What’s the Story, Morning Glory?

Hi there.

Thanks for popping in. Day 4 of our Jackanory Week.

So what’s the story, Morning Glory?

I looked up the meaning of that expression, which I have heard and used all my life. It simply means asking a flower what their tale is early in the morning.

Today’s story is about Linda Williams and a few good friends.

If you read this blog often, you will know that Linda and I are firm friends. I often talk about her, not just because we’re best mates, but also because she pretty much underpins the parchment leg of our business, doesn’t she? She never shouts about it, but she is actually one of two traditional Master Pergamano Tutors in the world. That is accolade and recognition indeed. But when you look at her artwork and her design work, it’s no surprise. She’s actually pretty good at all sorts of art – stamps and gelpress work included! But look how spotless her workspace is!! Comical. Here we see Jane Telford in action too! Another great friend.

Here’s the story though. When Covid hit, and all the staff went home to keep safe, Paul holed up at the office and kept the orders picked and packed, and for that I will be ever grateful. He swang that dispatch department on his own for many weeks during the first lockdown. And I’m talking 15 hour days.

Dave turned all the laser machines into PPE equipment making machines for the NHS

I fired up the daily SHAC SHAC, and did my bit, keeping us all occupied with doodles and colouring.

Several members of the Clarity Team beavered away from home, so to all intents and purposes it looked like business as usual. But it wasn’t. Not even remotely – if you’ll pardon the pun.

And Linda? Well, she rolled her sleeves up and started designing like there was no tomorrow. Morning, noon and night, she designed Groovi plates and made beautiful art for us. Even though her husband was very ill (he’s okay now), she kept it coming. If you think back to last year, you will realise just how prolific she was. Never looked up. She said it helped her stay sane, but I know she knew we needed the help.

Several people stepped up to the plate and rolled their sleeves up to keep us going – not for reward, not for payment. Just because they knew we were floundering. Linda was instrumental in keeping us afloat throughout the pandemic. And she still is.

So I shall say it now, loudly: THANK YOU. Thank you Linda, Thank you Paul, Thank you Hazel, Thank you Josie, Thank you Steve and Sheila, Thank you Dave, Thank you Jane, Thank you Grace – Thank you all those who just dived in to keep Clarity going. A friend in need is a friend indeed.

Now you know the rest of the story, Morning Glory.

Tomorrow is Pergamano TV Day, and clever Linda has come up trumps again. What a superb Heart plate design this new launch plate is! It’s a heart that can be wrapped around the fold of the card – doesn’t that sound fabulous? It doesn’t have to, but we designed a hearty card and stand so that you can, because it just looks so classy!

Check out the masterpieces that Linda has prepared for Paul to showcase during the 2 live hours tomorrow on The Craftstore TV ! Can you imagine how long these cards took to make?!?

11am

and then at 3pm

Wow, eh? Thing is, once you have the heart shape, you can add anything your little heart desires, can’t you? Brilliant for a wedding card, or an anniversary, or Mother’s Day, or Father’s Day, or a Birthday.

The little card stand can be used for all the previous It’s a Wrap cards, you know! Paul will be showcasing them too, in cased you aren’t familiar with them.

In fact, it’s a year ago this month since we introduced the first rather exquisite It’s a Wraps. All Linda’s ideas.

It’s A Wrap! – Part 1

In the words of Michael Caine, They blew the doors off, and Linda has added more since then too…

It’s A Wrap! – Part 2

It’s A Wrap! – Part 3

I think the Heart wrap is a must have. Whether you’re a seasoned trad parcher, or just starting out on your Groovi journey, this plate – and the little stand plate – will offer you many many design hours of pleasure and art.

Here is some artwork from the design team