trade Fair and was impressed by the attention to detail that goes into every piece. Sarah's designs are sewn by hand and intricately embellished to to create aesthetically beautiful and luxurious gifts. 

The textile ranges utilise hand dying techniques, silk screen printing, layering and applique to create the perfect base for the handmade designs. Sarah's speciality is in embroidery, which has become a key feature of every design.

The images on today's post are from Sarah's collection of ring cushions and wedding albums. Each piece makes a beautiful gift, acting as a lasting memento of a special day. Available to purchase directly from Sarah's website, cushion and album designs start from £33. 

To see more from the Sarah Ford Textiles wedding collection or to purchase any of these items pop along to the official website.