Focus on ... Martha Ratcliff

This month’s Focus on a new supplier to Chirpy, Martha Ratcliff.

Here’s a little interview we did with Martha to find out a little more about her.

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company

I’m Martha, the illustrator behind Martha Ratcliff Illustration. I create hand-drawn cards and artwork inspired by motherhood, storytelling, and everyday small joyful moments. My style is playful and gentle, with a focus on designs that feel joyful, thoughtful, and timeless! I actually started out illustrating cards alongside my art degree, mainly just for fun, and selling them to friends and family. After graduating, I went on to work as an in-house card designer, which gave me a great perspective in the industry. In 2020, I decided to take the leap and set up my own freelance illustration business, and I’ve been growing Martha Ratcliff Illustration ever since and haven't looked back! As a mum, a lot of my ideas come from real life and I am constantly inspired by the small joys around us. I really love working with independent shops and brands who care about beautiful, well-made products.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

No day is the same! Two days a week I spend with my 20 month son, often at a playgroup, park or library! The rest of the week is work time and my days start with a strong cup of coffee and a hand written to do list - that is vital! One day could be packing wholesale orders, another could be working on a fun branding project, a custom family portrait or a wedding invite! Things are so varied and that is what I love about my job!! 

Favourite card you’ve designed / most popular card design?

Great question and also a hard one! I love my motherhood card range - since having my boy I found there wasn’t really many cards out there that I could send to my fellow mum friends to let them know what an amazing mum they are so I designed a range of them and they are probs my fave!! In terms of most popular, my 'I love our little life' card with the two horses is a current fave!

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

In my opinion the world has become too fast paced and everything is on our phones - texts, whatsapp, social media etc.... there is something so different and thoughtful about sending a card. Going out of your way to buy the card and sitting down to write it. It means SO much more than a text. I think it is so important. The cards my husband and I received when we got married or when we had our little boy, they are my favourite and I often go through them and will keep them forever! 

Best thing about running your own business?

Another great question! I think for me, getting to connect with other amazing small biz owners and creatives is a huge win! The diverse range of client projects that come in and also the flexibility my job allows me with my son! Don't get me wrong, there are really hard things too but its worth it ten times over!! 

Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

Do it! Go for it!!  I’d say the biggest thing is just to start — don’t wait until it feels “perfect.” Test your ideas with friends, family, or small sales, and see what resonates. For me what was really useful was building up some freelance clients on the side whilst still working. Once I had built up enough and felt like I had enough work coming in I jumped into full time freelance illustrator life and haven't looked back 6 years on! Be prepared to learn as you go, because running a business is very different from making things for fun — there’s pricing, marketing, and customer relationships to think about. Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself and your work. Whether that’s tools, courses, or professional advice, it can really make a difference. And most importantly, keep the joy in what you do — that passion and authenticity will show through and connect with people.

Plans for the future?

Oooh lets think! I have some exciting collabs coming up which I can't wait to share and also looking to really grow my wholesale side of my business this year and get my cards out into more shops across the UK! I'm also looking at designing some more stationery products - think notebooks, stickers, desk pads etc!

 Check out Martha’s Instagram HERE

We’re sure Martha’s cards are going to be to popular in Chirpy so why not pop in and buy one.

Focus on ... Liz aka Dicky Bird

This month’s Focus on .. is Liz, one of our favourite card suppliers Dicky Bird. Liz’s cards fly of the shelves in Chirpy and are some of the most popular we stock so we thought it was about time we shone a light on her

Here’s a little interview we did with Liz to find out a little more about her.

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company

Dicky Bird is me - Liz - a small studio based in South East London. My aim has always been to create cards which are elegant and classic but also contemporary and fun.

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

I originally trained as a graphic designer at the London College of Communication but was always a fan of European illustrators such as Dick Bruna and Tove Jansson - as well as Japanese kawaii characters like Hello Kitty! A serial card buyer, I was always searching for simple, understated designs but could rarely find them.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

There are lots of different days really. As a one woman show you have to do everything! But I like that. I hop from new designs to accounts, trade fairs to product research, customer service to photography.

Biggest achievement to date?

Seeing my designs for sale in the Parisian boutique Colette, once described as ‘the trendiest store in the world’ by Forbes. What can I say?!

 Where can we find your cards?

Over the years, Dicky Bird cards have graced the shelves of Liberty of London, the Design Museum, The British Museum, Tate Modern & Tate Britain, The Designers Guild and The Conran Shop – but most importantly, many amazing independents – like Chirpy!

Favourite card you’ve designed / most popular card design?

That’s an impossible question! But I do really like the Black Cat design at the moment – it just reminds me of something from my childhood I think.

Have you seen any changing card trends over the last 12 months?

I honestly try not to look at what other card publishers are doing – I just like to keep in my own lane and do the things I like. Things I’ve liked lately though are toadstools, blossom flowers and nail art.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

It’s still a hundred times nicer to receive a card in the post than it is to get a text message or digital card. There’s just something a bit magic about it and I don’t think that will ever change.

Best thing about running your own business?

In a nutshell, being your own boss. It gives you freedom.

Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

If you think there’s a market for what you do, give it a go. I started off by producing a small collection and selling at fairs and markets – it gives you a good idea of what’s popular and what doesn’t sell. Remember it can be a bit lonely at times – and don’t forget you have to do the boring stuff too, like accounts!

Plans for the future?

I‘ve done some collaborations with other designers and companies in the past and I’d like to do some more of that. It’s nice to work with other people.

 Check out Dicky Bird’s Instagram HERE

And pop into Chirpy to buy Liz’s cards, but be quick as they sell out!

WIN! A Year's FREE Supply of Cards worth £195!

Yes, that’s right, once again we’re giving away…

A YEAR’S FREE SUPPLY OF CARDS!

That’s 60 cards with £195 FOR FREE!

All you need to do is buy a Card Bundle during October either online or in store and you’ll ne entered into a prize draw to win a monthly subscription. That’s 5 FREE cards every month for a YEAR!

If you buy more than one bundle in October you’ll be entered for each bundle you buy.

A previous winner, Rebecca. loved receiving her free monthly cards and said this…

“I was so delighted (and surprised) to win the competition). I love seeing what cards I get in my bundle each month and it really helps keep me organised to have a supply of gorgeous cards to send to friends and family on their birthdays.”

So to be in with a chance of winning just buy a card bundle of 5 cards this month and we’ll enter you.

Competition closes at midnight Friday 31st October when we will draw a winner at random.You’ll be informed by email if you have won.

Focus on ... Fawn & Thistle

This month we’re focusing on Kirsten from Fawn & Thistle. We’ve just started to stock her cards and they are proving very popular, especially with cat lovers, myself included!

To get to know Kirsten and her business a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with her :

Tell me a little bit about yourself

I’m Kirsten, the illustrator and designer behind Fawn & Thistle. I run the business from my studio in Kent, where I create bold, playful stationery, greeting cards, and gifts – usually with a bit of humour, colour, and the occasional cat thrown in for good measure.

I also work as a freelance designer and marketer on the side and teach printmaking workshops.

I have three cats (one is just a 3month rescue kitten) and constantly find their antics to be a source of inspiration for my cat-themed designs.

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

Honestly, I kind of just fell in to it. I was graduating from my MA in Illustration at the time of the 2008 recession, and it was impossible to find a job in design that wasn’t a never ending unpaid internship. So I moved back to Kent from London and set up my own thing. I’d seen people selling on Etsy, and figured how hard can it be - I was very wrong!

Over the years I’ve taught myself the business side of things, as well as creating my brands signature style and voice. It’s been a steep learning curve.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

I don’t really have a “normal” day – I try to give some structure to the week by setting aside certain days for specific tasks. Mondays are usually for catching up on emails and online orders, Wednesdays are for wholesale outreach, and so on. That said, I have to keep things flexible to juggle freelance projects alongside Fawn & Thistle. Some days I’m sketching new designs or packing up wholesale orders, and other days (more than I’d like!) are spent knee-deep in admin or running printmaking workshops.

Biggest achievement to date?

I’ve had a few recently which have really helped bolster my confidence in what I’m doing with Fawn & Thistle! Getting stocked in Oliver Bonas was a big milestone for me as it was always top of my ‘Big Dream Stockists’ list, and most recently I won Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday, which was a big boost!

Where can we find your cards?

Besides Chirpy (of course), you can find my cards on my own website, through lovely stockists throughout the UK, and I’m also on Faire if you’re a retailer. I also occasionally pop up at markets and events now and then – keep an eye on my Instagram for updates.

Most popular card design?

The cats. Always the cats. My cat cards are by far the most popular designs I have. It’s funny, after being called a Cat Lady for most of my life, I didn’t actually introduce many cat cards in to my range until recently, and I just don’t know why. I should have embraced my cat lady status sooner.

 Have you seen any changing card trends over the last 12 months?

I’ve noticed the general tone of cards can be a bit more irreverent and cheeky, not just for your standard and more traditional occasions - cards that say what we actually want to say, but in a fun, thoughtful way.

Design-wise, I’m seeing so many food/fruit & veg/condiment type designs everywhere, which I really enjoy.

 Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

I think despite living in a more technological, digital age, people still really enjoy tactile and tangible things. It’s heartwarming when someone gives you a card that they went out and looked for, chose because it reminded them of you and then wrote a sweet note inside.

I personally keep cards I’m given and frame some of them as mini pieces of art.

Best thing about running your own business?

The flexibility and working for yourself. I love working the hours that work for me, especially because I’m a night owl and find myself to be most creative at night.

 Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

Be curious, step out of your comfort zone and put yourself out there, even if it feels scary. Also, ask for help and listen to others, there are so many knowledgeable people out there who’ve helped me get my head around Wholesale, running a business, SEO etc etc. If I don’t know something, I’ll always look for someone who does.

 Plans for the future?

After moving back to fulltime self employment again, I’m finally getting to design some new cards and ranges, which I think are going to be great! I’m also working on creating a licensing portfolio to work with bigger companies and setting up my own printmaking subscription box called Printfolk. I’m so excited about Printfolk and creating a creative community around printmaking.

Check out Kirsten’s IG here

Focus on ... Studio Boketto

This month we’re focusing on Micky & Olivia (& Yoshi the dog!) from Studio Boketto. I met them for the first time at PG Live this year and placed our first order. There cards have proven really popular, and I especially love their number milestone cards

To get to know Micky & Olivia and their business a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with them :

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company

We’re Micky and Olivia, the co-founders of Studio Boketto (that’s BO-KET-OH!). Studio Boketto is a UK based stationery brand with good vibes at the core of everything we do, which you can see in our ever-growing range of colourful, cute and super cool cards and stationery. Everything is designed in-house or in collaboration with illustrators and artists we love. We just want Boketto to be a happy place, filled with ace paper stuff!

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

Micky was working as a menswear designer when he was made redundant (twice!). To stay creative, he started designing cards — and when the second redundancy hit, he decided to give Studio Boketto a proper go. Olivia was working as a nurse in the NHS and had always helped behind the scenes, but joined full time in 2020. We’ve been building the brand together ever since.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

No two days are the same. One minute we’re packing orders, the next we’re designing new ranges, emailing stockists, shooting content, or managing production — all from the studio in our garden. It’s a constant juggle of creativity and logistics, fuelled by coffee and a shared to-do list.

Where can we find your cards?

You’ll find our cards in lovely independent shops across the UK and beyond — and in some bigger stores too, like Oliver Bonas, Scribbler, and Utility.

 Favourite card you’ve designed  / most popular card design?

Our food puns and music icon cards are always best sellers — and our full English breakfast wrap has a bit of a cult following too.

Have you seen any changing card trends over the last 12 months?

Conscious buying is in — quality and sustainability really count now.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

Because nothing beats that feeling of receiving a card — it’s thoughtful, tactile, and totally offline. Cards mark moments, big or small, and they stay pinned up long after the day’s passed.

 Best thing about running your own business?

Total creative freedom. Building something that feels truly ‘us’ — and getting to work together every day (most of the time that’s a good thing!).

Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

Start small, stay consistent, and back yourself. Don’t wait until it’s perfect — just get it out there and tweak as you go. And find your own voice — it’s your biggest asset.

 Plans for the future?

More collaborations, more joyful designs, and (hopefully) more stockists who love what we do. We’ve got big plans bubbling… watch this space.

Focus on ... EarlyBird

This month we’re focusing on Don & Heidi from Earlybird. I love chatting to them both at trade shows and will see them soon at Top Drawer in September.

To get to know Dom & Heidi and their business a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with them :

Tell me a little bit about yourselves.

Earlybird is husband and wife dream team :) (Dom and Heidi Early plus a small team!) publishing greetings cards, wrap and social stationery for over 20 years. We also have a retail store in London.

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

I (Dom) graduated from Central St Martins Art college in the late 90's (ahem yes that long ago) and after doing some freelance illustration for a while started to design greetings cards on the side.

I had a market stall st Spitalfields Market in London's east end, and things really took off when we started suppyling shops. 

When Urban Outfitters placed a large order, it dawned on me we might be onto something. 

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

Loads of cups of tea! We have 2 sides to the business, the main part is the publishing/wholesale, but we also have a shop in Stoke Newington North London.

I (Dom) run the wholelsale side, designing, commissioning artists and sorting the trade shows. Hannah (our shop manager) runs the retail side and Heidi has a foot in both camps.

I work from home in our studio and Heidi is in London 2 days a week. 

I spend a lot of time in front of a computer sorting orders, designing etc so I have to make sure I get away from the desk on a reg basis, so I run and walk the dog most days.

Not at the same time! 

Biggest achievement to date?

3 Retas awards for the shop is something we are very proud of, plus our card designs have been nominated for a few times in the finals of the Henries awards. Winning one would be great in the future please!. 

I think surviving Covid was quite a big achievement for many small businesses and I still look back on those days I think Wow! 

Also the feeling of a customer buying something we have produced is an accolade in its own right.

Where can we find your cards?

Chirpy Store of course! One of a fav indies.

We also supply Oliver Bonas. Scribbler, Waterstones, Postmark.,Utility and many many fab indies across the UK. We also distribute to USA, AUS and Germany.

Favourite card you’ve designed / most popular card design?

HIP HOP HOORAY. I saw a very old vintage postcard of a cat sat on a record player and I thought wouldn't it be good to illustrate an actual cat with headphones on DJ ing.

I had no idea it would be a stand out seller but it is. I have designed other cards I am more proud of, but I do have a soft spot for the DJ cat.

It has been so popular I have put it on Valentines and Father's day with good sales too.

Have you seen any changing card trends over the last 12 months?

Yes the MED theme is very strong atm Tomatoes, Sardines, Olives etc. We have a range called Honey which has done very well this year using the artwork of Linsey Kelly with these flavours on.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

It is a small piece of art to sit on your mantel piece. It is also a personal way of communicating away from the digital age. No one writes letters anymore so please let us not lose card sending.

It is so important for connecting with people, wishing them happy birthday is so important but all the other wonderful things that happens through the year as well. We have to keep this amazing tradition alive.

Best thing about running your own business?

I can nap when I want......and I do. :)

I also love my job, creating something and watching it sell is a great feeling. Designing is the best part of the job. The creative side will always be the side of the job that excites me. Admin and invoices are a necessary element but the thing that really floats my boat is creating a range and launching it.

Also waking up and being excited about the projects ahead is so good. I couldn't do a job where I am desperate for the end of the day or the weekend. Life is too short. I am aware of how lucky I am and thankful I can earn my wages from doing something I enjoy so much.

Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

Do some research into the already existing competition. Look at gaps in the market and see if you can come up with something different. 

The card industry has a wealth of talented companies all fighting for the same customer, so we have to make sure we stand out.

Also don't stress the small stuff. Things crop up everyday to challenge you and you will have good days and bad days.

Enjoy the good days and remember the bad days will pass over. 

Plans for the future?

Loads! On the immediate horizon is Little Trinkets below. Launching at Top Drawer in SEPT

Also lots of new for 2026 shows, new Humour range, New Large format cards and some new Gift Wrap.

Say Hello to Little Trinkets – the Adorably Mini Newcomers from Earlybird!

Earlybird has teamed up with kitsch queen Amy Hastings to create Little Trinkets – a brand new MINI range bursting with charm. These half pint-sized delights pair Amy’s whimsical artwork with a luxe spot UV finish on textured recycled board, all in Earlybird’s signature mini format.

“We’ve been excited to collaborate with Amy for ages,” says Earlybird. “Her passion for quirky collectables shines through in every design – they’re a perfect fit for our MINI range, and we know our customers will fall in love.”

Check out a range of Earlybird cards & wrap in Chirpy including the best selling DJ Cat!

Focus on ... LoveLossDiscoballs

This month we’re focusing on Rachel & Warren from Love Loss Discoballs. I met Warren earlier in the year at a GCA Dragons Event and immediately loved their bright cards and unique outlook. Placing our first order this money at PG Live, I’m delighted to now be stocking these wonderful cards.

To get to know Rachel & Warren and their business a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with them :

Tell me a little bit about yourselves.

We’re Rachel & Warren Hart-Phillips – a husband-and-wife team based in Liverpool although Warren is originally from Surrey. Warren is the designer and has worked in graphic design all his career after studying it at Uni. Rachel studied law but went into business development and account management – so we have a great range of skills and experience between us for running a card business! We got married in Ibiza (our favourite place!) last year and live with our five-year-old son Jonny, pet cat Bettie and fish, Finn.

 How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

 We’ve both suffered a lot of profound loss over the years and have received a lot of sympathy cards – which we didn’t think reflected us, or the people we’d lost at all. We’d dreamed of starting a meaningful business together and one day Rachel was drafting an Instagram post about a bright card her friend had got her after her first husband died, and how it really helped her. That was the spark of it – and with our backgrounds it was just such a great fit for us to design our own range of modern, uplifting sympathy and support cards.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

 We have absolutely no idea! Haha! We only launched in January this year so we’re still finding our feet and establishing a routine now things are getting busier for us with customers and orders. We’ve had lots of pop-up shops and our first trade shows so every day looks very different at the moment! But we’re loving it all - especially building relationships with all of our lovely stockists like Chirpy!

 Biggest achievement to date?

 For the business the biggest thing so far was getting a last-minute spot on the ‘Dragons Speed Dating’ event, where you get to pitch your designs to retail buyers. We only found out with a day to spare, and we didn’t even have a business card, so it was like an episode of The Apprentice pulling an all-nighter to get our sample packs ready! But we managed and Warren absolutely smashed it and we even got some mentions in Progressive Greetings Magazine. It was such timely validation that we were doing something that the industry needed - and it gave us so much confidence.

Where can we find your cards?

We’re currently stocked in lots of amazing indies (like Chripy!) from the Highlands down to the South Coast and we’ll soon be in Postmark too and are talking to lots of other retailers. You can also shop on our website (loivelossdiscoballs.co.uk) or wholesale on Faire.

Favourite card you’ve designed  / most popular card design?

I think our original ‘You’re not broken; You are a disco ball’ card will always be a personal favourite of ours as it was one of the first ideas we had for a card and encapsulates what we are doing and even our brand name. It’s also one of our top sellers. Our other favourite is ‘Here for you Mate’ with the sunset – and we love it when a man buys this card for his friend as we’re really trying to encourage this.

Have you seen any changing card trends over the last 12 months?

Yes, absolutely. One of the biggest shifts we’ve noticed is a growing demand for cards that acknowledge the tougher moments in life. There are so many more cards that reflect mental health awareness, grief, and real-life challenges - especially those that offer comfort without clichés. At the same time, bold colours, playful fonts and meaningful messages are taking centre stage. We feel that customers are looking for cards that stand out visually but still carry real emotional weight.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

Because there’s something so powerful about taking the time to put pen to paper. In a world where most messages disappear in a swipe, a card is for keeps and can be treasure forever.

Cards bring about so much connection - especially during life’s hardest or most uncertain moments. They’re small, tangible acts of care that don’t ask for anything in return. A card can carry words that are hard to say out loud and keep emotions safe inside something beautiful.

We believe the right card at the right time can change someone’s day, and sometimes, that really is everything.

Best thing about running your own business?

 Definitely being able to build something that feels meaningful. We started LoveLossDiscoballs with a real personal ‘why’ - to create cards that speak to the big, emotional moments in life with honesty, colour and care. So to wake up each day and know we’re doing work that helps people feel seen, supported and less alone is pretty special.

Also, the creative freedom and being able to put our full personalities into what we do! Getting to combine writing, design, grief support and disco balls all under one roof is just magical!

 Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

 Start before you feel ready. You’ll never have all the answers, but momentum builds clarity. If something lights you up or helps people in a way that feels genuine – keep going with it.

Also, let it be yours. It’s easy to get distracted by what others are doing, but the magic is usually in the personal, messy, honest bits. The things that feel most ‘you’ are often what people connect with most.

And lastly, expect it to be hard sometimes, and keep going anyway. The best kind of business is one that means something to you and moves something in others.

 Plans for the future?

 Our focus right now is growing our card range and keep expanding into new categories - always with meaning at the heart of every design. We want to keep creating cards that help people feel understood in the moments that matter most, especially the ones that are often overlooked or hard to talk about.

We’re also working on building a community around what we do - opening up more conversations around grief, mental health and connection, while keeping things bright, bold and full of heart.

Long term? We'd love to see our cards stocked in even more brilliant independents, to keep collaborating with inspiring people, and to keep reminding the world that even the hardest times can still be colourful.

 You can follow LoveLoveDiscoballs HERE to see all the good work they are doing to make difficult conversations easier. They are also proud supporters of Calmzone

Focus on ... Two for Joy Illustration

This month we’re focusing on Louise from Two for Joy Illustration. We’ve just started to stock Louise’s gorgeous greetings cards which are proving popular. The thing I love most about them is many of them are more than just cards, having an activity on the back which is especially great for kids.

To get to know Louise and her business a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with her :

Tell me a little bit about yourselves.

Hi, I’m Louise. I’m the proud founder, designer, and one-woman band behind this independent greeting card brand, Two For Joy Illustration. From my little studio in Suffolk, I create luxury greeting cards, all on beautiful textured cardstock, incorporating beautiful and thoughtful details into my ranges; from eco-friendly foiling, to shaped cards with UV spot gloss and liquid foil, to beautiful full colour inside-prints, and even a range with cut out activities on the back. Everything is proudly made in the UK.

I am an illustrator with a love for moody colours and playful illustrations, and always my own handwriting.

I’ve got a real passion for postboxes too, there’s something magical about their history and charm, which ties beautifully into the joy of sending cards. In 2024, I took a big step by showcasing my collection at my first trade show PG Live in London, and I then got through to the finals for the Henries Awards 2024 (The Greeting Card Oscars!) and I’m so excited to see what comes next.

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

My journey here started with a degree in Decorative Arts at Nottingham Trent University, where I explored everything from screenprinting to slipcasting ceramics, 3D printing to glassblowing. Here, I fell in love with surface pattern design, printing my own fabrics - I went on to work as a childrenwear print designer, before joining a giftware company heading up their textiles department. I thought my illustration days were over but the company I worked for actually were major card producers. They asked me if I wanted ‘in’ on the latest card submissions and before I knew it I had a cards in Paperchase and in lots of indie shops all over the UK. Before long I had 200 designs, and most translated into welsh too. I’d continued designing cards, but also transitioned my career into retail buying, working all the trade shows and overseas trips for 7 years, before opting for a a slower pace of life raising my family - ha ha little did I know I would never be so busy!

I started my own card range ‘on the side’ after attending The Ladder Club at 6m pregnant with my son, and then I started developing my own ranges during maternity leave, and its just organically got bigger and bigger!

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

A normal working day for me is the school run and then sitting down with a coffee, putting the radio on, and tackling my to-do list. I don’t have much time so I lock my phone away to focus. Before long its school pick up again, and I’m back to parenting, but always packing orders or working on something most the evenings.

Biggest achievement to date?

That is a hard one. I think winning Gift of the Year award for my paper craft-kit advent calendar, in 2022 has to be up there. I was against some HUGE household names and just attended the event by myself, expecting it to essentially be a networking event for me. I could not believe I left with the trophy. The advent still sells well today and I’m now designing a range of christmas cards to match it - watch this space!

Hold on - am I meant to say something about my family here? I survived the first year raising twins! Thats a big achievement right?!

Where can we find your cards?

Well of course CHIRPY! But I sell online on Etsy and wholesale on Faire. I have around 30 stockists around the UK. 

Favourite card you’ve designed  / most popular card design?

My favourite cards I’ve designed are the new CAKE cards - they have literally only just launched this week, but they were just an idea in my head 6 months ago and now they’re here in my hands, shaped retro-inspired card cakes, with UV spot gloss and 3d raised ‘liquid’ foiling; I am really trying hard to ensure my cards have extra luxury details and these make me feel confident about the road ahead.

As they’ve only just launched, at the moment the most popular cards at the moment are the Bookish cards. I have over 46 designs and I’m hoping to get to 100 designs.

 Have you seen any changing card trends over the last 12 months?

I think customers really want to know what they are getting for their money. If they’re spending £3+ on a card they need to know the story, the special finishes, is it supporting a small business, is it made in the UK - it has to be worth it. With this in mind, about 18 months ago I started putting an ‘about me’ bio on the back of my cards, with a little photo of me. It reminds us about the human connection, not just from me as an illustrator to the customer, but also the human connection that sending cards is so well known for. I also ensure my cards have something special about them.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

Sending cards brings joy - it’s such a lovely feeling knowing that someone has been thinking of you, and also with digital media becoming so overwhelming, getting something in the mail really forces you to stop and think and feel. The fact we can create these feelings for under £5 with a stamp included feels like a real luxury in life.

Best thing about running your own business?

Hands down the flexibility. I always say I am a parent (to three littles) first, and a card publisher second. That’s the truth - and I can work when I want and not work when I dont want! Not having to book annual leave in, only to be rejected, its bliss!

Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

Be a sponge. Go and learn. Talk to people in the industry before jumping in with both feet. There is so much good, free advice out there. There is enough room for everyone. Thankfully the card community is super super supportive and friendly.

Plans for the future?

My three main goals for the year ahead are 1. Create more craft kits 2. Create more innovative card ranges such as shaped cards, and 3. Work smarter not harder! I am looking to outsource the card packing so that I can concentrate on growing the ranges and also spending more time with my family.

 We’ve loved getting to know Louise a bit more and cant wait to see her new designs and crafts kits. Love the sound of her Advent Calendar too. Come and check out Louise’s designs in Chirpy and follow her on Instagram (she’s very entertaining!) HERE

Focus on ... Ricicle Cards

This month we’re focusing on David from Ricicle Cards.I always look forward to seeing David at tradeshows and events, he’s a bit of a social butterfly!

To get to know David a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with him…

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company

Hello! I'm David, the founder & proud small business owner of Ricicle. I love to create colourful, contemporary & beautiful greeting cards.

The name Ricicle comes from my married name. Before my husband & I married, he was Rice & I was Nichols - together, we are the Ricicles! I knew instantly that this would be the perfect name for the brand. While Steve, my husband doesn’t work with me and has his own job, he supports me at trade shows and at home during meltdowns, haha! 

I really enjoy designing my own cards, but I also relish in art directing. Putting together a brief for a new greeting card collection and finding the perfect artist to bring those ideas to life - it’s a really exciting process. Plus I get to play around with different print techniques too, whether it’s adding hot foiling or some die-cutting for extra pizzazz.

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

2024 marks my 10th year working with greeting cards! Prior to launching Ricicle Cards in January 2020, I worked in the greeting card industry on wholesale/client management, photography, creative design - lots of things! I knew I wanted to create my own collection, so I launched at Top Drawer January 2020 just before Covid hit.

I’ve always loved stationery and greeting cards - whether it was my school planner or thank you cards after Christmas and birthdays, it’s a true privilege to run a business based off a life-long passion.

Biggest achievement to date (personally or business wise)?

Becoming a Henries Award finalist three years running. I can’t believe it, really. My business is still quite young, so to be recognised among the greats of the industry as a finalist in these prestigious awards is wonderful and something I’m so proud of. I might not have won one yet, but I’m hopeful to one day!

Where can we find your cards?

Chirpy, of course! I’m so lucky to be stocked in some of the UK’s most wonderful retailers, whether they’re larger shops or small but mighty independent boutiques. I’m fortunate enough to partner with distributors in a couple of countries worldwide too, which is really cool.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

 I've always thought that a greeting card, whether it's a birthday card or one sent just to say 'hello', is like receiving a hug in the post. Surprising someone with a thoughtful gesture combined with a stunning greeting card design can spark so much joy - both for you and the recipient!

That's where my passion comes from - helping people enjoy these moments. We cover all milestone occasions & seasonal events, so you’ll never miss an opportunity to send some love in the form of a bright and colourful greeting card with a heartfelt message, printed on luxury card stock.

Best thing about running your own business? 

The community, absolutely. Whether it’s making friends with other greeting card publishers or building relationships that turn into friendships with my retailer customers, that’s the best bit. It’s one of the main reasons I love to do trade shows, I get to get out of my house and see lots of familiar faces that love greeting cards as much as I do.  

Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

Success and growth doesn’t happen overnight. Building your brand presence takes time, sometimes a great deal of time. You need to be present at trade shows each year to be visible. Be consistent, communicate with your customers well and embrace the fact that you can’t do everything - you just need to make the best decisions you can at the time. Whenever I’m stressed about an order deadline or something goes wrong with a print run, I’ve learned to take a breath and say ‘It’s just cards. It’s not life or death’.

You can find a selection of Ricicle’s Christmas cards online and in store 

IT'S BACK!! WIN A YEAR'S SUPPLY OF CARDS WORTH £180!

For the 5th year running, to celebrate our #chirpyversary we’re giving you the chance to win a Year’s worth of free cards worth £180!

That's 5 cards a month for a year!

All you need to do is buy a card bundle throughout October in store on online and you’ll be in with a chance of winning - it’s that simple! Every bundle purchased counts as an entry

Every month you’ll even be able to customise your card selection to make sure you have the perfect cards you need

Click here to buy a bundle