More heartbreak…

Just a quick mention; if your around Shoreditch in London next week and your about to split up with your significant other then you'll be happy to hear that the Pika Pika patented Break up Card  is on sale at the Design Diversions Pop up Hub, as part of the London Design Festival.  There are lots more wonderful designer goodies on sale too so pop down and have a look even if your not planning to break someones heart!

Heartbreak at the Hayward

Just a quick note to say that the break up cards will be available to buy at the Hayward Gallery in London in their new 'this is not a pop-up' shop. Also featured will be the paper cranes folded by fellow Pika Pika partner Miho Aishima to raise money for the Japan tsunami appeal. Also there is friend and fellow CSM alumni, Tina Tsang who will be showcasing and selling some of her beautiful creations for her own company Undergrowth Design and for those not lucky enough to see her at the Hayward, no worries Tina will be appearing at this years Maison Object in Paris.

St. Valentine's Day

Ah, the red roses, the Belgian chocolates, a card larger than the front door of your house, you wake up to breakfast in bed and your other half have you made hot heart shaped toast covered in strawberry jam to show just how much they love you! Sound familiar? Ah St. Valentines Day, a commercial creation made to make those not in a relationship inadequate and those who are even more so. I remember when I was living in London and was walking home after working late one St Valentine's Day. I passed by restaurant after restaurant filled with tables for two and as many red things as the eye could possibly take in, teddy bears, roses, banners all shouting "LOVE!!"

It was then that it struck me, there were all these ways of saying I love you but very few commercial aids that help you when you have lost that loving feeling and need to sit down and say "I think we need to talk…" It was this in mind that along with Pika Pika we created the "Break-up Card". A little card to help you say I don't love you. We sat down and talked about all the ways we broke the news or had the news broken to us and there were a few that just kept popping up again and again and it was these that we felt would be great for our cards.

We got a beautiful red velvety paper and de-bossed these cliches in silver foil then to finish it all off we placed them in an ominous black envelope.

If you find yourself in need of a little help breaking the news then pop on over to the Pika Pika shop and choose your line.

The last mile…

The 12 illustrations for the Explorers series

Ah the adventure that has been the Explorers club is finally coming to an end. 12 monthly releases that have featured 43 exclusive songs from over 40 artists. It has been a lot of work but it has been a great pleasure seeing the series grow and receiving a link each month to discover and explore new artists and new songs. Thanks to all those involved in creating the illustrations for the sleeves and the music that has been excellent and to Arctic Circle and LOaf for pulling it all together. It's still not too late to subscribe to the series, just pop over to LOaf where all the tracks are still available. This is the latest illustration for a bonus release called "Lost Luggage" which will be released next week.

Cover for Lost Luggage, a bonus release for the Explorers Club

Tis the Season

The Inside with fold out poster, card, badges and the CD

Another cold day in London, so it made me think of a little project I did ages ago with Pika Pika, LOAF records and AC. If your feeling getting in the festive mood give this alternative  collection of Christmas originals a go.

The front of the limited edition version with "snow"

The back of the limited edition version