Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate love than by creating a warm and inviting space that you can share with your significant other? At Mustard and Gray, we have everything you need to turn your home into the perfect love nest.
One of the most important elements in any romantic space is lighting. Our collection of handmade lampshades is not only beautiful but also practical, providing the perfect ambiance for a cozy night in. Our 30cm empire lampshade in the Darwin Ecru design, featuring tropical greenery on an ecru background, will add a touch of green to your space and bring the outdoors in. The unique and eye-catching design is versatile and will connect with UK and European Lampholders, Pendant Fittings, and USA Harp & Finial fittings.
Another way to create a romantic atmosphere is by using soft, luxurious fabrics. Our collection of cushions will add a touch of comfort and sophistication to your space.
If you're looking for a thoughtful and meaningful gift for your significant other, our collection of handmade accessories is the perfect choice. From our beautiful tote bags to our beer steins, each item is made with love and care in our Shropshire workshop. Our collection of handmade mugs is the perfect gift for a coffee or tea lover, and the toco hearts design will bring a touch of elegance to their morning routine.
In conclusion, whether you're looking to create a romantic space in your home or searching for the perfect gift, Mustard and Gray has everything you need to make this Valentine's Day one to remember. With our beautiful and unique designs, you'll be able to show your significant other just how much you care. So why not get started today and make this Valentine's Day a special one?
Are you tired of giving gifts that your loved ones never use? If you're looking for unique and practical gifts for the men in your life, look no further than Mustard and Gray. Our collection of homeware includes a range of gifts for men that they'll love and that you won't mind having in your home.
Here are 5 gift ideas for men from Mustard and Gray that you'll both love:
Beer Steins for Fishing Enthusiasts: If your man loves fishing, consider getting him a fishing-themed beer stein from Mustard and Gray. Our beer steins are made from high-quality ceramic and feature fishing-inspired designs that will appeal to any fishing enthusiast.
Skiing Mugs: If your man is an avid skier, consider getting him a skiing-themed mug from Mustard and Gray. Our mugs are made from high-quality ceramic and feature ski-inspired designs that will remind him of his favorite pastime.
Football Beer Steins: If your man is a football fan, consider getting him a football-themed beer stein from Mustard and Gray. Our beer steins are made from high-quality ceramic and feature football-inspired designs that will appeal to any football fan.
Kraken Mug: If your man is a fan of the mysterious and mythical, consider getting him a kraken-themed mug from Mustard and Gray. Our kraken mugs are made from high-quality ceramic and feature intricate designs that will appeal to any fan of the mythical sea monster.
Printed Bar Blades: If your man is a fan of barware, consider getting him a printed bar blade from Mustard and Gray. Our bar blades are made from high-quality stainless steel and feature a range of unique and eye-catching designs. Whether he's opening bottles or slicing limes, our printed bar blades are the perfect addition to any home bar.
These are just a few of the many gift options available at Mustard and Gray. Our collection of homeware includes a range of gifts for men that they'll love and that you won't mind having in your home. So why not check out our collection today? You're sure to find something special for the man in your life.
Best regards,
Zoe
Mustard and Gray Team
As January comes to a close, it's the perfect time to refresh your home and create a space that's both stylish and comfortable. If you're looking for inspiration, look no further than Mustard and Gray. Our homeware collection is full of beautiful and functional pieces that will help you transform your space in no time.
Here are 5 tips to help you refresh your home for 2023 using homeware from Mustard and Gray:
The magic behind creating our bespoke wedding invitations is no secret. If you are not sitting in our studio with us daily, there may be some mystery to creating custom stationery. I thought I would write a blog post to cover some of the more common questions we get asked and shine a light on these beautiful and unique invites.
Is my venue suitable? Where do we begin? What do you need? Can I have matching RSVPs? All these questions and countless more are fully justified when planning the stationery for your special day. After all, for the vast majority of your family and friends, the day the invitation drops through their letterbox is the day they start to get excited to join your celebrations. The invitation (or save the date) will set the tone for the wedding. It sets expectations of a day out of the norm, reflecting your life and values as a couple.
We have several illustrated invitations and wedding map designs at Mustard and Gray.
What is a wedding map invitation?
A wedding map, first and foremost, features the wedding locations (church, reception venue) or buildings that mean something to you as a couple (family homes, university, places of work, engagement location, favourite places). A subtle map (abstract in scale and detail) marked with road and place names featuring roads, rivers, lakes and oceans. We fill the map with trees and flowers, animals and suitable vehicles, boats and details. For example, if you have an option for your guests to camp, we will include a little tent and campfire on the map. If your hobby is cycling, we will add a little bike somewhere on the map. There are no rules; we take any information and details you share with us and bring them together. We don't always have space for everything. Still, we can pop extra illustrations on the back of the invite, on the envelope lining or other stationery (RSVP, information cards etc.). Your on the day stationery (table plan, table names, place cards, order of service and menus) can also feature themed illustrations.
What do you need to provide for an illustrated wedding map?
PHOTOS
Photos or wed links to any buildings or venues. The better quality of the images, the better the artwork. We can guess what is behind parked cars or heavy tree branches, but we sometimes lose some of the charm and detail.
MAP / LOCATIONS
A wedding map helps get an idea of where the locations are concerning each other. If you can provide addresses and postcodes (zip codes) or a google map screenshot, we can work out the initial layout. The maps may not be too scale or detailed, but it is nice to at least have everything roughly in the right vicinity.
TEXT / WORDING
The wording helps you see the full invitation from the initial proofs and gives us some clues (autumn trees, snow, summer flowers, etc.), and the journey on the wedding day (where the ceremony is and where the reception is etc.)
FLOWERS, COLOURS, BIOGRAPHY AND DETAILS
If we have a colour pallet and floral style from the start, the artwork can reflect your chosen styles. If you have a theme or feel you want for your day, let us work with that. Share any details you like about the area, your hobbies or sports, and your jobs if they are meaningful to you. If you would like your dog or cat to feature, or if you know the venue has majestic deer in the park, let us know, as we will include them.
What happens when I have sent all the information?
We are a small team at Mustard and Gray, so either Zoe or I (Vicky) will be assigned your brief and work with you to create your perfect wedding invite.
The initial design comes together quickly when we receive your pictures, links, wording, and details.
First, I start on google maps. My geography isn't the worst but certainly won't win me any prizes. I do a bit of research looking at the photos of the surrounding area and use google street view to get a feel for the place.
Next, I take the screenshot of google maps and work out a simplified map that will work for all the locations my couples would like. The map will likely have two or three incarnations before you see it, but it helps not to stare at a blank white canvas.
Now for the arty part. I illustrate each building or location separately. I look at different angles and approaches for each place and settle on the aspect with the best architectural detail. I isolate the picture taking away any background, trees, foliage or unwanted element when I illustrate them and then I digitally remove the white canvas surrounding. I do this for all the buildings.
Next, I return to Adobe Illustrator and place the isolated building illustrations onto the map. It looks stark, but I can now manipulate the map to work with the buildings.
I soften the map with trees and bushes when I have all the buildings in position.
Next, I look again at the details brief. If you want flowers included on the front of the invitation, I will look at your styles and colours and put together a watercolour bouquet. Over time Zoe and I have gathered lots of illustrations, including many flowers, and we bring the bouquets together one stem at a time. Building it this way means we can easily change it if needs be.
We do the same, adding nods to your hobbies etc., weaving them into the scene on the map.
I copy the text to the front and back of the invite before saving the initial proof.
The initial proof is emailed for your thoughts. You give feedback on what you do and don't like, and the map gets tweaked until you are 100% happy with the finished product. In addition to the invitation, we custom design the envelope liner to complement your invites. You can guide us to what you would like to include on your lined envelope.
We print all our illustrated invitations on Gesso cards. This card has a hammered texture (just like a thick watercolour paper). This beautifully textured paper compliments the style of these invitations.
In general, a wedding map takes around 2-3 weeks from brief to delivery of the finished product.
Save Wedding Map 20% off Wedding Map invitations with the code CWM20P
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I am a nightmare to buy gifts for. It is a fact that has been thrown at me by family and friends for years. Four years ago, my mother was struggling for a Christmas gift idea and looking for inspiration wondered into my favourite pen shop. She came out with a stunning Tortoiseshell Montegrappa Extra and a Diplomat Aero in Brown. Spoilt indeed! The Montegrappa is elegant and fine. I keep it safe in my office and use it often. The Diplomat is my workhorse. It is easy to write with, robust and reliable. It makes life easy and feels great to hold. I can pop it in my pocket or bag, take it into the workshop with confidence that it will survive an “active” day.
Diplomat are German pen and writing implement manufacturers, designing and making pens since 1921 (the company formed in1922).
Founded in the Stuttgart area of southern Germany by a gentleman called Carl Räuchle, they started solely with fountain pen production. Diplomat is a pioneering company and became the first to introduce Germany to the ballpoint pen in the 1950s. This was a very popular product and put Diplomat firmly on the pen production map. In 1958, the company sticking to their pioneering roots, brought the modern fountain pen and ink cartridges to the German market for the first time offering a innovative, brilliant and practical alternative to the converter fountain pen of the day.
Diplomat pens are handmade using traditional methods and the highest quality materials available. This means that each and every Diplomat pen is made and tested (also by hand) by skilled craftsperson to an incredibly high standard. Metal is Diplomats material of choice and as such their pens are robust and stylish. All of the brand’s pens feature a stylish metal casing because over the years it has been proven time and time again that this metal is impact resistant and keeps the pens well-balanced.When it comes to Diplomats fountain pens, each of Diplomat’s fountain pen nibs is still custom made in the workshop from stainless steel and 14k gold. Diplomat nibs offer a smooth writing experience and ultimate control. Diplomat pens are well-known for their superior handling, and I imagine the skilled hands-on approach in the manufacture is a big reason behind this.
Pros
Cons
The Diplomat Aero is a great choice for anyone looking for a practical fountain pen that is a consistent "good writer" and will happily go where you go. A brilliant price point for people starting with their first high quality fountain pens you won't be disappointed in your investment.
If you are not purchasing this pen as a gift for yourself I would recommend this as a perfect gift for celebrating a first job or new job as it would be a reliable addition to a new desk.
A gift for a student starting at University as the quality and build will mean this pen will be faithful to them into their future. It's price point won't make it stressful to own on campus or in halls, and its robust structure will mean it can withstand being thrown into a bag between lectures. It also looks cool and sleek making it ideal for a younger crowd.
