Pretty Japanese postcards – and money to a good cause

Aren't these Japanese-style illustrated postcards beautiful? 

They're from Our Shop, the retail side of Our Workshop, a graphic design collaboration which aims to showcase fresh new creative talent. They sell well-chosen vintage things, handcrafted homewares – and stunning artwork in the form of cards, like these.

The artist behind this limited edition set of five A6 mini-prints is the illustrator, Julie LaBulle. Each postcard features a unique japanese icon, from a kokeshi doll, kite, lucky cat, daruma and a koi fish. On the back of each postcard, there is a little history about each object. The set costs £10. 

All profits from the sale of these postcards will go to The British Red Cross/Japan Tsunami Appeal.

Pretty postcard prints from Mercy

What a lovely surprise it was when these four pretty postcard prints arrived on the doormat – a present from supercool design agency, Mercy. 

Each card features a blend of rather inspiring quotes from two great thinkers (named at the bottom of each, shaking hands). Sadly, these gems are not for sale in the online shop (though you can buy some of their other goodies and check out all the rather lovely design work they do). 

Wisdom comes from well-known brains such as Victor Hugo, Robert Louis Stevenson and Henry Miller, as well as from lesser-known names (to me, at least) including Rachel Carson and Zeno. Below are close-ups so you can see who said which quote. And for similar text-based art of an affordable variety, you could try the Keep Calm Gallery, or order a bespoke quote from Karen Miller of Devon Driftwood.

Right – I'm off to put these babies in frames and hang them by my bed. Just the thing to look at on a rainy morning.

The Lovely Pigeon

I've just discovered the Lovely Pigeon blog – the creation of print-maker, illustrator and upcycler, Kirsty Thomas. The blog is very sweet, is made in Scotland and is full of craft ideas – many themed around pigeons. I like a pigeon. 

Lovely Pigeon also sell lovely wares through Not On The High Street – including this sweet, romantic, pigeon-y card, for £2.

Check out some of their other items – such as this:

The 'Brown Bird' lino print, 29.7cm x 42cm, is just £20 and part of a limited edition set of 30.