My Funny Valentine …

Valentines day has been, and you might have either been filled with HATRED >:-[   or squishy lovely thoughts of lovely love <3 but I have used this event as blog inspiration. Because I am aiming to deviate from the norm and offer up the Manchester based alternatives, here I have researched 4 fabulous artistic ladies who could provide you with a beautiful card or piece of one of a kind bespoke art to give to the one you love / like / want to fornicate with on special occasions.
So for God’s sake steer clear of the Moon Pigs and the Funky Pigeons and look at what these artists have to offer!

Sarah Gaffney

Levenshulme based artist Sarah Gaffney showcases perfectly that greetings cards don’t have to be generic and covered in the usual images of hearts, flowers and balloons.

With a strong emphasis on shape and colour, the focus on composition showcases the patterns and images on each card to great effect. As well as being suitable for those with more abstract tastes they will appeal to everyone who is bored of the limited variety of cards you can find on the high street.

Gaffney has been successful in several craft fairs around Manchester and is happy to take orders for cards in her distinct style through her email address sarah_gaffney@hotmail.co.uk.

Zygote Gifts

www.zygotegifts.co.uk is the website to click on when looking for great bespoke cards and handmade gifts.

If you are keen on helping the environment, cards with beautiful designs made from recycled woven newspaper are a must for special occasions, and with the added option to use newspaper from specific dates it means that these cards can be made extra special and with a more personal touch.

As well as the newspaper yarn designs, there are also an array of cards that come with knitted brooches attached to the front so that special gift can be worn all year round.

Take a look at the website and choose from a great selection of cards made from the best quality material, and if you want to enquire about your own designs email zygotegifts@gmail.com.

Sumi Art

Having talent by the bucket load Sumi Senthi is a great example of an artist who creates arts and crafts that would really make an impact if given as a gift.

Have a look on www.sumiart.daportfolio.com and see the range that this artist has; from intricate line drawings and illustrations, to one of a kind hand made cards.

Beautiful bespoke necklaces with hand made gift boxes are also a speciality of Sumi Art and are a sure fire way to score brownie points if given as a gift!

Also check out Sumi’s blog, www.thelinecontinuestoblur.blogspot.com

for an insight into the mind of such a talented artiste!

Naomi Von Monsta

A true Goblin Queene and friend of the faeries, Naomi Von Monsta creates beautiful pieces of art which would make great gifts for woodland creatures and fans of the forest, or just those who can appreciate the fine detail of her drawings and paintings.
With her own shop on Etsy it is easy to be the proud owner of one of these special pieces from www.etsy.com/shop/naomimonsta. And not only is Monsta’s talent a force to be reckoned with, she also channels her love of the mystical into the creation of beautiful faerie horns and hair pieces.
Check out her blog for inspiration, www.naomimonsta.blogspot.com and you can also see Naomi Von Monsta’s work in the flesh for sale in Affleck’s in the fantastic shop Sausage Dog in Japan.