A Glimpse into the Process at Botton Village
As the festive season approaches, many of you may have already browsed through our beautifully handcrafted Christmas cards available at the Camphill Village Trust online shop; all of which have been designed by adults with learning and other disabilities. But have you ever wondered about the love and dedication that go into creating these unique pieces? At Botton Village, the process is much more than just printing and packing—it’s about collaboration, creativity, and meaningful involvement. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how our cards come to life, thanks to the hard work of our graphic designer and print operator, John, and two wonderful volunteers: Catherine and Simon.
Simon and Catherine hard at work!
Crafting with Care: John and His Team
John, our talented graphic designer and print operator, oversees the entire production of Christmas cards at Botton Village. He’s not only responsible for the printing but also works closely with Catherine and Simon, two people we support who contribute on a volunteer basis.
John in the print workshop.
Catherine helps John on Monday and Wednesday mornings, while Simon assists on Friday afternoons—both bring their unique energy and enthusiasm to the project.
John says, “Our Printing facilities here include a lot of traditional hand finishing techniques, so when it comes to our seasonal Christmas Orders it really is all hands-on deck throughout the print process. I am so grateful for the dedicated help and skilled support from Catherine and Simon. Equally, it is incredible to see the enthusiasm, enjoyment and job satisfaction they gain from being part of this activity, making it all worthwhile - a true demonstration of teamwork.”
Catherine: A Designer and Craftsperson in Action
Catherine’s involvement is particularly meaningful this year. Not only does she help pack the cards, but one of her very own designs is part of our 2024 range. Her beautiful painting has been transformed into one of the Christmas card designs available in the collection, and she takes great pride in packing her own work.
A moment we couldn’t resist capturing...
Catherine packs the cards with care, pausing occasionally for a photo while proudly holding her design. Catherine's determination and hard work is clear, “I want to be in the Guiness World book of records for packing Christmas cards...I'm going to pack hundreds and hundreds!”
But there’s more to Catherine’s story...
The dress she wears as she works was handmade by her in Botton Village Weavery. She wove the fabric herself and had it tailored into a lovely pinafore-style dress. This personal touch, combined with her artistic contributions, makes her involvement all the more inspiring.
Shop Catherine’s handmade Christmas card ‘Snow Scene’.
Simon: A Key Role in Packing
Simon, a dedicated volunteer, has his own important role in the production process. Every Friday afternoon, Simon counts envelopes into sets of 10, ensuring that each pack of Christmas cards is complete and ready for dispatch. His precision and attention to detail are invaluable to keeping the operation running smoothly.
We love this photo capturing Simon in action, focussed on ensuring every set of cards is packaged just right. His contribution is essential to the final stage of getting our cards ready to send out to all of you.
From Printing to Packing: Every Step Matters
The journey of our Christmas cards begins with the designs created by the people we support in our arts and crafts day activities. Suzanne, our retail officer at the Trust, gathers and collates the original artworks from all the communities ready to turn into cards. They are then printed, creased, folded, and packed at Botton Village Press by John and the team. The photos of the flat print layouts and the creasing stage showcase the careful process behind each card. Attention to detail at every step—from the initial print to the final packaging—is what makes our cards truly special.
The end result is worth every bit of effort.
A Heartfelt Thanks
Our Christmas cards are more than just seasonal greetings—they are a reflection of the creativity, hard work, and collaboration that define life at Botton Village. Catherine and Simon’s involvement is a testament to how our community thrives through shared efforts, and their contributions make each card something truly unique and filled with care. This process also ties into our wider Green Care programme, where nature-based activities like arts and crafts help the people we support reconnect with nature, express their creativity, and gain a sense of purpose through meaningful work.
When you purchase one of our Christmas card sets, you’re not just supporting Camphill Village Trust—you’re also celebrating the talents of people like Catherine and Simon. So, as you send out your cards this year, you’ll know the love and attention that went into every single one.
Happy holidays from all of us at Botton Village and the rest of Camphill Village Trust!
Browse our Christmas card collection now.
