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!

In Praise Of Angels...

Yesterday, I worked on my artist trading cards for the Blissfull ATC Swap group for December. I'm swapping with two different members this month. I always have so much fun making these tiny works of art, but sending them off in padded envelopes with a few extra surprises is always the best part.

I'm nearly finished with my first card. I have a few more touches to add and then I'll make the second one.
These angels are two of my favorite angel images. One, innocent and pure with her beautiful white wings, and the other, a medieval angel, playing music.
Do you remember last fall when I told you about losing the berry bowls I'd purchased from an antique shop in Wisconsin? I purchased them when I was there to help my mum stage her house to sell. I paid $2.50 for six of them, and was pretty proud of myself for scoring such a deal.

I got them home, washed them and put them away...and for over a year, I'd been unable to find them again. No memory whatsoever of where I'd put them. Until today. Perhaps the fact that I was working with angels had something to do with it. But, I wanted something pretty to photograph with the cards.

I opened one of my cupboard doors to grab a teacup from a top shelf. When I pulled the teacup down, I spied the edges of vaguely familiar, small dishes. Could it be? How could I have missed seeing them for so long? I got up on a stool, grabbed the little stack and held my breath. My berry bowls are missing no longer. What was lost is found. I'm going to give my angels all the praise for locating my pretty bowls.

Just Like A White Wing Dove...

I've been invited to be a guest on Sweet Jeanette blog. I hope you'll visit Jeanette today and check out my tutorial to make your own "White Wing Dove" Mug Mat.

I've been seeing all kinds of beautiful mug mats on other blogs lately, so when Jeanette invited me to create something for her blog, I decided to create my own take on these quick and easy gifts. They only take about an hour to make, and are a great use for your scrap fabric and batting. I know I'll be making more to give!

I'm also sharing one of our easy family recipes with her (she does have a cooking blog, after all). My Instant Hot Cocoa Mix would be a perfect accompaniment to a mug mat for a friend or family member. Just the ticket for a last minute gift!

Only 5 days til Christmas! As you hurry about to complete your projects and shopping, please take a moment to remember the Reason for the Season.

Thank you to my beautiful friend, Ellen, for making the lovely Christmas centerpiece in the photo.