Thursday 17 September 2015

#happymail, depression and me - Thinking of You Week 2015


When did you last send or receive #happymail? I don’t mean Birthday, anniversary, sympathy cards. I mean ‘Just because…’ cards / letters or random items someone just HAD to send you because they saw it and thought of you. With ‘Thinking of You’ week looming (21st to 26th September 2015) what better time to consider who you could surprise with some #happymail?

Since the dawn of email, I am sure we will mostly agree that #happymail is a rare occurrence, well it certaintly was for me until recently. I not only receive but also send #happymail now and have for the last month or so. Now I want to spread the word on the incredible positive effect this activity can bring to your life and that of your lucky recipients.



As many of you reading this may know, I have battled with depression since about 16. Maybe some of you know me, but don’t know that! Well, consider this my ‘coming out’ blog. After losing yet another job I loved due to my depression earlier this year, I decided to begin a ‘work from home’ venture by becoming a Phoenix Trader – www.facebook.com/thinkcardsthinkclarke - I have always loved stationery and sending cards so this was a business I could easily get excited about.

While brainstorming ways to get my new business venture noticed, I Googled for stationery bloggers. I sent them packs for review on their blogs / YouTube / social media. This in turn introduced me to a whole new world! From this act,  I discovered the ‘Planner World’, that PenPalling was still VERY much a ‘thing’ and even the craze of Pocket Letters.

 
Needless to say my focus, my passion and energy got diverted to becoming engrossed in these new worlds. I bought my first planner – a ban.do flora bunda, I watched the back catalogue of Mrs Brimbles You Tube videos, I learnt what washi tape was and soon started my very own collection, I bought stickers for my planner,  I got Project Life cards. My stationery obsession took to new heights. It made me revisit the sheer joy and happiness I had before each term at school, when my dear Mum would take me to WHSmith for a stock up on pretty stationery. I recalled memories of making my own paper back in the day. I found a powerful and REAL sense of happiness that I had not felt for a long time.
 
 
This then somehow, as these internet finds do, moved to discovering Pen Palling was still a ‘done’ thing. So I started Pen Palling with people all over the world. Fascinating. Then I discovered Pocket Letters and started making and swapping those too. My creativity and love for all things stationery were in their element. But my new business took a bit of a back seat. My new discoveries were where my mind and energy were wishing to focus. This leads me to think that starting Phoenix was just a stepping stone in this journey to find my true purpose. Only time will tell.
 
Without a traditional job to give me routine to my days, my depression, hermit like tendencies and natural nocturnal sleep pattern, inevitably returned. In the last few months I’ve visited some of the darkest places in my mind. Places I thought I had long since ‘closed’ and ‘dealt’ with. But I guess not. And that’s ok. Now I am feeling better, I know I had to visit those places to grow.
Pen Palling and all the new discoveries I mention above have given me a new perspective on life. Not to mention the AMAZING people I have met through Facebook groups and of course my new Pen Pals – I wish they all knew how much they have helped put a smile back on this chicks face. I feel I am on the right course, I am not fully sure where this journey is going, but I know for SURE in my heart, I am following my true purpose and I plan to enjoy the journey to wherever this is going!
 
Back to my aim of this little ditty – to spread the word that #happymail could well be a very powerful tool in coping with a depressive mind. ‘Thinking of You’ week, as mentioned at the top of this blog, is a perfect time to take some time to indulge in some #happymail. Do you know anyone going through a rough time right now? Does someone spring to mind while reading this? Chose a card, grab a sheet of paper, pick up a pen and write from the heart. Emails, txts even phone calls are wonderful modern ways to keep in touch BUT #happymail holds a special magic that is unprecedented. It doesn’t have to be expensive, it doesn’t have to take a lot of your time, but the smile you will induce when they receive it is priceless.
 
Inspiration for writing to someone with depression, check this letter Stephen Fry wrote to a fan - http://www.lettersofnote.com/2009/10/it-will-be-sunny-one-day.html?m=1
Further reading and research on the health benefits of hand written letters - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/11/benefits-of-writing-letters-and-postcards_n_6425540.html
Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy sending and receiving #happymail for yourself
 


Sunday 2 August 2015

Think Cards, Think Clarke: The Great British Bake Off – Focus on Cake Product...

Think Cards, Think Clarke: The Great British Bake Off – Focus on Cake Product...: The Great British Bake Off – Focus on Cake Products Support British Artists and Print Industry Will you be settling down on Wednesday ...

The Great British Bake Off – Focus on Cake Products


The Great British Bake Off – Focus on Cake Products

Support British Artists and Print Industry

Will you be settling down on Wednesday 5th August at 8pm for the first of a new series?

I always have to make sure I have some homemade cake (or shop bought, if feeling lazy) to munch on while watching it every week – otherwise something resembling massive cake envy occurs! I thought it fitting to do a blog post that focuses on all my Cake related products with the return of The Great British Bake Off to our screens, so Cake and tea at the ready here we go….

https://www.phoenix-trading.co.uk/web/lauraclarke/area/shop-online/product/3D03/birthday-cake
 

Presentation: Die cut and flittered, with a white 100 gsm envelope. Blank for your own message
Paper Type: Matt Textured Artist: Gerry Murray Size: 7 1/4 x 10" : 184 x 257mm

 
https://www.phoenix-trading.co.uk/web/lauraclarke/area/shop-online/product/GW161/a-z-of-cakes-gift-wrap


GW161 - £1.25 – Charity Gift wrap or Poster
Presentation: Flat gift wrap sheet Paper Type: 100 gsm  Artist: Amanda Loverseed Size: 19 1/2 x 27 1/2" : 500 x 700mm sheet Interesting information: New

 
https://www.phoenix-trading.co.uk/web/lauraclarke/area/shop-online/product/3D04/cake-stand

3D04 - £1.75 – Charity Greetings Card
 
Presentation: Die cut, with a white 100 gsm envelope. Blank for your own message Paper Type: Matt Textured Artist: Amanda Loverseed Size: 7 1/4 x 10" : 187 x 250mm

 
WS381 - £1.75 – Charity Wedding Day Card
 
Presentation: Flittered, with a white 100 gsm envelope. Blank for your own message Paper Type: Matt Textured Artist: Lorraine Duff Size: 5 x 5" : 127 x 127mm

 
AO91 - £1.75 – Charity Greetings Card
 
Presentation: With a white 100 gsm envelope. Blank for your own message Paper Type: Gloss Varnish Artist: Helen Smith Size: 5 x 7" : 127 x 178mm
 


XJ32 - £2.75 – pack of 10 Charity Christmas Cards
 
Presentation: Pack of 10. Die cut, with 100 gsm envelopes. Merry Christmas Paper Type: UV Varnished Artist: Alison Hullyer Size: 4 x 4" : 102 x 102mm
A146 - £1.75 – Charity Greetings card
 
Presentation: Die-cut, with a white 100 gsm envelope. Blank for your own message Paper Type: Matt Textured Artist: Amanda Loverseed Size: 5 x 7" : 127 x 178mm Interesting information: New
 


XM81 - £2.50 – Charity Advent Calendar Card
 
Presentation: A mini advent calendar card. With 100 gsm white envelope. Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year Paper Type: Matt Textured Artist: Alison Hullyer Size: 6 x 6" : 152 x 152mm Interesting information: Last chance to buy
A159 - £1.75 – Charity Greetings card
 
Presentation: Die-cut, with a white 100 gsm envelope. Blank for your own message Paper Type: Matt Textured Artist: Amanda Loverseed Size: 7 x 5" : 178 x 127mm Interesting information: New 

XP09 - £3.75 – pack of 8 Charity Christmas Cards
 
Presentation: Pack of 8. With 100 gsm white envelopes. Best wishes for christmas and the New Year Paper Type: Matt Textured Artist: Amanda Loverseed Size: 5 x 5" : 127 x 127mm Interesting information: New 


 
Presentation: Pack of 8. Die-cut. With 100 gsm white envelopes. Merry Christmas Paper Type: Matt Textured Artist: Alison Hullyer Size: 4 x 4" : 102 x 102mm Interesting information: New
 

XR08 - £4.25 – pack of 8 Charity Christmas Cards
 
Presentation: Pack of 8. Embossed. With 100 gsm white envelopes. Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year Paper Type: Gloss Varnish Artist: Amanda Loverseed Size: 8 1/3 x 3 1/2" : 210 x 90mm Interesting information: New
AL50 - £1.75 – Charity Greetings card
 
Presentation: Die cut, with a white 100 gsm envelope. Blank for your own message Paper Type: Matt Textured Artist: Amanda Loverseed
 
 
 

BM45 – £0.60 – Charity Bookmark
 
Paper Type: Laminated 350 Gsm Artist: Amanda Loverseed Size: 1 3/4 x 7 1/2" : 46 x 188mm Interesting information: New
 
Remember: If you buy 10 £1.75 cards, you get them for £14
BUY 8 CARDS - GET 2 FREE!!!

 

Friday 24 July 2015

#BringBackPaper Stationery Swap Goodies!

So...I am SO new to this world of #HappyMail and #BringBackPaper etc but I have already been SUPER SUPER lucky to receive a WONDERFUL package from my Stationery Swap partner, Hannah

Pictures paint a thousand words.....just look at the CUTE!!


Washi tape decorated Jiffy Bag of Joy ....


Greetings cards, stickers, and 3 delightful yellow polka dot paper bags....


One pretty paper bag contained postcards and luggage tags.....perfect for smash booking / journaling


Next pretty bag had MY FIRST EVER two washi tapes - OH THE JOY :) :)



Third polka dot bag had some sticky notes and a clear stamp........VERY LUCKY GIRL :) :)


My thoughts exactly.... this is how to make new friends for SURE........

If you would like to swap #HappyMail with me do get in touch :)

Mrs Brimbles haul - ban.do 17 month large agenda – florabunda - unboxing

So, after researching stationery bloggers for networking my new business venture, I am now a full on Mrs Brimbles addict! Her YouTube channel just drew me in and swallowed two days of my life as I tried to catch up with as many of her posts as possible - she is something of a stationery celebrity in England and across in America too.

Needless to say - I ended up HAVING to buy the ban.do 17 month large agenda – floribunda from her online store. And. I. Am. Literally. In. Love. With. It.

I thought I would share a few pics of the unboxing and give you a looky inside the glorious ban.do 17 month large agenda! I have yet to get it 'set up' and ready which I MUST do as it starts from August or actually a few days before....that's tomorrow sorted then!

Without further ado - here is the box when I first opened it - after doing a silly happy dance for a wee while... I should point out how carefully Mrs Brimbles had packaged it and the handwritten note was a lovely touch. She offers Monthly Stationery / Planner subscription boxes by the way - click here to check those beauties out!


And here is the ban.do 17 month large agenda out of the box.....drum roll please...ta-dah!


First page has a cute little pocket for keeping your bits and bobs throughout the 17months use adorned with a cute quote to inspire you...


Comes with a page of stickers to embellish your 17months... but I know I am going to need more - please comment with links to where I can get hold of the best stickers for planners - I am such a newbie to this wonderful world - it is just so exciting!!!


Each section / month has a little tab for easy navigation through the 17months


Each month has a groovy double page with a quote / saying and design










 
 


































The weekly pages are over two pages - week per view - which is my preferred option for planning - just need to add stickers, stamps, washi tape and of course some to dos and appointments / occasions!


I wouldn't even know this existed if it wasn't for Mrs Brimbles - so here are all her details - I strongly advise you to subscribe to her YouTube channel and visit her online shop on her website and her Etsy one too while you're at it! :) Thanks Anna for helping introduce me to this wonderful world of planners xx


One final photo - my 11month old kitten Tinks (Tinksy Paws, Tinkerbelle, Tiger Prawn....she gets a new name daily it seems) well, the box had only been there for a moment and she made a nest in it - look at that expression - I think she was comfy :)

Tuesday 21 July 2015

A little more about me.....

Hello! I'm Laura - that's me there in the photo taken last summer in my fav beer garden in Shrewsbury - The Nags Head :)



 
So why did I become an Independent Phoenix Trader?

Well, it’s kinda a funny story. I had just been made redundant and was out for a drive in the countryside with my friend Angelina. She had this postcard on her dashboard about Phoenix and handed it to me, without saying anything. I hadn’t heard of Phoenix before, but knew she bought a whole bunch of cards, gift wrap, gifts, gift tags etc from a lady her Mum knows, so I asked her if this was the company who her Mums friend was a Trader for, to which she said YES!

Angelina knows I love stationery so it was right up my street. I came home and did some research and saw the special join now offer on the website for £75 – so went for it! At the very worst, I got £250 worth of cards and other stationery goodies for £75 – if it becomes a successful little business – then all the better.

When you join up you say which Trader you heard about Phoenix through, and so I put Alison’s name down – having never met her! So she was most surprised to see I had joined her team and we had a good laugh on the phone about how I had heard about Phoenix, and in turn, her!

Alison, and all the local Traders I know, are such a lovely bunch of ladies, from all walks of life and we all went to a Trade Show in Warrington a few weeks ago to see the Christmas range launch, which was a really fun day out #ChristmasInJuly

Why do I love the products?

What drew me to join up to be a Trader was mainly because all the designs are by British artists and all the products are printed in England! Each artists has his / her own unique style so there is something for every taste. They also do a great selection of cards for the male loved ones in your life, which I am hearing over and over again is very rare to find.
What makes my online store different/unique?

Any products on my online store can’t be found on the High Street. As Independent Phoenix Traders, each of us is self-employed and we are your only root to buying the products.

At £14 for 10 cards, we are incredibly good value for money and the quality can not be beaten on the High Street.

Throughout the year, there are new brochures released, so the range is always kept fresh and up to date with current trends.
A little more about my stationery obsession....

I have indeed always had a love for stationery! As far back as I can remember, wherever my parents or grandparents or school took me, I would always enjoy the gift shop the most, buying a bookmark, rubber, badge, pen / pencil and more at every tourist attraction possible! I have quite the collection. Hard Rock Café badges across the world were also favourite items to collect.

Then about Sixth Form / University time this changed to notebooks. I still literally can not resist buying a notebook if it catches my eye. With greetings cards, I have always brought these as and when I have seen them, even if I did not know at the time who would be the lucky one to receive it!
Phoenix has obviously added to my collection and all my neighbours know where to come if they need a last minute emergency card!

Recently I have discovered washi tape, Project Life, journaling, Ban.do planners, smash booking and all those glorious terms that a few weeks ago I didn’t even know about so, my stationery collection is about to expand and I have been making space in my studio this weekend for the goodies arriving in the week!

Please follow me on:


Twitter: @lauloushrew

Instagram: @twirldance
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/twirldancellc

Online store: www.phoenix-trading.co.uk/web/lauraclarke

Introduction....

Hello everyone - this is my first blog post for my stationery obsession and my work as a Phoenix Trader selling greetings cards, games for children, gift wrap, stationery, gifts and much more. Not sure if I am going to use this or WordPress......

Click the links below to join me across social media :)

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