Customized Portrait Cards by Gina Hollingsworth

I know, I know... February 14 is wayyy too close for you to even think about ordering one of these clever personalized Valentines from Little Envelope [edit: now Gable and Grain], but because there are more card sending opportunities throughout the year, I decided to go ahead and introduce the shop today.

You see, the pic caught my eye on Instagram recently (@little_envelope) [edit: now @gableandgrain] and I was wowed by graphic designer Gina Hollingsworth's novel idea. She launched the shop just a few months ago and offers customization options that make the cards appropriate for birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions.

Let me explain...

You choose a design and items you would like included - flowers, balloon, present, birthday cake, ice cream cone, even a glass of beer, wine or champagne - then check out and email Gina a photograph of a person's face. She will design/print your custom card and mail it to you.... all for not much more than the cost of a nice card at the supermarket.

I can't imagine these cards not bringing hoots of laughter from the recipients. Maybe it's the no-neck thing or perhaps the overall fun design, but either way, they are sure to brighten someone's day.

Gina has a degree in Graphic Design from the University for the Creative Arts in Kent and is employed as a designer at Harrods... you know, the famous London department store. She created this lovely cut paper alphabet [no longer available] while attending the Graphic Design Summer School course at Central Saint Martins in London. It would be the perfect gift for a typography lover.

There are now similarly styled cut paper numbers, names, and greeting cards in the Gable and Grain shop.