Paper craft: Greetings/Gift cards

Use scrap paper to make this holder to give a giftcard or simply a message. 
You will need: The template, two sheets of scrap paper, cello-tape, double sided tape or glue, a scalpel and a cutting mat.

1. Cover one of the sheets of paper with strips of double sided tape or glue.

2. Stick the two sheets of scrap paper together.
3. Place the template on the scrap paper, Stick both to the cutting mat. Using the scalpel cut around the template.
4. Once cut out your net should look like this.
5. Separate the template and your net. Using the template as a guide crease your net on the 'fold lines'
6. Stick a piece of double sided tape to the inside of the holder to attach your card or message.7. Attach your card or message, then fold each flap into each other, alternating between over and under for each edge.8. Your holder is finished!

Because it's Friday.... Steely Dan.

If it's good enough for Del La Soul it's good enough for us...

New Sean Sims!!

We have just added two new gift wraps to the Sean Sims range.... have a look here

New!! Grafika Wraps.

New to the Grafika range available now.

Interview: Andrew Groves.

This week our interviewee is Andrew Groves. UK based Andrew's work is often influenced by his love of the great outdoors. His use of softer colours and organic shapes result in imagery of exploration and the wilderness. He answers our quick 10:

What is your greatest achievement? 

Remaining relatively sane.

How would you describe your work/style to someone who hadn't seen it? 

Graphic representations of natural phenomenons with extra eyes.

What piece/product/design do you wish you had thought of? 

Nobi Nobi Boy.

Who would you most like to collaborate with? 

I prefer to go it alone.

What is the worst job you have ever had? 

Flipping burgers at McDonalds.

If you were on Death Row, What would your last meal be? 

I don't think I'd be very hungry.

What is the greatest song of all time? 

Impossible to answer, but Freebird is a good one. 

What do you dislike most about popular culture? 

Most of it.

What is the greatest invention of all time? 

It hasn't been invented yet.

If you didn't do what you do. What would you do? 

Anything that facilitates more time spent outdoors.

All Images courtesy of andrewgroves.co.uk

Valentines.

Don't forget to send your loved one a Valentines Day card. We have a varied selection to suit all types of valentines. 

Paper craft. heart gift box.

Use scrap paper to make these cute little gift boxes. Perfect in time for Valentines day. 

You will need: The template, scrap paper, cello-tape, double sided tape, a scalpel and a metal ruler.

1. Place the template on the scrap paper, Stick both to the cutting mat. Using the scalpel cut around the template.

2. Once cut out your net should look like this. 

3. Separate the template and your net. Using the template as a guide crease your net on the 'fold lines'

4. Place a piece of double sided tape on the outside edge of the tab A. 

5. Stick tab A to the inside of B.

6. Place double sided tape on the marked corners of C and D. Also folding down E and F.

7. Fold and stick C and D down.

8. Turing the box over fold down G and H. Slot I and J together. 

9. Your box is finished!

Because it's Friday..... George Harrison.

Have a nice weekend peoples. 

Instagram.

We are now on Instagram!!! Go find us @1973ltd and we want to see you too!

Interview: Tim Hopgood.

After 20 years working as a graphic designer Tim Hopgood decided to take the plunge and become a freelance illustrator. He has gone on to write and illustrate picture books, even winning the Best Emerging Illustrator at the Booktrust Early Years Awards. He was kind enough to answer our quick 10.

What is your greatest achievement? 

Happiness.

How would you describe your work/style to someone who hadn't seen it? 

My work is colourful, graphic and bold. I try to keep it looking as fresh and spontaneous as possible.

What piece/product/design do you wish you had thought of? 

I love the energy and style of the 1950s LP covers designed by David Stone Martin for Verve Records.

Who would you most like to collaborate with? 

Tricia Guild. I'd like to see my work used on fabric or wallpaper.

What is the worst job you have had? 

Early morning cleaner was definitely the hardest!

If you were on Death Row, what would your last meal be? 

Macaroni Cheese (please can the top be very crispy!) with lots of ketchup (Heinz).

What is the greatest movie of all time? 

Goodfellas - great characters, fantastic story telling, art direction and styling.

What do you dislike most about popular culture? 

500 channels of cheap TV. Less is more!

What is the greatest invention of all time? 

The radio.

If you didn't do what you do. What would you do? 

I always quite liked the idea of being a chef, but I'm not sure I could stand the heat!

all images courtesy of timhopgood.com

Seen you looking.... Les Happy Vintage

Love these little lights Les Happy Vintage made using our Sanna Annukka wrapping paper.

image courtesy of leshappyvintage.canalblog.com

Because it's Friday... Gwen McCrae

Friday makes us want to boogie.

New!! Grafika Gift Boxes. Coming soon.