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The First Christmas Card

This week we received our first Christmas card. It always comes from the same family friend and is one of those things that lets us know Christmas is here.

first-christmas-card

It’s glittery (or flittery as we say in the card market), plain but very effective.

I do look at every card we receive, not just the first Christmas card, quite critically as I sell Christmas cards!

Every Christmas card that comes through our letterbox gets a good look over. Because I sell Christmas cards that are exclusively designed I am always on the look out for other cards of a similar appeal. Phoenix Trading asks us to submit Christmas cards each January in to a sort of competition to see who else is making popular or attractive designs. Therefore I am always on the look out for extra special cards (that obviously aren’t Phoenix ones!) to submit.

Are they charity Christmas cards?

Nearly every Christmas card that we receive is a charity card, but not all. I know some people just buy cheap cards then make a donation to a charity instead, I get that. However, if the card doesn’t say it’s a Christmas card then it does leave the impression that the sender just bought the cheapest pack of cards they could find because they felt they ought to send a card. Perhaps that’s just very judgemental on my part but that’s the impression I get that’s all. Personally I think every Christmas card could be a charity card, even some charity cards can be pretty cheap these days so there really is no excuse.

Does it stand up?

Most of our Christmas cards will end up hanging on a string in our hallway for everyone who visits to see. However a really special card may well get pride of place on the mantelpiece – but only if it can actually stand up! How many cheap, thin Christmas cards there are that come through the door that cannot stand without being sellotaped, glued or blu-tacked to the surface?!

I choose the cards I send making sure they look good, do good and are good quality. How do you choose yours?

Looking forward to seeing what Christmas cards drop on to the mat this week…

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Simple Origami Hearts

Origami heart craft activity Valentines Day children

Make your own hearts from squares of leftover wrapping paper, or tissue paper.

These can be used for decoration, or to make your own cards.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZtvAUBR7Pc]

Why not pop a personalised message inside one?

If you liked this, you might also like my paper chain hearts.

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Valentines Card Messages

Valentines card messages

If you don’t know what words to write then check out my top 10 favourite love poems and verses for your Valentines Card.

1 ‘My Love is Like a Red Red Rose’ by Robert Burns

Robert Burns

‘Red Heart’ card beautifully illustrated by Laura Stone. Furthermore it is a verse that I can’t write without singing it in my head!

2 ‘Silentium Amoris’ by Oscar Wilde
Oscar WildePainted Hearts Valentines

‘Painted Hearts’ is a new card that is illustrated by Louise Anglicas with pop out hearts too!

3 ‘Romeo and Juliet’ by William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare
With Love heart tree Valentines

‘With Love Heart Tree’ card, probably one of my favourites for a Valentines card and illustrated by Karen Tye Bentley.

4 ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ by L. Frank Baum

Frank L Baum
Silver Heart Valentines

‘Silver Heart’ card. A classic card that is suitable for so many occasions including weddings and anniversaries. Illustrated by Laura Stone.

5 ‘Sense and Sensibility’ by Jane Austen

Jane Austen
Perfect Pair Valentine

‘Perfect Pair’ card. Another versatile card, illustrated by Sue James.

6 by Dr Suess

dr Suess
Love Valentine

‘Love’ card. I love Dr. Suess and I love this card. If you love Alison Hullyer’s illustrations then this is the one for you.

7 by Aristotle

Aristotle

‘Fabulous You’ card. Got to have chocolates on Valentines Day haven’t you? If you think so too then this very tasty card is illustrated by Sophia Coleman.

8 ‘The Rose in the Deeps of His Heart’ by William Yeats

Yeats

‘With Love Champagne’ card. Show your true passion by sending this card illustrated by Tim Mason.

9 ‘I Love Thee’ by Eliza Acton

Eliza Acton
Lovebirds on a bicycle

‘Lovebirds on a Bicycle’ card. How adorable are these two lovebirds in this illustration by Sharon Blackman?

10 Valentines Verse and Valentines Card by you?Valentines card messages

Still to be written!

If you need gift wrap, tags, ribbon for your present too then you’ll find a lovely selection along with the cards right here.

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The Gift Bag

I’ve seen lots of different ways to make a gift bag but this is the most simple but effective one I’ve found.Christmas gift bag wrapping craft

Making it also holds the basis for wrapping a standard gift parcel and making it look just that little bit neater than usual.

Gift Bag Guide

  1. Lay out your gift wrap and box
  2. Fold over the leading edge by 1cm
  3. Fold the leading edge to align with the far corner of the box
  4. Crease the fold along the near corner edge
  5. Fold in the second side and crease
  6. Apply double sided tape to the leading edge and seal
  7. Fold down top edge and fold in the sides
  8. Turn in the bottom edge to match the diagonal folds
  9. Apply double sided tape and seal up
  10. Press all edges along the box, to give firm creases
  11. Gently remove the box
  12. Carefully pinch the edges to form the sides of the bag
  13. Fold over the top by 3cm and then fold again
  14. Place the ribbon around the bag, keeping the ribbon straight
  15. Tie a bow at the top, and rearrange the bow to the front

 

It does make a big difference if you use quality wrapping paper, please don’t buy the cheap stuff as it will just rip!

If you’d like to know more about wrapping ideas do get in touch. I do gift wrapping workshops all year round.

Download this gift bag guide now.

You might like these 5 steps to gift wrapping.

Follow my Youtube channel for more gift wrapping ideas.