I love supporting small UK businesses. At this awful time, they are in desperate need of our custom, so I thought I would do a series of posts highlighting some of the small businesses I have bought from during lockdown. You may notice a theme running through them…
Today, I would like to share with you Driftwood Designs. Founded in 2005 by Lizzie Spikes, Driftwood Designs sells products featuring Lizzie’s wonderful artwork. Even better, Driftwood Designs is situated in Aberystwyth, here in Wales.
I came across Driftwood Designs on Facebook and having followed the link to the website I immediately fell in love with some of the designs. Much of the artwork is Welsh-themed or of local scenes, and this is what drew me to the cards. I’m always in need of cards and postcards to send to friends and penpals, so I spent some time selecting my favourite ones.
This card depicts some of the best plants for attracting bees (in fact, I already have a few of them in my garden!). The cottages are based on the picture-perfect ones found in the artist’s dad’s town of Newport in Pembrokeshire.
The Beaufort Wind Force Scale is an empirical measure for describing wind intensity based on observed sea conditions. It is beautifully illustrated here showing the flat, calm waters of wind speed 0 up to the stormy seas of hurricane-force 12.
This wonderful illustration is based on a quote by W. B. Yeats – “The world is full of magic things patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” Look closer at the sea… What can you see?
The title translates to “Flowers of Wales” and the card illustrates the different flowers of each of the counties.
An illustration of the moon phases from waning to waxing in our night skies
Of course, they sell far more than cards. There’s fine art prints, hoodies, bags, posters, bunting, notebooks, mugs, badges and more. Plenty to choose from!
The cards are printed locally, on recycled card, and each card is supplied with a recycled, brown envelope. Something else to note is that UK delivery is free on all orders.
I placed my order on 9th April 2020 and it arrived just over a week later, which I think is pretty good going considering I ordered just before Easter weekend plus everything we have going on with the coronavirus.
I’ll definitely be ordering from Driftwood Designs again and I hope I have enticed my readers to do so too. The illustrations are just wonderful.
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Please note: I bought these cards with my own money and I am in no way affiliated with Driftwood Designs.
she is so talented – marvelous art!
Such fabulous artwork. I must admit that this is right up my street, I shall be taking a closer look at this small business.
I especially like the one depicting the Beaufort Scale.
Too far away for me.
But the central image on the moon card. A Welsh cottage with the moon shimmering on a slate roof and the dark sea sparkling – there is a painting like that in the Tate Gallery. I asked for a postcard – but – sadly – no.
These are beautiful! I especially like the ones for bees and the moon phases, but would be pleased to receive any of them. (hint )
I’ll check out the website… but clicking links you featured in the past ended up getting me addicted to Field Notes and ordering my own cover from a leather artist you featured!
I will try to keep one by for you! Have you received my last letter? I sent it on 10th April, but I know UK/US airmail is a bit slow atm.
P.S. Would now be a good time to mention there’s more stationery posts coming? 😀
I have not gotten it, but since I said that, perhaps it will arrive today! I’m guessing you got mine on the pink stationery… Isn’t it funny how we follow up with our snail mail electronically! Back in the day, we just had to hope and wonder if correspondence reached its recipient.
Some incredible artwork, I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for sharing!
Wow, these are beautiful! She is such a talented artist, I will have to check out some of her other work!
Thanks for sharing!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
Those are lovely. Especially the Blooms for bees.
Hi Nikki,
We have also been trying to support local businesses during the lockdown and aim to try and keep this up when (if) everything gets back to whatever the ‘new normal’ has in store for us.
Lizzie and her friend Beth, have a great little business, with some really interesting and original products, I spent a good while just browsing the site.
The cards are a brilliant idea, both affordable and unique, something to keep and collect. My MIL used to collect postcards and was going to scrapbook them all, but she never got around to it, so I might ask her if I can take the mission over from her, as no one else in the family seems interested.
It is so difficult to pick a single favourite from the set, however, as it is that time of year, I guess ‘Flowers For Bees’ would probably be my choice.
Thanks for sharing and I hope that all is well with you 🙂
Yvonne
x
A week for delivery during this time is amazing! I love these illustrations, so beautiful. And it’s important to support small now more than ever, thank you so much for sharing these! x
Sophie
All the cards are very clever, although I didn’t immediately see the seahorses! It’s very good of you to shine attention on local talent at a time like this when so many are struggling, Nikki.
These designs are gorgeous. I think my favourite is Beaufort Wind Force Scale, I love that. How nice of you of sharing her artwork on your blog, so others know and maybe even buy from her too.
Wow, I love this, everything is so beautiful, magical and unique. My favourite is the Flowers of Wales, such a pretty design. Thank you for sharing Lizzie’s amazing art with us, I always enjoy discovering small businesses! <3 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
This looks like such a cool company! Definitely important to support them during these scary and uncertain times! Thanks for sharing them!
Oh Nikki, I like her style so much. It’s very happy. And we do need happy these days. The colors are terrific.
Like you, I’ve been doing my best to support artists and other workers who have services for which they can provide a gift certificate. It’s one way we can all help.
Thanks for coming by my blog today!
Anything that helps in a small way 🙂 🙂
Beautiful.
Have a fabulous day and week. 🙂
The cards are lovely. It is so thoughtful of you to highlight a small business during this difficult time.
Lovely – well spotted. I shall hop across and take a look.
We’re also trying to ‘Shop Local’ during lockdown and our little town has its own initiative called Love Topham to help people know what is available as well as providing a bunch of Lockdown suggestions.
Beautiful work, wow! I love that you’re sharing this, it’s always nice to support small businesses in the UK, especially during a time like this.
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
These are so pretty. I too love cards – and quite frankly paper of all sorts.
I love the Yeats quote “The world is full of magic things patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” Should I be embarrassed I’ve never heard it before?
They are really beautiful!
The artwork is stunning! I love that they print on recycled card as well as packaging them in recycled paper too 🙂 x
https://www.femaleoriginal.com
It is great that you are supporting small businesses! These designs are super cute! The detail looks amazing. Thanks for sharing!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me