Anti-Valentines Cards

Urgh, Valentines day is almost upon us. That day when you have to grin through gritted teeth and pretend that you actually like the other half.  Or when you try and bite your tongue when they pull out their 2 for 1 Pizza Express voucher to pay for your romantic meal. Or you might actually be that poor twat who cries into a box of self-bought Dairy Milk as the rest of your housemates escape to their bedrooms to… play Scrabble? Yes, Scrabble – that sound is definitely the thumping of celebrating feet after a triple word score.

Choose any of the below to give to your insignificant other, and they guarantee a satisfying passive aggressive feeling.

sardonic greetings cards & gifts | Copyright 2012 Mardy Mabel

Vist Mardy Mable etsy store here.

Job Done…..

As of the Monday 5^th March 2012 I will be self employed working for myself at Very Impressed.  On my life’s list of things to do be my own boss was one of them.  It has been on the horizon for a while now and now finally I’m making it happen.

I moved out of the smoke to the country for a reason, some major life shift and life losses made me think of what I really needed in my life, family & health come very high up but job satisfaction comes a close 3^rd.

Having worked as a technologist for many years now, I fell in to it for the money and because I love fashion, but believe me the fashion industry can be a bitch and if you’re not tough enough you will get chewed up.  My situation is nothing like a scene from the Devil Wears Prada, far from it, and I'm most certainly not chewed up or tainted.  I love fashion and its direction I just fell out of love with fashion retail.  My last home is with Arcadia.  The mean machine of the high street, which either makes you or breaks you.  Luckily it’s made me!  And so today I handed in that lovely letter and sit here and write this with a buzz.  I’m embarking on an amazing adventure into self employment. Taking a risk, doing it for myself, my happiness my family and in honour of my mummy, who always told me to go with my heart, who believed in my creativity, who was always laughing & looking on the bright side, who isn’t here to hold my hand but is still with me.  With that and the support of my family and friends I’m not scared, but very excited &I can’t wait to share every exciting moment with you all.

Taplow House Hotel

Taplow House Hotel is without doubt one of Buckinghamshire’s finest wedding venues; its magnificent sweeping grounds and beautiful Georgian country house will ensure the perfect venue for a wedding of any size.

Off here today for my first of many wedding fairs Taplow House Hotel in conjunction with Berkshire Wedding Fairs is holding a bridal show from 12-2pm.  I'm not exhibiting at this one, but going to network, get some inspiration, talk to a few brides and grooms and see what is on trend at the moment for the Berkshire set...

SICK BAGS

If your are gonna be sick.... do it in style please.... http://www.lydialeith.com/sick-bags/

TERRY POND

Found and loved this pic on Pinterest yesterday.... very very true

Its from Terry Pond, who i think may just become my new favourite person.  Not only does she love sausage dogs, but she is living my dream as a self-employed artist selling products and prints featuring her illustrations http://pondragon.blogspot.com/.  Shes a blogger http://terrypond.blogspot.com/and im looking forward to lunch time reading especially of the weiner blog http://weiner-dog.blogspot.com/

Nice to know you Terry!

Off Sick

Well this is us for now, all laid up, drugged up (not Milo) catching up on CSI...... Not by choice, if i could I'd be up on the printer printing, but am beat.  I lie here defeated with flu, sinusitis and glue ear.

 

Digital Printers

This may be the first of many post regarding digital printers.  This week alone, a considerable amount of time has been spent googling local digital printers, getting quotes, downloading artwork, waiting for ring backs that don’t ring back, talking print resolution & dye-sublimation blah blah blah.....

As most of my stationery are to have individual illustrations, digital printing was the only option and then have them letterpressed.  So it was vital I find someone (like me) dedicated to providing quality products and services.  There are many design and print firms around today and choosing one to look after your needs can often feel like a gamble. 

A gamble no one should take on STAPLES!!!  Don't get me wrong, Staples do provide extremely good office stationery and filling solutions but after a disastrous birthday card, the only printing I would conduct in Staples is to use the 10p photocopier.  They had poor customer service, poor knowledge of the printers, my cards were poor quality, the registration was off and I would not go back – please avoid.

Ones to recommend are Negs http://www.negs.co.uk/

My old faves, I used them a lot whilst at college, very down to earth, knowledgeable, give you what you want and if not make good recommendations.  Check out there site, they do test pieces for no charge and there quotes have always been reasonable and there are student discounts.

Whilst Soho used to be very local to me, and not so much now I was now faced with a challenge of finding a local printer in the Berkshire area local to me. 

Bullseye Print & Awards are my new friends.  http://www.bullseyeuk.com/ They had an online chat with me, gave me a speedy quote for my 'diva' like demands and made this challenge simples.  Not only will I be approaching them for my press packs, but also for my digital printing of the invites.  This is made even sweeter by them sourcing the card I want or a suitable alternative.  Perfect.  I will keep you posted on the outcome. 

In my opinion Digital Printers are like a good man.... hard to find, so i suggest when you find one, keep them.  Then let me know their details so I can add them to my new section of Recommended Print Suppliers.