Blue Eyed Sun

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Card Industry News

  • The Ladder Club 2013 for New Greeting Card Publishers

    The Ladder Club seminar for new greeting card publishers (and those considering the industry) will be take place on the Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th October 2013. It will be my ninth year as keynote speaker at this fantastic annual not for profit event and I am looking forward to an enjoyable two days helping our industry continue to grow.

    There are two seminars being held over two days at the Cliffs Pavilion, Leigh on Sea, Essex. It usually sells out so book early by emailing waiteandtaitbakery@hotmail.com or by calling Trudi or Pauline at Lynn Tait Gallery on 01702 480180.

    What is the Ladder Club?

    Organised by publisher and retailer Lynn Tait, this event is to support and nurture the UK card industry to be the best it can be. If you are new to greeting card publishing then this is the perfect place to start. Speakers include Sharon Little from the Greeting Card Association, Jakki Brown from Max Publishing (Progressive Greetings MagazineThe Henries Awards and PG Live), Claire Frost and Karen Wilson from Paper Salad, Jeremy Corner from Blue Eyed Sun and many other industry professionals including printers, envelope manufacturers, warehousing specialists and paper suppliers GF Smith.

    Who's the Ladder Club for? 

    Day One - Getting on the Ladder - Is for anyone considering the greeting card industry or who have just started their card business and is well suited to artists, photographers, illustrators, designers, writers and cartoonists considering their options.

    Day Two - Climbing the Ladder - Is more advanced and helps new card businesses that have been to one or two trade shows, have a turnover of more than £3,000 and would like to grow their businesses further. Anyone who has already attended the first day the year before may attend this day the following year.

    Networking Dinner

    Lynn also organises a dinner the night before each day, which is well worth attending if you are staying over. She seats card industry insiders on every table so you can pick their brains for help with your business and grow your knowledge as well as take the opportunity to network with other publishers. The dinner usually costs £23 for 3 courses.

    Is the Ladder Club worth it?

    It is very affordably priced at £40+VAT per day and I have received dozens of thank you cards for doing this over the years. Those that attended the Ladder Club answer this best though. Here's what some previous delegates have had to say about their experience of the day:

    "I just wanted to say thank you for putting on such an informative and useful day. I certainly felt I got my money's worth!! All the speakers were excellent and helped to put together the jigsaw puzzle of publishing cards." - Rayya

    "Thanks for my Ladder Club experience on thursday – it was well, well worth the trek from Bristol! It provided me with so much useful information and inspiration – it was just brilliant to hear from so many different people, and important to hear about the negatives as well as the positives. I drove home just buzzing with thoughts and excitement about my business" - Jenny

    "I have to say that you are all so inspirational and generous to organise these events and give up your precious time and I just wanted you to know that it's really appreciated. It's a fantastic industry to be working in and I wouldn't even be putting my toe in the water without all the help and encouragement that you and your industry colleagues have selflessly given." - Rose

    " I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the seminar. I am amazed at how much was packed into the day and I have come away with some new ideas and useful contacts." - Jocelyn

    " I was very impressed at how open and helpful everyone is to potential newcomers/competitors. Obviously paper manufacturers and printers are happy to help new customers but I was also impressed by the lack of any kind of 'sell' by them." - Caroline and Greg

    " I loved it! Was the best seminar I've ever been to! Thank you so much." - Cheryl

    Ladder Club Alumni

    Many good card businesses have benefited from the Ladder Club seminar training and are making their way successfully in the card industry. Including: Wrendale Designs, Molly Mae, YTR Design, The Artrooms, Shine Publishing, Luvio, Full Colour Black, Lesser Spotted, Open Box Design, Iona Cards, The Art Lounge, Rosa Kitt Designs, Moobaacluck, Cutture, Megan Claire, Aiania and Big John.

    Why are you involved?

    Even though I am, in effect, helping the competition, I do this event every year for free because I believe a great card industry is good for all of us. Thanks to the generosity of the organisers and delegates, who have supported my many charity races over the years, I have also raised quite a bit of money for various good causes. With the support of last year's Ladder Club attendees and others I raised £1,162 for Save the Children by running Edinburgh Marathon. Thanks to everyone who donated.

    How do I book a place at the seminar?

    Please note that Blue Eyed Sun does not organise or take bookings for this event. You must email waiteandtaitbakery@hotmail.com or call Trudi or Pauline at Lynn Tait Gallery on 01702 480180 to book your place in advance. It sells out every year and is only held once annually so don't miss it.

  • The Greats Awards 2013 for Gift Retailers - Winners and Finalists

    The Greats Awards 2013Congratulations to all of the finalists and winners of the Greats 2013. It's a wonderful thing to be nominated for awards. We hope that you enjoyed the day and would like to thank all of you who stock our cards. We consider ourselves very privileged to be serving such a fine host of retailers. For those of you we are not supplying, what are you waiting for?! Click here to stock us.

    The Greats Awards Winners 2013 are:

    The Honourary Achievement Award went to Gisela Graham

    Narborough Hall sales assistant, Glenda Goodwin, is Retail Employee of the Year  

    Finalists

    Glenda Goodwin, Narborough Hall
    Ilana Herd, About Living
    Lauren Eaton, Oliver Bonas
    Katie Gilmour, Loch Leven's Larder

    The Loft, Teddington won Independent Gift Retailer of the Year - London (inside M25)

    Finalists

    All Good Gifts, Battersea
    Aria, Islington
    The Inside Man, Wandsworth
    Sources, Spitalfield and South Woodford
    The Loft, Teddington

    Bohemian Days, Gerrards Cross won Independent Gift Retailer of the Year - Home Counties, South and South East

    Finalists

    Bohemian Days, Gerrards Cross
    Fresh, Witney
    The Blueberry Store, Saffron Walden
    Tickety Boo, Chelmsford
    Yummy Home, Pinner

    Darts Farm Gift Shop, Topsham won Independent Gift Retailer of the Year - South West

    Finalists

    Cilla and Camilla, Beaminster
    Darts Farm Gift Shop, Topsham
    Eureka, Dorchester and Swanage
    Forever England, Salisbury, Sherborne & Sidmouth
    The Inner Yard, Devizes

    Quest, Bury St Edmunds won Independent Gift Retailer of the Year - East Anglia

    Finalists

    Cloud Nine, Deeping
    Horizon, Hunstanton
    Kitty’s Homestore, Framlingham
    Quest, Bury St Edmunds
    Tilting Sky, Eye

    Let’s Go Round Again, Wombourne won Independent Gift Retailer of the Year - Midlands and Wales

    Finalists

    Bright Ideas, Melton Mowbray
    Let’s Go Round Again, Wombourne
    Narborough Hall, Narborough
    Number 45, Newport
    Peppertrees, Northampton

    Nora’s Interiors & Gifts, Ilkley won Independent Gift Retailer of the Year - North and North East

    Finalists

    Amanti, Beverley
    Follie, Lincoln
    Libby’s, Chesterfield
    Manton’s, Port Erin
    Nora’s Interiors & Gifts, Ilkley

    Harvey Willis, Glenrothes won Independent Gift Retailer of the Year - Scotland

    Finalists

    Boxwood, Glasgow
    Harvey Willis, Glenrothes
    Illuminati, Glasgow
    Liquorice Tree, Edinburgh
    Top Drawer, St Andrews

    Feather & Fern, Dorking won Best Gift Retailer - Newcomer South and Wales

    Finalists

    Chasey Lifestyle, Kings Lynn
    Emporium, Winchcombe
    Feather & Fern, Dorking
    Made, Bristol

    Ruby blu, Southgate

    Marmalade Meringue, Hinckley won Best Gift Retailer - Newcomer North and Scotland

    Finalists

    Embrace Life, St Andrews
    Marmalade Meringue, Hinckley
    Hirst & Hirst Living, Oakham
    The Gift Gallery, York
    Velvet Moon, Glasgow

    Huttons won Best Specialist Multiple Gift Retailer (4 or more shops)

    Finalists

    Collectables in the North East of England

    Cool Britannia

    Huttons

    National Trust
    Temptation Gifts in the Home Counties

    Rossiter's, Bath and Cardiff won Best Department Store Retailer of Gifts

    Finalists

    Bentalls, Kingston

    Jarrold, Norwich
    John Lewis, Oxford Street

    Rossiter's, Bath and Cardiff
    Selfridges, Oxford Street

    Joy won Best Non Specialist Retailer of Gifts

    Finalists

    Butterfly Rooms, Saltaire

    Joy
    M&S
    Paperchase
    Rose & Co Apothecary

    Oliver Bonas won Best Gifts Lifestyle and Homewares (interiors)

    Finalists

    About Living, Glasgow
    Home FX, Skegness
    Oliver Bonas
    Orange Tree, Topsham
    Utility, Liverpool and London

    Bijou, Elgin won Best Gift Retailer of Jewellery

    Finalists

    Bijou, Elgin
    Clifton’s, Lytham
    Identity, Derby
    Treasure Box, Camberley
    MacMillans, Preston

    Mains of Drum, Banchory won Best Garden Centre Retailer of Gifts

    Finalists

    Klondyke Garden Centre
    Longacres
    Mains of Drum, Banchory
    Trentham Garden Centre
    Webbs of Wychbold, Droitwich

    British Museum won Best Museum/Visitor Attraction Gift Shop

    Finalists

    Aston Pottery
    British Museum
    Chester Zoo, Chester
    Paultons Park
    V&A Museum

    Peppertrees, Northampton won Best Retail Display

    Finalists

    Flutterbyes, Bromley
    Forget Me Not, Stubbington
    Peppertrees, Northampton
    The Country Stile, Horncastle
    Tiger

    Temptation Gifts won Best Online Gift Retailer, to include Mail Order

    Finalists

    Not On The High Street
    Rigby and Mac
    Temptation
    The Great Gift Company
    The Brilliant Gift Shop

    Amanti, Beverley – (Independent Beverley Initiative) won Best Retailer Initiative

    Finalists

    Amanti, Beverley
    Folly Hinckley
    Nora’s Interiors & Gifts, Ilkley
    Ortak
    Wonder Stuff

    Winners of Best Service to the Independent Retailer

    Joe Davies won Gold

    Widdop Bingham won Silver

    Carte Blanche Greetings won Bronze

    Finalists (in alphabetical order)

    Ashleigh & Burwood
    Enesco
    History & Heraldry
    Nemesis Now
    Robert Taubman
    Think Pink

    Now in their eleventh year, The Greats Awards have become the accolades to strive for and the Awards event itself has become one of the most exciting and vibrant in the country. It brings together the entire gift industry for a day of celebration.

    The Greats Awards are owned and organised by Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide (published by Max Publishing). They recognise and celebrate not only the top independent and multiple gift retailers regionally and nationally, but also one-off niche retailers, garden centres and supermarkets as well as outstanding retail employees.

    The Greats 2013 ceremony was held on Thursday 9th May at The Savoy in London celebrating their 10th anniversary of The Greats with a 'Greats Encounter' themed event which included and cocktail reception, lunch, awards and entertainment.

    NB: Wherever possible the names of the shops are clickable for you to be able to see finalists website and social media links.

    A special thanks to Sophie from Narborough Hall who kept us up to date with all the winners on the day.

    All gift retailers who have been named as a Greats winner or finalist over the past 10 years of the Greats are invited to attend a special Greats Party at PG Live next week on Tuesday May 14th at 3pm at the Business Design Centre in Islington. Contact Ian Hyder through the PG Live website for details www.progressivegreetingslive.com.

  • Speaking on Social Media Strategy with the GCA at Birkbeck

    This week I was invited to speak on Social Media Strategy at a seminar organised by the Greeting Card Association @GCAUK at Birkbeck University in London. Blue Eyed Sun has had quite a bit of success using tools like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and our wedding stationery business, Ivy Ellen, has even been used as a case study in the Prentice Hall book Get Up to Speed on Social Media.

    The class was well attended with delegates including many well known greeting card businesses including @Woodmansterne@Paperlinkcards@The_Art_Group, @LensIdeas and @Gemma_Int. Attendees learned how to set up a business Twitter profile and how to create a Facebook page for business. Soula from @TheLondonStudio spoke on her experience using Twitter and James Mace told us about the success @TheArtFile were having on Facebook.

    If social media is completely new to you, the first thing to be aware of is that whilst social media is relatively young it is not used exclusively by the young. The following are some examples of social media tools and when they were launched: LinkedIn (2003), Facebook (2004), YouTube (2005), Twitter (2006), Pinterest (2009), Instagram (2010), Google+ (2011). To give you an idea of how extensively they are used, Facebook is accessed by 1 in every 7 people in the world and they spend an average of 15hrs a month on it. It’s used by people across all ages, creeds and colours. 57% are female, 43% are male. Incredibly, one of every five web page views online is on Facebook. Twitter has over 30 million users in the UK and the following age groups 25-34, 35-44 and 45-54 each make up around 20% of tweeters so it’s not just our youth that are babbling on about what they had for their lunch. In fact many of top politicians, journalists and business people have Twitter accounts and they are increasingly valuable tools for them.

    So what does this all mean for you and your business? Well, there is one of the largest social gatherings in history going on right now and if you are not involved you could be missing out. It’s not enough for us to have a website for our business anymore, our customers are spending more and more time online and they want to interact with us using tools they are familiar with. More and more people are choosing Facebook messaging over email. We recently took our first order via Facebook instead of email! When we look for new restaurants we are asking our friends online for recommendations rather than just searching Google ourselves. Even search engine optimization is being influenced by these tools, so if you want to show up on Google searches you can’t ignore them.

    The seminar was incredibly useful for everyone who came and I am sure the @GCAUK will be doing more in the future so do follow them on Twitter. You can read more about social media each month in my new column for Greetings Today and here on this blog over the coming weeks.

    Click here to follow Blue Eyed Sun on Twitter.

    Click here to like Blue Eyed Sun on Facebook.

    Click here to watch Blue Eyed Sun videos on Vimeo.

    Download the Small Business Guide to Social Media by our friends at Sage by clicking here

    GCA Social Media Seminar Speakers: Jeremy Corner from @Blue_Eyed_Sun, Soula Zavacopoulos from @TheLondonStudio, James Mace from @TheArtFile and Sharon Little from @GCAUK

  • Scientists prove that greeting cards are good for your Mother

    Scientists prove Mothers prefer greeting cards on Mother's Day

    In the lead up to Mother’s Day, Royal Mail has conducted a scientific experiment which shows mums respond more positively to greeting cards and letters than to social media messages.

    The tests held under laboratory conditions by Mindlab, an independent scientific research company, on behalf of Royal Mail, found that mums reacted more positively to traditional cards and letters over electronic and social media messages.

    As part of the study, emotional activity was measured. The experiment involved volunteer mums being fitted with a cap and electrodes which measured changes in voltage caused by cognitive activity in the brain.

    The electrical activity in the mums’ brains saw a greater positive emotional response to handwritten letters and greeting cards when compared to electronic messages such as social network messages and emails,

    A second experiment also found that mothers elicit greater feelings of happiness towards letters and greeting cards over email and social media messages. The Implicit Association Test saw mums having to associate words representing either happiness or sadness with cards and letters and electronic messages.

    Mums recorded twice the amount of happiness towards letters and cards to social media messages, and three times more than email. They did not respond positively to tweets at all.

    Nationwide survey shows cards are the key to a mum’s heart this Mother’s Day

    Meanwhile, an online nationwide survey has found that the main thing mums want this Mother’s Day is a handwritten card.

    The survey conducted in cities across the UK by YouGov on behalf of Royal Mail, has showed that mums would most like to receive a handwritten card this Sunday (48%) rather than being pampered at a spa day (11%), tea at the Ritz (11%) or time on their own (e.g. relaxing) (4%).

    The online poll found that over three quarters (77%) of women surveyed are expecting to send or receive handwritten greeting cards compared to just 7% for a Facebook message /wall post and 4% for an email.

    Mother’s Day cards also got a resounding seal of approval from women, with 83% agreeing the day should be marked with a handwritten card, just behind Birthdays 87%.

    Stephen Agar, Managing Director of Consumer and Network Access at Royal Mail, said: “Our scientific experiment has proven that mums have a much greater positive emotional response to handwritten cards and letters over social media messages and emails. The study shows that receiving cards or letters really do make you feel happier compared to other communication methods.

    “This and our nationwide poll suggests that when it comes to saying ‘thank you’ to your Mum this Mother’s Day, forget tea at the Ritz, only a card will do.”

    SharonLittle from the Greeting Card Association, commented: “I’m delighted that we now have scientific proof that sending a card is the best way to communicate love and caring for someone special.

    “When it comes to Mother’s Day, a hand written greeting card is the best way to give a special thank you to your Mum.”

    Remember to support your local independent greeting card shop this week and to a buy a Blue Eyed Sun Mother's Day card!

    Read about Thinking of You Week announced by GCA to highlight the emotional power of sending and receiving cards.

    To stock Blue Eyed Sun card ranges in your shop click here. If you'd like to see them in your local shop please tell them and point them in the direction of www.blueeyedsun.co.uk or you can recommend a shop to us by clicking here. You can also visit our stockists page to find a store near you that may be selling them.

  • Ivy Ellen win Best Wedding Stationery Award

    Ivy Ellen win Best Wedding Stationery Award at 2013 Wedding ideas Awards

    Blue Eyed Sun's wedding stationery business, Ivy Ellen, won the highly coveted Best Wedding Stationery Award at last week's prestigious 2013 Wedding Ideas Awards.

    There are some fantastic wedding stationery designers in the UK, particularly those in the finals of these awards, so for Ivy Ellen to have won is something quite special. The glittering ceremony was held at the stunning Tower Hotel in London and attended by over 350 of the top names in the bridal industry. After 7,500 votes by real brides and grooms to select the finalists, a panel of wedding industry experts and judges chose Ivy Ellen as having the Best Wedding Stationery Award.

    “It really is an honour to win Best Wedding Stationery,” says Lewis from Ivy Ellen. “This is the second time we have made the finals since the business started in 2009 so to have won feels really amazing. We are so proud of our fantastic team, our incredibly talented designer Jo and so grateful to all of our wonderful clients. This award is for all of them.”

    Ivy Ellen was started in October 2009 in one of the worst recessions the UK has seen and yet we have managed to grow rapidly and now provide wedding invitations and wedding stationery for hundreds of weddings around the world each year.
    To find out more about Ivy Ellen please click on wedding stationery.
    Brides and grooms local to Brighton and East Sussex can see Ivy Ellen's award winning wedding stationery on 24th March at the Wedding Fayre held by Stylish Events at the American Express Community Stadium. Click here to find out more.
    Please note that Ivy Ellen products are not currently available to trade buyers.
  • New Vintage gift range is shortlisted for Gift of the Year 2013

    New Blue Eyed Sun Vintage gift range by Widdop Bingham makes Gift of the Year 2013 shortlist

    We are very excited to announce that our new licensed giftware range Vintage, developed with Widdop Bingham, has been shortlisted for Gift of the Year 2013. Hopefully we will make the finals held at Spring Fair in a few weeks.
    Products shortlisted for Gift of the Year 2013 will be judged by the following criteria:

    Design innovation and originality
    Quality of manufacture
    Sales potential and commercial viability
    Presentation and packaging
    Customer appeal and value
    Retail profit potential
    Marketing and merchandising support to the trade and the consumer
    X/WOW factor

    Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at Spring Fair on Sunday 3rd February and trophies will be presented to the winning companies. Finalist products will be displayed in the Gift of the Year 2013 show house at Spring Fair at the NEC Birmingham.
    The Gift of the Year 2013 judging panel is:
    Cathie Broster - The Chestnut Pavilion,  Ronnie Barnard - Gifts for Gentlemen,   Yvonne Carr - Ortak,  Hilary Davenport - Scotts & Co,  Henri Davis - National Trust,  Coralie Keech - Daisy Chain,   Kirsten Linton,- Cornucopia,   Judith Harris - Wheatcroft Garden Centre,   Brian Wiseman - Present Company,   Joanna Clark - Orient Express,   Tina Botterill - Oswaldwistle Mills,   Sally Trevaskis - Lucas Bond,   Peter Burridge – Montpellier Gallery,   Jane Hudson – Presents for Men,   Dick Mawdsley  Utility,   Nathaniel Mobbs – National Gallery Company,  and Lyndsey Baker - Lakeland.
    Click here to read more about the new Blue Eyed Sun licensed gift lines from Widdop Bingham.
    To enquire about further licensing opportunities with Blue Eyed Sun cards contact Jeremy at www.blueeyedsun.co.uk
    For more information of Gift of the Year 2013 visit www.giftoftheyear.co.uk
  • Have you sent your Christmas Cards Yet?

    Christmas is nearly upon us and it's time to think about sending your Christmas cards if you haven't already done so.

    The Greeting Card Association have been running a campaign to encourage card publishers and retailers to send their Christmas cards early this year so as to remind people not to forget sending theirs. There are around 100,000 people working directly and indirectly with our industry. If each of us sent 10 Christmas cards in the first week of December it would have a fantastic ripple effect from those first million gestures.

    At Blue Eyed Sun we decided to get into the Christmas spirit ourselves on Tuesday and held a 'christmas card writing hour' for our staff to write and send cards to their family and loved ones. We sponsored the cards, their time and the postage. All our team had to do was to write as many cards as they wanted to in the hour. We managed 107 Christmas cards between us, which have been winging their way via Royal Mail this week to their lucky recipients.

    Our team had a lot of fun doing this together. Kathy and Danni even brought in homemade Christmas mince pies and jam tarts. We also put up a Christmas tree and wore Santa hats to get into festive mood. It's so heart warming to think about all of the love going out into the world from this short amount of time dedicated to card sending rather than card making and we'd recommend it to all publishers and retailers who read this blog.

    Even if you are not in the card industry, it is a great time of year to connect with your customers, friends and loved ones. Send them a nice Christmas card with a warm message in it expressing your gratitude and wishing them all the best for 2013. Do it this week. Spread that festive cheer around the world. Come on. You know you want to :)

    There are only a few days left to get cards in the post though, so do get started this week. I've listed the Royal Mail's last posting dates below. You can download the last UK posting dates in a PDF by clicking here.

    Find out more about Blue Eyed Sun's Christmas cards for 2012 here. Available at all good gift shops and card retailers.

    Worried about the cost? Read the truth about How Royal Mail's price increases affect your card sending costs here.

  • Henries Awards Winners 2012

    The winners of the 2012 Henries Awards for the top greeting card ranges in the UK were announced last night at the Lancaster Hotel in London. A stunning Under the Sea themed awards ball was attended by the UK's top greeting card publishers eager to find out if they were the lucky recipients of one of these coveted 'Oscars' of the greeting card industry.

    Compered by the hilarious comedian Hugh Dennis it really was a night to remember. I had a fantastic time and we were thrilled to be finalists for two Henries Awards this year in the best Handmade and the best Spring Seasons categories.

    Here's a full list of the 2012 Henries Awards Winners and Finalists

    (Shown in alphabetical order by range/product name or, in the case of the Most Promising Designer or Artist award, in alphabetical order by surname)

    Hannah Dale, founder and creator of Wrendale Designs won Most Promising Young Designer or Artist 2012

    Amy Eastland, designer for Woodmansterne Publications

    Libby McMullin, founder and creator of Libby McMullin

    Laura Sherratt, founder and creator of Laura Sherratt Designs

    Clare Tupper, designer for Paper Rose

    Abbey Warner, founder and creator of Abigail Warner Designs/House of Sugalily

    Juvenile Innovation from Hallmark won Best Children’s Range

    Boo from Sooshichacha

    Fantasia Monsters from Nigel Quiney Publications

    Hokey & Cokey from Clare Maddicott Publications

    Jelly and Ice Cream from Janie Wilson

    Roald Dahl from Camden Graphics (UKG)

    Christmas All Over The World from Five Dollar Shake won Best Christmas Counter Range

    Country Set Christmas from Wrendale Designs

    Egg Nog from The Handcrafted Card Company

    Jewel In The Crown from Belly Button Designs

    Sparkle from Hallmark

    Winter Landscapes from Bug Art

    Sparkling Ice from Five Dollar Shake won Best Christmas Box Or Pack

    Compassionate Friends from Lucilla Lavender

    DarkroomLuxury from The Great British Card Company

    Lasercut3D Stag Scene for Waitrose from Special Editions (UKG)

    Medici Wildlife from The Great British Card Company

    Pizazz Christmas from Nigel Quiney Publications

    Life Is Sweet from Icon Art won Best Words & Sentiments Range

    Bright Side from Really Good

    Cheap + Miserable from Splimple

    In Other Words… from Vicky Crowder Designs

    Letteredfrom Urban Graphic

    Once Upon A Time from Hallmark

    Beaux Chic from Noel Tatt won Best Contemporary Trend Range

    Lacie from Paperlink

    Paper Lace from Hallmark

    Sentiments from Megan Claire

    Zoo Town from Lagom

    Zoom To The Moon from Cherry Moon

    Born To Stitch from Paper Rose won Best Cute Range

    Boofle from UK Greetings

    Cute Stuff from Tracks

    Give A Hoot from Fourth Wall Brands

    Lots of Woof from UK Greetings

    Wibbly Wobbly Lane from Rachel Ellen Designs

    Lacie from Paperlink won Best Handmade or Hand-Finished Range

    Candy Spot from Janie Wilson

    Etoile from Five Dollar Shake

    Jewel In The Crown from Belly Button Designs

    Olive Charm from Tracey Russell Greetings

    Vintage from Blue Eyed Sun

    1000 Words from Urban Graphic won Best Photographic Range

    Framed Black & White from Woodmansterne Publications

    Landscapes from Camden Graphics (UKG)

    Modern Vintage from Fizz

    My Time from Ling Design

    The Wildlife Trust from Glebe Cottage

    Traces Of Nuts from Hanson White (UKG) won Best Humorous Card Range

    Cheap + Miserable from Splimple

    Genius from Woodmansterne Publications

    On The Ceiling Morphed from Emotional Rescue

    One Lump Or Two from Holy Mackerel

    Waldo Pancake from Really Good

    The Country Set from Wrendale Designs won Best Art Range

    Alfie and Friends from Paperlink

    Ink Press from The Art File

    Jenny Frean from ArtPress Publishing

    Madeleine Floyd from The Great British Card Company

    Spirit from Paper Rose

    Angry Birds from Gemma International won Best Licensed Range

    Beano from CardMix

    Landscapes: ‘Take A View’ Landscape Photographer Of The Year from Camden Graphics (UKG)

    One Direction from Danilo Promotions

    RSBP from Woodmansterne Publications

    The Wildlife Trust from Glebe Cottage

    Isabel’s Garden from Simon Elvin won Best Wholesale Range

    Chic from Hambledon Studios

    Naughty Novelties from Graphic Humour

    Pzazzle from BGC Studios

    Savio from BGC Studios

    Tres Chic from Simon Elvin

    Nina Campbell from Penny Kennedy won Best Giftwrappings Collection

    Botanical Collection from UK Greetings

    CarolineGardner from Penny Kennedy

    Designer’s Guild from Deva Designs

    Soul Sunshine from Soul

    Toasted from Urban Graphic

    Just Josh from CardMix won Best Male Range

    Man-Up from Abacus Cards

    Route 69 from Paperlink

    Toasted from Urban Graphic

    Trinkets& Trumpets from The Art File

    Zoom To The Moon from Cherry Moon

    Buttercups & Clover from Cinnamon Aitch won Best Relations & Occasions Range

    Banquet Collections from Laura Darrington Design

    Chantilly Lace from Nigel Quiney Publications

    Fresco from Wendy Jones-Blackett

    Gypsy Relations from Sooschichacha

    Quite Bright from Stop The Clock Design

    Patchwork Collection Mother’s Day from Laura Darrington Design won Best Spring Seasons Range

    Cha Cha Love Valentine’s Day from Sooshichacha

    Chi Chi Father’s Day from Belly Button Designs

    Chick A Dee Easter from The Handcrafted Card Company

    Krasiva-Red Valentine’s Day from Lesser Spotted Images

    Vintage Mother’s Day from Blue Eyed Sun

    Eric The Penguin from Great British Card Company won The Henry Cole Classic Award

    Giggles from Hanson White (UKG)

    More Than Words from Talking Pictures (Ling Design)

    OriginalPop-Ups from Second Nature

    Quentin Blake from Woodmansterne Publications

    Rib Ticklers from Pigment Productions

    Congratulations to Lynn Tait who received a Honorary Achievement Award for her contribution to the industry and for founding the Ladder Club.

    UK Greetings took the Gold Award for Best Customer Service to Retailers.

    This year's Henries awards were judged by a panel including buyers from John Lewis, Paperchase, Scribbler, WH Smith, Clintons, Tesco and other top card retailers and the Henries Awards Finalists for 2012 were announced in July. The finalists of these greeting cards Oscars were chosen from over 14,000 entries.

    Named after Sir Henry Cole (who introduced the first commercially produced Christmas card over 160 years ago), The Henries were introduced by Progressive Greetings Worldwide magazine in 1996 as annual awards to shine the spotlight on greeting card ranges.

    I am extremely grateful to i2i Events, the organisers of Spring Fair and Autumn Fair, who kindly invited me as their guest to this year's prestigious event.

    To find out more about our Henries Award nominated Vintage range click here. The range is also available in Mother's Day and Christmas.

  • Card Publisher announced as Sage Business Expert

    Blue Eyed Sun owner Jeremy Corner has just been announced as a Business Expert by accounts software specialists Sage.
    Jeremy’s greeting card business, Blue Eyed Sun, and its beautiful wedding stationery brand Ivy Ellen, which he owns with his wife Jo, have been thriving this year despite the recession.
    “We are having our best year in twelve years of trading and are up for two awards next week for our latest designs. Social Media has played an important part in our success, along with an excellent team of staff and our focus on our customers’ needs. I am a keen supporter of new businesses through my service with the Greeting Card Association and the Giftware Association and am very proud to have been selected to join the Sage’s Business Experts Programme.”
    The unique Sage Business Experts programme started in September 2012 during which Sage recruited well connected business people to join a group which aims to support and advise the UK business community via Social Media.
    Sage's Social Media specialist, Cath Sheldon commented, "We are passionate about supporting UK business potential but we can't do this on our own. Our 'Business Experts' have been handpicked for their advice and expertise on the issues that really matter to business. We look forward to growing this group, learning from them and giving them even more of a voice to support businesses across the country."
    Business Experts have been selected due to their:
    • • Contribution to the business community – sharing knowledge and helping others improve and develop their businesses
    • • Knowledge and influence – from first-hand experience, Sage Business Experts have a wealth of understanding about business challenges and solutions
    • • Online presence – from forums and Twitter, to LinkedIn and blogs, Sage Business Experts are extensively connected
    You can read Sage’s announcement here: http://www.sage.co.uk/news/sage-business-experts.html
    Sage is still recruiting for business Experts to join its programme. To find out more, please email the Sage Business Experts Team.
  • The Henries Awards Finalists 2012 Announced

    The Henries judging took place this week with the panel including buyers from John Lewis, Paperchase, Scribbler, WH Smith, Clintons, Tesco and other top card retailers. The finalists of these greeting cards Oscars were chosen from over 14,000 entries and the winners of the 2012 Henries Awards for the best greeting card publishers in the UK will be announced on Thursday 4th October at the Lancaster Hotel in London.

    We are thrilled to be nominated for two Henries Awards this year in the best Handmade and the best Spring Seasons categories.

    Here's a full list of the 2012 Henries Awards Finalists

    (Shown in alphabetical order by range/product name or, in the case of the Most Promising Designer or Artist award, in alphabetical order by surname)

    Most Promising Young Designer or Artist 2012

    Hannah Dale, founder and creator of Wrendale Designs

    Amy Eastland, designer for Woodmansterne Publications

    Libby McMullin, founder and creator of Libby McMullin

    Laura Sherratt, founder and creator of Laura Sherratt Designs

    Clare Tupper, designer for Paper Rose

    Abbey Warner, founder and creator of Abigail Warner Designs/House of Sugalily

    Best Children’s Range

    Boo from Sooshichacha

    FantasiaMonsters from Nigel Quiney Publications

    Hokey & Cokey from Clare Maddicott Publications

    Jelly and Ice Cream from Janie Wilson

    JuvenileInnovation from Hallmark

    Roald Dahl from Camden Graphics (UKG)

    Best Christmas Counter Range

    Christmas All Over The World from Five Dollar Shake

    Country Set Christmas from Wrendale Designs

    Egg Nog from The Handcrafted Card Company

    Jewel In The Crown from Belly Button Designs

    Sparkle from Hallmark

    Winter Landscapes from Bug Art

    Best Christmas Box Or Pack

    Compassionate Friends from Lucilla Lavender

    DarkroomLuxury from The Great British Card Company

    Lasercut3D Stag Scene for Waitrose from Special Editions (UKG)

    Medici Wildlife from The Great British Card Company

    Pizazz Christmas from Nigel Quiney Publications

    Sparkling Ice from Five Dollar Shake

    Best Words & Sentiments Range

    Bright Side from Really Good

    Cheap + Miserable from Splimple

    In Other Words… from Vicky Crowder Designs

    Letteredfrom Urban Graphic

    Life Is Sweet from Icon Art

    Once Upon A Time from Hallmark

    Best Contemporary Trend Range

    Beaux Chic from Noel Tatt

    Lacie from Paperlink

    Paper Lace from Hallmark

    Sentiments from Megan Claire

    Zoo Town from Lagom

    Zoom To The Moon from Cherry Moon

    Best Cute Range

    Boofle from UK Greetings

    Born To Stitch from Paper Rose

    Cute Stuff from Tracks

    Give A Hoot from Fourth Wall Brands

    Lots of Woof from UK Greetings

    Wibbly Wobbly Lane from Rachel Ellen Designs

    Best Handmade or Hand-Finished Range

    Candy Spot from Janie Wilson

    Etoile from Five Dollar Shake

    Jewel In The Crown from Belly Button Designs

    Lacie from Paperlink

    Olive Charm from Tracey Russell Greetings

    Vintage from Blue Eyed Sun

    Best Photographic Range

    1000 Words from Urban Graphic

    Framed Black & White from Woodmansterne Publications

    Landscapes from Camden Graphics (UKG)

    Modern Vintage from Fizz

    My Time from Ling Design

    The Wildlife Trust from Glebe Cottage

    Best Humorous Card Range

    Cheap + Miserable from Splimple

    Traces Of Nuts from Hanson White (UKG)

    Genius from Woodmansterne Publications

    On The Ceiling Morphed from Emotional Rescue

    One Lump Or Two from Holy Mackerel

    Waldo Pancake from Really Good

    Best Art Range

    Alfie and Friends from Paperlink

    Ink Press from The Art File

    Jenny Frean from ArtPress Publishing

    Madeleine Floyd from The Great British Card Company

    Spirit from Paper Rose

    The Country Set from Wrendale Designs

    Best Licensed Range

    Angry Birds from Gemma International

    Beano from CardMix

    Landscapes: ‘Take A View’ Landscape Photographer Of The Year from Camden Graphics (UKG)

    One Direction from Danilo Promotions

    RSBP from Woodmansterne Publications

    The Wildlife Trust from Glebe Cottage

    Best Wholesale Range

    Chic from Hambledon Studios

    Isabel’s Garden from Simon Elvin

    Naughty Novelties from Graphic Humour

    Pzazzle from BGC Studios

    Savio from BGC Studios

    Tres Chic from Simon Elvin

    Best Giftwrappings Collection

    Botanical Collection from UK Greetings

    CarolineGardner from Penny Kennedy

    Designer’s Guild from Deva Designs

    Nina Campbell from Penny Kennedy

    Soul Sunshine from Soul

    Toasted from Urban Graphic

    Best Male Range

    Just Josh from CardMix

    Man-Up from Abacus Cards

    Route 69 from Paperlink

    Toasted from Urban Graphic

    Trinkets& Trumpets from The Art File

    Zoom To The Moon from Cherry Moon

    Best Relations & Occasions Range

    Banquet Collections from Laura Darrington Design

    Buttercups & Clover from Cinnamon Aitch

    Chantilly Lace from Nigel Quiney Publications

    Fresco from Wendy Jones-Blackett

    Gypsy Relations from Sooschichacha

    Quite Bright from Stop The Clock Design

    Best Spring Seasons Range

    Cha Cha Love Valentine’s Day from Sooshichacha

    Chi Chi Father’s Day from Belly Button Designs

    Chick A Dee Easter from The Handcrafted Card Company

    Krasiva-Red Valentine’s Day from Lesser Spotted Images

    Patchwork Collection Mother’s Day from Laura Darrington Design

    Vintage Mother’s Day from Blue Eyed Sun

    The Henry Cole Classic Award

    Eric The Penguin from Great British Card Company

    Giggles from Hanson White (UKG)

    More Than Words from Talking Pictures (Ling Design)

    OriginalPop-Ups from Second Nature

    Quentin Blake from Woodmansterne Publications

    Rib Ticklers from Pigment Productions

    To find out more about our Henries nominated Vintage range click here. The range is also available in Mother's Day and Christmas.

    We are adding 22 new Vintage Everyday designs to our collection at Autumn Fair in September. See us on Stand 4D11.

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