The word is out... and we get the message

Its profundity, ability to make you smile and absolute refusal to be hackneyed mean that it still works, even though it is over-used.

And it’s not the only word that has worked its way into interiors to be hung, strung, mounted, cradled, read and re-read.

Sayings such as “Carpe Diem” – seize the day and “Tempus Fugit” – time flies – are popular, as is word play. Sex and Mugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll, God the Save the Tea and Should I Stay or Should I go is etched into mugs by Make International ( £12.50, www.makeinternational.com) and are proving popular with old punks and fans of The Clash. There’s also a Nirvana version: Smells like tea spirit.

The now much-copied master of mixing words and pictures is contemporary paper cut and screen print artist Rob Ryan. His work has a magical quality, as do his streams of consciousness.

These include the simple “the stars shine all day long”, “your adventure is about to begin” and “believe in people” to “Let your heart have a say, savour this day, we are all part of each other, you must find something in each day to delight you, believe in goodness”

Products from cards to mugs, tiles, screen prints and bags are available from his own Ryantown shop in London thought not from his website www.misterrob.co.uk. To shop online you’ll have to go to Etsy www.etsy.com.

His products are also available from a variety of independent shops, including the one at the Yorkshire Scultpure Park that featured an exhibition of Rob Ryan’s work last year.

From the magical and whimsical to the laugh out loud from Rockett St George, whose Nice to See You frameable print (£49) is a collection of catchphrases from the 70s, 80s and 90’s.

It’s fun recalling who uttered them and I defy you not to crack a smile when you read “Titter ye Not” and “Ooh you are are awful but I like you”.

Nostalgia also plays a big part in why words are so successful, which partly explains why the wartime phrase “Keep Calm and Carry On” has been such a big hit.

It has found its way onto all manner of modern day products and has spawned spin offs such as “Now panic and freak out.”

The relevance of the Keep Calm in these times of economic hardship and modern day stress is plain to see, though as we are constantly reminded: All you need is “Love”.