Some years ago I received my first
Karrie Barron card, a tableau, a little world, which my wonderful friend Michael sent. He told me he had explained his requirements to
Karrie Barron, a tweak here, one there, my name on a card within the tableau, a message inside. It was so amazing that for someone who never stops talking I was silent for quite 10 seconds, because I was so delighted. I have kept the card down the years, under a glass dome. Following Michael’s example I have sent
Karrie Barron cards to others, many of whom have done as I have – under a dome with it, and out for view.
So I am really happy to revisit
Karrie Barron and take a look at their Christmas cards, and the new range of candles, with such wonderful Christmassy scents. As I said, I now send to others and not just for the 3 D tableau that this small family concern creates, but also the personalization which makes it so precious. And as this strange year draws to an end, and some will not be seeing close friends and family these cards, so personal in concept, will close the distance between you.
So let’s look at a few
Karrie Barron Christmas cards, where the recipient’s names can be written on the toy sacks, and messages put on the front on banners, or bouquet tags and also printed inside. In addition
Karrie Barron can send them direct to the recipients, if you wish. But this personalized approach isn’t confined to Christmas cards, it is available on the whole card range all year round. It really is such a totally special gift, or so I found. The cards are more robust than they might seem, but nonetheless are safely packed in tissue paper and placed in a white box, complete with ribbon, and then another box for posting. I chose the Nativity scene for the children mine are destined for – (just ordered) all personalized.
There are also gifts this year – let’s check out the
Karrie Barron candles.
Karrie Barron’s range of hand poured, beautiful bee friendly, Soy wax, environment/Vegan Friendly candles have had 2 new fragrances added for Christmas. The fabulous thing about these is you can have your personalised message printed on the back of the candle and for Christmas you can also choose a free Christmas card. Try the Christmas Frankincense and Myrrh Candle for £25.00 – It has a festive fragrance with top notes of citrus peels, eucalyptus, juniper and lavender leading to a spicy heart of cinnamon and clove, rounded by orris with oriental base notes of warm amber, sandalwood, cedarwood, patchouli, musk and vanilla. In other words, as Arke described their olive oil, from their own olives (and quite captured my heart): …
to exalt the smells and flavours... Well, let me tell you -this candle does just this, it
exalts. (Arke and other artisan produce is sold through
Delicario.com whose great hampers I reviewed a week or so ago)
For a limited time the Christmas Candles comes with a free Christmas card, ideal to send with the candle. Choose your favourite from four card designs. This along with the personalized candle message label makes the ideal gift. There are also collections of cards to buy to make one’s life easier.
Karrie Barron Cards was founded in 1994 and is now a family business: ‘Karrie’s concept was to make 3-Dimensional cards depicting miniature worlds,’ Tilly, her daughter tells us. ‘She began designing and making from a back bedroom in our family home in Fulham, London and would take them, once a week, to her stall in the Apple Market, Covent Garden. From a very early age I helped my mother with her work, and over the years I developed the patience, passion and skills to make and design our ‘little worlds’. In 2007, when my mother retired, I took over our small family run business.’
The cards continue to charm and although they now reach a much wider audience worldwide and online, Karrie Barron Cards still sell from their stall in Covent Garden. In 2014 they opened a shop in Hampstead where cards can be made to order whilst you wait. In this world of mass production, each creation is made by hand with love and care in their London Studio and I can vouch for the thrill it gives the recipient. No two are ever the same, and they really are a pleasure to both give and receive. But finally, let’s not forget birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Mothers Day, and what about Weddings.
Do browse the website https://www.karriebarron.com/ for the whole range, but be quick if you are on the hunt for that special Christmas card or gift.
Annie Clarke is the author of Christmas on the Home Front, out now.
