Over the years as a small business owner myself I have (of course) also supported other small businesses. From artists I've met at events to people I've met online and even people that found me first. I've always supported my fellow creators and makers in every way I can, sometimes this is buying something small, sometimes it's buying something big, sometimes this is just engaging on social media. I now have a huge collection of adorable bookish bits that are now some of my prized possessions.
I've decided to platform the artists I know and love in hopes that they receive even more support after what has probably been the worst year ever for small businesses. I also wanted to share some of my personal experiences with each business owner, hopefully in a way that shows you little snippets of the humans behind the businesses.
They are after all people, and behind the scenes each person works extremely hard to bring you some of the most beautiful things in this world.
This collection is a group of people who's bookmarks are my faves and while they are my favourite, they also do many many other things too.
Malone Designs
I met Amy of Malone Designs online through Threads. I think we were discussing the new SJM licensing issues because both of us had licensed products.
Since then we chat almost every day, she's the sweetest artist and I love the fact that through our shared business we've created such a strong bond.
She designs the most beautiful illustrated goods and beaded bookmarks, obviously whenever she releases something new I have to get my grabby hands on it.
I recently purchased her Cat Collection and I'm legitimately obsessed! The holo, the colours and CATS what on earth more could you ask for?!
In her shop you can find: Bookmarks, Pins, Kindle Grips, Keyrings, Kindle Inserts & more
Photo Credit: Malone Designs
Check out their website here: Malone Designs
You can find their Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/malone.designs/
Geek & Artsy Bookish
Now, I don't actually own any of Saphira's bookmarks, I am obsessed with their recent Feline & Folios collection and unfortunately did not have the chance to back it! BUT when I see her next I will 100% be buying some of them because my GOD they're adorable. I do however own a keyring from her and hope to get so much more in the future.
I actually met Saphira at RARE but I'll be honest, I was so anxious I think I just babbled incoherently at her and she didn't know what to say to me. Frankly I am not very good at small talk or new social situations haha. Thankfully I think she's forgiven me now and we often share our favourite organisation tips, nobody gets quite as excited with me about organisation like Saphira does hahaha.
One of my favourite things about this bookish business is their firm beliefs and the way they stand up for the rights of others, Saphira's strength of self is wholly unmatched and it's incredible to witness. She regularly will speak up about issues and her designs often reflect these views, like her whole Feminine Rage collection, which is just STUNNING.
In her store you can find: Metalmarks, Stickers, Pins, Keyrings, Shelf Guardians, Plushies, Book Nooks, Desk mats & more.
Photo Credit: Geek & Artsy
You can find their website here: Geek & Artsy
You can find their Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/geek_and_artsy_bookish/
Tales & Tomes
I've followed Sam from Tales & Tomes on TikTok FOREVER and have always been obsessed with her adorable dragons, she creates a whole litany of cute bookish bits that literally cannot be beaten in their cuteness!
I recently met her at YALC in December and she was just as lovely IRL as she is online. She started the most adorable book journaling monthly mail club and honestly if you're a journaler you should 100% be signed up.
I purchased 3 of their metal-marks at YALC and honestly even the packaging blew me away, the attention to detail, the quality and the art is just everything.
In her store you can find: Bookmarks, Stickers, Notepads, Drinkware, Decor & more
Photo Credit: Krorroskos Designs
Check out their website here: Tales & Tomes
You can find their Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/_talesandtomes_/
I'll hopefully be making a blog post every month with even more of my faves, and people I think deserve alllll the attention for all their hard work and dedication.
Next month: Decor & Candles 😘
Thanks for reading, Love, Jay xo