Have you heard of the Just a Card campaign?

It started when artist and designer Sarah Hamilton heard someone who had recently closed their gallery saying, “If everyone who’d complimented our beautiful gallery had bought just a card, we’d still be open.” The idea is to let people know that even really small purchases can make a difference.

So many artists and designers produce beautiful cards alongside their 'real' work.  They're  frequently no more expensive than a shop-bought card and often cheaper.  By buying 'just a card' you can help a small business to stay in business.

They may be too expensive to use at Christmas, except for a handful of 'special' cards, but they make lovely, unusual birthday cards or notecards.  I try always to have a few in stock.

Here are a few of the ones I have at the moment.  (Not my most varied selection!  I've just finished using some lovely hand-made beach hut cards.)

I'm really looking forward to receiving my little parcel from Inky Collective, (you can read about them here) which may well include one of their Christmas cards.

Artists often have other, small, low-priced items, so that there's usually something you can buy if you like their work.  I've just come across Claire Waters, who creates beautiful glass designs.  I've bought one of her pieces as a present (no, you can't see it yet!) but also one of her little Christmas ornaments, as a treat for myself.

Let's keep small businesses going (our High Streets would be much duller without them) and enjoy hand-made, lovingly created cards and goods.  Don't feel embarassed that you're only making a small purchase. Remember that each sale keeps artists making and shops and galleries open. 

You can read more about the campaign on Just a Card's website.