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Artist Diane Griffiths
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Newquay Central Post Office Journey - The First Two Years

In 2020 I was lucky enough to get a small space in Newquay Central Post Office. They already had a couple of artists in the shop and after a couple of attempts the owner agreed to see some of my work.

The meeting was successful and I had my very first shelf in a shop. I didn't have a clue what I was doing, but it was exciting! I didn't have much stock though...

Until then all I had really done is create original art, my prints and gift experience was pretty limited to print-on-demand online websites. I had a small handful of prints in frame purchased from a combination of Photobox and Dunelm. I was pretty happy with how they turned out. Also pleased with the square greeting cards and coasters. However the keyrings and magnets...well let's say I didn't continue with those in the same format.

Newquay Central Post Office Newquay Artist with Cornish Gifts

Covid slowed things down, but I started to research and experiment with other printed gift ideas and some hand-made gifts.

By the start of 2021 I had purchased a card rack and expanded my range, I focused quite a lot on hand-painted giftware; magnets and glassware which sold really well, but took up so much time to make.

Newquay Central Post Office Newquay Artist with Cornish Gifts

In the second half of 2021 I painted some surfers onto one of the baubles for our Christmas tree, it looked quite pretty so I did a few more, purchased a 'tree' display stand and the baubles took off. I would even say they are still my best sellers to date!

Newquay Central Post Office Newquay Artist with Cornish Gifts
 

As we go through 2022 I've got more shelf space, more products and more ideas! It's a careful balance to ensure I can make gifts that make sense from a materials cost and time point of view. I'm always experimenting and refining my collection. That balance between printed and hand-made, practical and pretty, a memory cherished souvenir versus a more luxury unique gift.

This year I'm prepping for Christmas early; I've already painted quite a few baubles, I've got some gift packs coming and a small handful of different designs - watch this space!

Newquay Central Post Office Newquay Artist with Cornish Gifts

Newquay Central Post Office Newquay Artist with Cornish Gifts

Newquay Central Post Office Newquay Artist with Cornish Gifts

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