What do you do when you’re asked to help make a card for the Queen of England? You say YES!! That’s what happened for Michelle C., art director/graphic designer from Hallmark UK, and Barbara B., creative process specialist from Hallmark US. Today we’re taking a behind-the-scenes look into designing, creating, and printing a royal birthday card fit for her majesty.
Today, April 21, 2016 marks the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. When Hallmark UK recognized this as a prime chance to pull out all the stops, they called on employees from both sides of the pond to make a special card. And from start to finish, we were able to partner with an extraordinary team of talent and skill.
Both Michelle and I love to create with hot foil and engraving, and pearlized foils say elegance. I instantly knew I wanted to showcase something absolutely beautiful as well as commemorative, because, after all, this was a personalized piece for the Queen!
The presentation of this card was everything. With the help of paper mechanics expert Neil S., Michelle designed a lovely folded-paper box wrapped in decorative bands of white and gold. Pillow-embossed materials layered with the Queen’s royal emblem and archival scrollwork slide back to reveal the gift inside.
Included in the presentation are an elegantly hand-lettered envelope created by senior lettering artist Jim F. and a tissue wrap with the Queen’s monogram in pearlized screenprint.
Finally, the key piece is a three-paneled foldout card with lovely embossed roses and filigree.
“This project was a wonderful journey and a prime example of co-creating at its very best! The attention to detail, our organic thought process, and lively spontaneity between us meant we could bounce ideas around under significant time pressure and still make the right decisions for the best outcome.” – Michelle C, art director and graphic designer at Hallmark UK.
Hallmark UK will have the opportunity to hand-deliver this one-of-a kind birthday card for Queen Elizabeth. No doubt there will be pride on both sides of the ocean. We hope this gift brings as much happiness to the Queen as we felt while making it for her.
Interested in more behind-the-scenes at Hallmark, find more here. And, be sure to follow along on Instagram @think.make.share!
Photographer: Jane Kortright
Wow!!! so amazing and so proud for all who touched this one-in-a-life-time piece. It’s utterly precious.
So proud of the work of Hallmark (I have been a Hallmark merchandiser for many years. I often think of a visit I enjoyed to the Crown Center in Kansas City).
So proud of the work of Hallmark and your fantastic creators for this wonderful greeting card in celebration of the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth.
Makes me proud to be a member of the Hallmark Family!
Incredible – beautiful in every detail.
Please make the card that is fit for a queen