Tell us a bit about yourself. What did you do before you made cards for a living?

OF: I have always been a collector and actually amassed a large collection of vintage postcards before I dived into making them myself. At Wish Cards we want to maintain that quality and care that often went into the more traditional card making processes.

AS: First and foremost I’m a photographer, but I’ve always had a love for making with paper and stationery. Canonbury Press was a way of combining these passions and response has been amazing.

Have you always loved painting and drawing?

OF: I actually only discovered visual art in my mid-twenties. Before that I wanted to be a writer. After a while I learnt that an image is a great way to concisely express the complicated/nuanced ideas I was hoping to capture in writing.

AS: I’ve alwas loved creating whether it be drawing, painting or photography, especially the hands-on making process.

We love the idea of old-fashioned letter writing. Are you a good correspondent?

AS: I’m an advocate of taking the time to put pen to paper it’s so much more personal, and of course can be kept forever!

Felt tips, paints, or illustrator. What are the tools of your trade?

OF: I always begin working with the same 0.5mm ballpoint pen on the same recycled lightweight notepaper. From there, if needed, I will scan my original drawing and fine tune it within photoshop.

AS: Most of my creative process takes place in the camera, setting the scene and of course the making of whatever it is I’m photographing.

Do you have a favourite occasion or holiday when it comes to designing a card?

OF: Valentines day has been a real treat! It is fun to remember there are so many different kinds of love. Although the 14th is usually focused on romantic love, I am always reminded of the many other forms worth celebrating.

AS: Canonbury Press cards are fairly universal, I’m drawn more to concepts and design than occasions.

Favourite artist, and how do they inspire your work?

AS: I have many. But I love the work of Pierre-Joseph Redouté and it inspired my flower images. His illustrations are incredibly beautiful and highly detailed works of art. I try my best to replicate that with the camera!

Silence or music when you’re working? And what are you listening to?

AS: Both are true, I need music to keep the energy up! I listen to anything and everything. Mostly from my husband’s playlist, as I’m always looking to discover new artists. Sometimes we need silence, both with while working and resting.

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching any secret paramores, you’ll be sending a love token to? don’t worry. Our lips are sealed.

OF: Only my sweetheart! She deserves all the tokens I can find and many more.

AS: That would be telling!

You’re shopping at The Hambledon, what’s in your basket?

OF: The entire Wish Cards collection of course! A couple pairs of Gramicci trousers, Mosser Glass kitchenware, Heim Sohne egg spoons, BasShu patchwork quilt…this is actually pretty dangerous for my bank account! I better stop here.

AS: Well Valentine’s is closely coming up, so in my basket I have the Ovals champagne saucer set with 12 Praline robin eggs and a Liqueur Malette French Match Strike to light the candles.

In need of more inspiration?