Magic in a Bell Jar: Mary O'Flaherty's First Christmas Design for Poundbury Good Things

By Emma Taylor

This Christmas, Love Poundbury is celebrating something truly special, the launch of our very first Christmas card, created by much-loved local artist, resident and volunteer Mary O'Flaherty for the Poundbury Good Things initiative.

Mary's design is everything you might hope for from her wonderfully imaginative style — colourful, whimsical, and full of festive spirit. 'I've created a miniature Christmas scene with Spirit the Love Poundbury hare inside a magical bell jar full of winter colours, frost and sparkle,' Mary said. 'I've framed this with mistletoe, berries and holly, while a tawny owl swoops down with a "Merry Christmas" gift tag. I wanted to evoke that feeling when it's cold and snowy outside, but festive, joyful and cosy inside, which makes Christmas so special.'

Alongside the Christmas card, Mary has also created a brand-new design for a Winter tote bag, featuring a fairytale-like world in rich autumn hues. Look closely and you'll spot a tiny hibernating mouse, nestled away as the world slows for winter.

Volunteer Emma Taylor said, 'Hats off to Mary for coming up with not one but two stunning new designs. Our Christmas cards are absolutely gorgeous and will be available next Saturday at the Farmers Market at Queen Mother Square. We've been asked for colourful tote bags, so I think the new 'Winter' bags are also going to be a huge hit. They'd make a lovely Christmas stocking too, and of course, all profits support the initiatives for children, young people and those facing isolation, held at the Pavilion in the Park. So if you can, please come and buy your cards or gifts from us!'

The Christmas cards will be available from Saturday 25th October, 9am till 1pm at the Love Poundbury stand at the Poundbury Farmers' Market in Queen Mother Square. The Winter tote bags will be available to pre-order as well, with delivery in early November. 

So please come along, say hello, and celebrate a little bit of Poundbury magic with us this Christmas.

Note that items from the first collection of Poundbury Good Things, including the LovePoundbury tote, tea towel and candle, as well as the greetings cards and framed signed prints, are available at Brace of Butchers on Peverell Avenue and Shire Hall in Dorchester town centre.