Countdown to Christmas – Christmas Cards – There is nothing more pleasing than receiving a card in the post. Whether for your birthday, anniversary, valentine, or wedding, I still feel there is nothing more magical than a Christmas card. Perhaps it is due to the build-up of such an elaborate occasion, that makes them just that little bit more exciting. I would even go as far as to suggest that the positive feelings generated by receiving any type of card, but particularly one for Christmas are good for your health and wellbeing.
The custom of sending Christmas cards was started in the UK in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole. Before this time, people used to send private notes wishing Merry Christmas, this was also done for births and to wish a happy new year. Henry was a senior civil servant who had helped set up the new ‘Public Record Office’ (now called the Post Office), where he was an Assistant Keeper. He was a very busy man and did not have the time to write personal messages for Christmas but still wanted to send his Christmas wishes.
Sir Henry hired an artist called John Calcott Horsley and asked him to design a card, which he did. The card created had three panels. The outer two panels showed hand-drawn images of people caring for the poor and in the centre, panel was a family having a large Christmas dinner!
It also had some religious symbols on it too, for example, sprigs of holly symbolise chastity, while ivy symbolises places God had walked.
The message underneath the picture was “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you.”
There were only one thousand of these cards printed and sold in only a few stores in London, apparently, only one of the original cards still exists today.
In late Victorian times, robins and snow scenes became popular on cards. Nowadays, cards have all sorts of pictures and messages on them.
Over time with a huge improvement in digital design, there are now thousands of talented designers lining up to be featured in retail stores, as well as a host of timeless homemade designs too.
Women Talking looks at a selection of their favourite greeting’s cards:
Just Cards by Millennium Milli
If you are looking for the ultimate in skill, creativity and design Millennium Milli has a beautiful, unique collection of handmade quilled cards. Available to buy on Etsy. Millennium Milli. Using an ancient paper art technique called quilling, which involves the use of small strips of paper that are rolled, looped, curled, twisted, and otherwise manipulated to create shapes that are glued together to form decorative designs.
The cards and envelopes are made from recycled paper, and the clear biodegradable and compostable outer bag is made from corn starch. She has also used a variety of silicone stamps to create a border that complement each design.
Cards are available to buy singularly or in multi packs.
Jane Scott Flowers have a stunning range of beautifully designed card. I adore ‘The Pink Petal Tree’ Christmas card for something a little different.
‘Meticulously crafted from petals, Pine Cones and little foraged finds. We created this joyful tapestry tree as a pictorial ode to the classic Christmas Pine. Each layer celebrates nature’s eclectic seasonal style mixing and matching traditional with bohemian’.
As well as the ‘Wreath of Traveller’s Joy’ Christmas Card.
‘Mindful of it’s worth to wildlife we only picked a short strand of this curious climber. A favourite of so many birds, who feed on the seeds, take shelter under the leaves, and use the fluff to line their nests. Loved by moths too we have saved some seeds to plant at the end of the garden.’
Their Christmas cards are lovingly designed, styled and photographed in London and printed in small batches in the UK on luxurious 350gsm recycled card. The envelopes are made from recycled kraft paper, and the clear sleeves are fully compostable.
Each card has its own joyful story printed on the back allowing the character of the flowers to unfurl.
Cards are available singularly and a pack of 4.
Driftwood Designs showcases the work of Welsh artist Lizzie Spikes, whose charming illustrations appear on everything from cards and prints to homewares. What began as a small home-based business founded by Lizzie and her business partner, Becky Barratt, has grown into three shops across Wales and a wonderfully stocked online store.
Their Christmas card collection is especially delightful. Lizzie’s illustrations bring a fresh twist to festive classics, and several designs make beautiful keepsakes in their own right. Highlights include folding decoration cards that transform into cosy Christmas cottages, clever Peep Through cards that slot together to create 3D scenes, and nostalgic advent-style cards reminiscent of traditional calendars.
Thoughtful, affordable and planet-friendly, all Driftwood cards are printed in Wales on recycled card, with decorations starting at £3.50 and card packs from £6.95.
Explore the full Driftwood Designs Christmas range at driftwooddesigns.co.uk.
Paperless Post
For those of you who are unable to send a card, or time is not on your side, we have an alternative, which is eco-friendly, saving you time and money.
Paperless Post is an online card ordering service, that makes choosing cards, flyers, and invitation so quick and simple with designs for every occasion, even I have no reason to miss an event again.
Just create an account online, choose your occasion and select your template.
You can add a personal touch to your design by uploading a photo as well as music, a backdrop and editing the text to match your event. There is even the opportunity to customise your envelope and envelope liner for your special creation if you so desire.
Poppy Watt