It has been noted by many that i am an avid collector of an assortment of things. This is the first in a little series celebrating what i am now calling my ‘magpie moments’.

I picked up a bundle of these little cards a few years ago at a car boot sale, intrigued by the eclectic range of delicately painted animals. I’m not sure if i could call myself a collector, but i have since gathered up a few other ranges, my favourite being ‘Wild Birds in Britain’, printed in 1965 as part of a 50-card set. The british wildlife painter Charles Tunnicliffe did most of the bird sets. I’m currently on the hunt for some of the very pretty Wildflower sets.

Although i didn’t realise it at the time, the cards were distributed in Brooke Bond tea packs, later known as the familiar PG Tips. Similar to cigarette cards, although with a much shorter history, they became very collectable particularly in the 50’s and 60’s, with the last cards being issued as late as 1999.

1. Robin 2. Nuthatch 3. Redshank

I recently decided they were too good to hide away in a box, and thus started my latest greeting card range, the most labour-free design i have come up with yet. Apply a few sticky foam pads to the beautiful birdies, mount with some dark background card and hey presto! Here are a few of my ornithologic highlights…