A trio of well-respected indies from the South West, North and South Coast reveal what caught their eye at the recent PG Live show.
Jane Armour, owner of Jane Armour Trading in Taunton:
Top picks: “For the first time I stayed for both days of the show and I am very glad that I did. I placed orders with eight or nine different new suppliers. Plus, I’ve just checked my figures and the new designs from Rosie Made A Thing, Redback and Icon, all companies with whom I ordered at the show, (though I do have an account with) flew out and were among my best performing suppliers.
I loved Toasted Crumpet – the cards have just arrived, so I’m looking forward to seeing how they perform. I also wanted to order from Paper Bird, but I didn’t have time at the show, but the publisher’s lovely agent Claire has visited me since so an order has been placed.”
Show business: “I really enjoyed PG Live, I always do… meeting up with people you only see once or twice a year, seeing new products launched, finding new suppliers – it’s exciting.
PG Live is one of my favourite trade shows as it’s small enough that you can take your time, but large enough to make it worth going to.
I like that the large companies are restricted in size and don’t swamp the smaller stands.”
Andrea Pinder, owner of Unit 7 and Presentation in Manchester, Birmingham and Barrowford:
Top picks: “I’m never disappointed at PG Live at what is on offer – having visited all ten shows is proof in itself! So, what took my eye this year? In no particular order… Five Dollar Shake’s new Mr Fantastic range and Mr Marvellous range stood out for me, along with the extended range of Secret Garden; Wendy Jones-Blackett’s Mother of Pearl range and its new Deluxe Paper Diamonds; Paper Salad for its new Jamboree range; Real & Exciting for its beautiful Moonlight collection; Megan Claire for its Tutti Frutti range; Rosie Made A Thing for her very funny humour cards; JellynBean for its TinKture humour range and Sarah Ray for her quirky card collection. There were many, many more very talented people showing too, with lots to offer.”
Show business: “PG Live is ten years old. Blimey, where did that time go?! The best part of the show for me is the excitement when the doors open after the Ribbon Cutting ceremony (of which I was a part), then it’s all stations go! I then go whizzing round to my current suppliers to see their brand new ranges and then it’s off to Springboard to see what our newbies have to offer.”
Deborah Tingay, owner of Southbourne Cards, Bournemouth:
Top picks: “I bought a number of great ranges that will form a seaside theme at the front of store. These include: Toasted Crumpet’s beautiful watercolour seashell cards, Woodmansterne’s new Framed and National Trust photographic seascape images and Icon’s photographic Every Picture and Life Is Sweet ranges. These will sit alongside Belly Button’s Coco range.
I also ordered an Eternal spinner from IC&G and Wot a Mug from Cherry Orchard.”
Show business: “Thank you for putting together another great show – I found the whole exhibition very useful and enjoyable. It is a day that allows me to immerse myself in product, critique my existing ranges and understand new trends.”
