Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic...

I received this beautiful pin before Mum and Burt's wedding.

It's another stunning example of the needlework talent of my
friend, Paulette Racanelli of Beedeebabee.

She and have share a mutual admiration of each other's work,
and a little while ago, we agreed to do a swap.
Her favorite color is pink.
Mine is a peach/pink.

I sent this to her...
and she gifted me with one of her stunning beadwork pins.

I received her reaction on Monday, and it surely made me smile.
We've gone back and forth, Chip and Dale-style...
"You're work is the most stunning and beautiful."
"No, I insist, your work is the most stunning and beautiful!"

We both agreed that we'll be good friends for a long time,
and we look forward to the time when we'll be able to sit
across the table from each other and share a cup of friendship tea.
Then, I'll tell her, in person, that
every little thing she does is magic!

Don't forget to click on her blog link to see all her fabulous creations!

Miniature Masterpieces...

I finally got to the point where I couldn't resist any longer! I had to have one of these fabulous, intricate creations from Paulette at Beedeebabee on Etsy. (Her blog is also a great place to visit.) I'm simply smitten with her work.

The pin in the first photograph is only four inches square! Can you even believe how truly beautiful it is? Felt fabric, hand embroideries and beads are used in various stunning combinations to create her tiny works. I love her delicate and perfect stitches. I simply love them!
When her package arrived with my order, there was this second sweet bird pin included as a gift! What a lovely surprise! My own little Bluebird of Happiness from my new friend, Paulette. The pretty pink packaging was equal to its contents (with a special presentation for the square of Girardelli chocolate). You'll have to order your own to see what I mean.

Please check out her Etsy shop and her blog. (Oh, and all that time I spent trying to decide which pin I wanted...only to read one of her latest posts showing her superb Valentine pins! arrrggghhh You'd better hurry and get them before they're all gone! Paulette's "miniature masterpieces" don't linger long in her shop - for obvious reasons!

Brides and Babies...

In the spring of 2008, my eldest niece and goddaughter, Jennifer asked me to make her wedding gown. Twenty seven years prior, I made her christening gown, and that spring, so many years later, I was honored that she asked me to create her wedding gown.
Those of you who know me well, know the health crisis that temporarily interrupted the creation of that wedding gown, but after a three-week-long delay, and over three hundred fifty hours of joyful work, the gown was complete. I also made the attendants' dresses and a few other accessories which, when finished, were driven by Handsome and me to my niece in Minnesota. She wore the gown in October, 2008.

She was a beautiful bride and the wedding was beautiful, too.

My niece and her husband are now expecting their first child together this spring. I planned ahead, purchasing extra fabric when I made her wedding gown, so I have enough of the same fabric to make the christening gown for their child. Duppioni silk, beaded duppioni and an Oscar de la Renta brocade fabric that still makes my eyes water.
This is one of my favorite styles - with a beautiful coat. I'm going to use this as the basis for the christening gown set I'll be creating next. I'm envisioning ribbonwork, beadwork and elegant. I think it will be perfect for their little prince. Don't you?

Baby's due March 15th. Guess I'll be cutting fabric soon!
(I can't wait to tell you about my newest adventure as a Wedding Planner.
I'm saving that for another day!)