Sleepy Bee Studio is one of those independent brands that you can’t help but fall in love with immediately (and not only because we’re enamored with all things stationary). Launched in May 2019 by husband and wife team Gavin and Charlie, they provide premium stationery and gifts meant to be cherished.
While Charlie’s background is in buying, illustration, and product design, Gav is a graphic designer and artist. Based in Cambridge, UK, their beautiful stationery collections are all based on themes, with the first four inspired by their hometown of Cambridge and aptly named Cambridge, Botanical, Darwin, and Stargazer.
“I love having the freedom to design and make whatever I like,” gushed Charlie in an interview with the Printed blog. “I also love being able to experiment with new styles based on what’s inspired me.”
Inspiration, as it turns out, is plentiful. Amongst her sources of inspiration, Charlie lists holidays, home, Pinterest, films, and museum visits. “I have got so many lists of ideas in notebooks and on my phone. It’s tricky to keep up,” she admits. “As I’m working from home now, I’ll be working but also thinking about the next thing I’d like to do. Gav usually gets these ideas shot at him in very quick succession the second he walks through the door!”
With paper on their mind, producing minimal waste is equally important to both Charlie and Gavin. In regards to packaging, no plastic wrap is used as all products are wrapped in tissue and then into either a recycled hard-back envelope or into a recyclable cardboard box.
With the printed stationery materials, they are manufactured by a UK company certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®), an international organization dedicated to promoting responsible management of the world’s forests.
Putting an emphasis on the customer’s personal experience, the two use handmade elements and design the products so they are as beautiful to open as they are to use. And as they keep growing, so does Sleepy Bee Studio’s range of products grows.
“The plan is to grow the range by adding new themes (Coastal, Jurassic, Safari, Seasons, Afternoon Tea…you name it, it’s probably on the list!)” says Charlie, “and I think it’d be a great opportunity to do collaborations on certain themes with other brands.”
We can’t wait to see what they have in store for us next! Visit their online store here and keep an eye out for new products by following their Instagram page.
