Belated THANK YOU...

I just realized that I had not shared a few of the Christmas and holiday gifts received...

Once again, my blog friends and swap partners amazed me with their generosity and creativity.  I thank each and every one for their friendship and look forward to a "2012" full of fun, sharing and creating!

Note to self for next Christmas:  do not join 10 swaps if you are planning to travel during holidays!

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I participated in JoAnne's Secret Santa Swap (read my post about it here), and received 25 little gifts, each individually wrapped and tagged.

Starting December 1st, I would awaken each morning and after grabbing my cup of espresso, would delicately open my gift for that day.

Each was a sweet surprise to open...  There is something extra special about opening little tiny gifts - don't you agree?  I love the thought and care that goes into selecting the items we send to our swap friends.  

My Secret Santa had put together a wonderful mix of new, vintage and handmade.

Of course, I didn't find out that my Secret Santa was Peace until January 2nd, when I returned from my holiday trip.

I had left the final little package to be opened upon my return.  This one would reveal (finally!) the identity of my Secret Santa.

I just love this ATC Peace made for me!

Thank you, dearest Peace, for making my December so special.

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A very generous, sweet and creative friend I made this past year through blogland was Karla.  As we exchanged emails, ATC's, and swap gifts, we realized we both celebrated Three King's Day (or as we call it in Spanish, Dia de Reyes) on January 6th.

Sweet Karla sent me a boxful of lovely gifts, each individually wrapped.  One gift to be opened each day between December 25th and January 6th.

I took gifts for December 25-31st with me on my trip to Spain... it was so much fun to open one each morning while sipping espresso or chocolate a la taza in a sidewalk cafe... little did Karla know that some of her gifts would travel all the way to Barcelona and Mallorca Spain!

 Every item was beautiful, like this religious tag she made for me...

See the "crackle" effect?   It reminds me of the beautiful stained glass seen in all the churches we saw in Spain.  

Another day, I opened my little package to find this cube.

Karla also sent me a couple of assemblage ornaments created by artist Sandy Jackson (www.some-assembly-required.com).  I had never seen these before and was thrilled with the artistry and ingenuity behind them.  I can see getting addicted to either collecting or (yikes!) even attempting to make them!

Another handmade lovely by Karla.

 

Books, ornaments, a vintage bell... the fun continues!

Darling Karla outdid herself!   I am utterly spoiled and smiling.

Thank you, dear friend.

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And most recently, I received this ATC from Patti, for Wendy's Blissfull ATC Swap.

 

Patti creates beautiful digital art... and I've enjoyed browsing her blog for inspiration.  (My husband gifted me Adobe Photoshop for Christmas and I have quite a lot to learn about digital art!)

Thank you, Patti, for my lovely ATC!

 

Comments

[JoAnne]

I'm so glad you'be embraced swapping as I have Mercedes! Lovely, lovely swaps!

[Abby]

I've only been in one swap and now that I see the treasured gifts and friendships one receive I think I want to join more in 2012. I'll have to keep an eye out for them.

xo,

Abby