To ask where I can get REALLY lovely birthday cards?

[MrsTawdry]

I am a bit glitzy in taste so I suspect my idea of lovely may not be everyones.

I used to adore those naff padded cards back in the 80s...that should gice you an idea of my style! I'm not expecting padded but looking for a nice card for DDs coming up 7th birthday and they're all forgettable.

I want ones with silk bows on the corner...and lovely, intricate illustrations...large too! Any help?

Could you make one?

Or look on websites like etsy or your local Facebook selling page.

You can get a lot of free printables on Pinterest too, for the intricate illustrations if you decide to make your own.

I want a slick looking one...not able to do that myself. I looked on Etsy a biy but they're all quite minimalist...you know...one balloon and some bunting type stuff. Retro in a 60s way and not in that florid traditional style....

I think M &S do the best cards

Try a local Museum or Art Gallery, they normally have a good selection.

Paperchase? good quality, thick card with exciting designs. I always want to buy the whole shop! Expensive though. I think there's a shop called scribl too.

If you like glitzy, there is a brand called five dollar shake which does v glam cards. My local shop stocks them (sheffield) but think from memory John Lewis do too?

I buy lovely handmade cards on Ebay.
Just type in ' handmade cards' or ' handmade personalused cards' .
There are some beautiful designs and sellers can customise names / occasions etc.
I have seen glitzy boxed cards so there should be something there for you

Loadsa thank you! I've found what I wanted! Glitter, fairies, bows, flowers! Gorgeous!

Not quite what you describe, but perhaps 3D swing cards might be up your street (if you can justify spending more than £5 on a card)?

Some of the pirouette cards on the same site are lovely.

Glad you liked them mrstawdry
I buy handmade ones for all special birthdays / baby cards / wedding cards now.
Could scroll through all the designs for hours...

Paperchase or paper tiger.

There are quite a few quality birthday printables at www.printbirthday.cards. The designs are really nice!