Secret Santa Arrived

Madame Butterfly - picture doesn't do it justice

Angel Cards w/Embossed Envelopes - picture doesn't do them justice as well

Tree Amulet made from silk fusion.... so awesome!!

I was so excited to get my package from Ang on Monday.... I swear this is true.... I know I heard angels singing the Hallelujah Chorus and the path to the mailbox was paved in gold. I slowly opened the mailbox and 10 lords came out leaping, butterflies on their heels... and there on a silk pillow was my box... I knew it would be worth the wait.

I quickly opened everything and ran to get my camera, when the new TV installer said, "Your internet is unhooked but someone will be out on Wed. afternoon to install it... WHAT???? Three days without the internet.... they might as well run off with my firstborn son.... it has been painful....

But on to happier things... Madame Butterfly is just beautiful. My bedroom is Asian with an emphasis on purple. I have the perfect spot to hang it there. The angel cards are far too beautiful to use and those I'm going to triple mat & frame to go in another perfect spot. And then there's the tree amulet... I have ALWAYS wanted one of those and I love that it's a tree!! And, yes, I have the perfect spot for it as well. It's as if Ang knew all the bare spots in my house that could use some good art. She also included another set of notecards.... some tiny seed beads.... a pkg. of ATC protectors and some yummy chocolate from Canada... THANKS Ang.... you were a perfect Secret Santa giver....

Secret Santa at IllustratedATC's

Now that my person has opened her present from me, I can post what I made. The wallhanging is made from patterns in the book, Spellbinding Quilts, by Maaike Bakker, using a paper piecing technique. It's embellished with various beads, sequins, cotton & metallic threads, and Swarovski crystals. I also made a 4-way ATC that makes a tree... Then a package with silk cocoons & rods, & other silk fibers. I'm still waiting for my present to arrive.... I have a suspicion it is tied up in customs somewhere.... This was such a fun thing to do.... everybody has been posting their presents as they arrive and it is fun to see people's art in larger sizes. Alot of awesome stuff! The most exciting thing, however, is Dana & I are going to do another trade of larger art so I can have some of her art... she creates the most awesome trees.... Links to her website: http://www.artistic-journey.com/ and http://artisticjourneys.blogspot.com/ Scroll down on her blog to see some of her trees... she has also designed a set of Tree Tarot Cards.

Actually Finished A Quilt Top

I just finished this. It is my favorite kind of quilt to make.... a lap quilt that is just right to cuddle in but still looks good on the couch. This might look like it takes a little bit of skill but it is only made from 6 1/2" squares and half-square triangles... it is 60 X 72.

Fun Mail Day!

Mine - "Skull In Stitches" ............. From - Martha in Maryland
This trade was the November Match. The background for Martha's tree is from melted crayon. That is kinda her specialty.... you would never guess that's what it is looking at it.... but it is so vibrant and beautiful... I am starting to accumulate an interesting tree collection...

Mine - "Standing Vigil" " ........... "Aura" - From Randi in Nashville

Randi and I have traded before. I made this tree for the Tree swap but made another one for Randi when she wanted it... I know, I'm one of those awesome accomodating people...

Mine - "Pear Tree" traded for...

"Mists Of Dawn" from Kari (pear blossom gallery) in Oregon

This card is even more outstanding irl... I'm going to get a frame for it...


With her card Kari also sent me some fun "stuff" I got so excited over it all as it is all things suited perfectly for me from someone who doesn't "know" me... some awesome little peices of fabric, beads and other embellishments and all the detail of the tree & house are paper pieced on a 1 3/4" square.... amazing... and it is just flawlessly done...

Quilt Group Christmas Party

I just love my quilt group!! There are 30 of us and 18 made it to the party. I must say I was happy to pass on the Presidental duties to Judie... I have never liked being the one in charge of things.... or as Ken says it... I would much rather be in charge of the one who's in charge. I guess he doesn't like it when I can think of ways to do what he wants to do so much better. I guess he also thinks he's in charge.

Next year is starting out smashing... we all picked secret pals to give some kind of gift to each month at our luncheon. Jacque is also going to teach a series of applique classes which I'm really excited about. The collective creativity of our group is electric.... it would be best not to stand under any trees each Thurs. of the week.

We do a gift exchange and I just love my present. It is a holder with 36 different thread colors. It is handy to have when you are doing handwork.... instead of trying to gather all different, bigger spools of thread.... it's all right there ready to throw in a bag... and you're good to go. Kathie always makes hot pad holders which are just perfect for taking things out of the microwave and holding the hot dishes while you eat... watching TV. My dining table is for my many varied projects.