In the end, she harnessed her artistic skills towards the project.

Ms Barter, a painter and printmaker by trade, designed and made 600 cards and swing tags that are for sale in various Daylesford businesses.

Funds from the cards and tags, which feature designs of various animals, will be used to buy local products such as hand lotions, body creams, lip balm, cushions and make-up and sensory products which can make life easier for patients undergoing palliative care.

These care packages will be used by carers and family and friends of loved ones to assist the lives of the terminally ill at Daylesford Hospital.

"A friend of ours partner died. They were so grateful for the care of the Daylesford nurses," Ms Barter said.

"I thought there's got to be some way we can generate some income for care packages."

Daylesford Hospital nurse unit manager Anne Callahan said the care packages were well received by the hospital's palliative care patients.

"It's making them feel special during a time when the little things count," she said.

"Special things like lavender pillows and heat bags, they are the things that that make a big difference.

"We do have a high number of palliative care patients. The community support has been wonderful."

Ms Barter plans to release a new edition of the cards every year, to keep the funding going into the future.

They are available at Argyle and Maison, The Pantechnicon Gallery and Picnics and Peonies.