The die-stamping process demonstrated on the ‘Engraved choir boy in three colours’ piece proved particularly popular: "Yay! A skill that’s still alive and kicking – please do not go modern; an excellent example of quality," said one of our experts. For the latter product, printing was carried out by feeding each card into the die press. The process is as follows: the die is inked then scraped by a blade, leaving ink in the engraved lines. The die is then wiped before being allowed to come down on to the card. The pressure of the die press pushes the ink out of the engraved lines on to the card in relief. The process is repeated for each colour. "Quality of this standard is almost unbelievable," one judge commented. An array of high-end invitations completed the firm’s winning entry.   

Commended – Windles Group

Windles was praised for the use of metallics in its Glamour Academy cards for client Portfolio Greetings. Displaying the work of acclaimed artist Christopher Vine, the range used a creative foil technique underneath the print. Printing took place on the company’s Heidelberg Speedmaster CD 6LX 102-6 on to 275gsm Ensocoat one-sided board. According to one judge, the range was "impactful, different and stand-out – all you need in cards".