22.10.06

Cards in particular

Many months ago, when this blog was cutting its first teeth and dribbling down its bib, I was working on a commission from Disney UK which, for confidentiality reasons I wasn't able to write about. This is how slowly these things can take. It is a year and a half since I was summoned, half quaking, half thrilled, to their offices in London, and only this week have I been sent the first cards, designed and printed by the card company - Gemma International - who licensed my designs. As I was working under the stern pencil of the chief 'Pooh' artist, most of the work was not my own. But hopefully the flavour of my style has crept through - that was the idea, anyway. I believe they are now on sale at all good branches of Woolworths and 'other outlets'. Possibly supermarket sections. Ah well, it's it's all gravy, as Andy likes to say.





Moving way down the greetings card foodchain, I have finished the last two designs for the first Red Flannel Elephant Christmas range. Many, many thanks to my blog friends at 'Magpie Magic', 'On the Blossom Trail' and 'Natural Attrill' for plugging them so wonderfully and linking to the site. Now I am waiting for the first printed batches to come thudding on the doorstep.


'Three French Hens'


'Elebauble'

Another card of a more ethereal nature has popped into my inbox - another Society Of Secret Fairies event, with the most gorgeous invitation by my lovely friend Maya, who is the acting admin fairy for this one. To apply, please visit the SOSF blog. This does not signify the absolute end of the autumn event, and we hope that if you and your fairy match liked each other you will continue to keep in contact.



20 comments:

Ruth Welter said...

Gretel, congratulations on working with Disney, that is very exciting. The cards are beautiful.

natural attrill said...

Oh G, your Pooh's are wonderful, and they do look like yours, the cake is instantly recognisable!
I have just finished some Eeyores and one piglet. It is a very different way of working, being able to paint exactly what is wanted, not what you want yourself!
Werent you excited to see them in the shop? Very nice gravy in my opinion!
Penny.

John Nez said...

Those are great! Yes... there is a definite touch of you in those cards.

I've done lots of licensed character work... for The Muppets, Sesame Street, Mercer Mayer and Rosemary Wells... and I know it's almost impossible to make art without it looking a bit like the originator.

Great that you're so pleased!

:0)

jn

Lisa Oceandreamer Swifka said...

I so want some of your work, I will email about the Christmas ones as I am in love with the Velveteen Rabbit one. Your work is so wonderful, I'd love to see it everywhere....here in the US especially!!
I like the Pooh cards, I can see a bit of you in them.
XOXO

tlchang said...

How fun and exciting! Will the Disney ones be for sale over here as well, or just in the UK?

Love the Christmas ones - will you let us know when we can start ordering them?

Tea said...

How absolutely wonderful for you! Congratulations! These cards are so lovely.

tea
xo

Rosa said...

Your Pooh is the best. Your little fellows are always so adorable. Love the French hens and your Elebauble. Yes, Maya is quite a talent too. I've signed up already!! :-o

The fabric of my life said...

How clever you are Gretel, I'm so proud of you :-) I shall look out for them today. Let me have your link to your card site and I will happily put it on my blog x

Becky said...

Ooh, it's great to be able to see your Disney cards at last, they look great and your style certainly shines through! I'll look out for them in all good cardshops. Hope they'll bring you some more work very soon.

I love the Three French Hens and I hope your Red Flannel Elephant range has a long, happy and very fruitful life ;¬)

Gail said...

Wow, it must be great to see the stuff back from Disney with your work - they look great!

You RedFlannelElephant range looks lovely too - I hope it goes well and that those hens literally fly off the shelves! I love 'Elebauble'myself - he's lovely!

lettuce said...

Congratulations - those are great! way more charming than the usual Disney pooh stuff.

Looking forward to using some of your Christmas cards a bit later in the year (I say that to try and offset having to use the word "Christmas" before November) - I'll give you a plug on my blog some time.

Anonymous said...

Your Pooh is lovely but I like your French Hens best.

Cathy said...

Well done Gretel - these are all superb!

Gordon Fraser said...

Finally! Lovely Poo's...I've been dying to say that for ages!! HAHAHA!

Great work Gretel...cards look beautiful as well....when can order some?

Alexiev said...

qqI love work...

joanna said...

There is definitely a lot of 'you' in the Pooh cards, Gretel; I absolutely adore the Christmas cards you've designed, as you know :D - can't wait to get my mitts on some!!

Anonymous said...

Hi, Gretel, just wanted to let you know that I have mentioned you and your cards in my latest post. Hope the "plug" generates some interest for you.

Anonymous said...

I am so pleased to find your blog - it's lovely ... and your cards are fabulous (especially three french hens all piled together).

Chris.P said...

Hi Gretel
I checked out your blog on my mobile phone whilst away at half term. It was really exciting to hear about your work for Disney.

Your Red Flannel Elephant cards are destined to prove popular.

Gretel said...

Hey, thank you so much, everyone, you are wonderful - I am glowing! Chris, mobile blogging - blimey! I am awed...mine won't even pick up Radio 4...