tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46625880558654194152024-03-19T07:57:52.364-05:00Chey Dog StudioMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4662588055865419415.post-64083174132844553282012-11-26T10:42:00.004-06:002012-11-26T10:43:45.624-06:00Merry Christmas 2012Merry Christmas to all of you!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Aas2rhkzZMmT8Y" target="_blank">Click here for a personal greeting, compliments of Shutterfly.com</a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4662588055865419415.post-44132432502291691712011-12-17T22:21:00.001-06:002011-12-17T22:26:08.789-06:00It's beginning to look alot like Christmas...Pink!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhguEriqGc-GmeQzsmNJHpfVMkBgkrZ5ott18yg_2AKwfUCZxbVaIbF2kZy6j4MB1iiqHeHaOR1nU6Ory7oR2oNdb1bDX4Rn9MmZfI3DuOiNH8g-DAoecktKjNVmCu7Q1tOj2Pl8GA_u6De/s1600/PC170022+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhguEriqGc-GmeQzsmNJHpfVMkBgkrZ5ott18yg_2AKwfUCZxbVaIbF2kZy6j4MB1iiqHeHaOR1nU6Ory7oR2oNdb1bDX4Rn9MmZfI3DuOiNH8g-DAoecktKjNVmCu7Q1tOj2Pl8GA_u6De/s400/PC170022+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: large;">Well, friends, Christmas is almost here. My pink retro tree is once again loaded down with all the beautiful ornaments from my art sisters in Adorn. I have enjoyed sharing our 12 Days of Christmas exchange with you all. Let's take another look at the ornaments, shall we?</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ12S5JLrU_Ijgw-Ag7wn3JwPe0k6gVljxuJGethSGbfHuiROYUA12W1_XbUmWIxtN-3x7zYe6WRD_w8XMsDVq1SiuZcsl0p-FTKFoVAH8eitkMOWA_berzX2osnNGdNiABEsXcsJ53bpj/s1600/PC170021+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ12S5JLrU_Ijgw-Ag7wn3JwPe0k6gVljxuJGethSGbfHuiROYUA12W1_XbUmWIxtN-3x7zYe6WRD_w8XMsDVq1SiuZcsl0p-FTKFoVAH8eitkMOWA_berzX2osnNGdNiABEsXcsJ53bpj/s400/PC170021+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For many of us in this group, it's been a year of struggles. Some are still facing many hard days to come. But I believe that it's in these times that we grow in faith and learn to appreciate what is most important in life. </span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7VdnwqUxl2VzLRLP7ETM5g3djLnQ6q22nHlhE7eYHekSfIEGE9ezWRECTJbq3ShepwmR-U0IW0AsDu8p9GT-s9Utm7A4LFeZXqgySDgepWd6xHJuT4RlfG6QUJi9ipleXHM4AKfgbV7sb/s1600/PC170010+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7VdnwqUxl2VzLRLP7ETM5g3djLnQ6q22nHlhE7eYHekSfIEGE9ezWRECTJbq3ShepwmR-U0IW0AsDu8p9GT-s9Utm7A4LFeZXqgySDgepWd6xHJuT4RlfG6QUJi9ipleXHM4AKfgbV7sb/s400/PC170010+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">God, faith, family, friends, and loving each other is all that really matters. The love that went into these ornaments is so special. The challenges that we all face in life can be hard. But God will see us through the valleys of life and grow us to be more like him. He will sustain us if we just seek Him.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BB1-6Qy_DiA1FI8Pf4o0meScWwhClYgndD3BMkLZySP1gL8O6pbE9N2-Iluj21phvwjW0r56UzMk1us2ZjzO0NSwvy2f5l9iCfQV5_uUDatKaCKMmH-flUQM1vL8SUk_ysTgmjYQ-9fy/s1600/PC170011+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BB1-6Qy_DiA1FI8Pf4o0meScWwhClYgndD3BMkLZySP1gL8O6pbE9N2-Iluj21phvwjW0r56UzMk1us2ZjzO0NSwvy2f5l9iCfQV5_uUDatKaCKMmH-flUQM1vL8SUk_ysTgmjYQ-9fy/s400/PC170011+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">May each of you feel God's peace and merciful blessings this Christmas season. Remember, Christ Is Love, and HE is the reason for this season.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you, Adorn sisters, for your precious ornaments and for sharing a piece of your heart again this Christmas. I will cherish them! XOXO</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4662588055865419415.post-64647577151348122062011-12-16T12:54:00.000-06:002011-12-16T12:54:25.578-06:00Day 12 - Jackie Allison<span style="font-size: large;">It's hard to believe that our ornament exchange is already drawing to a close. Yes, it's day 12 and that means we are opening the final gift - this one from Jackie Allison, of The Woodlands, TX. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUER2dQuUeef6RDHfZIw0lNys03jFOhuEQnKvXD-ui5eMNf92y0lBFq-8fani-DGVZIZHwlmbcpoSz6Y4qkR-jJYcdZCpWKfXhSQVc8DrpY8RNPJv_F8FAsAzgWsuUZup5ZoPHJ6dpnN0/s1600/PC130071+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUER2dQuUeef6RDHfZIw0lNys03jFOhuEQnKvXD-ui5eMNf92y0lBFq-8fani-DGVZIZHwlmbcpoSz6Y4qkR-jJYcdZCpWKfXhSQVc8DrpY8RNPJv_F8FAsAzgWsuUZup5ZoPHJ6dpnN0/s400/PC130071+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Jackie sent her ornaments through the US Mail in this festive Christmas tin! I know that postal clerks probably thought it contained the usual Christmas goodies such as fruit cake, cookies, or Christmas candy...but... <i>they</i> don't know <i>our</i> Jackie!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWD0LVcINUp8FUdvDHuOPMOvkH5T0Dzx_0HjL1HAzceU-R5SqNIixfZA6Mvecpuvco6iZlmLwMQEWi_TMTex4QmJV3Ljv1nZKek3P0-ZlnylyivK0ousbrKzTryS6Tq1GzHU1qUMwnG3Fi/s1600/PC130076+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWD0LVcINUp8FUdvDHuOPMOvkH5T0Dzx_0HjL1HAzceU-R5SqNIixfZA6Mvecpuvco6iZlmLwMQEWi_TMTex4QmJV3Ljv1nZKek3P0-ZlnylyivK0ousbrKzTryS6Tq1GzHU1qUMwnG3Fi/s400/PC130076+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Inside the Christmas tin is a beautiful satin drawstring pouch... I wonder what Jackie created for us this year? Her ornaments are always so unique, always vintage-y, and always have interesting elements!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJQfJptgfEXsKxupaMWhX5mC5bIZOIuGy0r98suRzd9_segt7nqYNg06raCc1ZJ0ou8QxBwy18ifDCAvVvzEKAo_kweR-SFCfPbXJD4zZHgJYJs_5_zMWKaj5Cdd1HQ4_FjG417dLa440/s1600/PC130079+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJQfJptgfEXsKxupaMWhX5mC5bIZOIuGy0r98suRzd9_segt7nqYNg06raCc1ZJ0ou8QxBwy18ifDCAvVvzEKAo_kweR-SFCfPbXJD4zZHgJYJs_5_zMWKaj5Cdd1HQ4_FjG417dLa440/s400/PC130079+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Oh, ah, this is just darling! Jackie can find the most unique things on ebay, usually vintage, and always very very cool. Jackie has taken a tiny vintage glass salt shaker and filled it with very small glass beads...then wire wrapped a tiny frozen charlotte doll to it...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS63TslgIQnAy4yuOKqlQE15aYXFl0DkDVaHXeyX7T0UgO2-KkJO4u68DU__0_eY3SrTwCYHmVx3MfH-fRZKzio1b28PcaigCQIQVaI8pnCFbZADgdDkP_47bt0nAY9p_h9WUK3TDAV4h2/s1600/PC130083+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS63TslgIQnAy4yuOKqlQE15aYXFl0DkDVaHXeyX7T0UgO2-KkJO4u68DU__0_eY3SrTwCYHmVx3MfH-fRZKzio1b28PcaigCQIQVaI8pnCFbZADgdDkP_47bt0nAY9p_h9WUK3TDAV4h2/s400/PC130083+sm.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There - I think you can see it better on the white background. These tiny porcelain dolls are called frozen charlottes. This one is about an inch and a half tall. They are precious and few, very expensive, and can be very hard to come by. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS34XnEOvYs1tt_Du_jm-0cofU9YBtb1AUh3goEpOWcgbjWAIF1qwGmxo1ucv0Rsnw7Me_9DkBLw1UEglQfMInfO4T40C_Y_DPCvE1ay5m5v9FzHC7w1Yl_h-u-ToKTQqlHvycc9pWy5Z6/s1600/PC130084+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS34XnEOvYs1tt_Du_jm-0cofU9YBtb1AUh3goEpOWcgbjWAIF1qwGmxo1ucv0Rsnw7Me_9DkBLw1UEglQfMInfO4T40C_Y_DPCvE1ay5m5v9FzHC7w1Yl_h-u-ToKTQqlHvycc9pWy5Z6/s400/PC130084+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Jackie created a tassel for her ornament out of a tightly twisted length of memory wire. She strung glass beads, metal beads, vintage buttons, and lovely charms as the final touch.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HRn5PYssL26YZVJsnAs26LQOznAXPAZSiqZbHGDIvV7qnfyYOBc4M_PyMps7DLX25YK5NnMsbVEfidFiKC7bElVMmb2kbcjZVSaTuWb9-CloldtKTmgrJ89pCUlmJXhVJxYCBi8KDWwC/s1600/PC130086+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HRn5PYssL26YZVJsnAs26LQOznAXPAZSiqZbHGDIvV7qnfyYOBc4M_PyMps7DLX25YK5NnMsbVEfidFiKC7bElVMmb2kbcjZVSaTuWb9-CloldtKTmgrJ89pCUlmJXhVJxYCBi8KDWwC/s400/PC130086+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Jackie fashioned a hanger with the same rustic wire she used to attach the frozen charlotte. It's perfect in every way and I love it!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02bgV1ICvGcF-CWMHZRJa2ph6NqkLjxmTtTBeydCJ6hJzGS7zNeorB8iwknLQoe0rSyDaP-AbTKcBcx-GClZEvc3LViQCKTnUX6Sj3fsC2qZgUZJMC90aiQsLgpbAx44129MMws4joN2W/s1600/PC130097+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02bgV1ICvGcF-CWMHZRJa2ph6NqkLjxmTtTBeydCJ6hJzGS7zNeorB8iwknLQoe0rSyDaP-AbTKcBcx-GClZEvc3LViQCKTnUX6Sj3fsC2qZgUZJMC90aiQsLgpbAx44129MMws4joN2W/s400/PC130097+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you, Jackie, she is priceless and has already found a home on my tree, right beside her sisters that you have created for us in the past. I love my collection of your doll ornaments - thank you for sharing them with us, dear friend! Praying for you for peace, goodwill and a blessed Christmas! XOXO</span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4662588055865419415.post-79263529625271988072011-12-16T01:28:00.000-06:002011-12-16T01:28:04.819-06:00Day 11 - Maija Lepore<span style="font-size: large;">Day 11 of our 12 days of Christmas exchange belongs to a sweetheart of a gal, Maija Lepore, who recently moved to Littleton, CO. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgTcZfUTDkwn9QUUhqGdREHpi5kfmOTME7wvkPizUGNv6xI-a2VgtHA151xXESioV526BE6w000HQVIMbWsOpUOzNsDlhyjMSiAIBLOb1BY6cb4X4kUf8b0e2XCMWdtfFTKR1rT_Wyasi/s1600/PC130065+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgTcZfUTDkwn9QUUhqGdREHpi5kfmOTME7wvkPizUGNv6xI-a2VgtHA151xXESioV526BE6w000HQVIMbWsOpUOzNsDlhyjMSiAIBLOb1BY6cb4X4kUf8b0e2XCMWdtfFTKR1rT_Wyasi/s400/PC130065+sm.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I think I've already mentioned what a tough year it's been for so many of our friends in this group. Maija has had a <i>tremendously</i> difficult year. My heart goes out to you, Maija, and I pray that better days are ahead for you and your family. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSX8oCorBtLPX_L2LpHVoYX8tafsDJ4AOaoMj-ZUn76sNfDlmqwwXYXSx-is6sDMeALAKhQr0WVDTgtL_X705RoN0yLIgESMW3rXyF_lv-awIa2P4L1FNB9EMyeKyQUJB5Jqa2B3Ylhtd/s1600/PC130067+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSX8oCorBtLPX_L2LpHVoYX8tafsDJ4AOaoMj-ZUn76sNfDlmqwwXYXSx-is6sDMeALAKhQr0WVDTgtL_X705RoN0yLIgESMW3rXyF_lv-awIa2P4L1FNB9EMyeKyQUJB5Jqa2B3Ylhtd/s400/PC130067+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Maija is <i>such</i> a trooper. She realized that she could not possibly deal with making ornaments herself this year, so she <i>paid</i> an artist friend to make ornaments on her behalf. Maija, we love you unconditionally and we appreciate your generosity and diligence to carry on with this exchange in spite of everything you are dealing with.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5Xes3K4C9Keo3vbrm8KSer3-ASisqXFL5PF9PBIie2Tql1JKp-PtwgbDaEz2xHIutauz6zKAHrjQclDh9eyu1ezZLbZxa9O8wRXyooSZPhiBPkEz9czVFUE0L8lUL00Ymb9TDCXWJn4d/s1600/PC130069+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5Xes3K4C9Keo3vbrm8KSer3-ASisqXFL5PF9PBIie2Tql1JKp-PtwgbDaEz2xHIutauz6zKAHrjQclDh9eyu1ezZLbZxa9O8wRXyooSZPhiBPkEz9czVFUE0L8lUL00Ymb9TDCXWJn4d/s400/PC130069+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">True to Maija's sparkling and fun personality, she commissioned these super precious, sparkly, vintage style paper ornaments to be made for us this year. They are beautiful and fun, just like she is. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Mine glistens and shimmers in the lights of my tree...and makes me think of the glistening snow that is falling on your doorstep up there in Littleton, CO. Colorado is my absolute favorite place to visit, especially in the winter!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHf-2SfFnkG4PLCJ6TRZEa_CGsa0FMjIFvFn5DUVgfHoRmb8XDa_F9He4DTyZeJ_spoFKQF1jHMk1QWLNdKcLu9MQnrjx3CgJj8YQAUDyUgoT-3CdWZFi-I7qQWDuIWUzthKz6yAIZgVBf/s1600/PC130068+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHf-2SfFnkG4PLCJ6TRZEa_CGsa0FMjIFvFn5DUVgfHoRmb8XDa_F9He4DTyZeJ_spoFKQF1jHMk1QWLNdKcLu9MQnrjx3CgJj8YQAUDyUgoT-3CdWZFi-I7qQWDuIWUzthKz6yAIZgVBf/s400/PC130068+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://everyday-is-a-holiday.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jenny Holiday</a>, Maija's friend, is the artist who made these darling ornaments. I love her style and the beautiful touches she added to this charming snow-kissed house. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFy_ixOjdL-TpI8vmF9fcb7Ba7xopwZuzAPKa-MV_PmcGLEvisWrIsGNoohHzrY9hpNiSH6KbktB4aDa5wdWYuY0n_FbeBMSx6WK-HJviLWMm0LSq5fzj_7wsMzgddkHQ9ZhAX_mHw5RH4/s1600/PC130090+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFy_ixOjdL-TpI8vmF9fcb7Ba7xopwZuzAPKa-MV_PmcGLEvisWrIsGNoohHzrY9hpNiSH6KbktB4aDa5wdWYuY0n_FbeBMSx6WK-HJviLWMm0LSq5fzj_7wsMzgddkHQ9ZhAX_mHw5RH4/s400/PC130090+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you, Maija, <i>and</i> Jenny, for this precious and sweet ornament. Take care of yourself, sweet Maija girl, and remember that you are in my prayers. May God bless you ever so graciously this Christmas!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4662588055865419415.post-56988579888399692352011-12-16T00:39:00.000-06:002011-12-16T00:39:31.089-06:00Day 10 - Diane Cook<span style="font-size: large;">Can you believe we're already on day 10 of the 12 days of Christmas exchange? The days go by so fast at this time of year, don't they? I remember when I was a kid, Christmas could not get here fast enough. But now, it's a different story... </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxT4dUBMR18usNn0kPXlsl0t3i90rAHAcGirjs18m8qAJOSwtKsQuxnOxTCYI0G7g1ZSenaFaDLY-2Eh7fA_GOJmOwA0rdPxfJZeMPjjkMSj9XIL9_ZddzcmCl8sDpakmZXXFv-zKs9yE/s1600/PC130044+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxT4dUBMR18usNn0kPXlsl0t3i90rAHAcGirjs18m8qAJOSwtKsQuxnOxTCYI0G7g1ZSenaFaDLY-2Eh7fA_GOJmOwA0rdPxfJZeMPjjkMSj9XIL9_ZddzcmCl8sDpakmZXXFv-zKs9yE/s400/PC130044+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So here we are on day #10, and this lovely package is from Diane Cook who lives in Katy, TX. Diane is new to our little swap group this year, but I hope that she can continue in our group for years to come. Diane's beautiful blue gift box is hand stamped and embossed, and tied up with a gorgeous strip of Sari ribbon (fabrics used to make Sari's in India). She included one of her business cards as well as a full size postcard...I love the vintage photo Diane used of 2 women holding hands. It depicts the essence of our little swap group...sisters...friends...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBH1Hp0tsm7-oZVxjr8OsVyggchDtOVo0BSiPAC63tw0RHlKiWbakNWKuqh89Nz0Il6C9gv36WcRyJ3ZwUtIYLF_6smcSEKfqYcIIHlr8LRAK9BNn8wJzFz_A-EwGSGB67lS6zo0OJBuq/s1600/PC130054+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBH1Hp0tsm7-oZVxjr8OsVyggchDtOVo0BSiPAC63tw0RHlKiWbakNWKuqh89Nz0Il6C9gv36WcRyJ3ZwUtIYLF_6smcSEKfqYcIIHlr8LRAK9BNn8wJzFz_A-EwGSGB67lS6zo0OJBuq/s400/PC130054+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Diane's ornament is actually a beautiful and romantic handmade tassel...comprised of a vintage thimble, chains, buttons, charms, laces, and long flowing strips of sari fabric. It is simply spectacular, and it's almost 2 feet long!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9DnNJZPMwL_KE0dDdCPHQtC9dVh7oFNSSIj7LRvreWxy1Bahksgv21uqcn8RZWlXLE5Qj0e4Oof9f_s6mnu63yP0_UzmT4V1GXPgWCW0onYjNAIYXS0yBNffCaEexc8WvnR5aMYrxOny/s1600/PC130056+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9DnNJZPMwL_KE0dDdCPHQtC9dVh7oFNSSIj7LRvreWxy1Bahksgv21uqcn8RZWlXLE5Qj0e4Oof9f_s6mnu63yP0_UzmT4V1GXPgWCW0onYjNAIYXS0yBNffCaEexc8WvnR5aMYrxOny/s400/PC130056+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Diane added a strip of text to the thimble, denoting Christmas 2011</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2vLkMeHv16615ISF4W1Yz7rmKzhoHQddnQYMeFBfLbAWHAQDO1vFVxyj8u82UlqSqSfNvCwjC46MWCvygf8seG3HnjUevkiZPK47v2neRRqrVpqNmdR59-s-ZdB29oav05peQXel6l0Q8/s1600/PC130053+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2vLkMeHv16615ISF4W1Yz7rmKzhoHQddnQYMeFBfLbAWHAQDO1vFVxyj8u82UlqSqSfNvCwjC46MWCvygf8seG3HnjUevkiZPK47v2neRRqrVpqNmdR59-s-ZdB29oav05peQXel6l0Q8/s400/PC130053+sm.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here is a better view of some of the vintage buttons, laces, and charms that are in this tassel.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7rMJlfw6vVBdw96ihBtMe1AY9eab_wqI9BALND22PN9U7dX6etF79PuwZe7YrvOOWWTclRB6yU6Fd505nwBfnQU7QtB3yGaQz7YxHTOR333Jh_lTPVOu3Z4NO4ctl0c3mO0816LVwkJ2E/s1600/PC130052+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7rMJlfw6vVBdw96ihBtMe1AY9eab_wqI9BALND22PN9U7dX6etF79PuwZe7YrvOOWWTclRB6yU6Fd505nwBfnQU7QtB3yGaQz7YxHTOR333Jh_lTPVOu3Z4NO4ctl0c3mO0816LVwkJ2E/s400/PC130052+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">And the piece de la resistance is a tiny etched metal book, which Diane personalized with my name. The tiny book has text papers inside...and is tied with a sari ribbon closure. Diane has the metal etching technique perfected, as you can see for yourself! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nOYW3YZeSJoD9901gW_q9Rb8v5HtA61GZhvA2ncm-xwLS7N6JEqLcQAQ5Rie43vka_nGDrVSXQJjdSoLDH9G0qbx_194apdufmIIP7MM1G0uIyMQS5DKGCWKAIJfwkE_9WuVQnGDgrOr/s1600/PC130055+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nOYW3YZeSJoD9901gW_q9Rb8v5HtA61GZhvA2ncm-xwLS7N6JEqLcQAQ5Rie43vka_nGDrVSXQJjdSoLDH9G0qbx_194apdufmIIP7MM1G0uIyMQS5DKGCWKAIJfwkE_9WuVQnGDgrOr/s400/PC130055+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Diane teaches classes on etching metal and she also teaches classes on making these romantic vintage tassels. You can see more of Diane's work and find out when and where she is teaching by visiting her wonderful <a href="http://www.rosa-josies.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>.<span id="goog_232747600"><span id="goog_232747605"></span><span id="goog_232747606"></span></span><span id="goog_232747601"></span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0SgybA1moBEmQRQlSO8QAaecJtjvKKg6KqC9hmDvsWi5VOAYJMPVXKEXZUqX3yqh7iihTV3BwOB8bq2za9sAYj3euuo329uDyptr46cbQt9XS6v1mPIhg-DgENV_A-FmpYI8Bd1XkCGUR/s1600/PC130062+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0SgybA1moBEmQRQlSO8QAaecJtjvKKg6KqC9hmDvsWi5VOAYJMPVXKEXZUqX3yqh7iihTV3BwOB8bq2za9sAYj3euuo329uDyptr46cbQt9XS6v1mPIhg-DgENV_A-FmpYI8Bd1XkCGUR/s400/PC130062+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love the warm and rustic color scheme and the variety of textures Diane used in this tassel - these are definitely my colors Diane...how did you know?</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIq1POd6YS2vkx34YZh5dZZ0vdkZ1HLsz1wlgF5s0GHNcEFc5JoK8fWTdQ8WNlzTQ-1Dk8wYivhxFZQ5Al24SezuRWkDQUOYDU87JRJNcurgyJTQSc0TPWs4XgrzlJbllhwIq4TzubOys/s1600/PC130063+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIq1POd6YS2vkx34YZh5dZZ0vdkZ1HLsz1wlgF5s0GHNcEFc5JoK8fWTdQ8WNlzTQ-1Dk8wYivhxFZQ5Al24SezuRWkDQUOYDU87JRJNcurgyJTQSc0TPWs4XgrzlJbllhwIq4TzubOys/s400/PC130063+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And it looks beautiful hanging on my tree. However, when Christmas is over, you can be sure this little beauty will be out on permanent display - maybe even around my neck. It's stunning, Diane. Thank you so much! I am so glad you were part of our exchange this year. Have a blessed Christmas!</span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4662588055865419415.post-54289164502782763742011-12-14T20:31:00.004-06:002011-12-14T20:35:14.527-06:00Day 9 - Danita Salcido<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: large;">Day 9 of our 12 days of Christmas exchange comes from Danita Salcido of Mexico, better known as Danita Art. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtF94Nm_wchWIJbGRCm5PdBFTlApobT5h5iC39BJrITo7uwbovuPpOS-Dp66lfkCAlF8cc6-5HH6TmLlJiG-BotL_8Xdy9XD8an42SM1MpXRLvGXWs0f8lMChbddNg1zZE_qrkilReVkz1/s1600/PC130035+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtF94Nm_wchWIJbGRCm5PdBFTlApobT5h5iC39BJrITo7uwbovuPpOS-Dp66lfkCAlF8cc6-5HH6TmLlJiG-BotL_8Xdy9XD8an42SM1MpXRLvGXWs0f8lMChbddNg1zZE_qrkilReVkz1/s400/PC130035+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Danita's wrapping is of simple elegance - a brown paper wrapper - with a hand stamped tag.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttjRU0J3Y_S69LSnJ2hWjRFdUcDcrV3McG_xGDxQhLiJTK61TEpdU-rFZV2ocvQSLl1wX4crMyJt6NGsHbFoqkhq472q8WMKCYJQFFXx1RzJKY_ZMZ3KrwlvSMsOZ6KwF8j39HgazKvqM/s1600/PC130047+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttjRU0J3Y_S69LSnJ2hWjRFdUcDcrV3McG_xGDxQhLiJTK61TEpdU-rFZV2ocvQSLl1wX4crMyJt6NGsHbFoqkhq472q8WMKCYJQFFXx1RzJKY_ZMZ3KrwlvSMsOZ6KwF8j39HgazKvqM/s400/PC130047+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Danita creates the cutest original drawings of little girls who resemble Danita herself -- and these darling images have rapidly become her trademark. Danita included this tiny card in her package, which bears the image of one of her little ladies...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAubzW0U9eu_RH7B_TUpci_2d5TrZOdpqHzcBIGms-nfNy7vS5vdkiIDyGS3Bv3g6x5pOj09WfZcYtuJUMalETLhlhHRpl2We1uq2LCk1flJveyyj4ooq_igtnUNufK1eSH8zFNJeduXF/s1600/PC130050+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAubzW0U9eu_RH7B_TUpci_2d5TrZOdpqHzcBIGms-nfNy7vS5vdkiIDyGS3Bv3g6x5pOj09WfZcYtuJUMalETLhlhHRpl2We1uq2LCk1flJveyyj4ooq_igtnUNufK1eSH8zFNJeduXF/s400/PC130050+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">And here's another one. Aren't they precious?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4h1p7J17B3LyqiMSCRAm8Nr5snnXFwKQS4W8vaxXVIIqe55vSP7F5YnYs64KJ4-BGKZFZuTehb5FLUfwiFdfR06HnEM9CSzWq-diHcOEHLIWchZjAGPrTw-zXjyzr6uugrXqOADebOk4j/s1600/PC130040+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4h1p7J17B3LyqiMSCRAm8Nr5snnXFwKQS4W8vaxXVIIqe55vSP7F5YnYs64KJ4-BGKZFZuTehb5FLUfwiFdfR06HnEM9CSzWq-diHcOEHLIWchZjAGPrTw-zXjyzr6uugrXqOADebOk4j/s400/PC130040+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Danita's ornament is a wonder to behold. It's heart shaped and covered in waxy goodness. I have no idea how she made this, but I am intrigued! Is it paper clay? Possibly so. It is painted, antiqued and covered with sweet smelling beeswax. And embedded into the wax is one of Danita's original drawings.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeg3-V0jaW1lNPyRuSh8oIVAVo1HRXrpdTARN5M_Ikp1IrNdNExVHM7MNqmoAowQjdX5jPP_MfIU63Y249BoQUF0m4pG_B07cwlbzAwd0-sDZ-UxO05VBIN_9YZYaLpPqpmjVSob5qcKfw/s1600/PC130037+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeg3-V0jaW1lNPyRuSh8oIVAVo1HRXrpdTARN5M_Ikp1IrNdNExVHM7MNqmoAowQjdX5jPP_MfIU63Y249BoQUF0m4pG_B07cwlbzAwd0-sDZ-UxO05VBIN_9YZYaLpPqpmjVSob5qcKfw/s400/PC130037+sm.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Look close at the details. This little girl appears to be tucked away in her bed and fast asleep, which reminds me of The Night Before Christmas story. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><pre><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugarplums danced in their heads,"</i></span></pre></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This precious one is waiting for Santa Claus to arrive!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4GQee4Bx1fl74lu3FjIHbAad0nkrmpTvJN2OmMhjfVuyYTGmNxeZj1Rr-ncvpFh-O_ofKQkT07jfvTIe8eBAARdiaGxkc_BFmnJxrrBTrG1pqHj-tlDV-up5b9eu5_x4vHWgRFN6Laup/s1600/PC130093+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4GQee4Bx1fl74lu3FjIHbAad0nkrmpTvJN2OmMhjfVuyYTGmNxeZj1Rr-ncvpFh-O_ofKQkT07jfvTIe8eBAARdiaGxkc_BFmnJxrrBTrG1pqHj-tlDV-up5b9eu5_x4vHWgRFN6Laup/s400/PC130093+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thank goodness she won't have to wait <i>too</i> much longer. And I hope <i>we</i> don't have to wait too much longer to find out how Danita made these little wonders. Let's keep checking <a href="http://danitaart.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">her blog</a> to see if she will give us more details...</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxOWhIJX_YXpM9IXEkBW9Ngv95CVecaJXGl9JhuSURRSzwmrADoz8WxqFKuJjmr-hTUf84t7JeMJMKXcFaMtmvKGkoKY1QUojQuEvKPBTfGfHTboJkt75QJaszQOrLgPb0eqh9DFF3r6o/s1600/PC130048+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxOWhIJX_YXpM9IXEkBW9Ngv95CVecaJXGl9JhuSURRSzwmrADoz8WxqFKuJjmr-hTUf84t7JeMJMKXcFaMtmvKGkoKY1QUojQuEvKPBTfGfHTboJkt75QJaszQOrLgPb0eqh9DFF3r6o/s400/PC130048+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks, Danita, for the lovely ornament. It is beautiful!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4662588055865419415.post-70673142664155593722011-12-14T20:04:00.000-06:002011-12-14T20:04:25.609-06:00Day 8 - Lou McCulloch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 8 of our 12 days of Christmas exchange comes from Lou McCulloch, who lives in Medina, OH. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Lou's ornament arrived in a tiny paper envelope made from a page of German text. She added a sweet hand made gift tag. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyLMGCDZKAaY53iHBJKTVmbRx9Ap_375seNcmoApH25GlXSrBT0z5nsTY_Ow9DOD1-MGLVk4ZajcrnhXAMKPDeaULlX3o7HeKc6p-UM1Z1KmhVOqfx98EFUtsBLy3GDjQO1MBMN-Tc6rX/s1600/PC130028+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyLMGCDZKAaY53iHBJKTVmbRx9Ap_375seNcmoApH25GlXSrBT0z5nsTY_Ow9DOD1-MGLVk4ZajcrnhXAMKPDeaULlX3o7HeKc6p-UM1Z1KmhVOqfx98EFUtsBLy3GDjQO1MBMN-Tc6rX/s400/PC130028+sm.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> The envelope wrapper is open on one end, so Lou's ornie came tumbling out when I opened the mailing envelope. I tried not to look as I stuffed the tiny ornament back in it's sheath like a hot potato (we mustn't peak before the allotted date)!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_XzpHkxuZSXoEOGdrUDb7wDdA0XASHKCD4OO410xAZoPbeYdkGOAIwnk0JIdzp8SL98imuCLswuZFDNboDYne_a4v33fwTCLvfbMf2_VlXguBy1v1qU70fWvgxwLwrOXgOW-yNkVEWYJ/s1600/PC130029+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_XzpHkxuZSXoEOGdrUDb7wDdA0XASHKCD4OO410xAZoPbeYdkGOAIwnk0JIdzp8SL98imuCLswuZFDNboDYne_a4v33fwTCLvfbMf2_VlXguBy1v1qU70fWvgxwLwrOXgOW-yNkVEWYJ/s400/PC130029+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">When the appointed opening date for Lou's gift finally arrived, I found that Lou had another little coin-sized envelope tucked inside. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPkrmfE6N1en0xWvbk8KbHbBsQq9qFkZwrkF1a7ZdzbFwMJEAetKwHPWP71aGKu6AsJXIJKSmWq79OFU2fa4PvPCqXjz-vHSaYCM1JoYuvis8IvO6-PpGrDoh7_aYQxjp6Oy5Vwc4BhXo/s1600/PC130030+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPkrmfE6N1en0xWvbk8KbHbBsQq9qFkZwrkF1a7ZdzbFwMJEAetKwHPWP71aGKu6AsJXIJKSmWq79OFU2fa4PvPCqXjz-vHSaYCM1JoYuvis8IvO6-PpGrDoh7_aYQxjp6Oy5Vwc4BhXo/s400/PC130030+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Ooo, la la! It's a beautiful domino! Lou put a teeny tiny image on the front of the domino, along with a border of the same german text that she used for wrapping.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpbT0h8tj3SBS2aM8XzR0tZi3fIdy2O9G6Pp6slnFJKIU_KDdC9GNrkwJLsfiUM4XFW8dvw_AI4QfH0gVS4pywsOHHQt8V_B7K_WeZvKngSR5TFpjfHtJ8fTOIGNemuYwrUXx8GTdr2t6/s1600/PC130031+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpbT0h8tj3SBS2aM8XzR0tZi3fIdy2O9G6Pp6slnFJKIU_KDdC9GNrkwJLsfiUM4XFW8dvw_AI4QfH0gVS4pywsOHHQt8V_B7K_WeZvKngSR5TFpjfHtJ8fTOIGNemuYwrUXx8GTdr2t6/s400/PC130031+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Just look at all the sparkles!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FXnk2k5e_gSkyeF4hghZ-OZpM5HJ8as8uhy8J2VFM6tMUGYzFv8jKw5p1a8e3l7NEvM3xY-BCFfQE-RtPTDxeXlsfNBYgDGsl5ECqzptvcy3R8zLHsr6uS2-NmVamvYNypJhnuAYZ76f/s1600/PC130032+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FXnk2k5e_gSkyeF4hghZ-OZpM5HJ8as8uhy8J2VFM6tMUGYzFv8jKw5p1a8e3l7NEvM3xY-BCFfQE-RtPTDxeXlsfNBYgDGsl5ECqzptvcy3R8zLHsr6uS2-NmVamvYNypJhnuAYZ76f/s320/PC130032+sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">And what a clever idea to use a tiny bulldog clip as a hanger! Lou added a few select beads for a festive touch.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmnxbjrLzharpnArPINCYhS5Li-1HcsPs83EKyW64-2uWThNBneXOMbVAmNCNXR7KfQ0HKZBJ1-mi2f2PObJ_XaDZvLfbx5PpN3-vbV-9dpiNRFMOAejfyVCSYXnB4CXWFTJrgnr97MeN/s1600/PC130034+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmnxbjrLzharpnArPINCYhS5Li-1HcsPs83EKyW64-2uWThNBneXOMbVAmNCNXR7KfQ0HKZBJ1-mi2f2PObJ_XaDZvLfbx5PpN3-vbV-9dpiNRFMOAejfyVCSYXnB4CXWFTJrgnr97MeN/s320/PC130034+sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's true...beautiful things really do come in small packages -- and this ornament is no exception! Thanks, Lou! Have a wonderful Christmas!</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4662588055865419415.post-91299651156205810772011-12-13T19:12:00.000-06:002011-12-13T19:12:46.606-06:00The 7th day of Christmas - Sally Turlington<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 7 of our 12 Days of Christmas exchange is from mixed media artist extraordinaire, Sally Turlington, of Huntsville, TX. </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97yxa_jfI2Ve-aTpgxu56QoqvLWMK-C5xjaqF4qGhMBxTyMMFx6XWDASn0Wv2HDwb9-hvBZxPQzaSK11y5VtR9Q6ubIu4F1-4_KaXRfEHgl_osZIIMOOZN2w7T8wNdsmGiOEwJGpnljs6/s1600/PC130027+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97yxa_jfI2Ve-aTpgxu56QoqvLWMK-C5xjaqF4qGhMBxTyMMFx6XWDASn0Wv2HDwb9-hvBZxPQzaSK11y5VtR9Q6ubIu4F1-4_KaXRfEHgl_osZIIMOOZN2w7T8wNdsmGiOEwJGpnljs6/s400/PC130027+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sally's ornament is boxed up so pretty with a sparkling and glittery gift tag. </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklh91GXPMHi84qknUFEhCFpYgWytDQ212N5izk_7lCY3aasiVJdFNX9Ts9olg2AQAs34C-Kn42EsztcEL4GrOxASEsnTcacrZBl4xxgisxVO-zHzKkqG61mXMhvtAZNp13PYDVl6hsyKO/s1600/PC130020+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklh91GXPMHi84qknUFEhCFpYgWytDQ212N5izk_7lCY3aasiVJdFNX9Ts9olg2AQAs34C-Kn42EsztcEL4GrOxASEsnTcacrZBl4xxgisxVO-zHzKkqG61mXMhvtAZNp13PYDVl6hsyKO/s400/PC130020+sm.jpg" width="355" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Inside is this very cool textured and waxy snowflake! Sally spent oodles of time making her ornaments this year. Apparently it was quite a process to make them. </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIDom54afYPs16QXo2x5im1iXDbjqbT009NRAakcsAxItG-AHQkV2qKj2uyrGHSYckiGNLZQ58O1JeZNeYlWtd5SQz2VAL7BAQXbHj_yewBvYbfGP8QnAADiZuhvemXnOnvIZ-XPGU2kyP/s1600/PC130018+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIDom54afYPs16QXo2x5im1iXDbjqbT009NRAakcsAxItG-AHQkV2qKj2uyrGHSYckiGNLZQ58O1JeZNeYlWtd5SQz2VAL7BAQXbHj_yewBvYbfGP8QnAADiZuhvemXnOnvIZ-XPGU2kyP/s400/PC130018+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sally started with a purchased metal snowflake ornament. Hopefully you can see in this photo that it is a 3 dimensional snowflake. She applied a layer of paper clay to the front and back of the metal ornament to give it dimension. Then she painted the paper clay in beautiful shades of pink.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-1KPReHA1OkqLB4-dawly81fH2DxHyzU86_jAMXXurfF85OnZxs5tyzuv5ATd-ScBpmO4R1UsZWEVLN4DjlQZJT5rEIYvMn8PFohMmHIHxsAU0rOHbrd3x2v948NlSRabrKf1Y7KRxyo/s1600/PC130022+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-1KPReHA1OkqLB4-dawly81fH2DxHyzU86_jAMXXurfF85OnZxs5tyzuv5ATd-ScBpmO4R1UsZWEVLN4DjlQZJT5rEIYvMn8PFohMmHIHxsAU0rOHbrd3x2v948NlSRabrKf1Y7KRxyo/s400/PC130022+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Next, she applied a layer of sweet smelling beeswax over the entire surface, embedding papers, tiny beadz, and glitter in the wax...I love the texture of this ornament!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha16avSVt7qB5SyGfoKQZg5DYfmxyKyE81Z-ssu9FNqoOrbxl71UbBHpP3ZXb47XTYU7nw5SKgXguELfUfiwjzzpNvwaH852e4pq2n-qEKp2pCFh7IKuZzjknMIlOFBwp1zfTKQyDnUjxC/s1600/PC130023+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha16avSVt7qB5SyGfoKQZg5DYfmxyKyE81Z-ssu9FNqoOrbxl71UbBHpP3ZXb47XTYU7nw5SKgXguELfUfiwjzzpNvwaH852e4pq2n-qEKp2pCFh7IKuZzjknMIlOFBwp1zfTKQyDnUjxC/s400/PC130023+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sally added a charming embellishment to her snowflake - a jingle bell, a religious medallion, and chain. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95N5gBTnI4gy4FQH3yklU8DYrrGN4h3gd_4ge9d2vulhQ_TjQXwg2_NrFlOO1etq1gnaysxA1X-IhkkUR7DMD7N3lPB9pKtW0fh2Ul5RsWLwoSZ_bsVtkMcxB-PwXEc0eXkmm1cMCNpSe/s1600/PC130017+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95N5gBTnI4gy4FQH3yklU8DYrrGN4h3gd_4ge9d2vulhQ_TjQXwg2_NrFlOO1etq1gnaysxA1X-IhkkUR7DMD7N3lPB9pKtW0fh2Ul5RsWLwoSZ_bsVtkMcxB-PwXEc0eXkmm1cMCNpSe/s400/PC130017+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sally's snowflake happens to be the exact same shade as my pink retro Christmas tree, so I photographed it on my green tree so it would show up better. I wish my photos did Sally's ornament justice...it is gorgeous Sally and I dearly love it! Thank you so much!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Yall go check out <a href="http://sallyt.typepad.com/imagine_this/2011/12/ornament-exchange-day-7-hey-thats-me-1.html" target="_blank">Sally's blog</a> where she explains in detail the process for making these unique snowflakes!</span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4662588055865419415.post-44464356390191213722011-12-13T18:48:00.000-06:002011-12-13T18:48:14.026-06:00Day 6 - Crystal Neubauer<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 6 of our 12 days of Christmas exchange is from Crystal Neubauer of Grayslake, IL. </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AxCsvDULFy0LFyZMSripCMjGZGIBYB_r5mxfHYjs8ESEejg9Rt5tY6svUc5DFiwOxTwvzD1gk22dBihnlraqPbRveoMbkssH1-qLKZ48KmEt67ffiKasbD4xM3yNlrY_ASXS7KcPAkNh/s1600/PC130001+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AxCsvDULFy0LFyZMSripCMjGZGIBYB_r5mxfHYjs8ESEejg9Rt5tY6svUc5DFiwOxTwvzD1gk22dBihnlraqPbRveoMbkssH1-qLKZ48KmEt67ffiKasbD4xM3yNlrY_ASXS7KcPAkNh/s400/PC130001+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Crystal mailed her swap in an envelope made of piano sheet music. This also served as her wrapping paper. How clever!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_eozO2iCdz55Ez4wJRgynZ5yntj65clOBxLWH9ScqsPy8781LbEBORomcUcZyW6Ue_pPy3Vp3jMD0S-7-_yesEEnP-uET3f8qf8-6vx_D5TraP8dgkkGiiQQtjJo2d8Qy_yR8l1IY8q_/s1600/PC130003+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_eozO2iCdz55Ez4wJRgynZ5yntj65clOBxLWH9ScqsPy8781LbEBORomcUcZyW6Ue_pPy3Vp3jMD0S-7-_yesEEnP-uET3f8qf8-6vx_D5TraP8dgkkGiiQQtjJo2d8Qy_yR8l1IY8q_/s320/PC130003+sm.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Crystal's ornament is this very dainty 5 pointed paper star.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQwkXV3ffcg9tS8yJyIJmlmaIBKAKVv9RsH9h-SLNWF7oyCH4DCZhRT3ET9Gg8K0gocHPiTjzp2te-JiO_lOvxr52AWWHKhOxSpw3CwkF84udyBDRxQD12uOyy3KHPqXQMdOUxu2gUns_/s1600/PC130005+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQwkXV3ffcg9tS8yJyIJmlmaIBKAKVv9RsH9h-SLNWF7oyCH4DCZhRT3ET9Gg8K0gocHPiTjzp2te-JiO_lOvxr52AWWHKhOxSpw3CwkF84udyBDRxQD12uOyy3KHPqXQMdOUxu2gUns_/s400/PC130005+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Crystal painted the front and back of the star. The middle layer is made of book text that she trimmed with scalloped scissors. </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZj8jhOKRsMW2lDtE02H7gQ5NGo8hpIjIy71PYclj3w7meAQVB3KHoJzKaAPYxSfYORV-diDTx3mcv1lFLjdK7CM7_GJ0UL5bdqpbp6r2TrGhyphenhyphenvxz2-P6jyBOrQ2BONzdai2PS-nDsJmRF/s1600/PC130007+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZj8jhOKRsMW2lDtE02H7gQ5NGo8hpIjIy71PYclj3w7meAQVB3KHoJzKaAPYxSfYORV-diDTx3mcv1lFLjdK7CM7_GJ0UL5bdqpbp6r2TrGhyphenhyphenvxz2-P6jyBOrQ2BONzdai2PS-nDsJmRF/s400/PC130007+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you look closely you can see that she painted the paper with tiny brush strokes...</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYumbjuNSAgyo5ZTmVuQ99wAXBXAbGOIcmxGJfbMP3NZegQKFOm84BymgoiALVswtu9wsUcaqJCxy53DxVzQkmDtACHAzJJ_vVoCk4bnLm-4PciUKZwShoZINWfsYrHliJZ38iwYuNkNB/s1600/PC130004+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYumbjuNSAgyo5ZTmVuQ99wAXBXAbGOIcmxGJfbMP3NZegQKFOm84BymgoiALVswtu9wsUcaqJCxy53DxVzQkmDtACHAzJJ_vVoCk4bnLm-4PciUKZwShoZINWfsYrHliJZ38iwYuNkNB/s400/PC130004+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">...and topped off the star with a tiny bow and vintage button.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2K0lwijC4zzN2yB_yDPX091dRTU-Fm-1iJP4LGwFBE83cfVUNvNG5tRbYnpysntw_jJCJd-FDBR4z1ZYNiZ0yZ-QeDFk-FJVeVoYG5onH1fxvzRcnjcV4i97fuSls7-fPziGc3LhtfBqM/s1600/PC130008+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2K0lwijC4zzN2yB_yDPX091dRTU-Fm-1iJP4LGwFBE83cfVUNvNG5tRbYnpysntw_jJCJd-FDBR4z1ZYNiZ0yZ-QeDFk-FJVeVoYG5onH1fxvzRcnjcV4i97fuSls7-fPziGc3LhtfBqM/s400/PC130008+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Thanks Crystal! It looks great on my tree...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Merry Christmas!</span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4662588055865419415.post-36425835096026538582011-12-09T01:38:00.001-06:002011-12-09T01:39:57.690-06:00The 5th Day of Christmas - My day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1socvX6sE-NzDats_v7-4PF4kSWbeWrksr0m2uS6fzs-6otN6HrOUIcqEmc1RiGe5quTCNQov62HhmIjSYh5jR68oyykW-swDU0RR_Zqta0xmQHXdhvpeZsVrP3-us7AQZIbb5n0yzd-l/s1600/PB270041+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1socvX6sE-NzDats_v7-4PF4kSWbeWrksr0m2uS6fzs-6otN6HrOUIcqEmc1RiGe5quTCNQov62HhmIjSYh5jR68oyykW-swDU0RR_Zqta0xmQHXdhvpeZsVrP3-us7AQZIbb5n0yzd-l/s400/PB270041+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Today is the day my ornaments will be opened. I was supposed to be Day 7, but we changed our days around again to give the last three artists a few more days to finish their work.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXRaVfk-X0Z86dQLjs5HEURrDm0AmCFDgeXLXdfb-0LNHtLIyN8Bzj6sa0OUS2Dyl39WONcKUXFxf5rXKWDo5scfuBy7BDfznOR6j7nAodjTE-RvdMh5ibuClNoNVx4JKsCoAk5H4dRBA/s1600/PB270008+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXRaVfk-X0Z86dQLjs5HEURrDm0AmCFDgeXLXdfb-0LNHtLIyN8Bzj6sa0OUS2Dyl39WONcKUXFxf5rXKWDo5scfuBy7BDfznOR6j7nAodjTE-RvdMh5ibuClNoNVx4JKsCoAk5H4dRBA/s400/PB270008+sm.jpg" width="396" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The story behind my ornaments is very special to me and I hope you don't mind me sharing how they came about. The concept is based on my personal journey, so I have named them "My Refuge: God's Feathers".</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0U1ZFdisiG-tF37yY1HMitHxeC4ohP9Lupo5U8B8YFj87-R8bTCXqgAoo5tjqD3SQp6VXjBPxebAgy2LeyjmftSWZ9VwzV8l4zmdF3WmHZOa3MVBJEc48o57kA7V2S7dXVGdl5pRmxMD/s1600/PB270025+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0U1ZFdisiG-tF37yY1HMitHxeC4ohP9Lupo5U8B8YFj87-R8bTCXqgAoo5tjqD3SQp6VXjBPxebAgy2LeyjmftSWZ9VwzV8l4zmdF3WmHZOa3MVBJEc48o57kA7V2S7dXVGdl5pRmxMD/s400/PB270025+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>My Refuge: God's feathers</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">While contemplating a design for my ornament, I was inspired to try and convey the refuge God gave me through my recent surgery and recovery.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> As the nurses prepared me for surgery, I was laying quiet and silently reciting Psalms 57 and Psalms 91 in my mind...</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaNUNSzMwPXwO79znTz60_GOGWUdr8lZ7yXGGs9cGUoOrrAKJHZWyfKyTz-XwrYVPiRAizwRVeNleD3pLUJDclYEvQ6Mc9x9J2YfKF5pc94jC4_qdxyaUlF5tfG4tibkA4aimuFAYD8JE/s1600/PB270011+sm2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaNUNSzMwPXwO79znTz60_GOGWUdr8lZ7yXGGs9cGUoOrrAKJHZWyfKyTz-XwrYVPiRAizwRVeNleD3pLUJDclYEvQ6Mc9x9J2YfKF5pc94jC4_qdxyaUlF5tfG4tibkA4aimuFAYD8JE/s400/PB270011+sm2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings." Psalms 57:1b</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">...and while doing so, I visualized God’s ginormous wings reaching down from Heaven to protect me. I could literally see the vanes in the plumage of His milky white feathers. He felt so close - it was as if I could reach out and touch His welcoming embrace. The last image I remember was nestling my head into the shelter of His mighty wings. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGZx0sUxI1aLk9RoJn6a8AbuzoTL6lnSLial58PNvjKpBM5v3rxwuWvB8RmZwVnWVKh2aUVioscuBiZQT8qCQ9g2lkJvYUXyRZMTwVZeDuffRQ9uzSsIuThnU0Mv4epNBzca3uaRYCDiG/s1600/PB270012+sm2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGZx0sUxI1aLk9RoJn6a8AbuzoTL6lnSLial58PNvjKpBM5v3rxwuWvB8RmZwVnWVKh2aUVioscuBiZQT8qCQ9g2lkJvYUXyRZMTwVZeDuffRQ9uzSsIuThnU0Mv4epNBzca3uaRYCDiG/s400/PB270012+sm2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge..</i></b>."</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My surgery was more involved than the doctor had anticipated, and there were complications afterward. I spent 12 days in the hospital, 4 days in the ICU. I received 2 units of blood due to internal bleeding and for several days my kidneys weren't behaving.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8yVS4xDftQ6wtVfBdhfDNlaLqUnK4A8Dt2WbHBMyNDPQ24ktM4JSirZkOSIDTBPnkPZ4tWCF74DHRKYRF4MNTj2p4srM-r1nF3aikt9f3QwtaYgOk7FWjfVXNBOKkmUm8y7oltSE6c8D/s1600/PB270015+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8yVS4xDftQ6wtVfBdhfDNlaLqUnK4A8Dt2WbHBMyNDPQ24ktM4JSirZkOSIDTBPnkPZ4tWCF74DHRKYRF4MNTj2p4srM-r1nF3aikt9f3QwtaYgOk7FWjfVXNBOKkmUm8y7oltSE6c8D/s400/PB270015+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"...<b><i>His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." Psalms 91:4</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It was God who brought me through it and I thank Him for his faithfulness. I hope that in some small way, my feathered book ornament captures the essence of God's wings and feathers... but more importantly, I pray it conveys His message of refuge to all of you.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweBMMEJX94-Lap6aHp3NF0uR13FSmWwWa9FvRJMt8uo7kDbmBY28aHf8S6E_fhGokQvUnstgsjIFBdILkFhlbmXLqRN43ZP9Q_7BAX5G2yjQ298iKSw6lXJNm8Lyqc2NZYhBIJi2SO_yG/s1600/PB270007+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweBMMEJX94-Lap6aHp3NF0uR13FSmWwWa9FvRJMt8uo7kDbmBY28aHf8S6E_fhGokQvUnstgsjIFBdILkFhlbmXLqRN43ZP9Q_7BAX5G2yjQ298iKSw6lXJNm8Lyqc2NZYhBIJi2SO_yG/s400/PB270007+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">No matter our circumstances, trials will come our way – illness, grief over the loss of someone special, heartache when a child has lost their way in life, loneliness, hurt… but we can find shelter in the arms of God. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfWGTiJ41f-2q4j_0P0rGus5bOvear8YHdxVG9_zqGzjlF1YMrIclnt7eX2v89z5PiUFoup3kPJz8dV7_bba6tNwU9rzq2n_mEQfgTvvCyykMB1HU_iir1rqoYE46hLad5o_HEKAgGIR5/s1600/PB270016+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfWGTiJ41f-2q4j_0P0rGus5bOvear8YHdxVG9_zqGzjlF1YMrIclnt7eX2v89z5PiUFoup3kPJz8dV7_bba6tNwU9rzq2n_mEQfgTvvCyykMB1HU_iir1rqoYE46hLad5o_HEKAgGIR5/s400/PB270016+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">His arms are open wide and big enough to hold us. He loves us more than anyone ever could.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> His mercy catches us in our fall and He rescues us and draws us closer to Him. He gives us strength in our weakness. He comforts us when we are hurting or full of despair. He protects us when we are in danger. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLCD7R1_VQD_x7g6oGYthAYU2LqYgjUA3PVAWWpN-LnpjGpyrOiAWTRtC3pvV-tsjblYcN5gBeTjv4Ox_ZFZm_r3byff1VAtnDEoWUHJrh0krgFbfthvHRWutOatjd2jI5kxEMoh973lN/s1600/PB270026+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLCD7R1_VQD_x7g6oGYthAYU2LqYgjUA3PVAWWpN-LnpjGpyrOiAWTRtC3pvV-tsjblYcN5gBeTjv4Ox_ZFZm_r3byff1VAtnDEoWUHJrh0krgFbfthvHRWutOatjd2jI5kxEMoh973lN/s400/PB270026+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For reassurance, peace, hope and rest … seek shelter in the arms of God.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Surrender to His mighty protection. He will rescue you. You will be safe in His arms. You are never alone.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> <b><i> </i></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalms 91:4</i></b> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for letting me share my personal experience with you. May you all have a blessed Christmas!</span></div><pre> </pre>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4662588055865419415.post-57157206584097012902011-12-08T10:41:00.000-06:002011-12-08T10:41:57.192-06:00The 4th Day of Christmas - Pilar Pollock<span style="font-size: large;">Brrrrr. We had our first freeze of the season last night ..waaay down here on the Texas Gulf coast. I woke up to a steaming pot of freshly brewed coffee (thanks, honey) and sat down to open Day 4 of the 12 Days of Christmas exchange. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWB6Qg33H33otSEmMHtuVAIiT8VLwAOcMw-IojoTV047Kb0B571n3By-Mbk1uOPL8SebdGae-lWUkAjSVPLtNa-jGeXOXKPxzq5s8Md9xcegXGuaqN5VuRbUXx-YoK1RgtbjXIv-AvZET/s1600/PC050094+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWB6Qg33H33otSEmMHtuVAIiT8VLwAOcMw-IojoTV047Kb0B571n3By-Mbk1uOPL8SebdGae-lWUkAjSVPLtNa-jGeXOXKPxzq5s8Md9xcegXGuaqN5VuRbUXx-YoK1RgtbjXIv-AvZET/s400/PC050094+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This lovely package is from the very sweet and talented Pilar Pollock of Laguna Hills, CA. See the hand made gift wrapping paper? Paint over crumpled up kraft paper is a wonderful thing. This paper reminds me of a lightly iced gingerbread bar...(yum..that would taste good with my morning coffee right about now!). The ribbon is a strip of muslin with a stamped image of a milagro heart. Pilar, did you carve the stamp yourself? It's lovely!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8Vg4E6O6F7l5c0SLOtm-kI9U9c9VBgdbmBAOiJ2j3eXWDtTpYoDzznq0yKxfESz1Y3l6DJNIm_ALeZzLeCnwahlHsv86q-qm6SY8RPewAvrOPrFS78PFsgzEwHQ7wRs_JUbe_p06t-4H/s1600/PC050097+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8Vg4E6O6F7l5c0SLOtm-kI9U9c9VBgdbmBAOiJ2j3eXWDtTpYoDzznq0yKxfESz1Y3l6DJNIm_ALeZzLeCnwahlHsv86q-qm6SY8RPewAvrOPrFS78PFsgzEwHQ7wRs_JUbe_p06t-4H/s400/PC050097+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I love milagros - they are tiny cast metal charms also known as “ex-votos” or “dijes”. Milagros are religious folk charms that are traditionally used for healing purposes and as votive offerings in Mexico. They are frequently attached to altars, shrines, and sacred objects found in places of worship. Milagros come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, each shape representing one or more needs or prayers. For example a heart charm may represent a wish to heal a heart condition, or a hope to find romance. A leg-shaped milagro may be a wish to fix a leg ailment, or a hope to travel the world. It is up to the petitioner to decide what the Milagro represents, so the choices are limitless. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjmhr0Pnh4EVVsg3nQtIxAoOQD8DLa1oFiavPjm9YZIAyyzyVokjAAcNTkn-1XbBivBUNeg30Wtn6cVNceZYAla6yDErkh1O0yN5aXVhb6gX73z6HU_CZgj4a_2Rm8liUgj4kcSOJCjBh/s1600/PC050098+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjmhr0Pnh4EVVsg3nQtIxAoOQD8DLa1oFiavPjm9YZIAyyzyVokjAAcNTkn-1XbBivBUNeg30Wtn6cVNceZYAla6yDErkh1O0yN5aXVhb6gX73z6HU_CZgj4a_2Rm8liUgj4kcSOJCjBh/s400/PC050098+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Oh la la! Pilar's ornament is a fabulous doll! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_PDlJLP68VIkS5qoLiBLmLRgcFHXsogIDjNojmyqqVit3uQKTeB-jg2-ZjB8bnbYzGGZ3bb2uNS5aE8Nzy4WOZu7_FYq7FQbl2Y6ZGUNc-uZ-JRDb5l5F-6rFdWHXarXjKDNEEWaXgT6/s1600/PC050099+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_PDlJLP68VIkS5qoLiBLmLRgcFHXsogIDjNojmyqqVit3uQKTeB-jg2-ZjB8bnbYzGGZ3bb2uNS5aE8Nzy4WOZu7_FYq7FQbl2Y6ZGUNc-uZ-JRDb5l5F-6rFdWHXarXjKDNEEWaXgT6/s400/PC050099+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The doll's torso is a beautiful image transferred to a square of fabric.. Is this a</span><span style="font-size: large;">n original drawing Pillar? She is amazing! "Rejoice Noel" are the sentiments she is sending this Christmas.. Look closely, her belt is a strip of vintage crystals...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBhGI5iiC33eAHYakCaLWMhMCWH6sxffrucjSTe_OlW1LMOdA-SsCDT-rHP9amnCtdFwMQqjEf0WzPGX2wQFQKyLZXvcnjLG5RUUk1rW9wTl8p82-CtXTlMcBJRyouPnGw9Rz1i2ZKIsc/s1600/PC050104+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBhGI5iiC33eAHYakCaLWMhMCWH6sxffrucjSTe_OlW1LMOdA-SsCDT-rHP9amnCtdFwMQqjEf0WzPGX2wQFQKyLZXvcnjLG5RUUk1rW9wTl8p82-CtXTlMcBJRyouPnGw9Rz1i2ZKIsc/s400/PC050104+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">..and in this photo, you can see a hint of the swirls of free-motion stitching that Pilar added to accent the fabric collage...as if my lady is meant to float and dance across my Christmas tree.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHuX1_NIpThNvomM0U4YAcjk8LK3DgTZN4uvvQcus20OlnN_-OiWx-xvaOv_vukaynpkZ2bRVYnM-R6yY8F64tgrN2MgaL3_UH2MEiDul89OuDLU0iv7V-bbFHIL9Qg7i_tcsfKHjYO4Oe/s1600/PC050100+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHuX1_NIpThNvomM0U4YAcjk8LK3DgTZN4uvvQcus20OlnN_-OiWx-xvaOv_vukaynpkZ2bRVYnM-R6yY8F64tgrN2MgaL3_UH2MEiDul89OuDLU0iv7V-bbFHIL9Qg7i_tcsfKHjYO4Oe/s400/PC050100+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pilar gave her a skirt of layers upon layers of torn strips of fabric...with lots of movement. So kick up your heels and dance, my lady! Let us celebrate the season!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5pYeQ4p-z0k05M8JVGnTDKKdVE0FCOjmcpUGG2EwS2IVcEuea9R4SqCh5jVECD4bcetyMz_biI5WIcPtfveCVI8dMvgulfE6pC0TBE6AUosCtEuxqVRiyzIlmnNoUAiaFWP8AjkjZgyt/s1600/PC050103+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5pYeQ4p-z0k05M8JVGnTDKKdVE0FCOjmcpUGG2EwS2IVcEuea9R4SqCh5jVECD4bcetyMz_biI5WIcPtfveCVI8dMvgulfE6pC0TBE6AUosCtEuxqVRiyzIlmnNoUAiaFWP8AjkjZgyt/s400/PC050103+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love her! Thanks so much, Pilar! Yall be sure to visit <a href="http://www.pipnotes.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Pilar's blog</a> to see more of her work, and hopefully she will post more about her Dancing Lady!</span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4662588055865419415.post-9679077085188123532011-12-07T22:24:00.000-06:002011-12-07T22:24:58.279-06:00On the 3rd day of Christmas - Joanna Pierotti<span style="font-size: large;">Day 3 of the 12 Days of Christmas exchange is here - and another ornament is ready to be unwrapped. This one is from Joanna Pierotti, who lives in Peoria, AZ. Joanna is one of my favorite artists and I always look forward to seeing her creations. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCKxNYpNj8Yw2_9jxmlpY1sd88V8FjEsmWaIof-rASkZPAuYP2R-oM3BCbuhjLZTwweoEZIjAeg1RnF5gD9Eb4TJOtqd-Z10SSHovlS-hqMeE4lIhShKnDnftIyBJMCoy5CC9NXnrN9fA/s1600/PC050077+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCKxNYpNj8Yw2_9jxmlpY1sd88V8FjEsmWaIof-rASkZPAuYP2R-oM3BCbuhjLZTwweoEZIjAeg1RnF5gD9Eb4TJOtqd-Z10SSHovlS-hqMeE4lIhShKnDnftIyBJMCoy5CC9NXnrN9fA/s400/PC050077+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Joanna is another gal that wraps her gifts very uniquely. This year, she wrapped her gifts in a tiny vintage envelope. This is not a reproduction - it's the real thing - with the original US postage stamp still affixed and a postmark date of Feb 4, 1922. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-R6alSMBNE5RsC8bpxTvEGB8-2JY0RDx7pDqOYEwMzzrLB8Crlb1TImA1VaXBxzkAtbWE31hI_x9MEdJf84YCmizWE9otd0Q2DoiGwkHMa1mILKFlLhobRaL7fPqvveM5cznjnk8fYa-F/s1600/PC050079+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-R6alSMBNE5RsC8bpxTvEGB8-2JY0RDx7pDqOYEwMzzrLB8Crlb1TImA1VaXBxzkAtbWE31hI_x9MEdJf84YCmizWE9otd0Q2DoiGwkHMa1mILKFlLhobRaL7fPqvveM5cznjnk8fYa-F/s400/PC050079+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Inside, there was another layer of wrapping -- tea dyed cheesecloth -- with a ribbon made of vintage hem tape, and a vintage button closure.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-DzmVg-qqRhdR_q42mjX9sQgQRNAKF2f3EoBZXodO1g_lkvQIlX1Bx5Jc5glrWHyGulC66-F4lhljiP5DrbJ3Ukn0lDH451DPst9efxsSYg7pR24K1mzFUqdTSEBAeEFp8KbGbzY5YBB/s1600/PC050081+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-DzmVg-qqRhdR_q42mjX9sQgQRNAKF2f3EoBZXodO1g_lkvQIlX1Bx5Jc5glrWHyGulC66-F4lhljiP5DrbJ3Ukn0lDH451DPst9efxsSYg7pR24K1mzFUqdTSEBAeEFp8KbGbzY5YBB/s400/PC050081+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Inside is a wonderful soldered ornament with the image of a doll hidden under faceted glass. Joanna makes the most wonderful dolls and this personalized ornament is a perfect reflection of Joanna's multifaceted talents...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPjLpSzZ6ZtiRsnYxF_7-_7KjSZ6x-8kBwtztp5CVNLeyD1I4em2S0n8fqeEwaPy6gKWXryQSr5JA8U-PgARkg0-GF-T_mAtF5SwT2I5bt5pRaiBwEreER0KrnM2AwPQkMlTUGeBzux7I/s1600/PC050083+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPjLpSzZ6ZtiRsnYxF_7-_7KjSZ6x-8kBwtztp5CVNLeyD1I4em2S0n8fqeEwaPy6gKWXryQSr5JA8U-PgARkg0-GF-T_mAtF5SwT2I5bt5pRaiBwEreER0KrnM2AwPQkMlTUGeBzux7I/s400/PC050083+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There is a ghostly image of a doll appearing as through a mirror which is very kewl - she's appears to be almost floating....</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifG2w1cLaWexkxOa55MocsRAcQP9UlTNXMJHTQqS_IHjNf-Up5KNsn0nGNbWg8LpADX-Yi0vMw0Artbej54oA3K0wR2eI-vAG5jMdzbbzHl1GYmg8JhLZeSI4yjsIfoFAO5dr458aJVKB2/s1600/PC050082+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifG2w1cLaWexkxOa55MocsRAcQP9UlTNXMJHTQqS_IHjNf-Up5KNsn0nGNbWg8LpADX-Yi0vMw0Artbej54oA3K0wR2eI-vAG5jMdzbbzHl1GYmg8JhLZeSI4yjsIfoFAO5dr458aJVKB2/s400/PC050082+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and the sweet and dainty bundle of antique lace and ribbon at the bottom is the perfect juxtaposition of the hard glass pendant. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNeQTqVpaeXZjGNrgJadTf06yIjXZzH6yimBuz7KKkrK9HJ3ciCf1gC9u6W90HVJ8K_ynn06puRi6A5VKhVVnh_THmvRiDcCewIhfG6WCMCmmEhJU3-n_PUuoBIqIzZxXWJN-W8Z2Lz6b/s1600/PC050089+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNeQTqVpaeXZjGNrgJadTf06yIjXZzH6yimBuz7KKkrK9HJ3ciCf1gC9u6W90HVJ8K_ynn06puRi6A5VKhVVnh_THmvRiDcCewIhfG6WCMCmmEhJU3-n_PUuoBIqIzZxXWJN-W8Z2Lz6b/s400/PC050089+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hard and soft. Metal and lace. Vintage and totally exquisite! Thank you my friend... I will cherish my doll forever!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Yall be sure to check out <a href="http://mosshill.blogs.com/" target="_blank">Joanna's blog</a>. She shares her talents with so many through workshops, online classes, etc and has had her work published in many places. Joanna has written an <a href="http://mosshill.blogs.com/ornament/" target="_blank">online tutorial</a> with instructions on how she made these lovely ornaments...so check it out..</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Check back tomorrow for more....</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4662588055865419415.post-28893501532520104182011-12-07T21:39:00.000-06:002011-12-07T21:39:18.064-06:00Day 2 - Kelly Snelling<span style="font-size: large;">Day 2 of the 12 Days of Christmas brings a whimsically charming ornament from Kelly Snelling, who lives in Irvine, CA. Kelly is a very talented jewelry and mixed media artist who co-authored a wonderful book with Ruth Rae titled <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1671533028" target="_blank">A Charming Exchange</a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Charming-Exchange-Jewelry-Projects-Create/dp/160061051X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323311649&sr=8-1" target="_blank">: 25 Jewelry Projects To Create & Share</a></span><span style="font-size: large;">. It is one of my favorite books that I refer to a lot for inspiration.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_YTH5YQ07joh3PlfTKSMsrYPOJjym4oMJ8qgI4K_LAZs0YaTyHHNlxOpYpT4BqMSZAzC7VYqHj1QMDDdEJDCLKa6swtf6sLVC9uJD_a1ookgVg3bmidap1zkAyZd_ZtqWmiTcZuMzB5E/s1600/PC050064+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_YTH5YQ07joh3PlfTKSMsrYPOJjym4oMJ8qgI4K_LAZs0YaTyHHNlxOpYpT4BqMSZAzC7VYqHj1QMDDdEJDCLKa6swtf6sLVC9uJD_a1ookgVg3bmidap1zkAyZd_ZtqWmiTcZuMzB5E/s400/PC050064+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Kelly's gift came wrapped so nicely - and as usual, she created an original piece of artwork to use as the gift tag. A gift in itself! The shape of the package gave a tiny hint as to what might be tucked away inside... do YOU have any guesses as to what it might be?</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPtyPDbu9Phk0mLT6pX7tfjiaZdeT4hATaj6f5-h3HGKNvyt8kYbvdo7ad0FzV5jArLUm6HdigMopC0BIJXhurImXT3WQdMBMyKBAqZXLNpdR6BfwsJUz7uYpPAhwnvD6aNZNVsoWXRLz/s1600/PC050065+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPtyPDbu9Phk0mLT6pX7tfjiaZdeT4hATaj6f5-h3HGKNvyt8kYbvdo7ad0FzV5jArLUm6HdigMopC0BIJXhurImXT3WQdMBMyKBAqZXLNpdR6BfwsJUz7uYpPAhwnvD6aNZNVsoWXRLz/s400/PC050065+sm.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you said a house, you would be correct. It's a house! And a charming one at that! Don't you love the vintage portrait of the 2 sisters holding hands - looking out the window? Perhaps they have been reunited at their childhood home after a long separation to celebrate Christmas together and are gazing out the window expectantly for the other family members to arrive. It reminds me of the saying "All hearts come home for Christmas". </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHyKA0UBE-2gpIIFsCtwgZDBoQU1ipvaI0dpp_StxNcWRskmmO5SeO8dYKRFjklHUixDWH7AS7RQv9FckcX4x_p2SBv8wEQUPmIYpxKTBh3W4lldDUQypR4BOgUYINaQI66unbtKNUbT3/s1600/PC050066+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHyKA0UBE-2gpIIFsCtwgZDBoQU1ipvaI0dpp_StxNcWRskmmO5SeO8dYKRFjklHUixDWH7AS7RQv9FckcX4x_p2SBv8wEQUPmIYpxKTBh3W4lldDUQypR4BOgUYINaQI66unbtKNUbT3/s400/PC050066+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My photographs don't do this ornament justice -- but if you look closely, you can see that Kelly has added colorful, whimsical doodles and drawings of flowers, polka dots, etc... along with a great vintage eustachian above the photograph. Vintage meet whimsy - I love that.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DN_8X-n2TXt2W-jm7LP3aXdqvLcfjvqAujs5H9hQzRnF8Tt2hTDput4rDkawkuJOFGj6lHXBLUZ_UY8zgNAtiirzUe8j1tfhFNlbphtXlE2_t5hDpmc2_uxCzoeOpdgBkCS-o0cmYzWB/s1600/PC050067+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DN_8X-n2TXt2W-jm7LP3aXdqvLcfjvqAujs5H9hQzRnF8Tt2hTDput4rDkawkuJOFGj6lHXBLUZ_UY8zgNAtiirzUe8j1tfhFNlbphtXlE2_t5hDpmc2_uxCzoeOpdgBkCS-o0cmYzWB/s400/PC050067+sm.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: large;">Kelly wanted these ornaments to reflect an old and well loved house. These ornaments are made from three layers of heavy corrugated board and Kelly has worked the paper away on the outside layer to reveal the ridges in the corrugation...to imitate an old clap board house, wallpaper worn off the walls... you get the idea. Kelly has hand journaled the words to "Oh Holy Night" on the back.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4Ux-YzKHSonI90Hq5mMTbJlQ9gGJkfuEp_dYHi7TM-A06dnZkfPDiu2NLY3fR-RiNBR9bjkZqfgtxfUr6T6t2Mvg5N4bK2LzP9G6KSYPKR0Y4kls6LcUzll6xGPIgL77mK-Qgj-fkMkn/s1600/PC050070+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4Ux-YzKHSonI90Hq5mMTbJlQ9gGJkfuEp_dYHi7TM-A06dnZkfPDiu2NLY3fR-RiNBR9bjkZqfgtxfUr6T6t2Mvg5N4bK2LzP9G6KSYPKR0Y4kls6LcUzll6xGPIgL77mK-Qgj-fkMkn/s400/PC050070+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Layers of papers, trim, hand drawn details..finished off with a hand-stitched blanket stitch around the edges...Kelly, what a lovely ornament, it's charm and whimsy are so reflective of you!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0ypEWhaFFjc4vVMeoZmUc2YONt-8jogNx54TqPaXt2C7hNxGDoqBohRUolwxCMX6K4Zp9MMRZuOGFg5zIwrqiD9ESWeboOYWr65PyZ0bENv6pl_jQuNbO41US393KNGz98IU2ohEf-5i/s1600/PC050074+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0ypEWhaFFjc4vVMeoZmUc2YONt-8jogNx54TqPaXt2C7hNxGDoqBohRUolwxCMX6K4Zp9MMRZuOGFg5zIwrqiD9ESWeboOYWr65PyZ0bENv6pl_jQuNbO41US393KNGz98IU2ohEf-5i/s400/PC050074+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It's a beautiful addition to my Christmas art tree, Kelly. Thank you, friend!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Yall be sure to check out <a href="http://www.soulhumming.tapepad.com/" target="_blank">Kelly's lovely blog</a> to see all 13 ornaments she made for this exchange.. each house is a little bit different... all made with lots of love. </span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4662588055865419415.post-41930111140960407402011-12-06T00:50:00.000-06:002011-12-06T00:50:15.995-06:00Day 1 - Ruth Rae<span style="font-size: large;">Day 1: Ruth Rae, a wonderful artist, author, and workshop instructor from Claremont, CA sent this uniquely wrapped gift:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbuPa5aUWoEuhI2MZ3p7crjsiBsIbsP36y9cfoTAWE3e0dOzbGJtxC5vAHXTgBe_bJ_ISWa39tdI3zd7SfbR2ESavExbOOoeMerlH_WfM3me5nYSAEyXBmj8kOOURDTuinYxenuXxbtWL/s1600/PC050028+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbuPa5aUWoEuhI2MZ3p7crjsiBsIbsP36y9cfoTAWE3e0dOzbGJtxC5vAHXTgBe_bJ_ISWa39tdI3zd7SfbR2ESavExbOOoeMerlH_WfM3me5nYSAEyXBmj8kOOURDTuinYxenuXxbtWL/s400/PC050028+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I tried to be very good and not peak inside this one. Can you see? It is wrapped in layers using very unique elements (a trademark of Ruth's). The inner most layer is a brown paper sack that was left open at each end...so glimpses of the ornament were hard to avoid... Ruth, you made it really hard to be good this year!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Today I finally got to look inside. It's just amazing! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yw0pBJajnuStWbsxdWN1qKjx2brROtnwoPBSHa5mrPtXqwfJMBIEtbv_O15IeiRxD_Oav-bxZUMmswm2wVHfha_uomjcnKFnqIF4eKLQwR5-8FWypiynRve6zBoqvD4888JZkHchiexe/s1600/PC050057+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yw0pBJajnuStWbsxdWN1qKjx2brROtnwoPBSHa5mrPtXqwfJMBIEtbv_O15IeiRxD_Oav-bxZUMmswm2wVHfha_uomjcnKFnqIF4eKLQwR5-8FWypiynRve6zBoqvD4888JZkHchiexe/s400/PC050057+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It looks like Ruth used <i>magic mesh</i> (or a plaster type fabric) to fashion a little box which houses a beautiful hand-sculpted sacred heart.</span><br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1863213751"></span><span id="goog_1863213752"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1W3WHpOXgszW6y6cgliqeNMgbSCFSbtoHISqdC1PP_sG5mcKQONo-4VdAKWbiCpQDT0egbnbItt3k93ISV8EU4kxjWzzlc14pVfkV5T9pnckKRqsf0fedNGk0d63KWvMuaECAHAB5nnIx/s1600/PC050048+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1W3WHpOXgszW6y6cgliqeNMgbSCFSbtoHISqdC1PP_sG5mcKQONo-4VdAKWbiCpQDT0egbnbItt3k93ISV8EU4kxjWzzlc14pVfkV5T9pnckKRqsf0fedNGk0d63KWvMuaECAHAB5nnIx/s400/PC050048+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Ruth is an amazing artist. Her skills are as broad as they are extraordinary. This little heart is sculpted out of paper clay, distressed, hand painted and dipped in a layer of wax.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBj5Mlu5PH-qVgS8kUv0WPVK-6Eqy3D0ElXdAvvgYoWDd6znrDFtm9JSAivr83dD-JPqNFVccyU7NK5Mf-ZIh-tI4k2e5Aim3qOg6W_H4_bKdAjSH_jWfjDu_uhjIEMTImkvypttqrlbq/s1600/PC050055+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBj5Mlu5PH-qVgS8kUv0WPVK-6Eqy3D0ElXdAvvgYoWDd6znrDFtm9JSAivr83dD-JPqNFVccyU7NK5Mf-ZIh-tI4k2e5Aim3qOg6W_H4_bKdAjSH_jWfjDu_uhjIEMTImkvypttqrlbq/s400/PC050055+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you see the tiny nails embedded into the heart?... </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WC3z59qwVXQEoYIPh-cBT-BtyVYSqZrBafyRu3meJKwnsPr13PuW0XW2MxAUfMgAcYWiA9Kz9CccmGcZ9QUFdvNFU3TxxP-lB9p5gJc70by2lRDl5PMegnPvSpYwxcHYJ4SPelxINatB/s1600/PC050058+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WC3z59qwVXQEoYIPh-cBT-BtyVYSqZrBafyRu3meJKwnsPr13PuW0XW2MxAUfMgAcYWiA9Kz9CccmGcZ9QUFdvNFU3TxxP-lB9p5gJc70by2lRDl5PMegnPvSpYwxcHYJ4SPelxINatB/s400/PC050058+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">...And the crown of thorns she twisted together with bits of wire? </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKSrGWp8Di09PYrf6mzuxKXdWCrmb9YgGemNqjsGPNIObPQ0NMqQlSmZ9Iht6OHz5zbehU0e49zYlhVIkAKCOVmvVd8MItAuaizcIQlMMPtC9PRu6aQlXUS0ovtS16rRVrAcloONRZLkM/s1600/PC050059+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKSrGWp8Di09PYrf6mzuxKXdWCrmb9YgGemNqjsGPNIObPQ0NMqQlSmZ9Iht6OHz5zbehU0e49zYlhVIkAKCOVmvVd8MItAuaizcIQlMMPtC9PRu6aQlXUS0ovtS16rRVrAcloONRZLkM/s400/PC050059+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I interpret this as a fitting reminder of our Savior, "He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Look closely and you will see that Ruth also added some crowning jewels to the heart, which I love. To me, it signifies the royalty of our LORD and our King.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAHllii76X3J4pY-SHEZAHHzTyMLQUqEUDDCqlrWNkW2Gccagghnttq-Xb2UXhNmQBCT8bRoymM2aamVTXfanSPVTZnFuKONgh-chTksdmOJBavE0T-WkULEpyArFXMl6l6R9kQYTrqmf/s1600/PC050061+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAHllii76X3J4pY-SHEZAHHzTyMLQUqEUDDCqlrWNkW2Gccagghnttq-Xb2UXhNmQBCT8bRoymM2aamVTXfanSPVTZnFuKONgh-chTksdmOJBavE0T-WkULEpyArFXMl6l6R9kQYTrqmf/s400/PC050061+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps the circle drawn around the heart represents that our focus should always be on the heart of Christ, and to love one another as He loves us. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I love this ornament, Ruth, and what it represents. Thank you so very much for sharing your talents and a piece of your heart with us this Christmas.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Be sure to visit <a href="http://www.ruthrae.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ruth's blog</a> to see how she made these ornaments and to find out where she is teaching, or to purchase books, DVDs or online workshops. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You can also purchase <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ruth-Rae/e/B002JV8H9E/ref=sr_tc_ep?qid=1323153360" target="_blank">Ruth's books</a> on Amazon.com</span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4662588055865419415.post-62128942357791530832011-12-05T23:26:00.000-06:002011-12-05T23:26:49.454-06:00Welcome Christmas - and the 2011 Collection<span style="font-size: large;">Hi everyone. I love this time of year! We've been so fortunate to have cooler temps the past couple of days here in south Texas which hastens the transition into the season (and facilitates wearing of festive winter garments! YAY!). </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Holiday spirit is evident everywhere you look. Bell ringers are out at the retail stores. Christmas Carols are playing on my favorite radio station, KSBJ. Our church is preparing for it's annual live nativity program. Angel trees are ready to receive gifts for special ones in need. Neighborhoods are lit up with Christmas lights and Smokey is breaking in his new Santa hat and jingle bell collar. Our tree is out of the attic and ready to receive the newest collection of ornaments from my artists friends...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> So, finally, it's December 5th - and time for our <i>12 days of Christmas</i> exchange to begin! All but three of the 13 ornaments in our exchange have made it to my door. A few of the girls are running late this year due to extenuating circumstances. The remaining few will arrive shortly, but here is a picture of the packages collected so far. All are wrapped so beautifully and uniquely.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojZiV3LNNCrPxIVVav4GU0t8FC49nkMbEkqgAJMJyx9Tu9AAhYryP0lHz1fTpFCbb1_vKB1WdWAj7RRK83_oVROb8xohg29QmvhM1dEEikbZyF1XH2uAFh0Il27Qjj812GuIpYVGBoW_p/s1600/PC050020+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojZiV3LNNCrPxIVVav4GU0t8FC49nkMbEkqgAJMJyx9Tu9AAhYryP0lHz1fTpFCbb1_vKB1WdWAj7RRK83_oVROb8xohg29QmvhM1dEEikbZyF1XH2uAFh0Il27Qjj812GuIpYVGBoW_p/s400/PC050020+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;">I will be posting every day as each package is opened --- so please check back to follow along and share in the fa la la la la la la la fun! </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4662588055865419415.post-84674995939152487722011-12-01T19:07:00.001-06:002011-12-01T19:09:32.385-06:00Recalling the treasures of 2010Here is a quick glimpse back at 12 days of Christmas exchange....2010...<br />
Just click on the links below to reveal a few articles from last year's exchange...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">The pile of <a href="http://www.cheydogstudio.blogspot.com/2010/12/2010-collection.html" target="_blank">wrapped ornaments</a> - delivered and waiting to be opened.....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The final reveal - the <a href="http://www.cheydogstudio.blogspot.com/2010/12/thank-you-adorn-artists-merry-christmas.html" target="_blank">completed art tree </a>....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">a closer look at the ornaments I made last year - <a href="http://www.cheydogstudio.blogspot.com/2010/12/on-5th-day-of-christmas.html" target="_blank">Christmas angels</a> .....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.cheydogstudio.blogspot.com/2010/12/how-to-make-christmas-angel.html" target="_blank">Instructions</a> for making my Christmas angel ornaments ......</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4662588055865419415.post-5325317379142655152011-12-01T18:34:00.001-06:002011-12-08T21:51:01.575-06:00All ready to go...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Photos of my ornaments -- all wrapped and ready for mailing.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">My packages will be opened on Day #7 (Dec 9th) </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGXqvBZDLPDquideSmGSIcfrLeZTsciQEojPYlL_nbFehh89I_UaOQVDRIE3zHoKgHgKvSuPNgX2iyxFtY3n-aR0KfUEns5Itx9VXMDytzaKzV9D9BCXmkZFFonUhlt29GI0MaJwX0cnv/s1600/PB270046+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGXqvBZDLPDquideSmGSIcfrLeZTsciQEojPYlL_nbFehh89I_UaOQVDRIE3zHoKgHgKvSuPNgX2iyxFtY3n-aR0KfUEns5Itx9VXMDytzaKzV9D9BCXmkZFFonUhlt29GI0MaJwX0cnv/s400/PB270046+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">My ornaments were wrapped in envelopes made from hand-made paper which was trimmed to 12"x12" squares, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">then folded and sewn (on machine) into an envelope shape...</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvmL-sdbdIrDHQjsXKkNawoZzITJkt2HH89glRqclYgOxsKxqryT9WtaDWA0GUo4BsiKLne_rdc7ou8fE5kz7C2qxencPXy7m-tEpwjACqXrmNYJk2XMbfY-Jn_chyphenhyphend3Joflrt1t42DDb/s1600/PB270050+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvmL-sdbdIrDHQjsXKkNawoZzITJkt2HH89glRqclYgOxsKxqryT9WtaDWA0GUo4BsiKLne_rdc7ou8fE5kz7C2qxencPXy7m-tEpwjACqXrmNYJk2XMbfY-Jn_chyphenhyphend3Joflrt1t42DDb/s400/PB270050+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> ....tie wrapped with hemp cording..</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoyq_oYzSRAU9Y_SeuS_ttuVwLMMC93otAqPlodqM7TUuRrif4HixqLUi678Cl1cj535wE-nBARhXR2KziSAmWo3rAPMe5p9xsrz7C2zg-t6DyAjwutmKvgyiqD9ba8SkbRgd4xrztIIow/s1600/PB270041+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoyq_oYzSRAU9Y_SeuS_ttuVwLMMC93otAqPlodqM7TUuRrif4HixqLUi678Cl1cj535wE-nBARhXR2KziSAmWo3rAPMe5p9xsrz7C2zg-t6DyAjwutmKvgyiqD9ba8SkbRgd4xrztIIow/s400/PB270041+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> ...and embellished with a ribbon flower, a hand stamped ticket stub, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">and one of my business cards as a gift tag.</span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4662588055865419415.post-67726049385102211342011-12-01T18:19:00.069-06:002011-12-02T20:58:00.500-06:00It's almost time again! The 12 days of Christmas ornament exchange...2012<span style="font-size: large;">Hi everyone! I can't believe another year has slipped by. As you can see, I haven't updated this blog in quite a while. We have devoted much of our time this year to being volunteer puppy raisers for Southeastern guide dogs, Inc. out of Palmetto, FL. We started a blog last year to document our adventures in puppy raising, and when we got our first puppy, Smokey, in March 2011, he pretty much took over our lives and our blogging energies. If you have time, stop by <a href="http://www.brewhousepuppyraisers.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Smokey's blog</a> for some fun stories and lots of great pictures.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7P6mYs5Mb7L-G8rrIDspegTgJkFcpoUZbviCd9jauT8ZiUnnmIpyjz_cBSw1mc2Ez8dE1Tfc1DVip_6VPcurudY2kKPoT-t3CX24Yg9W2AiiujwnsmYFFg5I7ixLktnF-DV6gf_7rNtY/s1600/P9110050sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7P6mYs5Mb7L-G8rrIDspegTgJkFcpoUZbviCd9jauT8ZiUnnmIpyjz_cBSw1mc2Ez8dE1Tfc1DVip_6VPcurudY2kKPoT-t3CX24Yg9W2AiiujwnsmYFFg5I7ixLktnF-DV6gf_7rNtY/s400/P9110050sm.jpg" width="395" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smokey - the guide-dog-pup-in-training</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But, it's time to crank this blog back up again - because it's time for our annual 12 days of Christmas exchange! As some of you may remember from last year, this is an exchange of handmade Christmas ornaments made by a group of 12 artists pals from across the US (and one from Mexico). We have been doing this swap for several years now and we all look forward to this beloved swap. Not only do we love the creative process involved with designing, constructing and producing 13 original Christmas ornaments to give away to our friends, but we also get to ring in the season with artistic flair by revealing each artist's creation, one per day, starting Dec 1st - Dec 12th. There is no theme, no media requirements for this swap - each person just creates from the heart and shares a little piece of themselves in the process. Could it be any more special than that?!?</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRaR1V7zK8QAxWJXAMcXbXd71s7eksgJ4PAW4bR67cZIcXaMpBZOvNFE81ICxmV04yDVOlIksQ-s_kr1tOLxG1PTCwewU5joUC_m-wO2EW3kJSdgKg0FcZXtiEt6eO5yoitg6Gbo7bIGyx/s1600/the+2010+collection+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRaR1V7zK8QAxWJXAMcXbXd71s7eksgJ4PAW4bR67cZIcXaMpBZOvNFE81ICxmV04yDVOlIksQ-s_kr1tOLxG1PTCwewU5joUC_m-wO2EW3kJSdgKg0FcZXtiEt6eO5yoitg6Gbo7bIGyx/s400/the+2010+collection+b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2010 collection</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We usually start opening the ornaments Dec 1st but this year so many of our group have had severe illness or life stresses that have forced us to get a bit behind schedule. So this year, we are pushing back our opening date to Dec 5th. This compromise was a good fit for our team this year - who needs more stress on this most joyous of holidays? So a few more days were allowed for finishing touches and to get the gifts wrapped deliciously and popped into the US Mail.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33LVAzHtIsVzX6lCBSVfE_hV5PPlQl9LUoCUmBcV_ttp-34rZGPCtGogy28x5cGMz3n1dMQwO2Cy9UwjVJ5VpfJPW7ZpjT5c_ed3BUWKVCHKYwUlpt2N9SrL4TdELj-iMNQOFe4BckQy3/s1600/adorn+finall+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33LVAzHtIsVzX6lCBSVfE_hV5PPlQl9LUoCUmBcV_ttp-34rZGPCtGogy28x5cGMz3n1dMQwO2Cy9UwjVJ5VpfJPW7ZpjT5c_ed3BUWKVCHKYwUlpt2N9SrL4TdELj-iMNQOFe4BckQy3/s400/adorn+finall+b.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2010 collection revealed</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Below is a list of the artists who participate in this exchange each year. This year, we have an additional 13th player who was called in as a surrogate for our host, Deryn, who unexpectedly developed problems in both shoulders preventing her from finishing her ornament on time. So, we are excited to have Diane Cook join us this year! Also included below are links to each artist's blog. Be sure to check out their blogs, they are awesome, and always have great tips and detailed instructions for making their ornaments.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 1 (to be opened Dec 5th): <a href="http://www.ruthrae.com/" target="_blank">Ruth Rae</a> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 3 (to be opened Dec 6th): <a href="http://www.soulhumming.typepad.com/" target="_blank"> Kelly Snelling</a> <br />
Day 4 (to be opened Dec 7th): <a href="http://www.mosshill.blogs.com/" target="_blank"> Joanna Pierotti</a> <br />
Day 5 (to be opened Dec 8th): <a href="http://www.pipnotes.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Pilar Pollack</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 7 (to be opened Dec 9th): <a href="http://cheydogstudio.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Melissa David</a> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 8 (to be opened Dec 10th): </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.otherpeoplesflowers.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Crystal Neubauer</a> <br />
</span><span style="font-size: large;">Day 9 (to be opened Dec 11th): </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.sallyt.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Sally Turlington</a> <br />
</span><span style="font-size: large;">Day 10 (to be opened Dec 12th): </span><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www./loumetamorphosis.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Lou McCulloch</a> <br />
</span><span style="font-size: large;">Day 11 (to be opened Dec 13th)</span><span style="font-size: large;">: <a href="http://www.blog.danitaart.com/" target="_blank">Danita Art</a> <br />
</span><span style="font-size: large;">Day 12 (to be opened Dec 14th)</span><span style="font-size: large;">: <a href="http://www.rosajosies.com/" target="_blank">Diane Cook</a> <br />
</span><span style="font-size: large;">Day 13 (to be opened Dec 15th)</span><span style="font-size: large;">: <a href="http://www.somethingsublime.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Deryn Mentock</a></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 2 (to be opened Dec 16th): Maija Lepore</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 6 (to be opened Dec 17th): Jackie Allison </span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2196gkvlOfIoaD54WkBMUYOSZauuxaPpz1j7rKYROSYwFsJiI8KCcqliRb2Ikm27hlKFpZJZl5JPaC8ptAhyNp_5I-MQECqd6YewmvqUD4gOfjZvg0dDss29iqi5CZ6387daqza6nkju/s1600/ornie+detail+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2196gkvlOfIoaD54WkBMUYOSZauuxaPpz1j7rKYROSYwFsJiI8KCcqliRb2Ikm27hlKFpZJZl5JPaC8ptAhyNp_5I-MQECqd6YewmvqUD4gOfjZvg0dDss29iqi5CZ6387daqza6nkju/s400/ornie+detail+b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2010 Christmas angel ornaments</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Be sure to check back daily starting Dec 5th - Dec 17th and follow along as each of the 2011 ornament exchanges are opened and revealed! See you then...</span><br />
</span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4662588055865419415.post-39209949249892683532010-12-19T16:36:00.000-06:002010-12-19T16:36:19.880-06:00Thanks for another great Christmas swap<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">To my old art pals and my new ones, too... </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcitgPnwAXA469owYgxxiFuZlGWmXbJToA5EzGDMxiQxH8fytpHQ-I8IOJS6W9_3yeWrUsDAmfDZc9DXNDdDGs9bibhJ6DFTVDfU7L1r0EIREvzy7UxvbgQln3-i8gBCDCLP-tUFxJzJF4/s1600/final+tree+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcitgPnwAXA469owYgxxiFuZlGWmXbJToA5EzGDMxiQxH8fytpHQ-I8IOJS6W9_3yeWrUsDAmfDZc9DXNDdDGs9bibhJ6DFTVDfU7L1r0EIREvzy7UxvbgQln3-i8gBCDCLP-tUFxJzJF4/s400/final+tree+b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">many thanks for a wonderful Christmas swap! Each and every ornament reflects your talents, your time, and your love - and I will cherish them always.</span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4662588055865419415.post-4117539426094003472010-12-19T16:35:00.000-06:002010-12-19T16:35:41.997-06:00A new exhange - Day 9<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">The final ornament of our 2010 exchange is from Tina Shoaga of Silver Spring, MD. Tina's wrapping paper is handmade and hand stamped, and tied up with a pretty yarn bow.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8nCdODWRnQ0Ox5pzdBW2etz7m5N1UnJ3KL79lNoGewxYy6el5xrIDcZKYYyOA8s_5OZ5-QU5vEKCzzfFbt3ZfUYwkxUVBBYepnG35reJlgiAvbBQooTJ2wvg8TQ1p5eEknXehLPoMg8N/s1600/tina+wrap+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8nCdODWRnQ0Ox5pzdBW2etz7m5N1UnJ3KL79lNoGewxYy6el5xrIDcZKYYyOA8s_5OZ5-QU5vEKCzzfFbt3ZfUYwkxUVBBYepnG35reJlgiAvbBQooTJ2wvg8TQ1p5eEknXehLPoMg8N/s320/tina+wrap+b.jpg" width="223" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tina also made a pretty Christmas themed ATC (artist's trading card) and included it with her gift. Two gifts in one!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZisiWBPM0lrUK7bOhly99TiMJSxJvG6zS3NtO1E9fuHCbqBtaDNxkjiLhmljZa9JQXYGK9EqL7owAW4EuIjfLk8BSa3ux4QTnnfSi8EC_sUGDPcKyZoKBHbLAXEpp4XZpHUY9fA58eTc/s1600/tina+ornie+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZisiWBPM0lrUK7bOhly99TiMJSxJvG6zS3NtO1E9fuHCbqBtaDNxkjiLhmljZa9JQXYGK9EqL7owAW4EuIjfLk8BSa3ux4QTnnfSi8EC_sUGDPcKyZoKBHbLAXEpp4XZpHUY9fA58eTc/s320/tina+ornie+b.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tina's ornament is a two-sided and multi-layered fabric ornament. Both the front and the back look like this. Tina hand stitched the edges using a blanket stitch and laminated the face image to make it pop. I love the red and green color scheme and the texture of this beautiful ornament, Tina. Thanks so much!</span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4662588055865419415.post-85465001916866024322010-12-19T16:33:00.001-06:002010-12-19T16:37:28.431-06:00How to make a Christmas angelThis is my original design. Feel free to use it to make your own dolls, or use these instructions as a springboard to come up with something uniquely your own.<br />
<br />
1. Make the doll's body:<br />
<br />
Transfer the doll's face (and include her shoulders and waist) onto a small piece of pre-washed and dried muslin. Cut a matching size piece of muslin to use for the back of the doll. Using a needle and thread, hand sew around the edge of the transferred image, but leave the bottom edge open. Make tiny quilting stitches spaced as closely as you can when you sew. Then stuff the doll with polyfill and hand sew the bottom edge. With sharp scissors, trim around the sewn edge leaving about 1/8" margin, and apply "FrayCheck" to seal the cut edges so they will not fray.<br />
<br />
2. Make the dress:<br />
<br />
Cut two pieces of fabric for the dress. Sew them RST, then turn RSO and press. Fill the dress with polyfill. Insert the doll into the dress and stitch her into the dress using needle and thread. Any size or shape works for her dress - experiment and see what you can come up with!<br />
<br />
3. Embellish the dress and add angel wings:<br />
<br />
Cut a free-form cape and/or wings out of organza, tulle, or other transparent fabrics. Hand tack them onto her dress and add vintage buttons or other emellishments as desired. Here's a trick that's handy: Use a heat gun to slightly melt her cape and her wings info "ruffles" and free-form shapes if you'd like. All cotton fabrics will not melt - so you will need to use polyester or poly blends that will melt when heat is applied. Do this outside or in a room with plenty of ventilation!<br />
<br />
4. Make her crown:<br />
<br />
Free hand sketch and cut a tiny crown out of vintage papers - one that is long enough to fit around your doll's head. Laminate both sides of the crown and trim close to the edge (eg cut away the excess laminate). Use clear packing tape to finish the crown just large enough to fit snugly over the dolls head. Use a tiny bit of E-6000 to glue the crown to her head.<br />
<br />
You can modify your doll design for other holidays or occassions, such as for Halloween -- give her a witches hat; For a ballerina --sew on a little tutu and some skinny ballerina legs; For a bride - give her a veil...<br />
<br />
Have fun!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4662588055865419415.post-26142617280841338592010-12-18T16:36:00.003-06:002010-12-18T17:51:26.636-06:00A new exhange - Day 8<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Once again, Lou McCullouch of Medina, OH sent something clever in her pretty package:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0tMKF-CPovCu-7J59zsnxlMZW8fBTKf2N2r6fAiHklVVyyvwF5VaRJREJUAKMsFNAUwuKleqkUByPGaeYPqroLKS-jvmYijI-BXFD1va8Wf9Hh3Y7ZZHnkaXqrDL2ocYXYh-RPaESX5s/s1600/lou+wrap+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0tMKF-CPovCu-7J59zsnxlMZW8fBTKf2N2r6fAiHklVVyyvwF5VaRJREJUAKMsFNAUwuKleqkUByPGaeYPqroLKS-jvmYijI-BXFD1va8Wf9Hh3Y7ZZHnkaXqrDL2ocYXYh-RPaESX5s/s320/lou+wrap+b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love the vintage embossed Santa paper doll that Lou enclosed with her package.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzyFQn5kIrPyObTeuO3x5LzhSpbwMEDMHlmklp-BS5lkH2PMFYg0FwGLCsklTn6VPogdLWTHAwZ4L0YvcvwRZyDVK_kqq82c7S8PJyKci1IZfWBogwOtSEp4p5FlE4iTfofNAMHonxCw-/s1600/lou+ornie+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzyFQn5kIrPyObTeuO3x5LzhSpbwMEDMHlmklp-BS5lkH2PMFYg0FwGLCsklTn6VPogdLWTHAwZ4L0YvcvwRZyDVK_kqq82c7S8PJyKci1IZfWBogwOtSEp4p5FlE4iTfofNAMHonxCw-/s320/lou+ornie+b.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is another darling frozen Charlotte ornament from Lou. This one she attached to a vintage ornament clip that Lou patina'd a pretty blue color.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPSpe02utvhFr5RsdwblxZ4_YbAb1fQhcWqVF8-S2hJlNX_dIHmktvWicKDUhGLoDWVRHqqQ_i8QRQWnRoj4XZQRyIGb2Es-d3i1lIJqNLBhg_05hvRa1snrWGmazfD_y4NrGJi2BYoyy/s1600/lou+ornie+2b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPSpe02utvhFr5RsdwblxZ4_YbAb1fQhcWqVF8-S2hJlNX_dIHmktvWicKDUhGLoDWVRHqqQ_i8QRQWnRoj4XZQRyIGb2Es-d3i1lIJqNLBhg_05hvRa1snrWGmazfD_y4NrGJi2BYoyy/s320/lou+ornie+2b.jpg" width="178" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lou put a vintage metal tasting spoon behind the tiny charlotte doll and patina'd it blue, also. And that patina'd spoke style washer makes the perfect halo.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwT1Yh8dxK3BsK205gbjWLIEs7Ug5swWHcKpGyFjqKkbu2vZHvX0zHEaKQIvsaboX8RbAGNKV_sRBIoJVQQQ4P5XecV3f8OqLo_ALxnLyBPueipE0m58IKCtNE3daiJKa6A8QyXjqW3ZV4/s1600/lou+ornie+4b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwT1Yh8dxK3BsK205gbjWLIEs7Ug5swWHcKpGyFjqKkbu2vZHvX0zHEaKQIvsaboX8RbAGNKV_sRBIoJVQQQ4P5XecV3f8OqLo_ALxnLyBPueipE0m58IKCtNE3daiJKa6A8QyXjqW3ZV4/s320/lou+ornie+4b.jpg" width="203" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Doesn't it look lovely clipped up on it's perch in my tiny tree? Thank you, Lou!</span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4662588055865419415.post-65829198713049493862010-12-18T16:24:00.000-06:002010-12-18T16:24:14.823-06:00A new exchange - Day 7<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today was the day to open my gifts. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl49CJ3pSpEkebcRUyyMeyVtoAPuCEagP3TrJP4A0xksr6SrVWFE3FmfEqjzk3aySuXLEZaG_o4bGd-SELOoaAh_6slnhJ6khapDLthNzB-42GbuObDKbsUds7-w8sT97kKSq6NCJDZ1Bb/s1600/ornie+detail+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl49CJ3pSpEkebcRUyyMeyVtoAPuCEagP3TrJP4A0xksr6SrVWFE3FmfEqjzk3aySuXLEZaG_o4bGd-SELOoaAh_6slnhJ6khapDLthNzB-42GbuObDKbsUds7-w8sT97kKSq6NCJDZ1Bb/s320/ornie+detail+b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">I sent each of the girls in this swap a Christmas Angel of their very own.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mL3K0XnVGnQyKwjVNz3o7KCaMVaiqdPPsEP5iC1gCW1Em3pAek2CdLCn3hF7jycMAwXD5CXy8tfLboQ1ehTF8S4ysjy5DDd44zsp2llkKJdynlRVe9BIRaqaxRMa_V67sYxuCSbHQsQ0/s1600/ornie+h+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mL3K0XnVGnQyKwjVNz3o7KCaMVaiqdPPsEP5iC1gCW1Em3pAek2CdLCn3hF7jycMAwXD5CXy8tfLboQ1ehTF8S4ysjy5DDd44zsp2llkKJdynlRVe9BIRaqaxRMa_V67sYxuCSbHQsQ0/s320/ornie+h+b.jpg" width="240" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMnpFmxB_Z821yG45Sh9rKuqMco7HjZlaHi3F8ylPyYVVipdaZE-jLazCHw6Rv_lEWGBgM4E-KTUv7PdbPg9sg2g9hgJUMfIHClsdJse2KJezyH_8Y-bdx4SkS98sgaPYtpARaziKtAel/s1600/ornie+e+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMnpFmxB_Z821yG45Sh9rKuqMco7HjZlaHi3F8ylPyYVVipdaZE-jLazCHw6Rv_lEWGBgM4E-KTUv7PdbPg9sg2g9hgJUMfIHClsdJse2KJezyH_8Y-bdx4SkS98sgaPYtpARaziKtAel/s320/ornie+e+b.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6thzH8Z9A47c3_uLDX9OZGcuI589lDCjdc_82ETEuxlPMo4Qv4Bc6VgDt-7v1d828sJBfydjKazM59YL8eKDJ3q2sRyamuSMBeT22zb0c0YexIMjU-iYnBoEo7j_MviMwpSxQNEBti5y/s1600/ornie+f+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6thzH8Z9A47c3_uLDX9OZGcuI589lDCjdc_82ETEuxlPMo4Qv4Bc6VgDt-7v1d828sJBfydjKazM59YL8eKDJ3q2sRyamuSMBeT22zb0c0YexIMjU-iYnBoEo7j_MviMwpSxQNEBti5y/s320/ornie+f+b.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhbxMEEJAGP98DTSf4A1XIpQAqIwkG5OT5UzPhxXlSx9vIEoWCEbRAj14whyphenhyphen2DagSkDE9klKQVGlnHBH3MjppODgHhpqmTqbv4TmHimkQMIXGWaJs6DgT-qcz8bCE9IIWerk0hILG0t6_/s1600/ornie+g+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhbxMEEJAGP98DTSf4A1XIpQAqIwkG5OT5UzPhxXlSx9vIEoWCEbRAj14whyphenhyphen2DagSkDE9klKQVGlnHBH3MjppODgHhpqmTqbv4TmHimkQMIXGWaJs6DgT-qcz8bCE9IIWerk0hILG0t6_/s320/ornie+g+b.jpg" width="251" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">As promised, I will post some brief instructions on how I designed and made these dolls - hopefully, in the next day or two.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl49CJ3pSpEkebcRUyyMeyVtoAPuCEagP3TrJP4A0xksr6SrVWFE3FmfEqjzk3aySuXLEZaG_o4bGd-SELOoaAh_6slnhJ6khapDLthNzB-42GbuObDKbsUds7-w8sT97kKSq6NCJDZ1Bb/s1600/ornie+detail+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl49CJ3pSpEkebcRUyyMeyVtoAPuCEagP3TrJP4A0xksr6SrVWFE3FmfEqjzk3aySuXLEZaG_o4bGd-SELOoaAh_6slnhJ6khapDLthNzB-42GbuObDKbsUds7-w8sT97kKSq6NCJDZ1Bb/s320/ornie+detail+b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Merry Christmas!</span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4662588055865419415.post-22931170054003985582010-12-18T15:54:00.000-06:002010-12-18T15:54:40.268-06:00A new exhange - Day 6<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 6 brought an usual and beautiful ornament from my new friend Kathy Wasilewski, of Midlothian, VA.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzVXKn-17C0y1SlYJ9X2C52ofMDq1IrYQszr2Gx2fFseWvpYJ6KE79TsySTLxZKry8Fp28_Cdh_aH-HFU0Sn2YgOXvL-gW2wBrvddp7mFGvR2wQhuswzhDdBTPEfDCQz4Du7lru6FTOBJ/s1600/kathy+wrap+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzVXKn-17C0y1SlYJ9X2C52ofMDq1IrYQszr2Gx2fFseWvpYJ6KE79TsySTLxZKry8Fp28_Cdh_aH-HFU0Sn2YgOXvL-gW2wBrvddp7mFGvR2wQhuswzhDdBTPEfDCQz4Du7lru6FTOBJ/s320/kathy+wrap+b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Mfxe4cd1MaQ_o-ILLCKPIXSRjInjtwRICKNdR8NIKZuh8UO7I47HBulG5Nl83qQKu9UvVtez2-8J2ASI704fGxs7xvgQtioGuGftb3PEd7kgHHGyLe1O9zV48nNJlwbZmrGShy2CE4Rx/s1600/kathy+ornie+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Mfxe4cd1MaQ_o-ILLCKPIXSRjInjtwRICKNdR8NIKZuh8UO7I47HBulG5Nl83qQKu9UvVtez2-8J2ASI704fGxs7xvgQtioGuGftb3PEd7kgHHGyLe1O9zV48nNJlwbZmrGShy2CE4Rx/s400/kathy+ornie+b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">This winter white ice princess! She is lovely. It looks like Kathy molded her face in polymer clay, then painted and antiqued it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ArQPfcnYBtN3VWFb0GtrmYu_BVZfxWhKSoqb1Y2z7Y3vq6cyMUV8lkWpNd4SvnSjFJKIpT64XuK7JLCDW3AhTjw5NwcHKFay3Y1rtIgjRmr6NerQOYUPbvVsFv90mQbDMP-R8EIrPBUl/s1600/kathy+ornie+2b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ArQPfcnYBtN3VWFb0GtrmYu_BVZfxWhKSoqb1Y2z7Y3vq6cyMUV8lkWpNd4SvnSjFJKIpT64XuK7JLCDW3AhTjw5NwcHKFay3Y1rtIgjRmr6NerQOYUPbvVsFv90mQbDMP-R8EIrPBUl/s400/kathy+ornie+2b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Her hair is made of clusters of tiny silk flowers and Kathy added tiny glass beads to the center of each flower.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivokZ_4QhY9JBpWxsaGRxQRKvrsGzPp0BQVtZuT1yrj3ErKjDzTo4G4Oa4f3nux46S6TJqbu7LB5NJdo_rf2KrNZHZBnUK-nNPIY1QPM7hNivnTUegVvOqWpn0FhEXHa0jaX19Mmz7Pb0k/s1600/kathy+ornie+3b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivokZ_4QhY9JBpWxsaGRxQRKvrsGzPp0BQVtZuT1yrj3ErKjDzTo4G4Oa4f3nux46S6TJqbu7LB5NJdo_rf2KrNZHZBnUK-nNPIY1QPM7hNivnTUegVvOqWpn0FhEXHa0jaX19Mmz7Pb0k/s400/kathy+ornie+3b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">And isn't this clever? Kathy used a tablespoon for the body of her ice princess. My pictures don't do her justice - she is just lovely, Kathy! Thank you...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"> </span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4662588055865419415.post-39476882115219031312010-12-18T15:36:00.000-06:002010-12-18T15:36:25.976-06:00A new exhange - Day 5<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">My old pal Jennifer Rowland, of Austin, TX sent one of the most very cleverly wrapped gifts I've ever seen for Day 5 of our exhange:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVPrCJuwPuxNduZ-A7GeUbQUKZ5zHUi87_SEudjDcpzN3Lo0EpDMmK1uPekQ6MY_ojo602IraRDLWhEGGpQ1Obu2vBa-DvJ6z1wvA9xUrJSyowh3zjTbKAf2FPYKr12-GwfQVT_bjPJAG/s1600/jrow+wrap+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVPrCJuwPuxNduZ-A7GeUbQUKZ5zHUi87_SEudjDcpzN3Lo0EpDMmK1uPekQ6MY_ojo602IraRDLWhEGGpQ1Obu2vBa-DvJ6z1wvA9xUrJSyowh3zjTbKAf2FPYKr12-GwfQVT_bjPJAG/s320/jrow+wrap+b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'd been puzzling over this unusually sturdy round box, patiently waiting for the day I could finally unwrap it...and as I carefully peeled back the twill tape - look what I discovered:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjm-5Cd2fqtT4IZIn7vhb9mKN8ZCcEqJ9Oory157nZ-nhK-b_Hk_L56rMTC-rmQeVUXbLERHLow85bD0WnynrEmZAZKseWrTNAvITsLl78vgNHCxQYupkKXYFmIpllQ-3P5CQplUZqyssC/s1600/jrow+wrap+4b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjm-5Cd2fqtT4IZIn7vhb9mKN8ZCcEqJ9Oory157nZ-nhK-b_Hk_L56rMTC-rmQeVUXbLERHLow85bD0WnynrEmZAZKseWrTNAvITsLl78vgNHCxQYupkKXYFmIpllQ-3P5CQplUZqyssC/s320/jrow+wrap+4b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> ...<span style="font-size: large;">it's a Laughing Cow cheese box! Very neat idea!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3pZYsce6e1vL2Zous5_S8nOGOYcr_NN4fs-B-UKfCx9CEH0nu927oRA7sNLWNUmgqqyA69t78D1cucDQHwLi81vEtLc2aaYUTg-XZTyeD9YGLSIW17FLt39RdtdsmRBc8TaFN6BW0Gak/s1600/jrow+ornie+3b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3pZYsce6e1vL2Zous5_S8nOGOYcr_NN4fs-B-UKfCx9CEH0nu927oRA7sNLWNUmgqqyA69t78D1cucDQHwLi81vEtLc2aaYUTg-XZTyeD9YGLSIW17FLt39RdtdsmRBc8TaFN6BW0Gak/s400/jrow+ornie+3b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"> And nestled inside is this very pretty ornament that Jennifer made from a vintage Christmas tree light reflector. These little punched metal flowers are highly collectible and hard to come by. Jennifer turned it into such a cute ornament!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ngp27u1ABf311gt4zv9v3WPAets7q85ZPmDkcXYnUiQg7Q08QPqHUdu-KNOJGF3FOSh1CLTDgDPIQ1qIPK4MINv_F63Cm278YhlCQlXPV3h2J7MdYUntC1vKDfWAp9D1S1r8Rw5A0bnt/s1600/jrow+ornie+2b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="383" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ngp27u1ABf311gt4zv9v3WPAets7q85ZPmDkcXYnUiQg7Q08QPqHUdu-KNOJGF3FOSh1CLTDgDPIQ1qIPK4MINv_F63Cm278YhlCQlXPV3h2J7MdYUntC1vKDfWAp9D1S1r8Rw5A0bnt/s400/jrow+ornie+2b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">The accordian pleated rosette of Christmas music fits perfectly inside the reflector. And JOY is the perfect sentiment for Christmas, isn't it? Thank you Jennifer for this sweet ornament.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUQcVXTBMdE4c6OOlGzu7H729K5DTbo-RPQBit3uvyCutprX5cYjrxz2UPizdd1LVLqFBh9flFs-08D97nuXdb5xt_PRJZPqhd7rjI392A63pxETcgecgCgTE_AS0Qxl3bTGLDFoeXFe1/s1600/jrow+ornie+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUQcVXTBMdE4c6OOlGzu7H729K5DTbo-RPQBit3uvyCutprX5cYjrxz2UPizdd1LVLqFBh9flFs-08D97nuXdb5xt_PRJZPqhd7rjI392A63pxETcgecgCgTE_AS0Qxl3bTGLDFoeXFe1/s400/jrow+ornie+b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great JOY, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11<br />
<br />
</span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0