This is the year we're going to help keep local shops, artists and crafters in business with absolutely no effort at all.
How?
By simply pledging to buy all our greetings cards from local artists who sell directly through markets and fairs, or local, independent businesses.
We've been inspired by the Just a Card organisation - set up after artist Sarah Hamilton saw the quote in the window of a gallery that had just closed down:
"If everyone who'd complimented our beautiful gallery had bought 'just a card' we'd still be open."
The Just a Card campaign aims to encourage people to support, value and buy from artists, designers, independent shops and small businesses by reinforcing the message that all purchases, however small, even 'just a card' are so vital to their prosperity and survival.
So we've made a start by stocking up in Berkeley's From Home and Stroud's Made in Stroud when dropping off Christmas supplies in December, and now have a nice stock of beautiful, locally made cards for January birthdays.
How much nicer is it to give a card made by creative people who love what they do, and could even be a member of your own community?
And if you'd love to receive a card that supports an artist or small business then share this post as a subtle hint!
The cards in the picture are by the very talented Lizzie Hammond, Yasmin Jones and Wee Picture Press