Welcome to the second of my Supporting Small Businesses posts. This time I’m supporting another illustrator with more stationery!
I love Etsy as it features so many wonderful artists and creators, so it was there that I headed when in search of postcards showing a map of Wales (since I can’t buy from the usual tourist places at the moment). During my search, I came across Sophia Shaw Art & Illustration.
Sophia doesn’t just sell illustrated map postcards, but also prints, cards, tea towels, notebooks, badges etc, as well as taking on custom illustrations.
Sophia’s maps are beautifully illustrated. They feature a number of local landmarks and other fun things. Sophia’s logo and website address are on the back of the postcards, so that’s great if the recipients fancy buying their own.
There are sixteen different maps to choose from for the various areas in and around the UK and I was delighted when I saw Sophia’s “Pick and Mix” offer of 10 postcards for £12. I chose 3 of the Mid Wales map, 4 of the Wales map and 3 of the UK map – Perfect for sending to penpals across the world.
I purchased the postcards through Etsy on 7th April and I received them just over a week later (with the Easter weekend in between). Sophia does currently have a notice on her Etsy page saying she posts items out once a week (Monday or Tuesday), so please bear this in mind if ordering.
Sophia also has her own website. It sounds like she has such an idyllic life, living on a narrowboat near Chester, Cheshire with her partner. In the warmer months, the narrowboat is turned into a floating gallery with art and plants for sale. I’d love to visit one day!
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Please note: I bought these cards with my own money and I am in no way affiliated with Sophia Shaw Art & Illustration.
19 Comments
Eastside Cats
I adore unique greeting cards!
Especially when one is sending them to folks in other countries, which I tend to do more and more.
Thanks for visiting my blog!
Carol
Her art is wonderful; thanks for sharing!
Anca
How wonderful. I like these and her story too. Visiting her gallery sounds like a great idea and it’s not too far from me either.
Lisa
These are beautiful, so different and so unusual. I’ll have to head over to her shop for a browse, thank you for sharing your cards 🙂 Lisa
yvonne@FictionBooks
It sounds as though Sophia has an idyllic life, although speaking personally, I’m not too sure about living on or anywhere near water! Water and I just don’t get along I’m afraid and I’m not too sure how idyllic it is in the winter!
Her art work is really quirky, unique and lovely though, I especially like the maps.
You have certainly built up a portfolio of small businesses worth remembering, thanks for sharing 🙂
Yvonne
xx
Eunice
The postcards look lovely, I particularly like the UK one 🙂
Kris P
There are so many talented people out there. Thanks for shining a light on some of your local artists.
Somewhere in Ireland
Beautiful and creative!
Kelly
What gorgeous postcards! I love Etsy, too, but find it a deadly (to my wallet) place to visit!!! It’s just too easy to buy there! 😉
Nikki
I know what you mean!
Des | itsbetterinheels
These are adorable! Kudos for supporting small businesses, I’m definitely going to check out this Etsy shop!
Des | https://www.itsbetterinheels.com
Faye
Her postcards are amazing! The local landmark maps are beautiful as well x
https://www.femaleoriginal.com
tomthebackroadstraveller
…buying local has alway been important, but during these times it has become even more important! Take care and stay well.
Jo
They’re fabulous. I shall definitely check out her Etsy shop.
jeanie
I love that you are highlighting independent artists and I’m skipping over to her website right now. I love the art you shared. I’ll have to see if she ships internationally. Her style is really so lovely and I love the colors. Her story/boat — all terrific. Thanks for sharing this.
Alan Riolfe
It’s so lovely to see the work of such talented people. I hope that she gets plenty of support.
lisl
Thank you, Nikki. I also use Etsy, by the way
Felicity Grace Terry
Thank you promoting these small businesses, that people are turning to companies such as this is one of the few good things to come out of the situation we find ourselves in and on that NOTE (Get it? note – stationary. Sorry, I couldn’t resist) I’m off to visit Sophia’s website.
Sophie Wentworth
They look so beautiful, bright and happy but somehow peaceful at the same time. 10 for £12 sounds like a great deal too. I love that you’re showing these smaller businesses some love and giving them a platform x
Sophie