RACHEL GOODCHILD - DESIGNER

DESIGN PROJECT

2012-01-23T23:41:00.005Z

I have just completed a very nice design project - the website of TV and film composer (and my husband) William Goodchild Music. This was a particularly enjoyable project as it was for my husband, and I like to think that after 22 years together, I have a pretty good idea of what he likes. I designed the visual look of the website update and then handed over to the very talented Seb Francis from BurnIT (who also built my website). I don't think there is anything that Seb can't do (such a talent)! Do go and have a look at Will's website - the design, navigation and functionality - and of course, have a listen to his wonderful music. I am very proud of his work. You can hear a selection of his music HERE.

William composes and produces music for film, television and concert performance. As a composer he specialises in wildlife and history documentary and has scored films for all the major broadcasters including the BBC, Channel 4, Channel 5, PBS, National Geographic International and Animal Planet. His recent commissions have included Chimps of the Lost Gorge (BBC Natural World), Wild Russia (6-part series for National Geographic), and Lobo - the Wolf that Changed America (BBC Natural World). Lobo won the Outstanding Achievement Award at the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival 2009 and the Jury's Special Prize at the Wildscreen International Film Festival 2008. He has just completed 'Nordic Wild' - a 4-part series for National Geographic on Scandinavia, and Jungle Gremlins of Java for BBC Natural World.

I also re-designed Will's blog (news and updates) to match with the new website.

Will's next programme to screen is on BBC2, Wednesday 25th January 2012 at 8pm and is called Jungle Gremlins of Java. The programme tracks the toxic slow loris and goes undercover to reveal the illegal worldwide trade in loris for pets. Dr Anna Nekaris, the programme's presenter has set up a 'fire face project' to save the slow loris via ecology, education and empowerment. You can find out more about her project by clicking HERE.

To see the website of William Goodchild Music click HERE

BRISTOL EVENING POST

2012-01-02T20:37:00.000Z

Suzanne Savill, Features journalist for the Bristol Evening Post came along to my studio to interview me about my designs in mid December. The article was published on Christmas Eve in 2011.

PAUL SMITH FOR LEICA COMMISSION

2011-12-02T10:08:00.001Z

I was recently commissioned for a packaging project for the lovely team at the Leica camera store, Mayfair. I was asked to design a presentation gift box for their limited edition, leather camera bags designed by Paul Smith.

Leica Camera Ltd and international fashion designer, Paul Smith, joined forces for the first time to offer two exclusive, limited edition leather cases for the Leica D-Lux 5 digital camera. Two versions were designed, a smooth chocolate brown calf leather with the famous Paul Smith vintage multi-stripe on the sides, and a light grey, croc-style embossed leather with a luxurious purple lining. The cases were hand-crafted in England and embossed with Paul Smith for Leica on the back. Both designs also feature an elegant matching shoulder strap.

They are sold this season at the london-based store, the Leica Store Mayfair at 34 Bruton Place, W1 and at Paul Smith stores throughout the UK. The cases will retail at £200.

About the Leica D-Lux 5 digital camera

For those of you that are interested about the camera that goes inside these stunning camera bags: The Leica D-Lux 5 is a high-performance compact digital camera offering full creative control. Its high quality Leica zoom lens, with focal lengths equivalent to 24 to 90mm (35mm equivalent), combined with a comprehensive range of features and manual settings, makes the D-Lux 5 a versatile camera suitable for a broad spectrum of photographic situations – from macro and wide-angle architecture and landscape photography to reportage and portrait photography. Its exceptionally fast maximum aperture also makes it an ideal camera for ‘available light’ photography, for example, when shooting indoors or in difficult lighting conditions.

Featuring a particularly large sensor for a compact camera, the D-Lux 5 produces brilliant high contrast images, with natural colour rendition and superb sharpness. It also shoots in 1,280 x 720 HD video format, for high quality movie making.

The Leica D-Lux 5 is characterised by clear lines and a stylish, uncomplicated design in an elegant black matt finish. Its formal simplicity, clear and intuitive controls, and a focus on essential features, are typical of all Leica cameras

GQ Magazine voted the Paul Smith for Leica camera bag one of the 100 Best Things in the World.

“The menswear and luggage guru has created hand-made camera cases for Leica's D-Lux 5 camera. They come in either old-school chocolate brown or lilac crocodile-style leather. The clincher: There's a limited run of 300 for maximum exclusivity”.

To see the Leica Store, London, website click HERE.

To see Paul Smith Website click HERE.

COAST MAGAZINE

2011-12-01T11:25:00.000Z

Our 'Swallows' gift wrap has been featured in the December & Januray issue of Coast Magazine as Christmas gift wrap with a coastal feel. To see out Swallows gift wrap click HERE.

2011-11-20T22:55:00.001Z

For more details visit the website HERE.

DESIGN PROJECT

2011-11-01T15:38:00.001Z

I have recently completed a series of publicity for the Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra for their gala concert at the Colston Hall, Bristol this November. The Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra are raising funds for the Cots for Tots charity and for this event they are bringing together a 250 male voice choir. There will also be Emil Huckle-Kleve on violin and John Telfer as the evenings presenter (also known as the Vicar, Alan, in the Archers!). Should be a grand night out.

Programme cover

Magazine Advert

DECK THE HALLS

2011-10-10T17:52:00.001+01:00

In the Summer of 2007 I designed two Christmas gift wraps with the idea of launching them as a pair. However, in the end I decided to launch just one of them: "Oh Christmas Tree" which was out in time for Christmas 2008. Three years later and Oh Christmas Tree is still one of my most popular Christmas designs. For this reason I have decide to launch it's original partner "Deck the Halls" (seen above and below with Oh Christmas Tree). It is funny how things turn out, but I can see one week on form it's launch and most people already seem to be buying the two tree designs together.

FESTIVE BAUBLES

2011-10-05T18:33:00.000+01:00

I thought you might be interested in the process I go through from initial idea to final product. In a time when computer software allows us to create all sorts of designs very quickly, I have chosen to stick with a much more complicated and time consuming route than you might think! I started working on Festive Baubles in December 2010 when I had the idea of creating a design with vintage style baubles. First I had to select the paper colours and draw out the bauble shapes. I then set about making 38 individual A5 size baubles, each with a unique hand-cut design. It was like working on a puzzle over a series of weeks, as I picked it up as and when I had the time for a bit of creative fiddling.

Dark December evening in 2010

Eventually, and with all 38 baubles in hand, I decided they had to have bauble tops and hangers as I wanted them to look similar to the real thing. After spending rather a long time playing around with silver foil and various textured papers, I finally came up with disposable cooking trays as the bauble tops and wire for the hangers, which I felt gave them a 3D quality.

Once I had completed the tops on the 38 baubles it was then time to scan each one at a high resolution. I then had to crop out each bauble within Photoshop, name each one (to save confusion later on) and then set about the actual layout of the design itself, which involved hours of arranging on a page size of 500mm by 700mm. I played with different backgrounds and different layouts.

Choosing the right bauble size was a tricky decision as I felt this design would have been nice larger on the paper. However, being destined to go onto Christmas gift wrap for regular size gifts, the baubles needed to be quite small. I also decided that as there were so many strong colours on the baubles themselves, it really needed a very pale, almost cream, background in order for them to be clear and distinct.

Festive Baubles with Figgy Pudding gift wrap

Looking at the final gift wrap alongside an old favourite, Figgy Pudding, I can see that the chosen size was right. All my printing takes place locally. I use FSC recycled papers and print on one side only. I aim to make my products as eco friendly as possible.

As for the original bauble artwork pieces...they are presently hanging over the fireplace here in the studio at rachelgoodchild.com.

To buy Festive Baubles gift wrap click HERE.

NEW WRAP

2011-10-04T13:14:00.001+01:00

CLICK HERE TO SEE.

DIGITAL ARTS FESTIVAL

2011-10-03T20:53:00.000+01:00

I shall be exhibiting at this the Shepton Mallet Digital Arts Festival on October 6th - 8th 2011.

To see other events and exhibitions see their website by clicking HERE.

PAINT TUBES DESIGN

2011-08-21T19:06:00.000+01:00

Paint Tubes Gift Wrap, Gift Tag & Greeting Card - © Rachel Goodchild 2007

I love it when one of my designs remains popular and stays on my top sellers list for years. Paint Tubes is one of these designs. In 2006 I took a series of photographs inside my father's studio and came up with the Artist Range, a series of 4 photography cards and one gift wrap with gift tag which was 'Paint Tubes.' I launched Paint Tubes in 2007 and it still remains today one of my top sellers. Due to the continued success of this design I have also recently designed a Paint tubes journal.

Paint Tubes Journal by Rachel Goodchild

The inspiration for the Paint Tubes gift wrap was the inside of my father's paint draws. I moved nothing before photographing. Some of the draws were organised and some not. I particularly loved the grubbiness of the tubes as they showed paint tubes in use.

Paint Tubes in drawers

Paint Tubes Gift Wrap in the studio

Here are some photographs of my father's studio, where my father has worked for over 46 years - Peter Swan RWA. You can see some of his paintings on his blog by clicking HERE.

Peter Swan's Studio

A few of the publications that Paint Tubes have featured in.

The Art Fund, London Catalogue

The Royal West Academy Magazine using my photographs

Art Cards - Progressive Greetings Magazine

SUMMER HOLIDAY 2011

2011-07-22T15:29:00.000+01:00

GREETING CARD SALE

2011-07-06T12:48:00.007+01:00

We are having a HUGE clear out of Greeting Cards that are now
DISCONTINUED STOCK

They really do have to go! Prices are up to 80% off - To see the sale page on our website click HERE.

WHILE STOCKS LAST ONLY

CALLING ALL

2011-06-27T22:20:00.003+01:00

I am sure that no one wants to think of Christmas just yet? But before we all pack up for our Summer Holidays, I am on the hunt for Bristol based designers, makers, companies, etc. who are interested in applying to have a stall at the Christmas at the Orangery 2011. I am on the hunt for products that would make great Christmas presents, with prices that are not to high (Unique and affordable). If you are interested please contact me at info@rachelgoodchild.com for an application form.

Closing date for applications is Monday July 11th.

To see the website click HERE.

ROSA GOODCHILD

2011-06-18T00:20:00.004+01:00

Just wanted to share these photographs taken by my 16 year old daughter.
(Above) The American WW2 Cemetery, Omaha Beach, Normandy, France.

(Above) Sword Beach, Normandy, France. Photographs by Rosa Goodchild.

(Above) Port en Bassin, Normandy, France

Civilians at the Liberty March during the D-Day Landing celebrations in Normandy, France.

Rosa now has her own photography blog click HERE to see.

D-DAY LANDINGS - JUNE 1944

2011-06-08T00:03:00.000+01:00

The Liberty March at the D.Day Festival, Caranten, Normandy

Having just got back from a holiday in Normandy I would like to share with you the celebrations of the 67th D-Day Landings that we saw whilst there. The D-Day Landings were a massive Allied assault on the Normandy coastline on June 6th, 1944 - aimed to liberate France. It is quite something to see how important this date is to the French and every year they celebrate in such style, as only the French could do!

Liberty March at the D.Day Festival, Caranten, Normandy

Carantan held an historical walk in the footsteps of the 101st Airbourne Division with over 100 participants doing the Liberty March in GI uniforms. Civilians came dressed in 1940's clothes for the March. A Jazz band was playing with Swing dancers jiving. All in the presence of remaining war veterans who are treated with great respect.

The parade at the D.Day Festival, Caranten, Normandy
(love this detail on the woman's black coat,
plus, that 40's pram had a small child in - all dressed in 40's clothes)

The Liberty March at the D.Day Festival, Caranten, Normandy

The French dressing the part for the D.Day Festival, Caranten, Normandy

The D.Day Festival, Caranten, Normandy

Jeeps were lined up at the D.Day Festival, Caranten, Normandy

On June 6th at at 6.30 am Six American, British and Canadian divisions landed on Utah, Omaha, Gold Juno and Sword Beaches in history's greatest amphibious assault. The Americans landed on Utah and Omaha Beach and battled German resistance over a beach bristling with obstacles. Troops fought across an open area of up to 200 yards, and attacked up steep bluffs. By the end of the day the Americans held fragile control of Omaha Beach.

Omaha Beach, Normandy as it is today

Just over the 200 yards from sea to land is now home to the American Cemetery for those who lost their lives over that time. A staggering 9,387 headstones stand in 172.5 acres of the most beautiful gardens. (9,238 latin crosses, 149 star of David, 1,557 missing in action and 41 sets of brothers). Walking around the acres of headstones made me realise for the first time just how many men lost their lives. It is all very well seeing a figure written down, but until you stand surrounded by just under 10,000 graves, read their names & how young they are all were, it really hits you. Each one was someones son, brother, father, uncle etc.

The American Cemetery Omaha Beach, Normandy

The wall of names engraved that encircle the Cemetery

Above: The engraved tablet walls honor the missing in action who gave their lives in this region. A bronze rosette beside a names shows that the remains were later recovered, identified and buried. Below: Photos I took inside the Chapel show the mosaic ceiling depicts America blessing her sons as they depart by sea and air, and a grateful France bestowing a laurel wreath upon the American dead.

Mosaic detail on the Chapel Ceiling.

The British Cemetery Bayeux, Normandy

The town of Bayeux is home to the Bayeux War Cemetery where now stands 3,935 British headstones, as well as 181 Canadian, 17 Australian, 8 New Zealand, 1 South African, 25 Polish, 3 France, 2 Czech, 2 Italian, 7 Russian, 466 German & 1 unidentified.

The streets of Bayeux were too narrow for most military vehicles, and so the Royal Engineers and Pioneer Corps constructed a ring-road round Bayeux soon after D Day. Several military hospitals were established here, and many of the burials in the Bayeux cemetery are from these.

Bayeux Streets today

This week in Normandy every town we visited or drove through were flying flags of America, Britain, France & Canada. Every town seemed to be holding some sort of celebration. There was The Liberty March (above), a D-Day Landings BookFair, a Parachute jump (700 military parachutists from America, Britain, Germany and France), a Fireworks display, A giant picnic on Omaha Beach, Concerts of 1940's music, A Liberation Ball, and a re-creation of a military camp. These celebrations take place every year in Normandy and when you see the amount of young lives that were lost in order to liberate France, you can see why.

We did also visit the Bayeux Tapestry while we were there - A piece some 1000 years old that tells a story of another battle. However, that is another battle and another story!

TRADE ONLY SALE

2011-05-10T15:16:00.002+01:00

Small selection of Trade only sale Greeting Cards

We are having a huge stock room spring clean at the moment and have decided to clear out some of our older designs in order to make space for new designs. We are therefore holding a TRADE ONLY SALE: 24 greeting card and 8 gift wrap designs @ 50% reductions. For those of you interested please email:

trade@rachelgoodchild.com

and we will send over via email a PDF of sale items. If you are not an existing customer you will need to let us know about the type of outlet you have. This sale is on for a short period and while stocks last.*

*Please take note that some of these products are already low in stock.

MOST POPULAR E-CARDS

2011-05-09T17:16:00.000+01:00

BLOG DESIGN

2011-05-06T14:36:00.001+01:00

WILLIAM GOODCHILD MUSIC

PETER SWAN RWA

Two recent Blogs designed and created by me.

William Goodchild Music and Peter Swan RWA

Both very talented men, well worth a look at their work.

WEDDING BLOG DESIGNER

2011-04-16T12:00:00.024+01:00

This week we have launched the Wedding Blog Designer site. A design-led site for Bespoke Wedding Blogs and Stationery. We also have a main news post for design-led ideas and links to help couples in the lead up to their wedding.

Above: Some samples of a Bespoke Wedding Blog and Stationery.

To see the Wedding Blog Designer site click HERE.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

2011-04-15T09:00:00.011+01:00

My mum and me

As it is my birthday today I though I would share these two photos that my brother has only just discovered (never been seen before) of my mum and me!

As my birthday treat to you all I have been running a competition to win a set of my 8 journals.

72 of you entered and left comments, but sadly I could only pick one winner.

Thank you all and I am sorry if you didn't win.

But...... the winner picked out of a hat by my daughter is......

BELINDA BULL
of Worcester

GOLDNEY HALL WEDDING FAIR

2011-04-14T12:11:00.000+01:00

I shall be exhibiting at the Goldney Hall and Gardens Wedding Fair this weekend April 17th 11am until 4pm. Do come along and say hello.

COMPETITION

2011-03-25T13:59:00.009Z

To celebrate the launch of our new journals we are giving you the chance to win all eight.

Simply by entering our facebook page and leaving a comment under the competition heading will enter you into a draw to win all eight journals. The competition only applies to UK people (sorry), due to the vast postage cost.

To enter go to our facebook page by clicking the HERE:

The journals have 70 pages of blank paper in a 100gsm weight (140 sides in total). Printed in Bristol, England on FSC recycled papers. There are eight designs altogether: Metro, Scottie Dogs, Red Roses, Swalows, Vintage Guitars, Wish you were here, Paint tubes, Charm & Glamour. To see the journals on the site click HERE.

Competitions ends on April 15th

LA ROCHE

2011-03-25T11:53:00.004Z

Introducing La Roche an online Wedding Directory for the UK, which we are featured on. La Roche will provide you with all the necessary and relevant information for planning a wedding. To see their website click HERE.

BRISTOL VINTAGE WEDDING FAIR

2011-03-15T17:51:00.004Z

This Sunday 20th March I shall be at the Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair at the Pavilion, Bristol Zoo Gardens. 10am until 5pm and entrance is free. All Exhibitors will be displaying original, vintage items as well as vintage inspired pieces. Above all, everything on display will be truly inspiring and unique. For more details of the event and to the website, click HERE.

WEDDING INVITATION

2011-03-01T11:31:00.014Z

I recently designed a wedding invitation for a lovely friend. Jenny who started out as a baby sitter 14 years ago is going to be marrying David this Summer. I created a 'David & Jen' logo that was used for the invitation, some table signs and then a rubber stamp. Such a lovely couple - Wishing Jen and David a lovely wedding day and a romantic life together.

Above: Map and RSVP insert.

Above: Place settings and table sign.

Above: Rubber stamp on the back of the envelope.

BRISTOL METROPOLITAN ORCHESTRA

2011-02-19T16:21:00.006Z

I have recently designed a new logo and website for an orchestra that has been together for 30 years, but that have just changed their name and therefor needed a new image.

Above: Their old website when they were The Bristol Music Club Orchestra (BMCO) and in front the new website I designed for the newly named Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra. You can see the website by clicking HERE:

The New Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra blog I designed for the orchestra and posters for their first concert under their new name. To see the blog click HERE.

MILLSONMODA

2011-02-18T11:11:00.009Z

A paper-cut design in black paper of a sofa that I created in 2004 has just come back to me for a revamp. Sarah Millmore Upholstery is now also the owner of MillsonModa. New business card, letterhead and invoice has just been designed.

Sarah Millmore makes the most beautiful soft furnishings. To see her work on the MillsonModa website click HERE.

50 YEARS OF ARNOLFINI

2011-02-10T19:10:00.036Z

Yesterday the latest issue of The Bristol Magazine dropped on my doormat. The front cover was celebrating 50 years of the Bristol Arnolfini (one of Bristol's Art Galleries). There was a selection of images from the last 50 years amongst which was one of the Arnolfini's first exhibitions in 1961. This had a particular meaning to me as the paintings in that first exhibition were my father's. That particular exhibition in 1961 featured the drawings of Josef Herman and the paintings of Peter Swan RWA (my father). All my father's paintings from that exhibition have long since sold, but we do still have photographs around. Nevertheless it was lovely to see it again in print, many years later. The twins in the paintings below are my brother and sister, Stephen and Joanna, and the 'Mother' in the bottom painting is my Mum.

The Arnolfini used to be housed in a converted warehouse on Triangle West at the top of Park Street. My father was 25 years old at the time and the Arnolfini's Opening Exhibition was to be his first exhibition.

Years later in 1975 the Arnolfini moved to where it remains today, on the waterfront. I was 11 years old then, and have fond memories of playing around the gallery and outside on the water's edge with my brothers and sister whilst my father was in the Arnolfini.

Newspaper Article of the Arnolfini opening, 1961

The Arnolfini Exhibition Programme, 1961

Proprieters of the Arnolfini viewing my father's painting

'Twins with Tricycles' (my brother & sister), 1961

Newspaper Article about the the Arnolfini's first Exhibition and Opening, 1961

'Twins with Tricycles' by Peter Swan RWA, 1960 - 30" x 36" - oil on canvas

'Twins with Toys' by Peter Swan RWA, 1960 - 30" x 36" - oil on canvas

'Mother and Child' by Peter Swan RWA, 1960 - 48" x 30" - oil on hardboard

Peter Swan was born in 1936. He trained at

Somerset College of Art, Taunton: 1953 - 1955

St Martins School of Art: 1955 - 1957, NDD Painting

Institute of Education, London University: 1958 -1959, ATD

Peter went onto teach Art at Ashton Park School and then the College of St Mathias, followed by Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Fine Art, Bristol Polytechnic, retiring in 1985. He has been a member of the Royal West of England Academy since 1970. He works in oil, watercolour and pastel from his studio in Bristol.

To see more of his work on his blog click HERE.

Or his RWA page click HERE.

WE HAVE A WINNER

2011-02-07T11:51:00.004Z

We have a winner for our Valentine competition through Period Living.

Congratulations to Belinda Porter of Surrey. You have won £200.00 worth of romantic goodies.

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

2011-02-04T14:19:00.004Z

With Valentine's Day looming I have been enjoying designing some new romantic E-Cards. I also have weddings on my mind as we shall be doing the Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair in March. Our E-Card subscriptions only cost £5.00 and you can send out as many E-Cards as you like throughout the year. We have a fantastic automated calendar so you can also pre-book your E-Cards to be sent out on a certain date. There are 12 different styles of templates (post card backgrounds), and the over 150 different designs to use. Our E-Cards, once made, can be emailed or shared on Facebook, Twitter or your blog. A stylish and environmentally friendly way to send a message! For more details click HERE.

R.I.P. ROBERT TILLING

2011-01-25T14:01:00.019Z

Robert Tilling MBE RI (1944 - 2011)

Artist, Musician and long time family friend has sadly passed away today. A fine artist and great blues guitarist & harmonica player. He was such a lovely, jolly, happy & creative man. Sending love to his wife Thelma and family. We first got to know Bob back in the 60's when he was an art pupil of my father, Peter Swan RWA. Since this time he has been a great family friend. My children and my brother's & sister's children all loved 'Uncle Bob.' We shall all miss him very much. You can see samples of his artwork at David Simon Gallery in Jersey by clicking HERE. Plus, a short video about his music HERE.

A great video made by by brother Daniel.

VINTAGE WEDDING FAIR

2011-01-19T10:14:00.006Z

I shall be attending the Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair that takes place on Sunday, 20 March 2011 at Clifton Pavilion, Bristol Zoo Gardens. The fair will be displaying original, vintage items as well as vintage inspired peices. Above all, everything on display will be truly inspiring and unique.

The Fair will appeal to brides who want a full vintage wedding, and to those who just want something that little bit special. It will also appeal to the discerning vintage crowd. Whether you're getting married or not, there's sure to be something to inspire you amid the exquisite lingerie, jewellery and clothes.

WARNER ARCHIVE TEXTILE FAIR

2011-01-18T10:23:00.005Z

I can really recommend this textile fair at the

Warner Textile Archive. For their website click HERE.

The Warner Textile Archive houses one of the country's most important collections of flat textiles. It features the entire range of fabrics produced by Warner and Sons (including Coronation velvet) from the mid 19thC as well as the original paper designs by some of the country's leading designers and artists such as Venessa Bell, Graham Sutherland, Owen Jones and Alec Hunter. The collection includes a historical and international collection of textiles dating back to the 18thC that designers used as inspiration for new designs. The archive also houses ledgers and photographs relating to the Warner company and its employees. The Archive's Gallery traces the history of the Warner Company and its influence on British textile design.

VALENTINE BUNDLE

2011-01-12T15:24:00.004Z

We have a Romantic Valentine competition on our website this month. Any orders placed on our site between now and 4th February will automatically be entered into a competition to win. For more competition details click HERE.

PERIOD LIVING COMPETITION

2011-01-07T10:48:00.005Z

Our Valentine Competition is now on. Through Period Living you have the chance to win £200.00 worth of Valentine goodies from Rachel Goodchild. Closing date is 4th February 2011 (to get prize in time for Valentines). To enter click HERE.

KIMONO

2011-01-05T12:05:00.007Z

One of my latest Gift Wrap Designs is called 'KIMONO' and was created out of a rather tatty old box set of hand painted Japanese napkins that I bought at a vintage fair a few years back. I am an avid collector of vintage Japanese anyway, but there was something about these hand-painted pieces of fabric that was crying out to be used. I wanted the design to still look as though it was old tatty fabric, as though it had just been pulled out of an old dressing up box. To buy this design click HERE.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL

2011-01-04T13:50:00.011Z

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas? Wishing you all the happiest of times in 2011. We had snow in Bristol and everything looked so beautiful. Please look at these beautiful hand-made cards that were sent to us this year.

Hand made paper Star from the Grimes, A photograph of my nieces having a snowball fight.

A painting by my dad Peter Swan RWA titled 'Fresh Snow', a card titled 'Gingerbread House' by Florence Parsons (Think I might have to keep an eye on that competition!), a lino cut dated 1681 and then a handmade card by Jane (Jinny) Francis.

The Park we overlook (above) and The Clifton Suspension Bridge (below).

CHRISTMAS CLOSING TIMES

2010-12-22T00:33:00.002Z

BLOGGERS

2010-12-17T11:05:00.009Z

I have had three people blog about our new E-Cards and designs this week and I wanted to share them with you. Each Blog is fantastic and I am pleased to be talked about on such sites:

First we had Inspired Celebration A great blog to help you find suppliers for your event, wedding or party. To read their blog click HERE.

Next we had Molly and the Princess. An Art Historian who blogs about beautiful things. To read their Blog click HERE.

Then we had Bristol Vintage who are organising the first Vintage Wedding Fair in the South West: Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair. To see their Blog click HERE.

FURNISH UK

2010-12-10T11:03:00.003Z

Our Reindeer Gift Wrap has been featured in 'fabulous finds' in Furnish UK.

THE TELEGRAPH MAGAZINE

2010-12-07T10:25:00.007Z

Oh Christmas Tree featured in the Telegraph Magazine 'All is Bright' Christmas ideas for 2010

HOMES & ANTIQUES 2010

2010-12-03T11:33:00.001Z

Our Festive Scottie, Oh Christmas Tree and Robins & Berries Gift Wrap has been featured in this months Homes & Antiques Magazine.

RACHEL GOODCHILD E-CARDS

2010-11-29T17:18:00.004Z

We are proud to announce the launch of our new Rachel Goodchild E-Cards. A fun, stylish way to send a personal picture message to friends & Family.

For more details and sample E-Cards click HERE.

NOT ON THE HIGH STREET 2010

2010-11-29T17:13:00.003Z

Our Festive Gift Wrap Packs have been selling like hot cakes this year! Have you got your Notonthehighstreet brochure yet? Get your copy HERE.

PERIOD LIVING WINNER NOV 2010

2010-11-29T17:12:00.001Z

Our Period Living Christmas Competition is now over and we have a winner:
Congratulations to Kerensa Cuddihy of Tyne and Wear.

WRAP UP IN STYLE

2010-11-28T23:06:00.000Z

Our Independent Newspaper adverts - Christmas Gift Guide November 2010

CHRISTMAS AT THE ORANGERY 2010

2010-11-17T09:20:00.005Z

Saturday November 27th we will be holding another Christmas at the Orangery Event. 10am - 6pm - Over 32 local companies selling gifts for Christmas. For more details see the website HERE.

A CRACKING CHRISTMAS

2010-11-09T20:21:00.010Z

The first ever Christmas Stamp was published in 1966 after a TV competition run by Blue Peter to design one. 100's of children entered and someone won - introducing the first set of published Christmas stamps. Out of the 100's that did enter though, there was one person who did not win - that was Nick Park - now famous as the creator of Wallace & Gomit. 45 years later and the 45th issue of the Royal Mail's 2010 Christmas stamps have been designed by that very same Nick Park. They are fun and very festive. Even though we have a franking machine here in the studio we had chosen to buy our stamps this year as they are so jolly! And...if that is not enough, there is a fun website where you can create yourself out of plastercine.

TO HAVE A GO ON THE 'CREATE YOURSELF" GALLERY CLICK HERE

In case anyone is interested, This is me!

TUBES

2010-11-01T22:13:00.009Z

Have had a delivery of boxes and boxes of tubes for my retail order of Gift Wrap.

I couldn't resist photographing them. There is something so lovely about objects on masse.

NOTHS FEATURE

2010-10-29T12:21:00.003+01:00

Our New Cheshunt Gift Wrap, Tag and Card Range is featured by NOT ON THE HIGH STREET.

We have had a great response to this design taken from a vintage piece of textile from The Warner Textile Archive, Braintree. To buy this product click HERE.

PERIOD LIVING COMP OCT 2010

2010-10-27T11:18:00.004+01:00

It's that time of year again. Our Christmas Competition with Period Living starts today. To enter the competition click HERE.

CLOTHES, CAMERAS & COFFEE

2010-10-18T17:35:00.006+01:00

Our dearest friend (and Summer Intern) Roz from Clothes, Cameras and Coffee has designed a dress titled 'Scoliodress.' This inspiring 15 year old model, who is also a keen photographer & fashion designer discovered last year that she had a medical condition that affects her spine called scoliosis. In true Roz style she has designed & created a dress that is not only fashionable, but also highlights the condition scoliosis. She then set out modeling it herself for the photo shoot. For her dress she used X-rays of her own spine to depict the line of her own vertebrae. On Wednesday 20th she is due to have Spinal Surgery to straighten, fuse and pin her vertebrae. We want to wish her all the love we possibly can for everything to go well. Sending lots of love from the Goodchild HQ and Home. XXX

If you would like to read her article on her blog click HERE.

CHRISTMAS GIFT WRAP

2010-10-10T13:15:00.004+01:00

The new Not on The High Street Christmas Catalogue is now out.

Some of our Christmas Wrap are featured in there. To order a copy of the catalogue click HERE.

CHESHUNT

2010-10-05T11:56:00.002+01:00

Our very latest Collaboration with the Warner Textile Archive and the Art Fund is the redesigning of an old 1930's textile sample to create 'Cheshunt' Gift Wrap, Gift Tag and Greeting Card. Available to buy from The Warner Archive Museum Shop and our website HERE.

PRINT RUN CRAZY

2010-10-05T11:34:00.005+01:00

This time of year the Gift Wrap quantities are never ending! Continual re-print runs and mass paper shipped all over the place - as far as Australia!

URBAN NUMBERS

2010-10-02T16:46:00.017+01:00

Introducing one of our new ranges: URBAN NUMBERS

I have been asked for years now when am going to do a birthday Gift Wrap. I thought about all the pretty number designs I could do, but then decided that I would go in a slightly different direction. About a year ago I had an idea of collecting urban numbers by photographing them as and when I saw them throughout the year. The idea was for the design to be slightly grubby urban and by no means perfect. The numbers on the Gift Wrap sort of represent the various numbers I passed by about my daily business over a period of about eight months. Most of the numbers were photographed around Bristol, in particular the Bristol Docks, as it is one of my favourite places to walk. But some of the numbers are more personal as they were taken on a family holiday or are family & friend's house numbers.

I really do love the Bristol Docks, which is where I took quite a few of the number photographs.

These are all my sheets of FSC recycled paper stacked up ready for the print run.

The Urban Numbers CYMK plates ready to go into the printer for the print run.

Hot off the press! Urban Numbers chugging away in the printing press.

The end result is our new range: 'Urban Numbers' Now available as a Gift Wrap Sheet, Gift Tag & a Greeting Card. Available to buy from our website HERE.

NEW WEBSITE LAUNCH

2010-09-16T00:17:00.006+01:00

We are proud to say that our new and improved Rachel Goodchild website was launched today. I would like to say a HUGE thank you Seb at BurnIT who worked very hard on the site. Please go and have a browse around the site and check out new products, new features and our new Special Offers page for our discontinued lines.

www.rachelgoodchild.com

PHOTO SHOOT

2010-09-02T10:13:00.008+01:00

'Stand in Line 1' - one of the very first ranges I worked on in 2005 and still a really popular seller!

We are busy this week taking new photos of all our stock for the new website.

As we are presently completely redesigning the website it has given us the chance to look at each range and decide which to ones to keep and which to discontinue.

Best investment we ever made was our photographic lighting and backdrop, which is always sitting in a corner of our studio.

We have been wrapping up presents all week!

LOOK WHAT I WON

2010-08-28T11:08:00.000+01:00

Our studio is full of a wonderful aroma of lavender today.

I actually won a gift from the company 'Snapdragon' via their facebook page.

Yesterday my prize arrived in the post. The packaging looked beautiful, but the aroma that hit me as I unwrapped was quite unbelievable! My gift was a pillow full of lavender with exquisite embroidery. Thank you Snapdragon!

WATCH THIS SPACE

2010-08-25T10:44:00.003+01:00

Our big news is that we are currently working on the website.

We are completely changing the look and adding masses of new products, and new departments!. We shall let you all know when it goes live.

PHOTOGRAPHY

2010-08-15T10:49:00.001+01:00

I had the lovely Roz come and do a week of work experience here at HQ towards the end of July. Already a very talented lady overflowing with masses of great ideas!

And to prove this do look at her blog: HERE. We had a very enjoyable week. We worked on the design process from start to finish, followed by a studio photo shoot of finished products. We also had an enjoyable photography day out around the docks in Bristol. The end result of which will be a new design range for our Photographic Section (available soon).

CHRISTMAS AT THE ORANGERY 2010

2010-08-09T12:49:00.008+01:00

It is that time of year when we are sorting out our annual retail show of the year. This year is set to be bigger and better. Keep an eye out for postings and news on the Christmas at the Orangery Blog: HERE.

SWAN LOGO

2010-08-09T12:42:00.004+01:00

I just noticed that the paper-cut logo I designed for Swan Entertainment last year is now in use on their website: Swan Entertainment, USA.

OPEN

2010-08-06T12:28:00.002+01:00

The studio is now Open again, after a relaxing holiday.

We are refreshed and ready for the 2nd part of 2010.

Lots of exciting things to follow...

BATTERY RECHARGE

2010-07-23T09:27:00.013+01:00

For the first time in five years we have decided to actually close down for two weeks this Summer.

Friday 23rd July until Friday 6th August

we are shutting up shop completely!

In this time, orders can still be placed as normal, but the dispatch date will be after the 6th August.

We have decided that recharging ones batteries is a very important process needed in order to continue as we have been. On our return you will see the new website update with many exciting new things.

Warner Textile Archive

2010-07-18T22:39:00.007+01:00

Please to announce that my design 'Stags and Deers' created out of a 1930's textile design from the Warner Textile Archive is going to be available to buy very soon via www.rachelgoodchild.com.

OPEN STUDIO 2010

2010-06-27T14:17:00.005+01:00

We had an Open Studio last week with a Summer Sale for friends. Many of our designs are now being discontinued to make way for new things! Sorry for the delay in our website update, but we have been making so many changes it is taking a long time. We shall let you all know when the new website is up and running, but we can say, it will be worth the wait.

BMCO POSTER - JULY 2010

2010-06-25T14:55:00.004+01:00

Have just designed the next BMCO poster for their July concert 2010 at St Georges, Bristol. Should be a great concert - for tickets click HERE.

PERIOD LIVING COMP MAY 2010

2010-06-22T11:09:00.008+01:00

The Period Living Summer Competition is now over and winner announced. Our next Competition with Period Living will be 27th October - 24th November and the prize is masses of Christmas Cards, Festive Wrappings, Ribbons, etc

FROM BRITAIN WITH LOVE

2010-06-11T10:00:00.006+01:00

You can now find us listed in this very lovely website.

From Britain With Love A gorgeous guide to buying British

PERIOD LIVING COMP MAY 2010

2010-05-21T10:47:00.010+01:00

Period Living Competition - To play, enter HERE - Stop Press: 22nd June 2010

Competition is now closed and we have a winner!

Congratulations Paul Trigg from the West Midlands.

NEW BROCHURE

2010-05-06T15:11:00.011+01:00

We have had quite a start to this year and therefore are rather behind on many things! Anyway, hot of the press, 2010 wholesale brochures are out now and we shall try to get them out to those of you have been patiently waiting. New products (including our children's section) have yet to be added to the WEBSITE and will be added after the Select@Bath trade show this weekend.

2010 brochure includes: 107 greeting cards, 56 gift wrap sheets, 51 gift tags, 5 gift bags, 5 gift boxes, and 2 wine bottle gift bags.

SWALLOWS

2010-04-29T13:01:00.004+01:00

Is the onset of recent sunny weather that has brought on a buying frenzy of our Swallows design?

JUNIOR VOGUE

2010-04-29T11:02:00.007+01:00

This looks very interesting, particularly to all my shops...

A Junior Vogue Competition to win six month free advertising on junior Vogue. To find out more CLICK HERE

TRADE SHOW

2010-04-19T13:36:00.005+01:00

Select@Bath Trade only show

"Designed in Britain - Made in Britain"

For online registration click HERE

SELECT@BATH 2010

2010-04-12T10:28:00.008+01:00

We are just starting to get things together for the show Select@Bath (9th-10th May in the Assembly Rooms). We have some new products that we shall be bringing along to the show to launch. The setting of the Assembly Rooms are really beautiful and the rooms are stuffed with small creative British companies.

THE INDEPENDENT

2010-04-12T10:22:00.003+01:00

TIME TO PLAY

2010-04-09T15:47:00.006+01:00

We are posting up these Children's Playtime Gift wraps today as we actually have the windows open in the studio and there is the most wonderful sound of children playing outside. For those of you reading who do not live in England, we have had a very long and very cold winter. Roll on Spring and Summer!

HAPPY EASTER

2010-04-01T12:09:00.001+01:00

Wishing you all a Happy Easter. Enjoy your chocolates!

PICK OF THE BEST

2010-03-22T15:08:00.004Z

Rachel Goodchild Easter Gift Wrap Pack features as

'Pick of the Best' by Not on the High Street.

notonthehightstreet.com/rachelgoodchild

GIFT BOXES

2010-03-18T09:55:00.004Z

We only have a small amount of the Black Scottie Dog Boxes left (in Oblong size).

There will not be a reprint on these as we shall be creating something new next time.

Available in oblong size in a set of ten boxes lined in red.

SHOP FEATURE

2010-03-16T11:54:00.009Z

Period Living

Also keep an eye out for our annual Christmas competition with period Living online.

SHOP FEATURE

2010-03-16T10:13:00.001Z

The Future Perfect Company

MOTHER'S DAY 2010

2010-03-12T09:50:00.020Z

Happy Mother's Day to all you Mothers out there.

"God could not be everywhere, so he created mothers".

Jewish Proverb

"When I was a child, my mother said to me, 'If you become a soldier, you'll be a general. If you become a monk you'll end up as the pope.' Instead I became a painter and wound up as Picasso".

Pablo Picasso

"The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new".

Rajneesh

"A man loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best, but his mother the longest".

Irish Proverb

SHOP FEATURE

2010-03-10T12:07:00.002Z

Penny Brohn Cancer Care.

Our charity Christmas card packs are also in support of their charity.

ADVERT

2010-03-08T11:02:00.000Z

PASTEL FLOWERS

2010-03-07T11:55:00.004Z

Not sure if the reason is the forthcoming Mothers Day or the hope in many that we will soon be seeing the signs of Spring? Whatever, but to my surprize our biggest seller through the freezing months of February have been Pastel Flowers gift wrap and Card.

SHOP FEATURE

2010-03-04T11:57:00.007Z

Images of some of our shops

Flowers Because is a Flower and gift shop in Isleworth, Middlesex.

We love the look of Oswald, the shop dog.

SHOP FEATURE

2010-03-04T11:38:00.005Z

Images of some of our shops

The Green Range in Milton Keynes specialises in handmade organic toiletries and cosmetics.

WINE BAGS

2010-03-03T08:59:00.006Z

We are adding to the 'Vinatge Guitar' range with new WINE BAGS to join our new gift bags and boxes.

My most popular design for men. All to on the website soon.

PICK OF THE BEST

2010-03-01T10:53:00.002Z

Rachel Goodchild Spring Gift Wrap Pack Featured as

'Pick of the Best' by Not on the High Street.

notonthehighstreet.com/rachelgoodchild

NOT ON THE HIGH STREET SPRING 2010

2010-02-23T09:54:00.008Z

Notonthehighstreet Spring Catalogue 2010 out now.

CLICK HERE to request your copy.

www.notonthehighstreet.com/Rachel Goodchild

ViNTAGE GUITARS RANGE

2010-02-18T14:51:00.003Z

Our new 'Vintage Guitar' range..

Coming soon to our website will be Gift Boxes, Gift Bags and Wine bags.

VALENTINE 2010

2010-02-14T12:20:00.000Z

ARTIST & ILLUSTRATOR

2010-02-04T20:43:00.013Z

click on image above to read the article.

Paint Tubes Gift Wrap and Greeting Card

Peter Swan RWA (who is my father) and whose studio I used as subject for the Artist Range Greeting Cards and Paint Tubes Gift Wrap has a feature titled 'My Studio' in Artist and Illustrator this month. You can see why I found his studio so inspiring!

EMBRACE

2010-01-11T14:11:00.005Z

Lets try warm up with a sneak preview of my new ROMANTIC range called "Embrace." Comes as Gift Wrap, Gift Tag and Greeting Card.

NOT ON THE HIGH STREET 2010

2010-01-10T10:46:00.004Z

Pick of the Best.

As featured in the notonthehighstree t

Featuring my Heart of Gold card.

notonthehighstreet.com/rachelgoodchild

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-01-08T10:19:00.004Z

Photo taken outside the studio

We have chosen NOT to do the Spring Trade Show this year in order to spend time on creating new designs for Summer and Christmas 2010. The existing designs (36 cards and 8 new gift wraps) that have not yet made it onto our website will be uploaded shortly when we upgrade the site. Sorry for the delay.

We are working really hard to get out the January orders in all this snow. I can not believe how or why we are still selling Christmas Wrapping paper in January!

SPRING

2010-01-07T14:30:00.002Z

Spring by ♫Courtney♫ on Polyvore.com

Every so often I like to post artwork created on Polyvore - especially if they have used one of my designs: 'Leaf Patterns.' This one made me feel happy as we have had so much dull days and cold weather.