Squashed Rainbows

2012-01-31T22:36:00.001Z

Hi Folks,

We are now on Pinterest, click the icon below to follow us and view our pins...

Mark the Milestones

2011-12-15T14:09:00.000Z

'Mark the Milestones' See Squashed Rainbows Cards in Progressive Greetings Worldwide Magazine November 2011 - Innovations Section Page 74 #greetingscards #design #illustration

Welcome Mrs Baby!

2011-11-13T17:13:00.001Z

So im taking a little time out to enjoy my beautiful baby girl...

Beatrice Freya born on the 17th October 2011 at 2:31pm

6lbs 6oz of amazingness!

.....I'll be back soon x

Santa Claus is coming to town.....

2011-09-30T17:26:00.000+01:00

.....well, in three months he is and to keep up with the big guns I need to tell you about my Christmas Card Collection.

It started last week in my local Tesco, there was a garish glitter causing a glint in the corner of my eye, I looked over and sure enough there it was: The Christmas Aisle. In all its glory there was tinsel, baubles, lights, chocolate money; santas, soldiers, reindeers....yep, its started. I saw the same in Sainsbury's too!

Having had my Christmas stock come in a few months ago I needed this reminder to actually promote it, it felt like so long away then but alas we all like to shop early these days don't we. So without further a-do I give you 'The Christmas Collection' - As seen in Progressive Greetings Worldwide Magazine Innovations pages, May 2011 Issue.

Original design & illustrations by Sara Prebble of Squashed Rainbows
www.squashedrainbows.com

Printed on 75% Recycled / 25% FSC 270gsm Antique Soft White Card

Size: A6 (105 x 148mm)

A6 Envelope Christmas Red

Blank inside for your own festive message

No Post & Packaging cost for UK purchases!

Postage £1 to destinations outside the UK

Available as a pack of 4 for just £3.99

Available as a pack of 8 for just £6.99

Available wholesale - contact me direct for prices.

And also abvailable through my Gift Wrapped and Gorgeous Boutique & My Etsy Shop.

As we are feeling festive we may even throw in a chocolate coin or two with each order :)

Recent Work

2011-09-26T12:04:00.000+01:00

I have been busy working for on a great project recently for a local business in Strawberry Hill. Genevieve Winter - Reflexologist.

Genevieve Winter has been practicing as a holistic therapist for over 12 years.
She is an established member of the Association of Reflexologists and has completed a series of related post-graduate courses.
She loves her work and feels privileged to witness the restorative powers of reflexology through her clients.

For Genevieve I have designed a 3 Fold DL Leaflet for her General Reflexology and to go along side it I have created a 3 Fold DL Leaflet for her Pregnancy Reflexology.

We have used natural tones and flowing text to compliment the theraputic topic and settings of what Genevieve has to offer.

Being pregnant myself at the moment, this has been a fab project for me to work on and I have really enjoyed learning more about alternative therapies.

For more information about Genevieve please visit her website: www.genevievewinter.com

For more examples of my design work please visit www.saraprebbledesign.co.uk

Interesting Insights - Interview with Charlotte Biggs of the Card & Gift Blog

2011-09-05T09:51:00.000+01:00

The Card & Gift Blog aim to showcase the best in the world of Cards and Gifts. With seven years experience working in the industry Charlotte Biggs; the writer of the Card & Gift Blogs gives her insights to the card and gift industry today.

Sara Prebble: "What inspired you to create the Card & Gift Blog?'

Charlotte Biggs: "The idea to start Card & Gift Blog began to develop in early 2009. I'd been working for a card and gift publisher for about six years, during that time I'd built up lots of experience and made lots of friends in the industry.

Speaking to friends who were artists and designers I knew a lot found it difficult to get noticed and get their products seen. They either didn't feel confident promoting their products or had limited time and budget to handle any attempt at marketing.

About the same time I'd started to get interested in blogs; it seemed like a great platform for showcasing card & gift products. A 'one-stop shop' that brought together lots of different companies and individual designers would be easily accessible and easy to find at any time. Designers and makers would be able to easily publicise their products, generating interest and demand by reaching buyers and consumers at the same time.

Later in the year the recession hit the company I worked for and my colleagues and I were made redundant. I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted to do next so I decided to spend a bit of time as a freelance copywriter, the job I'd had on and off since I was fifteen. While I was putting together a portfolio of my work the blog idea began to resurface. Writing a blog seemed like a good way to add to my portfolio and I'd always loved the new product launches so I knew it was something I'd enjoy writing about.

I'd never put together a blog before but I was fairly optimistic that I could give it a go. I'm good with computers and I've taught myself enough html coding to get by. My past jobs also helped with putting the blog together. I graduated with a degree in History so I'm confident with research work. I've also had my fair share of marketing roles so I can use some of those skills to help promote the products shown on the blog.

So far it's all going well, when I started the aim was to get as many people viewing the blog on a monthly basis as view the trade magazines and I'm just about there. The audience is growing each month so that first target will be completed soon and I'll start working towards the next target."

Sara Prebble: "What are you looking for from a Card & Gift Designer to feature in your blog?"

Charlotte Biggs: "It's hard to define exactly what I'm looking for as I never have anything specific in mind (beyond “Is it a card? Is it a Gift?”). I tend to react to the things I see. I look at hundreds and hundreds of websites and thousands of products. If something pops out or makes me stop in my tracks then I have a closer look. I do look for certain attributes in cards and gifts. I look at the quality of the products and try to choose items that are well-designed and well-made; if something looks unprofessional I tend to leave it alone. I also like to see originality, either in subject matter or design style. I think I'm also attracted to enthusiasm, it's a bit of an obscure one but when someone has a genuine belief in their products and enthusiasm for what they're doing it comes across in their designs.

Sara Prebble: "The average retail price of a card in 2009 in the UK was £1.17. Do you think the recession has effected the card & gift industry and made an impact on the prices we are seeing on the shelves today?"

Charlotte Biggs: "Since I first started working in the card & gift industry in 2003 there has been a lot of changes, but it's hard to estimate how much is due to the recession and how much was already in motion before 2009. I think two of the major changes I noticed during my time in the industry were diversification of supply and advancements in the printing industry.
On the high street it's no longer just traditional card & gift shops that are selling greetings cards: chain stores are complimenting their traditional stock with card ranges; supermarkets are commissioning and printing their own range of cards; higher quality discount stores are also entering the market. The diversification is mirrored online with the growth of handmade markets and 'direct from designer' sites. This diversification in stockists gives a greater variation in price points.

The advancements in printing also has a knock on effect on the prices you see on the shelves. Greater availability of digital printing means more people can sell cards using cost-effective, high quality digital print runs. Improved printing techniques and materials in the far east enables those with a larger budget to mass produce cards, while maintaining quality at a much reduced cost.

Thinking back to 2009 and since then one big change I have noticed with is that publishers are experimenting with how they sold their products: more seemed willing to sell direct to consumers, (as well as to their traditional trade customers), or sell off their old ranges to discount stores rather than pulping the redundant stock. In the recession cash flow was key, everyone had to be a bit more flexible; be willing to diversify and experiment. The result seems to be greater options in supply to consumers, greater options in production for the publishers and ultimately greater variety in prices on the shelves."

Sara Prebble: "What trends do you see emerging for 2012 in the gift industry?"

Charlotte Biggs: "There are a number of trends that have been predicted for 2012, covering everything from 'clouds', to 'technology', to 'voyages', to 'futurism' to 'cinematic'. I have been starting to see gift items that relate to all of these but the biggest trends that I'm starting to see more and more of revolve around 'British' and 'Nostalgic' trends. With events such as the Olympics and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee due in 2012 there is a lot of focus on 'British' inspired gifts. The union jack trend that has been around for a few years is being carried forward with new variations and iconic 'British' designs of stamps, taxis, bulldogs and telephone boxes are all being incorporated into designs. The focus on London that these events will bring has also brought all things London into the mix. The 'Nostalgic' trend is fairly adaptable, mixing with the 'British' trend it can incorporate sentimental tones, using vintage inspired artwork, designs and quotes. With 'cinematic' trends the nostalgia comes from the glamour of the fifties and the continuing love for the Mad Men style. The handmade market is also using nostalgia with 'upcycling', utilising the trend as products are created mixing 'old and new'.

Sara Prebble: "Handmade v Mass produced - do you think people are leaning towards the individuality of handmade cards or preferring the personalised computer generated designs we are seeing from Moonpig and Funky Pigeon for 2012?"

Charlotte Biggs: "I don't think there is one definitive answer if I'm honest, they're two very different styles that suit different types of consumer or different types of occasion. Personally I'd always choose something well-designed or handmade over something computer generated but that is down to my personal taste; I like the creative touch and I love finding a card that is a work of art. For me choosing a card online and having someone else print and post it seems like I'm cheating somehow.

It's easy to understand that with this mindset I never quite understood the appeal of Moonpig or Funky Pigeon. This did however change quite recently. Working on a marketing campaign for a construction company I was asked to purchase several hundred cards via Moonpig. I customised a design to fit the campaign, upload the mailing list (with only a few minor problems) and that was it – the message was delivered in a personalised greetings card. Similarly when a group of us wanted to send a birthday card to our boss for his birthday we uploaded a photo to a Moonpig template and customised the card with our own jokes. The cards had clear printing and the board was a good quality, so I was happy but despite this I'm not converted. On both occasions I was taking advantage of a very specific service that the Moonpig and Funky Pigeon offered but it's not something I would ever think of choosing under normal circumstances.

For some consumers the customisation options or the convenience of Moonpig and Funky Pigeon will be the deciding factor. I think for other consumers (like myself) it will always be preferable to find a handmade card that you can pick up, write and deliver. I've heard it said that when designing greetings cards you always have to think about your target audience and I think that even with Moonpig and Funky Pigeon there will still be an audience for handmade."

See more of Charlottes Card & Gift insights on one of these:

www.cardandgiftblog.blogspot.com

www.facebook.com/cardandgiftblog

www.twitter.com/cardandgiftblog

Weekly Illustration: Back to School!

2011-09-04T10:04:00.000+01:00

Trying something new today

2011-08-30T13:56:00.001+01:00

Etsy Shops to be Admiring

2011-08-24T14:55:00.000+01:00

Last week I published some blogs to admire, well this week I thought I would spread the love further and list some of my favourite Etsy Shops too:

Blackoutwell

Prints & Hand Painted Cotton Spools

These illustrations are amazingly cute and they often features cats, which always gets a thumbs up from me! You can also purchase little illustrated cotton spools for a unique gift - each one being individually hand painted, no two are the same.

I'll Be Yarned

Knitted baby wear and Knit Patterns

I can't get enough of this shop; the photographs just have me bleating 'awwww' with every click.

The popularity of this site shows with the fantastic number of sales it has had totalling to 3521!

Imagine Fabric

Designer Fabric

For retro block pattern fabric with a modern twist, this shop is the only place to be. As someone who can never find the right fabric for the right project, I just melted when I stumbled upon this shop.

Fish and Lotus

Origami Gifts and Decorations

If you ever wondered what the attraction with Origami is - here is your answer.

These are works of art and simply beautiful. Potential for a unique, quirky wedding table decoration idea with this one.

Lolli Pop Pillows

Decorative Pillows for Adults and Children

These are a lot of fun and you can have bespoke made ones too for extra individuallity.

The designs are either hand stencilled with non-toxic paint or hand cut eco felt that is made from recycled plastic bottles.

Button Flower

Map Jewellery

London Underground Map Earrings to Flower Brooches made from maps - request custom made items for an area that means something to you.

To see the Squashed Rainbows Etsy Shop click here

For Greetings Cards and Illustration prints.

Blogs to be Admiring

2011-08-18T12:33:00.001+01:00

I have been spending abit of time looking for new blogs recently, I find blogs a great place for up to date inspriational bits and bobs and a great way to start my day, cuppa brew and a kick start in inspiration.

1. Penelope Dullagan

This blog is great for yoga, illustration, uplifting insights into family life

2. Gretel Parker

Wholesome coutryside organic goodness from an inspiring illustrator and toy maker

3. Mummy Loves...

On the cusb of being a new mummy I love reading what this mum has to say

4. Sara Horne Illustration

Fabulous illustration with a great blogroll to paw through

Please comment with blogs you recommend :)

Get social with Squashed Rainbows

2011-08-15T16:44:00.000+01:00

I have joined a few extra social media thingymebobbies....seams this is the way we are heading as a world and gotta do what you gotta do, spreading the word and all that!

So lets chat over our keyboards and a cuppa...maybe a slice of cake too :)

First up...Behance

http://www.behance.net/saraprebble

Next up: Facebook

Next up: LinkedIn

Next up our Shop: Etsy

And Lastly: Twitter

Perfect Day for a Picnic

2011-08-03T14:48:00.000+01:00

New Stockist: Really Fab Cards Ltd, Eton

2011-08-03T12:34:00.000+01:00

We are really pleased to announce you can now buy Squashed Rainbows Cards at Really Fab Cards Ltd in Eton, Berks! Visit their website here

The following cards are available in there shops:

The Fabulous Card & Gift Blog

2011-07-25T10:47:00.001+01:00

We were very excited last week here at Squashed Rainbows when the lovely Charlotte contacted me to ask if i would mind if she featured some of my cards and illustrations on her Card & Gift blog. Of course I was flattered and within a matter of hours the beautifully put together blog post was live for all the world to see.

A little bit about the Blog in Charlottes own words:

Card & Gift Blog began in December 2009 with an aim to showcase the best in the world of Cards and Gifts. With seven years experience working in the industry I'd got to see so many fabulous products from so many talented designers it seemed a shame not to share them with the world. So with little steps Card & Gift Blog was launched into the world of blogging. The online world has introduced me to so many brilliant websites and so many talented designer-makers that there's always plenty to

blog about.

Grab a cuppa and have a read for yourselves HERE

Big thank you to Charlotte for featuring Squashed Rainbows x

Hampton Court Flower Show 2011

2011-07-12T12:48:00.001+01:00

Ah what better than abit of flowery inspiration! I just love it! Beautifull glorious sunny day down in the fabulous setting of Hampton Court Palace, 4 ladies set off for the super friendly day out that is Hampton Court Flower Show.

From Alice in Wonderland of Roses to Gardens at Night, Small Gardens, large gardens, upside down gardens and even a bright neon pink garden it was a treat for the green fingered eyes!

Catch a glimps of David Watkinson Sculpture: how amazing is the conka?!

I particulary liked the Scare Crow competition, each entry submitted was by a local school - Very creative entries! These are 3 of my favourites...

New Stockist: Pimlico Presents Ltd

2011-06-17T20:57:00.000+01:00

We are pleased to announce Squashed Rainbow Greetings Cards are now available at Pimlico Presents, Pimlico, London.
The following cards are available to buy there:

Animal Illustrations

2011-06-08T16:36:00.000+01:00

Anniversary Afternoon Tea at The Dorchester

2011-06-08T15:24:00.003+01:00

Well we all know how I love Tea & cake and I am busy cooking a baba...so when it came to our 1st Wedding anniversary on the 30th May it seamed like the only way to go was copious amounts of Cake accompanied with copious amounts of tea for me and champagne for Mr P. So to The Dorchester we went.

As abit of an afternoon tea enthusiast I can hands down say, this was the best afternoon tea I have ever had. The endless supply of the best sandwiches to ever let pass my lips were bueatifully forgotten about once the scones and pastries arrived. It became a epic endouvour to devouer as many nuggets of taste heaven as possible. All the while listing to the melow sounds of the grand piano, who happened to play our wedding song...Frank Sinatra's the Way you Look Tonight.

To top off a fabulous afternoon, The Dorchester gave us two pots of their 80th Anniversary Tea Blend and a cute card handbag full of scones and pastries to take home....that topped with them giving me a free fruit juice while Mr P quaffed the bubbles really made them stand out from their competitors. for going that little extra. Made it worth every penny.

Thumbs up from us!

Squashed Rainbows at Progressive Greetings Live 2011

2011-05-26T17:43:00.002+01:00

Well where do we begin....well it actually began with a cup of tea and the most amazing pain au chocolat (as all the best days do!) in this delightfull little bakery on Upper Street: Euphorium Bakery After Battling through the rush hour from Twickenham to Highbury and Islington we were ready for a sit down before the day had even begun!

After the quick refresh it was onto the stand with big smiles ready to embrace the day (spot the baby bump!).

Both days went well, we met lots of lovely publishers, shared information, thoughts on the industry, drank complimentary tea and ate complimentary lunches. It was great to be out there meeting customers, taking orders, handing out brochures and just generally spreading the word.

We ended the first morning on a high after taking an order from 'The Gift Box Too' in Peebles - Winner of the Independant Retailers 2010 award. We are very excited to be supplying our cards into Scotland now.

Hugh thanks to Jimmi for coming along, carring ladders and tables, bringing me tea and biscuits and manning the stand x

Progressive Greetings Worldwide Magazine May 2011 - Innovations

2011-05-26T10:41:00.005+01:00

See us on Page 74 of the May issue of Progressive Greetings Worldwide in the Innovations section.

Progressive Greetings Live - Set Up Complete

2011-05-23T10:03:00.006+01:00

6 hours
38 paper flowers
43 Cards
67 pieces of velcro
4 brews
£21 in parking
and we were complete.....

.....but you'll have to wait untill Thursday to see the final finished stand!

So it was on to the uber trendy new hamburger chain Byron for a well earned hamburger and fries. Delicious it was too!

Creature Mag Monthly Mix Tape May Download

2011-05-20T10:59:00.003+01:00

I recently did an illustration for the lovely folk over at Creature Mag for their Monthly Mix Tape May Download - see it here for more monthly musicmixed with innovative illustrations follow them on twitter @creaturemag

PGLive 2011 Show Catalogue Out Now!

2011-05-15T15:23:00.007+01:00

The PGLive 2011 Show Catalogue has Just arrived! Exciting times!

Turn to page 41 to see our entry

SQUASHED RAINBOWS: STAND 824

Win a Selection pack of SR Greetings Cards

2011-05-15T15:10:00.006+01:00

With the mementum gathering speed for PGLive in just 9 days time we thought we would do a little competition give away to show off our new stock.

All you have to do it visit our Facebook page, become a fan, write hello on our wall and at the end of today (Sunday 15th may at mifnight) we will choose 3 lucky winners and get your cards to you asap! Simples!

Visit our Facebook page here: http://on.fb.me/l7sUwL

Happy Sunday Everyone :)

T Minus 3 Weeks!

2011-05-04T10:14:00.004+01:00

Well with just 3 weeks to go until PGLive it is all go here at Squashed Rainbows HQ, the cards are being printed as I type, the brochure is getting finalised and me & hubby are spending the evenings walking SW London posting invites through our favourite shops doors.

Our range will sit into 3 sections, The Birthday Collection comprising of 12 designs, The Christmas Collection; 8 festive fun designs and lastly The Everyday Collection which has 22 Designs.

We hope to see you there for what promises to be a great show!

Shhhhhh a little secret

2011-05-01T09:04:00.006+01:00

Hi world, Sorry for the quiteness as of late, we have been busy burrowing away getting ready for PGLive at the end of May and we have also been keeping a little secret which has made working a little more challenging due to distraction, concentration, headaches, sickness, 14 hour long sleepy nights and excitement....yes you have guessed it, I am having a baby! Coming upto 4 months my energy levels are coming back and its time to do more than just the nessasary again. Exciting Times.

Last you heard the SR team were heading off on an adventure to Austrailia via South Africa, needless to say we had a fab time and came back refreshed, inspired and a little jetlagged along with some incredible memories.

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go....

2011-02-04T12:21:00.010Z

....well ok i know it's still winter here and the days are still grey, cold, miserable and windy but alas I am headed for bluer skies, warmer breezes and cold Savanah Ciders

....is anyone still reading? If you haven't 1. Switched off in disgust or 2. picked up your mouse to ram down my virtual blog throat; I will be back soon, I won't be gone for long....promise! Heading off for a recharge of the batteries, inspiring sights and enlightning days which will see me and my husband visiting friends for 5 days in South Africa, Pilanesberg specifically then onto Melbourne to see as much missed friend who is going to not only going to show us the deepest darkers corners of Melbourne but Sydney too.

Catch up in a little over 2 weeks.

Creative Boom

2011-01-12T15:26:00.000Z

Big love over to the guys at Creative Boom for including me in their online Directory - you can find me under the Illustration section here and it looks a little something like this:

For those who aren't familiar; Creative Boom is a portal for all things creative, with directory listings, job pages, events, design news and lots of daily fun including 'Daily Doodle', a Whitworth Cartoon and Flickr pool - a morning read over a gingerbread latte for all creatives.

Leaves Have Fallen

2010-11-11T12:21:00.003Z

I went away to Barcelona recently, just for 3 days where the weather was a nice 21 degrees...when i returned all the leaves had fallen from the tree in our garden; In a blink of an eye it was missed.

Autumn is my favorite season, I'm signing off to walk for a Gingerbread Latte while kicking up the leaves along the way!

Christmas Card Facts

2010-10-27T14:21:00.003+01:00

Can you believe it is only 58 days to go until Christmas...while this year Squashed Rainbows Christmas cards are not available to buy we will be sending out our own cards to advertise for next year, if you leave your address in the Squashed Rainbows facebook inbox I may just have Rudolf drop one off for you ;)

Cards for Good Causes are a fantastic organization.

CFGC sells cards on behalf of more than 300 national and local charities and manages a national network of over 300 Charity Christmas Card Shops, throughout the country.

CFGC sells Charity Christmas Cards from temporary shops set up in sites such as churches, libraries, community centres, tourist information centres and museums. Most CFGC shops are staffed by volunteers, with the managers receiving modest remuneration.

Really great stuff!

They also produce Christmas Cards facts and I'd like to share with you their 2010 Christmas Cards facts.

Cards for Good Causes

Christmas card facts and figures

The UK is the world leader in sending greetings cards, with nearly 2 billion cards sent at Christmas in the UK in 2007. (source: The Greetings Card Association)

The British Forces Post Office carries more than 8 million items of mail in December - up from its usual 3 million a month. (Source: MoD)

Until Christmas 1961, the UK Post Office used to deliver cards on Christmas morning.

The most expensive Christmas card was an original 1843 example of the first card ever sent. It was sent by the inventor of the Christmas card, Sir Henry Cole, to his grandmother. It sold at auction in Devizes in 2001 for £20,000.

93 million Christmas cards were recycled in 2007 – 12% up on 2006 (Source: letsrecycle.com).

Where did the idea for cards come from?

Although medieval printers produced seasonal sheets and pictures, Christmas cards were a fruit of the industrial revolution. Once Aloys Senefelder perfected lithographic printing in 1796 it became simple and cheap to produce thousands of copies of an image. This meant many businessmen would send their customers and colleagues cards printed with New Year wishes.

But it was Henry Cole, the first Director of the Victoria and Albert museum, who conceived the idea of Christmas cards in England in 1840. Because he was too busy to write a personal Christmas greeting to his friends and business associates, he commissioned London artist and Royal Academician, John Calcott Horsley to design a card.

Horsely’s card was 3-paneled; in the centre a group raised their glasses, and below them was a banner proclaiming, "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You." The two side panels showed scenes of feeding the hungry and clothing the poor.

Although Horsley designed the card in 1840 (the year in which Rowland Hill launched the Penny Post) it finally went on sale to the public in 1843. 1,000 cards were sold at a 1s each. The new postal service quickly served to make the cards popular. By 1881, the Post Office was issuing “Post early for Christmas” messages to the public.

But Horsley’s card was not received well by everyone. Because it showed a family group raising their glasses in toast of Christmas, it was immediately condemned by temperance campaigners.

The first American Christmas card followed some 30 years later when, in 1875, Louis Prang, a Massachusetts printer originally from Germany, produced a card that showed Killarney roses and the words, "Merry Christmas." Amazed by the success of his card, he ran nationwide contests for the best Christmas card designs and helped launch the idea of Christmas cards in the USA.

Charity cards and Cards for Good Causes

The first charity Christmas card was produced by UNICEF in 1949. The picture chosen was painted by a seven-year-old girl, Jitka Samkova of Rudolfo, a small town in the former Czechoslovakia. The town received UNICEF assistance after World War II, inspiring Jitka to paint children dancing around a maypole, representing "joy going round and round."

The inspiration for Cards for Good Causes (CFGC) came in 1959 when a group of charities met to discuss the co-ordination of publicity for selling their cards at Christmas to raise much-needed funds. In fact, some of those founder charities still work with us today. The first cards were sold from a few empty shops in town centres. Today, with over 300 temporary shops, our dedicated team of volunteers and staff sell cards across the UK from Truro to Pitlochry.

In the past five years, charities have received more than £20 million – representing at least 75p in every pound, out of which the charities had to pay for the production and distribution of their cards and any VAT.

CFGC sells cards on behalf of more than 300 national and local charities

CFGC manages a national network of over 300 Charity Christmas Card Shops, throughout the country, from Truro to Pitlochry

CFGC sells Charity Christmas Cards from temporary shops set up in sites such as churches, libraries, community centres, tourist information centres and museums

Most CFGC shops are staffed by volunteers, with the managers receiving modest remuneration

It is not just Christmas cards! In most shops CFGC also sells a range of Christmas goods, including advent calendars, Christmas wrapping paper and gift tags.

Traditional Christmas Pudding Recipe

2010-10-11T10:51:00.003+01:00

I can't think of anything better thing to do on a weekend in October than to illustrate a recipe for the fantastic blog: They Draw & Cook you can also follow them on twitter

Click Image to enlarge!!

Colour Palettes All Around Us

2010-09-16T14:28:00.012+01:00

While walking down Jermyn Street, London the other evening I took inspiration from the windows and decided to photograph them for a real life colour palette. Sometimes looking through colour swatches just doesn't deliver the inspiration needed.

In Turnbull & Asser's window you can see the colours by each season.

The AOi Master Class - The Essentials of Self Promotion

2010-09-10T13:28:00.003+01:00

On Wednesday I attended The AOI Master Class: The Essential of Self Promotion. Verdict: Informative.

It had a slightly frosty atmosphere and I had more than a twinge of Déjà vu of being back at university with someone being promptly told to 'put their phone away, we don't have anti-social behavior here' - this was before anything had started and after i had stood for a looooong 4 minutes waiting for someone to look up from the desk to 'Welcome' me and say hello (which incidentally never happened so i took a seat). I suspect the phone culprit was probably trying to fill the awkward 10 minutes in the near silent room waiting for the talk to commence. But these things always start off like this.
However I will give it's dues, it did warm up, with the help of the first speaker Rod Hunt [www.rodhunt.com] a very talented vector Illustrator whom i found very interesting to listen to and feel i did come away with some new ideas and expanded knowledge of promotional websites - it was a good, informative 45 minutes.

Unfortunately I had a prior commitment with a client so could only stay for the first half so i can't say how the rest of the evening progressed, I slipped away before I was caught phoning my client at the break and left with a great sample pack from Rod Hunt for inspiration.

Illustrationfriday.com - Dessert

2010-09-09T13:58:00.002+01:00

This is a topic i like a lot! - Inspiration: Fondue

Illustrationfriday.com - Immovable

2010-08-31T10:51:00.001+01:00

The AOI

2010-08-27T11:49:00.006+01:00

The AOI was established in 1973 to advance and protect illustrator’s rights and encourage professional standards. The AOI is a non-profit making trade association dedicated to its members’ professional interests and the promotion of illustration.

Squashed Rainbows is now a member of the AOI - looking forward to reading through the members only sections and seeing what is on offer. The Business Master Classes at St James Church also look good.

For more information on the AOI click here

Sunday trip down Columbia Road

2010-08-11T13:24:00.007+01:00

On Sunday i went down Columbia Road Market after hearing so much about it...and now i know why! Its A-Mazing! The actual market its self is mainly just flowers with one food stall and one or two brick a brac stalls round the corner but the shops along side it are fantastic, full of unique interesting things, i just loved them.

The only problem was that it was so busy (not a problem for the sellers) but for someone wanting to spend hours browsing each shop the pushing and shoving became tiresome. It also only opens on a Sunday, as do the shops so no chance of doing a sneaky mid week visit for a quieter day. But it is worth the visit. And i challenge anyone so try and resist buying while your there, i ended up carrying home a huge banana plant from Michael, The Tropical Plant Company's stall and i couldn't resist a bunch of these Sunflowers......

For more information here is the website: http://columbiaroad.info/

I went to Waterloo and then caught the No.22 bus which goes right through the City which is a great area to see on a Sunday morning at 9am when its oh so quite.

Etsy Etsy Esty!

2010-08-05T17:05:00.006+01:00

weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee some cards for sale on Etsy, roll up roll up get'em while their HOT!

Packs of 6 x A6 Beautifully Illustrated Note Cards with Envelopes!

Say hello, write to a friend, invite the mad hatter to a tea party with these note cards.

The details:

6 A6 Note Cards
Illustrated on the front
Blank inside for your own message
Printed on GF Smith Aretino Ultra Smooth White 280gsm.

Conqueror Envelopes with self seal strip
Off white Colour

£6.99/$10.95
Free Shipping within the UK, $1 outside of the UK

Limited stock so get them now now now. http://www.etsy.com/shop/squashedrainbows

The view from up here is amazing

2010-07-25T09:41:00.005+01:00

Hello *waves at you*

Ok so i haven't actually been up in a hot Air Balloon, i don't think i could, bit of a chicken on that type of thing but nevertheless i like hot air balloons a lot, amazing huge bubbles in the sky, racing the clouds to the first dream...who couldn't love a hot air balloon.

I recently saw a cluster of about 10 together and they looked amazing all together, decorating the sky and while i was too far away to see the exact patterns and texture of the balloon i could see all the colours clearly.

Quite fancy getting myself a load of these too...http://www.chineselanterns.co.uk/

Pimms O'Clock

2010-07-20T14:59:00.005+01:00

On these humid hot days whats better to cool off with than a than nice, tall, chilled, refreshingly deliciously energizing and mouthwatering...(you with me?) Pimms.

I lOve Pimms, it marks that summer is here, so i decided to draw it.

You may also like this link to a great little festival i went to a couple of years ago...yes you have guested it, they serve Pimms.

www.pimmssummerfest.com

Enjoy!

Timeout in Lovely Lindos

2010-06-25T09:36:00.004+01:00

After a hectic run up to the most brilliant Wedding we were suddenly in a Taxi wizzing along, most of the time on the wrong side of the road, to Lindos. Where the taxi driver dropped us pretty much at the gate of the town and we were met by our hotel hosts and lead through the uniquely thin, narrow walkways to heaven.

As calm descended we spiraled into a state of relaxation i hadn't felt in months, recharged our batteries, enjoyed time again and arrived back home refreshed.

Work is to commence.

Computer Arts Projects Magazine

2010-01-25T11:53:00.000Z

This is an article i took part in for Computers Arts Projects in January 09 - I want to get involved in more stuff like this!

For More information email: sara.garrard@giftcreation.co.uk

Kepping Motivated!

2009-08-10T13:34:00.003+01:00

As i sat at my desk on another grey Monday morning writing up my weeks to do list i was quizing myself on why i am so much more productive on Wednesdays and Thursdays. They are my key days to get stuff done. While I'm not usually one to have the Monday blues as i love my job, i came to the conclusion that I play havoc with my routine every weekend and by wednesday i am settled into it again and have to really productive days before i set about destroying the routine agin come Friday.

Courtsey of Freelance Folder blog here are 10 tips to stay motivated:

Ten Handy Tips To Stay Motivated

Here are ten handy tips for staying motivated even if working is just about the last thing that you want to do.

Remind yourself of the reason that you freelance. Perhaps you’re freelancing because you really need the money — a quick look at your checkbook may be all that it takes to bring yourself back to the reality of needing to finish your project. Or, maybe you freelance because you really disliked the corporate cubicle environment. If so, taking a moment to picture yourself back in a cubicle may jumpstart your productivity.
Make sure that your work environment is comfortable. It’s easy to forget about comfort when setting up a home office, but an uncomfortable workspace can definitely deflate your motivation. If you’re going to spend long periods of time on the computer, then you should make sure that you have a comfortable environment. Make sure that your chair is adjusted properly and that your monitor and keyboard are at the proper height for your body.
Change your work environment. As a freelancer you can work pretty much anywhere — the kitchen table, the couch, the car, the backyard, you name it and you can probably work there. Also, remember that many public areas such as libraries and coffee shops offer WiFi access. There’s no rule that says you have to work inside your home, so you may find that a change of scenery helps bolster your desire to work.
Schedule breaks. If you find your motivation is waning, make sure to schedule regular breaks for yourself. Tell yourself that you’re going to take fifteen minutes off after you complete x amount of work. When you do take a break, don’t just continue to sit at your computer. Get up and take a walk, run a short errand, or do some exercises. You’ll find that not only do you look forward to each break, but that each break renews and refreshes your energy and creativity.
Plan a reward for yourself. Bribery can and does work when it comes to staying motivated. If you’re working on a particularly long or difficult project, tell yourself that when you complete this project you’ll be able to do x (with x being something that you’ll look forward to). Your reward could be as simple as watching a movie that you’ve been wanting to see, or as large as buying something for yourself that you’ve wanted for a long time.
Alternate projects. In general, it’s best to avoid interruptions. However, if you find yourself getting bogged down in a particular project (and your schedule allows for it), then you may went to switch to a different project for a while. Be careful to choose something that uses a different part of your skillset. Often working on something different for a while lets you return to the project that you were “stuck” on with fresh energy and fresh ideas.
Picture the work already completed. When you are working alone on a large project it can seem like the work is going on forever without any end in sight. In such instances, it can be helpful to look ahead and envision what it will be like when the project is completed. Imagine the relief that you will feel knowing that the project is finally done and done well. Try to picture yourself getting payment and perhaps compliments for the final work.
Have regular routine. Habits can be powerful things. It’s a proven fact that a habit can be very difficult to break. Some people have made a small fortune with books and courses to help people break their bad habits. In the case of freelancing, habits can be a good thing. If you develop the habit of working during a certain part of the day, every day, then you you’ll find it much easier to schedule your time and ensure that all projects are completed on time.
Take care of your health. It’s no fun working when you are sick, and that’s a fact. Fortunately, a lot of health problems can be prevented. Take measures to make sure that you stay as healthy as you possibly can. Eat right. Get enough rest and exercise. See your doctor on a regular basis and follow his or her recommendations. The better you feel, the more work that you will be able to get done.
Develop a support group. It’s important to have friends and interests outside of your work as well as colleagues who can understand and support what you’re going through. We’ve already discussed the importance of overcoming loneliness and building a flesh-and-blood support group. If you haven’t already taken these steps, you should. I can’t emphasize enough the value of having friends and confidantes for a freelancer.

New Squashed Rainbow Greeting Cards

2009-08-03T11:45:00.005+01:00

New Range of Greeting Cards available
To buy visit: my Shop

Squashed Rainbows On Twitter

2009-07-12T11:44:00.002+01:00

We are on Twitter- Please follow us: Squashed Rainbows
Tweets including links to great packaging, paintings, artists designers, tips and tutorials, Illustrators, recommended reading and much more.

Sunburnt Rainbow

2009-07-12T11:41:00.002+01:00

To celebrate the glorious sunny two weeks we had here in London, Squashed Rainbows brings you Sunburnt Rainbows: To buy click the Etsy link on the right.

Blog-a-rama

2009-05-13T09:24:00.002+01:00

For those of you like me and reading your regular blogs is even more necessary than that first cup of coffee then good news...i have another to add to you list.
The YCN Blog, professional with an eager student element this blog is packed full of new ideas, illustrations/tors, news from accross the pond, links to jobs, competitions, shows and you can have it arrive in your inbo every morning for a click of inspiriration to start the day!

An evening with

2009-03-18T15:30:00.008Z

At my new studio location i have stumbled on a gold mine....well it is to me anyway. The Fashion and Textile Museum - is it just me or has no one heard of this!? Anyway its not your usual museum format, its much more of a general creative hub/hangout for creatives on the textile side.

What really caught my eye besides the exhibitions is the events - Jewellery workshops; Paint, Pattern and Print workshops; Talks and book signing evenings; Knitting workshops; question time with various artists....even a Beanie making workshop - now thats unique!

A typical afternoon course is £35 including entrance to exhibition and materials required, or you could go for a evening event 'Jewellery is Enchanting, Jewellery is Gossiping - a talk with Sofia Bjorkman' for £8.

Go check it here before it gets too popular! and having an evening with Pia Aleborg or Martin Bergstrom.............

A Designers Cooking Delight

2009-03-10T11:12:00.000Z

For the past two years I have worked in the Notting Hill area and for the first 6 months developed an unhealthy obsession with these magical treasures......The Humming Bird Bakery!
My time is up in Notting Hill, with every street explored and every patisserie over indulged in its time to head to some place knew....Bermondsey High Street, London Bridge here I come but not without one last Hummingbird cup cake!

With the very thought of being further than i stones throw from the bakery sending me in to a spin you can imagine how delight i was to discover this:

This book featuring photography by Peter Cassidy is a cooking work of art, the design of the Hummingbird Bakery brand is simple, clean and yummy and the book conveys the 'designer cupcake' perfectly. Everyone should have this on there book shelf.

"This is a very in place where the cupcakes are as good as sex" Little Black Book - Sunday Telegraph

More info here

Handmade Nation

2009-03-06T15:13:00.010Z

I have been flying through fiction books recently and as I scanned my shelves once again for a title to jump out at me for my next read I realised over the years i have collected loads of design books but have never actually sat down and read them. Sure i have flicked through and studied the images which is the essence of a design book but i have never done cover to cover, word for word. It always seams easier to get on the tube with a small paper back than an oversized hard back.
So before i read another fiction i am spending some much needed time with a neglected array of books. Starting with Handmade Nation, The RISE of DIY, Art, Craft and Design.

So far...lOving it!! I am learning so much...discovering new websites to explore, re-discovering, actually reading the statements under the great images and feeling the urge to go off and create, this is just what i needed.

I'm sure i am telling you all something you already now and i can almost hear the 'i always read my books thorouhly' statements but for those designers, makers, artists out there who like me can't resit buying every book that catches their eye with the best intention to read...go on, go and read them, enjoy them and remember why you bought it!

This book lead me to the this great blog: http://indiecraftdocumentary.blogspot.com

Best of British

2009-02-19T09:41:00.004Z

Calling all Packaging, Branding, Identity, advertising lovers....please make your way to 'The Museum of Brands & Packaging & Advertising' London.

A stones throw away from Portobello Road, neatly tucked behind Westbourne Grove is where this undiscovered treasure is waiting, and all for the modest fee of £5.90 per person!

The Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising offers a colourful display of advertising items from Victorian times to the present day. Racing from a really old pack of Munchies, the first box of black Magic, the difference between the size of Surf's washing powder back in the day to the size of there bumper bargain size now, Oxo, Birds, HP, Kelloggs, Brasso and everyone's favorite character...Homepride Fred. But for me, the best part was the displays of brand evolution, lined up in a row every jar of Marmite in chronological order!

This collection is useful not just for people interested in the development of brands, branding, and advertising, in general, but also, for designers looking for ideas in packaging and design, overall.