About

Hi there, I'm Elaine. Mum of three from Ireland. Grand and Lovely Prints was born out of my love for photography, typography, digital art and design.

Why Grand & Lovely?

So despite being happily introverted and terrified of the idea, I decided to start a blog some years ago. All the advice is to name your blog something clear, obvious & marketable but it was difficult. It felt too contrived. I wanted a name that conjured up something easy that would keep me returning to it, like an old friend or a cosy room.

To be Irish. It's a funny thing.

I was sitting at a bus stop on Abbey St. in Dublin last summer. An old lady sat down beside me and was quickly joined by another old lady. Within minutes they were deep in conversation, with topics ranging from the weather (of course!), to the roadworks, to Trump and his wives. With comments like “Would you be able for that?!” The bus came then and they sat in different seats, strangers again. I thought to myself. This is Ireland. You would never or at least rarely witness such a happening on the underground in London or New York. But this is Ireland. The people are grand and lovely. Which means we are easy going and down to earth mostly I think, negative sometimes, begrudging sometimes maybe but a safe haven, accepting, friendly, helpful, “don’t be fussing”, a cup of tea fixes everything, often calm & laid back..unless it snows!.

In the noughties I lived in the US, and people were forever intrigued by our frequent use of the words ‘grand' and ‘lovely’ in all contexts. But it was never easy to explain.

In Ireland, Grand is a bit of a secret code. It means lots of things depending on the context and the tone used. It can cover a multitude and is only distinguishable with a delicateness of tone like the mother fixing her son’s hair on the way out the door “Stop it Mam, it’s grand!”, to a delighted girl when her friend says “I love your hair”, “thanks sure it’s grand for a change”

So the blog ended before it started and nowadays Grand & Lovely Prints is a printable wall art shop. Printables are a quick and straightforward wall to style your home. They make for some of the best personalised gifts and are sure to get a laugh or at least a reaction. Downloaded straight to your inbox in seconds. You print them yourself in the same way you would digital photos, either at Home (with good heavier paper), Online or In Store.

See our FAQ for all the details.

Thanks! :)

Elaine