Gifts From The UK...

I was so surprised when Andrea from Indigo Blue contacted me to say that I'd won her generous "Royal Wedding Giveaway" the end of April. She lives in Cornwall, UK, and had this giveaway for anyone who lives outside Great Britain.

She included lots of memorabilia from the latest Royal wedding - that of William and Katherine. I opened the package when it arrived yesterday to find the commemorative Royal wedding souvenir album; four sets of stickers; a wedding day copy of The Daily Mail (which I read online every day!); a British flag (I love it!); a mechanical pencil with the Union Jack on it; and a red, white and blue crocheted flower pin created by Andrea. I especially like the large official family photo. The children, with all their unique expressions just warms one's heart. Handsome immediately held up the flag and waved it back and forth as I stood at attention and gave it my best Benny Hill salute!

Inside the souvenir album were photos of other members of the Royal family, and a now-famous image of the newlyweds sharing the traditional "balcony kiss".

There were also photos of some of the hats worn by the ladies in attendance, including that truly vile (you agree, right?) hat worn by Princess Beatrice. What on earth was she thinking? Bloody hell!
I smiled as I came to the section with pictures of previous Royal brides (and the crowns they wore for their weddings), including Queen Elizabeth II. She certainly was a beautiful bride.

Did you know that I was born in England? Although I've never been back to visit, I still have family there and thoroughly enjoy all things British - except digestive biscuits and tripe. (Top Gear and Keeping Up Appearances crack me up!)

Thank you, Andrea for all your generous giveaway gifts. I'm going to read every word of the news pieces you've sent, enjoy every image, keep the flag out to enjoy, and then I'll tuck it all away to share with my granddaughters some day. Rule Britannia and long live the Queen!

PS. Remember, you can always click on my photographs to enlarge them. Who wouldn't want to see that hideous hat up close, after all? lol

Hands Across The Water...

I'm giving you a break from my christening gown project

to share my most recent ATC arrivals with you.
Remember when I posted about the ATC swap I joined?
(Here's the link to that post.)
Well, I've started receiving cards from my swap
partners and they're all pretty awesome!

The first to arrive was Andrea's card. It's called "Water".
It really looks like it to me, with the beautiful threads and beads!
Andrea's blog is Indigo Blue. If you haven't visited her yet, please do.
(Andrea's card came all the way from Cornwall, England.)
Next to arrive is Pril's card. It's called "Purple Hearts #1".
It's a quilted fabric card with fabulous machine embellishing.
Beautiful! I love the card, Pril, and your colors are fabulous!
I don't know if she has a blog...Andrea, if you're reading this
please let me know so I can edit this to post a link!
(Pril's card also arrived from Cornwall, England.)
Last week, when I went to the mailbox, Bridget's card was
waiting for me. It's called "Foil Series" 3/15, and uses
a great glue and metal thread technique. Wonderful texture.
Bridget's blog is Stitchety Grub...a new place for you to visit!
(Her card came from Australia!)

Last, but not least...My dear friend, Dee Dee from Dee Dee's Craftspot
sent me this wonderful card with the words "Heaven Sent" on the front.
It has sweet angels, hearts (including one that dangles from the ribbon),
and lacey, doily trim. Just like a huge hug sent through the mail!
Dee Dee is in Texas, and has a great blog to visit.
Tell her I sent you if you haven't checked out her blog before.

Although this isn't an ATC, I had to show you the front of the greeting
card that protected Bridget's ATC all the way from Australia. She cut out
the flower shapes and attached them to her card, and then she added tiny
crocheted flowers to embellish the cut-outs. Isn't it pretty?

Thank you to all the artists who have or are participating in this swap.
I really appreciate all the playtime you spent creating your stunning cards.
(Here's the link to my ATC album featuring the cards I've received to date.)

There's still time to join in the fun if you'd like.
Just send me an email and let me know you want to play.
I'll get names and addresses to you right away!

I'm helping Handsome prepare for a rehearsal at our house tonight,
so I may not get that bonnet sewn today, but I'll be back tomorrow
to let you know what I managed to work on.

Til then,
"May all your days be creative...
and all your nights filled with sweet dreams."
(I made that up. Do you like it?)

There's a giveaway going on at Dolls, Etc. blog
She's celebrating her 100th follower!!!
You have until June 20th to enter.

You Know You Want To Play...

Happy May Day, friends!
I joined an Artist Trading Card swap after I was invited by
Andrea at Indigo Blue, and I've finally
finished my cards and have them ready to put in the mail today.

I only had to make six cards.
They can be created using threads, textiles, paint, plastics,
mixed media, or your own personal favorite art form.
The only requirement is their size.
They have to be 2.5" x 3.5"...playing card size.
In fact, I actually use a playing card on the back of all of mine.

If you're interested in joining the swap, please send me an email.
I'll get back to you with the list of six names
you'll send your cards to.

Come on and join in the fun!
You know you wanna play...

PS. I just learned that our blog friend, Maggie from Just Between Me and You had an accident at work...at the jail. Don't have details yet, but we do know that she's home being cared for by her daughter. Please keep her in your prayers. I'll let you know how she's doing as I hear more.