Behind the scenes at BackYard Letters:

Many moons ago, Jane started out as a Hallmark Greeting Card Rep covering the Hereford, Shropshire and Mid-Wales region in the UK. Funny how things go full circle because here she is now, 20years later, designing cards for BackYard Letters! Jane has always had a passion for the alphabet and is the founder of www.atozphonics.com ,a phonics site helping children to read. When the phonics site was sold in 2008, she knew she still wanted to work with alphabet resources and so her involvement with BackYard Letters is filling this role beautifully.

Maria is BackYard Letters official photographer and has always had a passion for photography. She calls herself an 'accidental photographer'. Maria has an amazing eye for detail - and the ability to spot 'letters' even when driving! She loves taking 'alphabet nature' walks with her children and is always adding new photos to the gallery - in fact she never leaves home without her camera! Maria has a passion for running the business and will be person you will speak to on the phone. Maria homeschools her 5 children who are learning the ropes of the business as part of their education!

Jane & Maria first started BackYard Letters over a discussion of a glass or two of fine NZ wine (which we all know helps to keep the creative juices flowing!) From humble beginnings at Mission Bay Craft Market - they have both been overjoyed and amazed at the rapid growth of backyard letters.

They both now live in Pukekohe, New Zealand, the land of great wines...