Printable Christmas card and tag set

November 10, 2011 By 14 Comments
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Raising funds for a Christmas party for children in Ruhanga Uganda

 

My friend Ida Horner is fundraising  for children in Ruhanga, Uganda.

 

She is looking to raise £300.00  for a Christmas party for the school children, which is being held on the 2nd December.

 

There is not a lot of time left, and at the moment she has £80.00 towards the target.

 

I wondered if there was a way I could help.

 

So I have put together a christmas card and tag set, in PDF format that can be printed on your home printer at no extra charge, all I ask for is a donation to the – ‘Santa visits Ruhanga Development School’

 

My aim is to help raise £220 so that these children can have a wonderful party.

You can make a donation to Ida’s fundraising page, by clicking on the image below.

 

My Charity Page Sponsor Me Now

 

This is what you will get in return for your donation:

  • A5 size Christmas card folded to A6 -  just print, fold and write your message and send :)
  • An A4 sheet of 6 tags – just print, cut out, add some ribbon and add to your pressies :)

 

                            

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you like the designs and enjoy using them this Christmas, Anita :)

To know more about Ida’s and Ann’s valuable work please visit – Let them help themselves out of poverty

 

T&C’s and info


  • Please make your donation on Idas Fundraising page, and then leave a comment on this blog post letting me know you have made a donation.
  • Please contact me letting me know your email details (or I can use the email used in your comment), so that I can then email you the pdf’s.

(Your email address will only be used in order to receive the pdfs. I will then delete your email address from my personal records once I have sent you an email).

 

  • If you would like both items or just one of them, please let me know. I will then check the fundraising page before sending you an email – no donation = no pdfs.
  • I will send you an email containing the pdfs within 24 hours of receiving your notification email.

 

  • Please only use for your personal use.
  • You can use them as many times as you want.
  • Please spread the word and let’s raise as much money as we can in 3 weeks – to help Ruhanga school children have a wonderful Christmas party.

 

Update 18th November

Ida has managed to raise £253.00 so she is now looking for just an extra £47.00. It would be lovely if we can help her reach her target.

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A magical evening out – appreciating plants in a new light

October 25, 2011 By 13 Comments
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Last weekend I had a very special evening out. I had been looking forward to going since last year, and has now become  a must see event each year for me and my family, as well as many others.

 

This special event takes place at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens in Dorset.

 

I have mentioned this garden in several posts here and on Birds on the Blog, as it is a favourite garden of mine. Many of the plants are similar to Heligan in Cornwall. So if you like Heligan, I would definitely suggest a visit.

 

Each year this lovely garden has an event called – Enchanted Floodlit Gardens. This year it has been running since the 13th October and ends on the 30th, so there is still time, if you want to visit.

 

We first had a lovely tea of butternut squash soup and tomato and beef soup between the three of us, The butternut squash was spicy, spicy enough to keep you warm, for hours!

 

As we wandered around the garden with my camera and tripod, you couldn’t help but feel that you were back in your childhood. I was mesmerised by the glowing yellows, greens, oranges and golden hues of the specialist lighting, placed to give you a whole new understanding of plants and their beauty. I am not particularly keen on bamboo, but I have appreciated it so much more, since I have seen it highlighted at night.

 

The garden paths are lit by lanterns, which really add to the atmosphere. Not only did I enjoy the experience, I felt so utterly peaceful in my place of beauty, sharing it with my dad and Matt – not forgetting our little dog Brinkley, who (as usual) made friends where ever he went.

 

Listening to the call of owls across the moonlit sky, appreciating the detail of the hydrangea, cosmos, palm, bamboo, acer and old oak tree… makes you lost for words, as it is just beautiful!

 

Many times I sat on a bench and just let myself be there in that moment – I felt so blessed!

 

Have you been to event like this?

 

 

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My love for the beautiful anemone

September 21, 2011 By 16 Comments
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I have to say that  the anemone is one of my favourite flowers. I love the detail and colours.

At the moment they are everywhere, in hedgerows planted by seeds blown by the wind, or gardens – large or small.

I always associate them with my dad, as his birthday is in September, so they will always have a special place in my heart.

 

In the language of flowers, the anemone stands for-

 

-          Expectation  

-          Prospect

-          Anticipation of change

 

I think the meaning of the anemone is really inspiring for a number of reasons. When I am going through a difficult time, gazing at the detail of the anemone reminds me to forget what is behind, and look to the future.

 

All about the lovely Anemone –

 

- You may be surprised to know there are about 150 different species with a wide range of colours.

- Varieties include spring, Mediterranean and the larger anemones (as included in flower image) that flower in late summer – early autumn

- As the Japanese varieties grow in September they are often related to birthdays in this month.

- There are two types of garden anemone – single and double, belonging to the Buttercup family.

- They are loved by cottage gardeners, as this delicate plant looks lovely in  cottage garden borders.

- They like a variety of soil conditions, some varieties prefer a shady area in the garden.

- The name anemone comes from the Greek word anemos, which means ‘wind’ – wind flower, which means that the wind will blow open the delicate new petals and the dead ones away.

- They are a perennial herb

- The woodland Anemone is a true beauty, providing soft carpets of delicate flowers for us to enjoy, it is one of our earliest spring flowers that grow just before the tree cover is too dense.

 

Some specialist nurseries

 

Avondale Nurseries specialise in this flower, have a look at their website to see the various anemones that are available.

 

Long Acre plants based in Somerset but has an online shop

 

 

Love Anemones? – Here are some gift suggestions I found on my travels around the internet

 

noodleBubble on Folksy have a lovely anemone felt brooch

 

The V&A Museum shop have a lovely collection of jewellery and home ware inspired by the anemone

 

Franz Porcelain – stunning home wares and jewellery collection. There is a beautiful anemone vase in the hand painted collection

 

Dartington Crystal – Anemone flower bottle

 

We have a range of cards and gifts that include the anemone, so if you would like to see our range, please visit my website – Send a flower card.

 

What do you love about anemones?

 

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Perfect Snowdrop Comes With A High Price Tag

February 10, 2011 By 3 Comments
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Myddleton House and Garden, Bulls Cross, Enfield

Image via Wikipedia

Recently I read about a perfect snowdrop that was auctioned for the grand total of £375!

I have to say that I read the article in The Independent a couple of times, to check I had not misread it!

You may be wondering why this particular snowdrop was so expensive… well this delicate beauty was perfect, in that it had 6 white, perfectly proportioned petals.

The name of this snowdrop is – ‘Galanthus Plicatus E.A Bowles’, named after an important 20th century gardner. The snowdrop was found in his garden – Myddleton House Gardens in North London.

A little information about E.A Bowles and Myddleton House Gardens:

The Gardens was created by Edward Augustus Bowles; a gardener who was described as an ‘unusual man’ by the E.A Bowles of Myddleton House Society. His work is considered to be very important in the gardening world, and made a large contribution to the RHS. The RHS have a special area in their Wisley gardens, dedicated to him. He specialised in being a garden writer, as well as being a botanist and artist, with several of his pieces of art included in the Lindley Library collection. He wrote many articles and books, including his last one that he co-wrote with Sir F Stein, published after his death in 1956, looking at varieties of snowdrops.

He was awarded the very prestigious RHS Victoria Medal of Honour for his work.

The gardens are currently being fully restored after they were neglected for more than 30 years. The gardens have won many awards.

E.A Bowles didn’t always get it right though, as he introduced the invasive Japanese Knotweed to his garden, which I am sure the current gardeners just love! They are currently using it as an example of how much damage an alien plant can do. Gardening is definitely a learning curve!

Apparently the Head Gardener of Myddleton House Gardens, is selling the last five prized bulbs at their Early Spring Show, so if you have the cash I would get there quickly!

Here are the details for their Early Spring Show:

Date: 12th February

Time: 12 – 4pm

Booking required!

Where: Myddleton House Gardens, Bulls Cross, Enfield, EN2  9HG

Tel: 08456 770 600

All the funds raised from these perfect snowdrops are going to restore the gardens.

On the same day there is a guided snowdrop and hellebore walk 1 – 3pm


I was recently asked what I wanted for my birthday next week… but I think asking for this may be pushing it a bit far don’t you! :)


Would you spend £375 on a snowdrop?


Image of Myddleton House Gardens from Wikipedia taken by Christine Matthews.

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Flowers For Your Valentine

February 3, 2011 By 1 Comment
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Flowers have always been associated with Valentine’s Day

In thelanguage of flowers also known as floriography, flowers associated with love are -

Roses are red, violets are blue valentine's card © Nita Joy Designs

Roses are red, violets are blue valentine's card © Nita Joy Designs

  • Roses
  • Bluebells
  • Chrysanthemum
  • Lavender

Other flowers that convey a secret message that would be suitable for Valentine’s Day are -

  • The Amaryllis -  ‘splendid beauty’
  • Calla Lily – ‘delicacy and beauty’
  • Dahlia – ‘ for ever thine’
  • Hibiscus – ‘delicate beauty’
  • Orchid -  ‘a belle, loveliness’
  • Sunflower -  ‘adoration’
  • Zinnia – ‘lasting affection’

All of these flowers would make a lovely gift for Valentine’s day

If the love of your life loves roses, then a traditional bouquet of red roses will be be perfect. If you want to surprise your loved one this year, how about choosing one of the above flowers as a gift, or ask your chosen florist to add a few to a bouquet. If your chosen flower isn’t ‘in flower’ such as bluebells and lavender, a beautifully scented candle would also make a lovely gift, with a handwritten note explaining why you chose that scent.

If you want to try your hand at making a handmade gift, in an earlier post I talk about how you can make a Valentine rose heart.

If you are looking to complete your gift with a special Valentine card, Nita Joy Designs has a bespoke range of  Valentine’s Day cards. I can also design a special card to your specifications. Please visit my website for further details.

Send a card, brighten someone’s day!

 

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Winter Magic At RHS Wisley

January 12, 2011 By 1 Comment
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I am a huge fan of the RHS for many reasons, and always recommend becoming a member if you love plants and gardening.

Exotic Butterflies

For a few years now RHS Wisley has had a wonderful event called ‘Butterflies In The Glasshouse‘ through January – February. I think it’s a great idea! Not only do I love butterflies, but also when it is usually a quieter time in the garden calendar, this event encourages families to experience the glorious winter garden and revel in the beauty of the butterfly in their stunning glasshouse, which houses exotic plants that are sure to brighten any cold damp days.

I hope to be making a return visit this year!

If you are interested in attending this event, it begins on the 15th January and ends on the 27th February 2011

Time: 10 am – 4.00 pm, with last entries to the glasshouse at 3.30pm

Snowdrop heaven

If you love snowdrops, Wisley has a special snowdrop event on the 29th-30th January. You could combine a visit to see the butterflies and admire the delicate beauty of the snowdrop!

A valentine treat

If you are looking for a romantic Valentines evening to treat your loved one – Wisley has a special event on the 12th February, which includes drinks, dinner and a romantic walk through the glasshouse to see the butterflies.

Wisley has done it again! These events are sure to be popular, so don’t miss out!

Have you been to one of these events at Wisley? What did you enjoy?

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Gardens To See Snowdrops

January 10, 2011 By 1 Comment
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It may be cold, wet and miserable out there, but I am eagerly awaiting to welcome one of my favourite things- the magnificent snowdrop!

© Nita Joy Design

Snowdrop just a note to say © Nita Joy Design

In the run up to Christmas, when things can be a tad stressful, I think ahead to the little beauty that will soon be growing in their thousands, bravely pushing through the snow and ice, to find their beloved daylight.

This year I have been looking out of the window each day, searching for the first delicate green shoots of this pretty flower in my front garden, but due to the extreme weather we have been having, my freshly laid bulbs I planted last year, may find their first year of growth a little difficult.

If you love snowdrops or don’t know what all the fuss is about, I invite you to check out my latest blog on – Birds On The Blog looking at the lovely snowdrop, giving suggestions of gardens to visit in the UK, to admire their beauty.

You can find the post here – One Of My Favourite Things

If you love snowdrops, we have a selection of greeting cards, kitchen splashback….

If you have a favourite place that you like visiting to see snowdrops, and it isn’t mentioned in the blog post, please leave a comment, as I always love finding new places – and it’s great to share with others.

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The Christmas Card Countdown – Don’t miss Out!

December 13, 2010 By 2 Comments
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We have been enjoying making Christmas cards this year for our regular and new customers.

Christmas is such a lovely time for greeting cards. I always enjoy opening the latest post to see what Christmas card design a friend or family member has chosen for us.

As we work hard this week on making special Christmas card orders, I wanted to let you know that the last order date for Christmas cards and other gifts through our online shop is the 18th December (excludes handbags which ends on the 14th December).

At the top of the list for Christmas cards sold is the stunning Snowdrop, then our new card for this year – ‘Waiting for Santa’, which is loved by dog owners and fans.

We are running a special offer for our newsletter readers.

If you sign up to take advantage of receiving our news and latest offers, we will send you a code that you can use, when you order 2 packs or more from our Christmas card range, to receive *5 extra small cards.

Personalised Christmas cards

We can change the wording on front of our cards and add your special message.

We can also make a special set of cards with your own photo and message for no extra cost.

So with just 6 days to go, there is still time to order your Christmas cards from Nita Joy Designs.

We look forward to making some special cards for you.

Delivery date is for UK delivery only.

T&C for Christmas card offer

*To receive an extra 5 cards when you order 2 packs or more from our Christmas card range, please sign up to our newsletter and we will send you the code. This must be added at the time of your purchase, as it can’t be applied later.

The 5 cards will be chosen by us from our small Christmas card range. The value of these cards is £5.50

(If there is a particular card design that you would like for the 5 free cards, you can let us know. We cannot guarantee that you will receive your choice due to stock availability, but we will do our best for you.)

Offer ends 18th December 2010

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Winchester Christmas Market

November 30, 2010 By 1 Comment
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Some of the ninety-one stalls at the Christmas...
Image by Anguskirk via Flickr

The countdown to Christmas has began with the start of Advent.

I really enjoy the lead up to Christmas, and on my list of favourite Christmassy things to do is to visit Christmas craft fairs and markets.

Today I had the joy of visiting one of my favourite Christmas Markets in Winchester.

It was bitterly cold! But the warm ambiance and selection of goodies lined up in pretty wooden chalets, in the Cathedral close, made the visit certainly worth while.

Visiting Winchester Christmas Market has become a bit of a tradition in my family that we started a few of years ago. We found a lovely welcoming pub last year called the  Wykeham Arms which has a lovely menu to tempt you for lunch and dinner. A warm lunch with a glass of mulled wine, was much needed to give us the energy to survive the freezing blasts of around -3 degrees. I must say we felt very sorry for the stall holders, who did an amazing job to keep their spirits high for their customers.

The exhibitors included pretty wooden decorations, jewellery, photographic prints, stained glass designs,  rustic country gifts, pampering gifts and so on. I was happy to see one of my favourite exhibitors was there -  Somerset Lavender! I can never resist their beautifully scented candles and handcream. We also enjoyed Henry and Primrose who specialise in lovely rustic Christmas decorations. This year we also came across a beautiful display of  pewter jewellery and gifts inspired by nature from – Glover and Smith. The designs were stunning!

Winchester is a beautiful city to visit, and the delicate Christmas lighting that lined the streets, made it quite magical. There are many cafes and bars that you can visit for a warming drink and restaurants galore to tempt you.

Winchester Christmas Market runs from the 25th November – 19th December.

Times

Sunday – Thursday 10 am – 6 pm

Friday – Saturday 10 am – 8 pm

To see the range of exhibitors please visit the markets website for further details – Winchester Christmas Market exhibitors

I encourage you to go, as I am sure you will have a lovely time

Do you have a favourite Christmas Market?

Anita :)

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Choose a Special Christmas Card For Your Loved Ones

October 25, 2010 By 3 Comments
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I love creating personalised cards, and Christmas has a special place in my heart.

I am not into the materialistic side of Christmas, but I do love sending cards and receiving cards. I love the sound as they crash through my letter box and wonder who they are from. I love decorating my shelves and walls with the varied designs that gives such a homely feel at this special time of the year.

Nita Joy Designs has 11 Christmas card designs that include berries, holly, poinsettia… we also have 2 new cards for you this year.

50p from every pack sold will be donated to the charity Bullying UK, helping young people and families affected by bullying.

Introducing our 2 new cards -


‘Waiting For Santa’

This is our little havanese dog, who joined our family early this year. We are looking forward to spending Christmas with him.

We thought it would be nice to make a special card featuring our new furry friend and hope you like it too :)

Star Of Wonder -

I have always been fascinated by stars, and as they feature strongly in the Christmas story, I designed this card with this thought in mind. There were many stars that night, but only one led the way for the three kings.

Why not have a bespoke Christmas card made for you!

We can also make a pack of cards for you, using your photo. Why not use a fun family photo, or a photo of a special event, or dress up with santa hats … there are so many ideas you could play with for your family Christmas card this year.

If you are looking for some special Christmas cards this year, please take a moment to look through our collection.

Free P&P for cards delivered in the UK

We look forward to making some personalised cards for you, and welcoming you as a customer of Nita Joy Designs.

For any questions, please contact us through our website contact form.

Anita x

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