I'm having a white and cream Christmas...

Prior to the Thanksgiving weekend, I received several more packages in the mail from swap partners.  

I was (once again) amazed by the creativity and sheer talent of my blog friends!  

We participated in Cassandra's*(see note below) Handmade Christmas Ornament Swap; which partnered us into groups of four.   The requirement was that we make a total of nine (9) Christmas ornaments; three (3) for each partner.  In turn, we each receive nine ornaments...   how fun is that?!?

The first package to arrive was from Erica; and just look at what she made for me!

(I'm loving the wee tag!)

(this "birdcage" ornament is so lovely!  See the teeny tiny tree?)

(the snowflake has a pretty lady as its main attraction)

 

 A couple of days later.... JoAnne's package arrived.  

I was lucky enough to be partnered with JoAnne for not one, but two swaps:  

 

Cassandra's

  

and the Bloggerette Sorority's 

 For the Bloggerette swap, we were to gift our partner with two ornaments; one handmade and the other store-bought (making both ornaments was optional).  Which means that I received a total of five ornaments from JoAnne!

 (I promise, this is not a Math quiz!)  

Lucky me!

Here is what I received from JoAnne:

(this image of the Victorian girls is so sweet... and the frame sets it off perfectly)

(I had been window shopping on Etsy for these... was debating whether I had time to make them, or just cave and purchase one...  JoAnne must have read my mind!)

(JoAnne's version of the snowflake; with another sweet image, surrounded by pearls)

(this bird looks ready to take flight...)

My jaw dropped a bit when I opened this one; I was in love.  Instantly.

The colors, textures, millinery...  everything about it captured my heart.

... I have a weakness for rosettes, and tulle...

 

...and my very own invitation to the Midnight Christmas Fairie Ball!

THANK YOU, ERICA AND JOANNE...  your gifts have warmed my heart and will soon grace my Christmas tree.  I will enjoy and treasure them for many years to come.

***********

My third partner's package got here today and is sitting (unopened) on my dining room table... I will be unveiling it tonight and will post pics in the next couple of days, along with the ornaments I made for my partners.

 ***********

  *By the way, have you seen this lady's blog and her creations?  All I can say is... wow!   Sheer beauty.  Her blog banner alone is enough to make me drool.  Cassandra recently had a giveway and guess who was the lucky winner?   Moi!  I was delighted to receive this pretty in the mail...

Thank you, Cassandra!

 I'm joining Faded Charm's White Wednesday party; please stop by for gorgeous white inspiration.

Here's to a wonderful first week of December...

Comments

[LisaKay Balazs]

They are all so very very gorgeous. I love white for decorating at Christmas time. Wishing you a Merry Christmas.

Hugs, LisaKay
Belles Roses

[Cassandra]

WOW your group exchanged some STUNNING ornaments! I love all of them! I just adore the cute little stocking with wand you made. So cute! I am so glad your group enjoyed their ornaments. It was wonderful having you join my swap! Thank you for all the kind things you said about me. I am flattered! :) xox

[debi]

Mercedes, you have received some beautiful ornaments! Handmade ornaments are just the best!

[Jessica at Kids Napping? I'm Scrapping!]

Pretties all around! I swapped a Paris inspired petite inspiration matchbox with Erica a few months ago. She does not disappoint! I loved what she sent me!

We are partners for Jean's tag swap, and I am looking forward to swapping with you!

[JoAnne]

Hi Mercedes,
Happy WW! I'm so happy that you like your ornaments. I featured Erica's in my WW post also-love them. And lucky you, winning Cassandra's giveaway.
xo
JoAnne

[Lynn @thevintagenest]

I miss doing swaps. Maybe 2012 will see time to participate in some. Mercedes, your swappies are gorgeous. The ladies really outdid themselves. Will you be showing your decorated tree? Have a wonderful day.xo

[Pamela]

All your ornaments are just beautiful!!

[Sandi ~ A Cottage Muse]

Love your palette!
All your new treasures are beautiful!

[Mrs. Tricia K. johnson]

Hi Merecedes, I'm so kicking myself now!!! Look at all of the wonderful beauties you received!!! You lucky gal you!!!
Take care and Happy Holidays, Tricia

[Erica]

What beautiful ornaments! You will NOT be disappointed with Linda's ornaments ~ Stunning!!

I'm hoping your ornaments arrive before my post on Friday (fingers crossed).