Laura McKendry for CardMix

We're proud to announce a major new range of x 11 greeting-cards by Laura McKendry for CardMix. A rising star, Laura has created a group of characters full of wit & charm. Launched with success at the Spring Fair, Laura McKendry's new range is the lead image on Card Mix's Christmas catalogue.

"The concept grew out of a simple design I created several years ago of a rather morose-looking reindeer wearing a Christmas jumper – which I liked, but it didn’t really sing out ‘Merry Christmas’! This range needed to be more lively, playful and colourful so I started playing with the Christmas knitwear theme as a background and gave them silly bobble hats. They started to make me smile, especially the polar bear cubs playing in the snow, and became really fun to draw. 

I enjoyed most building variety within a theme, working out how each image within the same range could be different. It gave a structure within which to be playful and creative. The most challenging aspect was working on Christmas images during the summer months! I sang Christmas carols to get myself in the mood.

As I began this series working on a polar theme, I included drawings of roly-poly seal cubs. I was surprised to find out that these kind of images wouldn’t be popular with card buyers because of the risk of offending a recipient with the implication that they were a little roly-poly themselves!

My favourite is the mother and baby deer couple (Mum) which feels quite tender. I also like the playful cub and snoozing Daddy polar bear couple. I like the parent-child relationships the best"

Set to be a hit with retailers and Christmas buyers, we are looking forward to this very speical range hitting the shelves for Christmas 2015!

Laura McKendry in her studio - image credit Adrienne Pitts

Juvenile range for Almanac

The Almanac gallery is releasing a new range of Juvenile cards by talented artist Angela Rozelaar. Angela has created simple but charming designs for ages 1 - 6. 

Angela draws all her designs by hand, using brush & ink, and creates textures with gouache, rubbings, and prints. Once she has all the elements in place, everything is scanned in and collaged digitally. The designs have been embossed for added texture, are sized 158 cm and sold wrapped with quality yellow envelopes.

Launching next week, at the Spring Fair 2015, retailers will be able to order these beautiful cards for little ones across the UK!