Receiving cards and letters in the post is one of my favourite things. The soft thump when a bunch hits the carpet, I always get a little frisson of excitement when I see my name handwritten on an envelope amongst bills and leaflets. Yes, I’m one of those people that have drawers full of cards from my friends and family, marking birthdays, house moves, new jobs or important milestones. They are some of my most precious treasures and there’s no expiry date on the happiness that re-reading personal messages can bring.
Happy little cards and pictures
What a delight it was to come across a company that understands how important original designed prints and cards can be. The early concept and designs were created in 2006, just after owners, Sarah and David, had their daughter Ella. The company designs a range of prints and, most recently, greeting cards. I spoke to Sarah to find out a bit more about their business and design inspirations.
Getting started
“We couldn’t find anything quite right for Ella’s nursery wall, so David (the creative one!), designed an alphabet poster. Over the next couple of years we had some great feedback from friends and family who asked us to do prints”, says Sarah. The business has gone from strength to strength and ‘ella & george’ was officially launched in 2011 with a range of ‘alphabets on canvas’ sampled by John Lewis and Peter Jones and later rolled out across all stores. The prints and cards are all original designs, “David has a passion for graphic design and classic children’s illustration and his inspiration is mainly drawn from the world around us, everyday situations, and our children”, explained Sarah.
A personal touch
With our reliance on social media and telephones, is the written word going out of fashion? Sarah thinks that there is an important place for cards and personalised gifts. “It has been scientifically proven that receiving a handwritten card makes people feel much more special and appreciated than receiving texts, emails or Facebook messages. Receiving one out of the blue is even more special, making someone feel loved, and a reminder that someone cares and has taken the time to send it. Sending and receiving cards is an important part of culture and one that should not be forgotten”.
Retail therapy
If you are looking for Christmas gift ideas as the festive season marches in, or are sending cards, make sure to keep ella & george in mind. My two year-old-nephew loves animals and an elephant in a racing car design from the company was perfect for his recent birthday celebrations.
Where you can see them next
ella & george will be exhibiting at Top Drawer, London’s largest design-led gift trade event on 11-13 January at London Olympia. This is a company on the rise and I’m excited to see what products will be added to their expanding portfolio of designs.
Buy their products
http://www.ellaandgeorge.co.uk
http://www.notonthehighstreet.com
http://www.johnlewis.com