1. Hobbies & Games
Love Is All We've Ever Needed
The Beatles
Dateline: February 2002
Note: Although these items are no longer available, this article will help date items found for your collection.

Love is all we've ever needed and it's been a long standing love affair with the Beatles. Ever since appearing for the first time on the Ed Sullivan show in February 1964, they have been a part of our lives. Who cares if they are in the their fifties and graying. Or if Paul is the cover boy on an issue of Modern Maturity, the AARP magazine -- we still love them!

This is certainly evidenced by the resurgence in Beatles merchandise and collectibles. Three companies that have recently made their mark with Beatles collectors are Vandor with a large assortment of items including lunch boxes, salt and peppers, cookie jars and the latest release -- a Yellow Submarine teapot with a tray and two coffee cups. Next was McFarlane Toys with a very cool set of figures, a must for Beatles collectors. And now we have Heavy Duty Productions who has introduced their fabulous collection of Beatles Yellow Submarine greeting cards.
Heavy Duty Productions President Jay Blumenfeld has been a Beatles fan since he was 13 years old, His house has been described as an art gallery with a collection of original theater posters Beatles posters -- originally purchased by him for $10. each in 1969.

It was more than just a job to design and produce these cards, it was a dream come true.

The company has been in business for twenty years and are well known in the industry for their innovative, original and sometimes outrageous cards. All of their cards have brilliant colors, wonderful artwork and along with one group that could be considered to be a bit on the risque side. Their different lines can be checked out at their wholesale website.

The Yellow Submarine Series are a set of thirteen different cards -- an assortment of birthday and note cards. All of the cards are clever diecuts, as well as a few 3-D designs.

The Love card pictured above is diecut with the Beatles portion the actual front of the card and when opened up -- the inside is the "quote" shown along with a blank spot for a personal note. Another card features a bright graphic of the Yellow Submarine and when opened shows the four Beatles wishing "Full Speed Ahead on your Birthday!". These are just great and an inexpensive collectible for Beatles fans as well as a wonderful way to wish your favorite fan a Happy Day!


The above card shown opened up.

These items were available in independent cards shops across the country. The cards retailed for $2.75 each and the mouse pad sold for $19.

Also produced by Heavy Duty Productions is The Beatles Mouse Pad. The "glare" is because of the clear cover over a water-filled mouse pad. The submarine and other icons are actually floating around -- especially when you use the mouse.


Scans/Graphics (c) 2002 Barbara Crews, licensed to About.com, Inc
With permission from Heavy Duty Productions

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