We are back with our series 2 minutes with a maker. This time with Katie Housley and her fun greeting cards which we also stock in our shop. 

1. Who are you? Where are you based? 

I’m Katie, the founder of Katie Housley Paper Goods. I live with my husband and two children in Hove, near Brighton. 

2. What do you make/create? 

I create thoughtful paper goods with delicate foil or hand finished details. Each item is lovingly finished, packed and sent from my studio by the sea. My style combines sentimental designs, subtle colour palettes with tactile finishes. I’ve always loved receiving a hand written card - knowing that someone has thought of me and taken the time to write. I have a keepsake box of my most treasured cards! I love creating cards for all those important moments, joyous occasions or just because. 

3. What's special about your products? 

Many of my cards are finished by hand - As the company has grown, it was temping to replace this with gold foil, but its one of the jobs I enjoy most! The ‘Put on Your Party Pants” bear remains our bestseller and I like to think the hand finished glitter pants add something special to the design. 

 4. Any plans for future? 

 We are building a bigger studio next year, I cannot wait! The company has grown massively over the last year and we have outgrown our space. I also have an exciting new product in the pipeline - but these things take a long time to come about.

 5. 3 things about you...

I fell in to this business by complete accident! In 2012 my son was born with a heart condition and he had an operation at 7 days old. After we brought him home I started to paint and found the creative time very therapeutic. I had an idea to sell some cards as a way to raise funds for ECHO - the heart charity that supported us and our son. I sold lots of cards and some happened to be picked up by a local store who wanted to stock them. We have recently donated all profits from valentines sales to ECHO - a charity close my my heart.

Thank you so much Katie for being part of our series. You can buy here cards here , too see our full collection of stationary here and head over to Katie's website here.