I Must Have Been Good...

Over the past week, the postman has been delivering the most wonderful surprises for me. I received a package with a familiar return address. Upon opening the wrapping from Michelle Palmer, I saw her enclosed gift note that told me the acorn trinkets were gifts from Marydon of The Blushing Rose!

My dear friend, Marydon. How thoughtful and generous of you to think of me at this time of year. Of course, you knew that Michelle's acorn charms would be perfect for me! I can't wait to create something beautiful with them. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
A couple of weeks ago, I sent a birthday package to Terri Gordon of Designs by Terri Gordon. I never expected anything in return, so you can imagine my glee upon receiving a box in the mail from her. What could it be?

I carefully tore open the box to find the black and white diamond wrapping paper. Inside was this handcrafted piece from her.
She made the cone filled with creamy shred, embellished with an amber crystal at the bottom and wrapped in beautiful paper. Then she attached a key, beads and ribbons...
...and this sweet image embellished with laces and mounted onto a tag. She attached a wire so that I can hang it to display and enjoy. I am awestruck by this lady's talent!

Terri, my friend. You really didn't need to reciprocate for the birthday package, but I'M SO GLAD YOU DID! I love your creation and will treasure it. It's already hanging in the studio!
Last, but certainly not least, one of my very first blogging friends, Christina Jackson of iCandy sent a sweet, tiny box that was a gift in itself! She took a checkers playing piece -
star facing up, and glued it to the top of the box. She also glued a soft ribbon to the box for a little sheen. Then, she tied the top with a primitive stripe fabric strip. I was happy with the box, I tell you, but I thought I'd better check inside - just in case.
Look at the adorable, pearly charms that she tucked inside! I'm going to hang these beribboned, acorn charms above my sewing machine where I can just admire them for a while. I know I'll think of something to create with them, but for now, I'll look at them and smile at the gift my friend sent to me this Christmas.

All of these friends took time from their holiday preparations to think of me, and I'm tremendously grateful for their care and generosity. Really, I must have been good this year. Someone call Santa...please!

Generosity That Takes My Breath Away...

I can't tell you how exciting it was to read the return addresses on those boxes I found in the studio upon my return from Wisconsin. I promised to reveal more contents, so here goes.

I received more acorns!!! Thank you to Christine from iCandy blog for the beautiful Kansas acorns and added surprises! This package had small bags inside that just revealed more little gifts. Christine included a Halloween-themed gift bag with the acorns, a handstamped tag from Kansas, and a sweet and clever repurposed matchbox which contained a gold angel charm. She even stamped and scrolled my name on the outside of a little brown paper bag. I couldn't help but smile as I unwrapped all her thoughtful gifts.

Thank you so much, Christine, for your generous gifts. Be sure to stop over and visit her blog, and if you leave a comment, please tell her I sent you over!

My next package was also very cool. I WON the fat quarter giveaway over at Bunny Hill Designs from Anne!! (You can read the post here.) The fabric is Martinique from Three Sisters for Moda.

What a gorgeous stack of fabulous fabrics! I haven't counted, but there are a lot of fat quarters in this collection! I can't wait to untie them and see how many different ways I can use them. Of course, they might make one awesome quilt, too!

Anne this is the most generous of gifts from your trip to market this year. I can't tell you how much I love these fabrics! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

And, last, but certainly not least, is the most heartwarming boxful of house shoes that I received from Twyla of Two Crazy Crafters blog. She and her daughter, Lindsey, write lovely posts. I always smile when I visit, and I love the fact that a mother and daughter team share their creative space (online or off).

She read about the Books a Million Tuesday night knitting/crochet group Appalachian Project charity cause, and decided to participate. She sent me TEN pairs of house shoes to contribute to the cause.

I took them with me last night and passed them on to the very grateful organizer of this particular project. She was thrilled to receive them and agreed that they will be appreciated and well-loved by their lucky recipients. Thank you, Twyla, for the generous gift of your time and talent to a worthy cause. (I really wish my photo could adaquately portray just how great these crocheted house shoes are. They really are warm and wonderful...in an array of sizes!)

Can you even believe how very fortunate I am? I have these gracious and generous blog friends who share my passion for giving, gifting, and creating. Sometimes, it just takes my breath away.