Pink Pig Sketchbooks from www.the-pink-pig.co.uk

Pink Pig drawing books are simply superb. based in Huddersfield, the company have been producing quality drawing books for over 17 years. The company is committed to its environmental policy, to minimise its carbon footprint. The company also supports the Royal National Lifeboat Institution by donating a percentage of profits. 

All the products use quality, acid-free paper in different weights. From school pads to Bockingford watercolour books, you’ll find an excellent range of books for all uses. There are two main types of drawing book – Classic Pig with a coloured front and grey board back and Posh Pig with coloured front and back. There are many different books such as Eco Pig and Banana Pig and they all come in many sizes and colours. There are also display books that feature black paper. I like all the books, especially the Silk Pigs. The books are all very reasonably priced.

In addition, Pink Pig also sell sheets of the beautiful Thai Tissue Papers that they use to cover their books. these are useful for cards and crafts. If you have never used a Pink Pig drawing book, now is the time to try.

Custom Works gifts available from www.customworks.co.uk 

Custom Works are based in Scotland and have cornered an art market that puts famous paintings on to items such as notepads, bookmarks, sketchpads and writing journals. It’s a neat idea that has many applications and has now been extended to mousemats, coasters and jigsaws. The products are beautifully made with good reproduction of the original art. All items are very reasonably priced and make great presents. The magnetic bookmarks are just 95 pence each. 

You’ll find all your favourite artists here such as Van Gogh, Picasso, Klimt, Dali and Degas and many more. Also there is an Einstein collection, Shakespeare, a Horrible Histories, Churchill and an Unemployed Philosopher’s collection too. In addition, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the publication of the Origin of the Species, Custom Works have launched a Darwin collection. 

Move your mouse over a Mona Lisa mousemat, doodle in Picasso’s Dove drawing pad, tell the time with a Salvador Dali wristwatch, check your make-up in a Degas pocket mirror, send someone an Einstein magnet, bookmark your place with a touch of Klimt, put a framed Monet print on your wall and a lot more besides. I love the art wall stickers – easy to position stickers that decorate your walls. Great products, great prices, great ideas.