Clare Shields is fast making a name for herself and the products she makes which depict what she calls her "friendly little creatures". Clare's hand drawn signature style is perfect for the gift market of greetings cards, gift tags, tea towels, prints and mugs. The name of her company, Lil3birdy, might suggest that it's all about birds but as you'll see below, sausage dogs and cheeky squirrels also get a look in.
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| Squirrels Drinking Art Print £29.00 |
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| Selection of Gift Tags |
I was first alerted to Clare's work through its sheer artistry but was really impressed when I realised she insists on the highest ethical standards in the production process.
Her paper stationery is made from chlorine-free product and sourced from sustainable forests. She also works hard to ensure the same standards are adhered to by the companies involved in the production runs.
Clare's fashion marketing background has helped her understand how the marketing and PR behind a product is essential to sales. She's selling through a good online agency (Notonthehighstreet.com) and was included in a Mary Portas concession in the House of Fraser on Oxford Street.
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| Lil3Birdy Mary Portas concession |
Clare has a realistic pricing policy aimed at making her work affordable. She says she always considers what her competition is charging and has been forced not to proceed with some products because of the steep set up costs.
She says her Not On The High Street shop brings her “bread and butter” sales and that the best selling product at the moment is the squirrel drinking tea greeting card.
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| Clockwise from top left, Colourful Eccentric Birds Tea Towel; Cute Birds Postcard Set; Quirkquirk Coasters Set; Dog and Bird Mug. |
