Imagine This

Day 13 of the 12 Days of Christmas Exchange

Day 13 Gift from Lorraine George

On Day 13, we are opening a gift from my friend, Lorraine George. She is a very talented artist who puts together gorgeous projects and I'm eager to see her ornament.

Package by Lorraine

Everything I've seen Lorraine create is well executed and usually dainty and  - well - just perfection as far as I can see. This package is no different. She is the only person I know who can actually fold white tissue paper without wrinkling it! The blue stained paper under the plastic wrap is very interesting. It looks like hand tinted, hand made paper in a loose weave and then fused together as one sheet!?! Only Lorraine would think to use something so simple and yet so cool in a Christmas decoration.

Ornament by Loraine

Woah, what a precious ornament! A fabric ornament of what could be a tea-dyed doily, alternating layers of fabric, vinyl, and pastel blue net circles sewn around an image - is that image a fabric transfer? Lorraine always pays attention to detail. The three stars sewn on the ornament are highlighted by the free falling stars inside the package wrap. How fun is that?

Just look how gorgeous it is on the tree!

 

Notice the tiny crystal beads on the dainty blue strands of yarn flowing down from the ornament.

Crystal Beads

Just to be sure you know Lorraine's penchant for perfection, take a gander at the  bead separator between the two crystal beads on the center strand:

Actually, it is not so much a "bead" separator as it is a "star" separator. Tha-a-a-a-ts right -- the same star that is on the ornament and loose in the package. See what I'm telling you? Lorraine is unbelievable. It is all so small that the two beads and the star together are only 1/2 inch long!

Click on this image to get a good look at the focal piece.

 

Back of Lorraine's Ornament

Looking at the back will show you what a meticulous artist Lorraine is. The center is fabric stitched over a little bit of stuffing to make it soft. The circle is perfect - not a stitch showing! Everything is tucked and finished beautifully. Lorraine is nothing if not a master crafter.

Ornament Hanger

What a creative designer, Lorraine is. Notice the fabric hanger she attached to the back with simple lines and no stitches showing here either. I love getting anything artistic from Lorraine because I know it will be handcrafted to perfection. Thanks so much, Lorraine, my lovely artisan friend, for this stupendous ornament for my tree.

This then, concludes our 2009 Twelve (13) Days of Christmas Ornament Exchange. It has been a thrilling ride for the past two weeks. I love every gift this year and am already thinking about next year. Congratulation to my buddy, Deryn Mentock, for hostessing such a remarkable swap. We love it and we love you, Deryn. Thanks a million.

 
 

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas

Wrapping by Lou McCulloch

You might think that the twelfth day of Christmas is the last and usually it is -- but not this year. This must be "Christmas Leap Year" because this year we have Thirteen Days of Christmas. Yippee!

So this is our twelfth day and on this day, we are opening Lou McCulloch's sweet tiny gift package. Now, I know that Lou decorated the paper this box is made from and I love it. I also love that it is a tiny gift. Haven't you heard the old saying, "The best things come in small packages?" I was so excited to get this package open. First I pulled on the blue ribbon which made the folds of the box pull out.

  

O-o-o-oh! I see a bit of what is coming. You can also get a closer look at the decorating Lou did on the box.  So, now let's get a closer, clearer peek . . . How I love to torture myself and prolong the anticipation.

Yeah, I see. How clever that the box was meant to be opened by the blue ribbon. The ribbon is actually attached to the ornament. YES! I can tell it's going to be one of Lou's signature looks.

I pulled out the ornament, trying not to look directly at it - saving the best look for last! When I looked down in the box, I see that the little glitter bird who was on top of the package had made his nest in there as a place for the ornament to rest.

Ornament by Lou McCulloch

Isn't she a beauty? Lou is a wizard with paint. She has given this muffin tin - probably a vintage tin - her signature painting look . . . a look of rust and patina. The focal of her ornament is what looks like a very good rendering of a tintype. Maybe Lou had this little image and put it under a mica sheet to make it sturdy and give it the look of a vintage tintype. Or maybe it is a vintage tintype??

I love that I got the word radiant on the tiny corked vial embellishment. I haven't felt radiant in several days now so I'm hoping this will bring that attribute today as I plan to get out in the cold weather and do some errands before going to the movie with a friend.

Lou this is a '"radiant" ornament for my tree. Thank you so much for this little token of your talent. I will cherish it. I'm going to call her Radiant Lou, well, named after you - yes, but also because I happen to know that today, December 12 is the feast day for Our Lady of Guadalupe. (So Lou is also short for GuadaLOUpe.)

Since 1531, Our Lady of Guadalupe, or the Dark Virgin, as she is often called, has become the patron saint of the Mexican Republic. The festival of Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe actually begins a week before December 12. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the country—many traveling for a week on foot or by burro—flock to the Basilica of Ville Madero, on the outskirts of Mexico City, where the most impressive ceremonies in honor of the Virgin are held. The streets adjoining the church are literally packed with people who wait their turn to enter the church and make their offering.

The climax of the festival begins on the eve of December 12, when the conchero dancers gather in the atrium of the church. The name probably derives from the word concha, meaning "shell," [Hey my Radiant Lou has a background that looks somewhat like a shell!] because the mandolin-shaped instruments of the dancers are made of armadillo shells [ARMADILLO? Texas armadillo? LOL] The dancing—hopping steps performed to the endlessly repeated accompaniment of one or two musical themes—begins at midnight and lasts throughout the day.

Our Lady of Guadelupe

You know the background of the traditional Our Lady of Guadelupe portraits looks a little like the background in Lou's ornament, don't you think? And Our Lady (above) is quite radiant as well.

Thanks again, Lou, for such an inspiring ornament. I love my Radiant Lou. Let the dancing begin!

 

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas

Wrap and tag by Deryn Mentock

Day Eleven of our Christmas Ornament Exchange belongs to my multi-talented friend, Deryn Mentock. I'm always excited to open the ornament from Deryn because I always expect her to create something fantastic . . . and I'm never disappointed. Look at that perfect mini ornament she selected. Click on the image above and see the delightful gift card she created using a picture of herself as a child and glittery inclusions all stitched up with netting. Oh-h-h Ah-h-h its so Deryn! And the package is so very intriguing.

Wrapping by Deryn

Oh, yes! My expectations are raised even more by the luscious fabric wrapper she sewed up to house what I know will be a unique and thrilling ornament. This package is quite inviting. Can't wait to get this bag open. Among other mediums, Deryn is a gifted art jeweler (you must stay updated with her Etsy shop.) and I hope she has used her skill to craft this ornament. So, lets start ripping stitches and open the top of the bag to get the ornament out. Carefully now, you know you'll want to reuse this gorgeous bag.

 
Ornament by Deryn

AW-w-w, Gasp!!! I knew it! I told you -- she has done it again. This ornament almost made me weep it is so exquisite. I mean it, I wish everyone could see it in person.  I'll try to show some details so you get an idea. I so love this ornament.

Reliquary - Deryn's Ornament

Deryn has put so much work in these ornaments that to receive one is the greatest blessing. Inside the reliquary cylinder, she has put a portion of a vintage prayer card with pieces of twisted metal strands, strips of silk fabric, and antique Bible text. Of course, the reliquary is enclosed with clear glass. This focal is amazing in its detail especially considering the small size of it - a little over an inch across!

Outer Decor of the Reliquary

On the outer rim of the reliquary is a strand of vintage rhinestones -- my fav! They make this ornament shine with sparkle. Also trimming the outer case is more vintage Bible text. The ornament is embellished with beautiful faceted beads and strips of silk fabric.

  
Front                                                                        Back

Dangling from the Reliquary is a vintage cross complete with an image of the crucifix and several religious symbols (like the dove, a symbol of the Holy spirit.)

Back of Deryn's Ornament

The back of this ornament could almost have been the front. It is finished in a beautiful, decorative way.  I used to have a tole painting teacher who would always say, "Paint your backs!" Deryn is well aware of the habit we have of  turning over whatever we are looking at to see the back (Hallmart knows this as well!) and she always finishes her pieces beautifully.

Back of Focal Piece of Deryn's Ornament

In this case, Deryn covered the back with vintage Bible text and crackled it. A ribbon of silk fabric is tucked under a handmade wax seal which is an image of Jesus.

Deryn, I am feeling very fortunate to have received this gorgeous ornament made so meticulously with love and caring by such a special friend as you. Thank you so much for it and for including me in this swap every year. It is one of my favorite groups of artists and their work is always inspiring.

 

On the Tenth Day of Christmas . . .

Laughing All the Way

My friend, Kelly Snelling, started my day off today with joy and laughter. First, get a look at the package that I received in the mail:

Fun Fun Fun

 

Joyous Snowgirl by Kelly

Kelly says this little snowgirl she sketched on the box is throwing love on us! And when I turned the box over to open it --

Note to Mailman by Kelly

I thought, oh boy, something squishable? Fruitcake? No, no. Then I remembered what Kelly said in a message yesterday, ". . . hope you like them! they're kind of quirky. :-)" What? Me dislike something quirky that Kelly created??? I think NOT. So, with excitement and maybe a little trepidation - I pulled the gift out of the box.

Giftwrap by Kelly

Oh, yea - a glistening blue gift promising JOY! Of course, what else would be coming from Kelly? (BTW, you must read her post about these gifts where she goes into a tirade about how much she hates gift wrapping. It's hysterical and so honestly Kelly.)

Then I ripped off the paper to find . . .

What!?

Ornament by Kelly Snelling

At first this funny little creature looked bewildered, melancholy, and what else? I turned it over to the back:

O-o-oh! A Snow Bunny! A RED snow bunny!

I hung him on the tree and thought of Kelly creating all these quirky little bits of whimsy.

Photo borrowed from Kelly (Thanks, Kel, hope you don't mind.)

My bunny started to look amusingly stunned or even peeved to be there!

Enameled Bunny by Kelly

Suddenly, I cracked up laughing. This is soo-o-o-o like Kelly, this whimsical joke on us and our brightly lit Christmas trees. Maybe I can't explain why I get such a bang out of them - all these hacked off bunnies who didn't want to go out to our homes and be on  Christmas trees for fear of . . . what?  A cat shredding their bow? Being lost in a crowd of ornaments on a tree???

Kelly said, "they needed a bell because bunnies get lost and they need a bell so they can be found because they hate it when they look up and discover they have lost their way. no one likes that." (She cracks me up! You really need to read Kelly's post about all this and see even more enameled projects)

Well, Kelly, my mad, mad, mad genius of an artist -- as you can see I've made up this funny little story to go along with my "quirky" little bunny so he and I are quite happy after all! LOL.I think I know even better now why your blog is called "Soul Humming." You make my soul hum!!

Oh and I am totally impressed with your enameling skill and even more impressed with your courage to make all these enameled ornaments while taking a class learning how to do it!! You always amaze me, sweet girl.

Thanks for my buddy bunny. He and I plan to hang out all year long --especially at Easter!

Tah.

 

On the Ninth Day of Christmas . . .

My sweet friend, JoAnnA Pierotti sent us an ornament gift for the ninth day of our swap. Her packaging was most unique -- sent in a clear package filled with vintage paper clippings, potpourri with a scent reminiscent of a Christmas kitchen, and tagged with a snippet of waxed vintage text.

 

Inside, the ornament was wrapped snuggly in a red & white ticking fabric and pinned with a rusty safety pin and bow. As unusual as the wrapping was, it would seem common compared to the fantastic ornament inside. Wowza!

 
Ornament by JoAnnA Pierotti

What a sweetheart of an ornament it is . . . a darling little dress fit for a Renaissance fairy! Bedecked with laces and fabric swatches and all manner of jeweled pieces, this creation is to fall in love with.

The bodice is made of some sort of old, patterned metal. It almost looks like metal mother of pearl (no such thing but wouldn't you love if there were?) JoAnnA has laced it through eyelets and tied it with a mesh ribbon, jingle bell, and bead dangle.

"The skirt is lavish with pieces of vintage fabrics and ribbons crowned with a vintage jewelry fragment. The whole thing is oh, so lovely.

JoAnnA is an acomplished art doll maker -- among her many talents. Especially around this time of year, you will find various angels, fairies, and other creatures being born in her work area. Take a look at some of this year's batch (I've borrowed some pictures from JoAnnA's blog.)

 

Fairies by JoAnnA

Just watch JoAnnA's Etsy shop and one of these little creatures could find its home with you!

Thank you JoAnna for exercising your fertile imagination in the making of our ornaments. I believe you have outdone yourself this time and I, for one, am thrilled with it.

 

On the Eighth Day of Christmas . . .

I Gave Ornaments to My Artist Friends

My Gifts Wrapped

I used my handmade brayered paper for gift wrap, stapling the edges together with red, green, gold, or copper staples. If you haven't seen my brayered paper, check it out here. Meanwhile here is a sample of it, though you certainly can't get all the glitz of it in a photo -- or at least I can't. It is so rich and yummy. You just have to try making some.

 
  

 

 
My Brayered Paper Samples

So, ok, back to the ornament exchange --- my packages.

 

Wrapped Packages

I actually forgot to take a picture of an individual package. The one above is for my friend, Kaye. The artists' packages had a large number 8 on the gift tag (as in the group shot) to indicate that they are to open it today -- Day 8 of the exchange. Below is a picture that Crystal Neubauer took of my wrapping. I borrowed it to show you because I loved the candy canes in the background. Hope you don't mind, Crystal.

Photo by Crystal Neubauer

Gift Tag, Opened

My gift tags were somewhat of an afterthought made from folded scraps of brayered paper. Inside I stapled a picture of an angel or Santa torn from a greeting card and a scrap of vintage hymnal page. I ended up liking them even if they were and afterthought.

 

My Ornaments

Forgive my photography. I haven't mastered taking pictures of glitz. . . and these ornaments are fairly glitzy. Also, I think I did some things more to them after I took these pictures. But you can go to other blogs to see them. I'll show you what I have and tell you how I made them. (Click on any image to see a bigger view.)

 

First, I made the small arched frames by hand to go on top of the ornaments. They are made of paper clay and each one is different. They had to dry a couple of days so I did them first and set them aside while I worked on the ornaments. Later, I painted them with glitzy metallic acrylic paints and dusted them with powdered metals.

The base of the ornament itself is a 2" x  2" wrapped canvas! I covered the front and sides of the canvases with molding paste, painted them with metallic acrylic, and rubbed the highspots with gold or copper or whatever inkpads -- direct to paper technique. (Obviously, I don't have pictures of my working on them but I'll just show you several of them finished.)

I made tiny copies of a vintage religous card and cut them out to use for the pictures. I cut each one to fit it's exact frame and then I crackled them. When all the paint and crackling was dry, I began assembling the ornaments.

 

Each one was different from the next in color and embellishments. I used vintage jewelry pieces to enhance them and to make the dangles. Above is a picture when I was laying out possiblities for the jewelry pieces.

As I began making decisions, I glued the pictures and frames down to the canvases. When I was sure what jewelry pieces I wanted to use on one, I started gluing the embellishments on the frames.

After the frames were embellished, I tore pages from a vintage hymnal, tinted them with inks, and glued them on the canvases to cover the backs. I intended to sign these ornaments on the backs but forgot it for most of them. What a ditz!

 

Next, I brushed metallic ink to match the color scheme of each one onto the edge of the covering. Since I left the covers larger than the canvases, I deliberately wrinkled them to hug the outside of the canvases.

The rest of the work was done pretty much in assembly line fashion. I drilled holes in the tops and bottoms of the canvases to attach bead dangles and hanging apparatus.

 

I attached vintage Christmas ornament hangers to the tops so they could be easily hung on trees. (Don't you love to use the word vintage so you don't have to say "my OLD stuff?")

 

Apparently, I didn't get a good photo of every single one of the fourteen ornaments (12 plus one for me and and one extra for my girlfriend, Kaye.). I've shown you all the good pictures I took. I sort of ran out of time and was scrambling to get them wrapped and prepared for mailing. Somehow, picture taking took a back seat.

Hope all of you in the swap enjoy your ornaments and get as much love from them as I put into them. May you each have a blessed Christmas season and remember the birth of our Christ as the miracle it is.

On the Seventh Day of Christmas . . .

Crystal!

On Day 7 of the exchange of these stupendous Christmas ornaments, I picked up this package from my sweet friend, Crystal Neubauer. Something about the ethereal wrapping papers and the tiny silver mirrored raindeer reflecting the lights of the tree made me think of the crystal clarity that our Crystal strives to get through her art.

"Art serves so many purposes, not only in the life of the artist, but also in those who will view it and reflect on what it stirs in their soul."    ~ Crystal Neubauer

I have enjoyed reading Crystal's posts on her blog and appreciate her descriptions of the feelings she experiences as she creates.

Ornament by Crystal Neubauer

Isn't that the yummiest piece of heaven? This is one of Crystal's signature looks. Lately, she has been working to marry metal with wax - an unlikely couple. I think this ornament proves that she has mastered the process quite well, don't you? 

"During the creative process . . .. A voice comes from within that affirms the placement or leaves me unsettled about it. Sometimes it will stir with words, a song or a phrase, or scripture will begin to repeat over and over in my head."    ~ Crystal

The magnificent translucence of this ornament lends itself to different looks in different lighting. Notice the shadows of the tree boughs that can be seen through the glowing expanses:

I love the dappling of what I assume is marbled paper, probably from the end papers of an antique book as Crystal is a hauntress of antique stores and other treasure houses.

Each piece of crystal's artwork, whether jewelry, encaustic collage, assemblage, or even Christmas ornaments -- each piece is thoughtfully executed reflecting the teamwork she openly affirms to have with God. 

"I am not creating alone, I am a vessel, as he pours his song of love into me I pour my praise and adoration for him out onto the canvas."    ~ Crystal

Serenity by Crystal Neubauer

"Something deep in my soul will stir as I move the objects about and they often seem to put themselves together before me. I am the hands, the assembler, the story comes from within."  ~ Crystal

When Crystal explains the process, it seems a reasonable matter of logic. Not so easy for me and probably not for her either when she is in the midst of it.

"Wearable Sculpture," pendants by Crystal Neubauer

Crystal says she has been learning to trust that still small voice in art and in life. She explains that it enables her "to know it is okay, to leave something as is and wait, or to take action to change it." And she admonishes us to "Trust it. Trust that voice. Trust the Spirit inside."

So Crystal, my splendidly talented and wise friend, I know I will be better off to heed your earnest advice. Thank you for the little piece [think peace] of heaven you've gifted me with in this lovely Christmas ornament. I will cherish it always.

On the Sixth Day of Christmas . . .

Are You Kidding Me?

Gift Wrap by Maija Lepore

Give me a break!!! I have managed to get mixed up in a group of the most talented, uniquely imaginative artists that ever created a Christmas ornament. This is getting absolutely spooky - how brilliant these ornaments are. Just look at this gift wrap by Maija with it's precious burlap-look holiday bag and glitzy Noel tag. But that ain't nuttin' honey, to what I found inside.

My friend, Deryn, the instigator of this exciting swap shindig, already outed me on her blog about poking around on this long mysterious package. I figured what could it hurt? The packaging seemed sturdy enough if I didn't squeeze too hard. Well, squeeze as I might, I couldn't guess it -- No, not in a million years!

 

Did you gasp? I did! Quick get her all the way out -- I want to see the whole thing:

O-o-h A-a-w! Ornament by Maija

See what I mean? Could this festive little lady be any more brilliant? I just know this is a German porcelain doll head put together with love and imagination by Maija Lepore who made her the richest, most fabulous of bright fiber-skirted playmates. 

Doesn't she have the sweetest, morst regal of faces? I could just eat her up! and don't tell anyone but . . .

I have looked at the blogs of the other recipients of these precious little dolls and as far as I can see -- mine is the queen of the bunch (and if you get info otherwise - well, just don't tell me!) The others seem to be topped with pointy princess hats or some such -- royal subjects at best. Hmmm.

Isn't her little paper crown adorable. Only you, Maija, would think of such a thing. I love it.

Next comes her vintage rhinestone bejeweled torso topped with a plush royal red neckline. The webbed midriff is highlighted with a vintage handmade sticker of sorts and a red and yellow party flower. Maija, the torso is the most inventive part of her construction, no doubt. How in the world you made it all work I'll never know!

Now lets get a look at that flouncy, flirty skirt!

Fiber-crazed, Tasseled Skirt

This skirt is the most fun with it's plethora of fabric strips and fibers. Makes me want to have a life size one of my own to frolic around here in. (Could do without that mental picture, huh?)

Well Maija, my friend, you have certainly made a fan out of me -- yet AGAIN! You are one of the most inventive, creative, and fun artists that I have the pleasure of joining with on the playground. Thanks so much for my prized little party queen. I'm totally in love.

On the Fifth Day of Christmas . . .

 Ruth Rae gave to me . . .

Package by Ruth Rae

Oh, the thrill of receiving a gift from the fabulous -- and famous -- RUTH RAE!! I haven't opened the package yet. I will in a minute. Don't you love the anticipation? I'm sure you all know of Ruth Rae, the lovely mixed media artist, seamstress, jeweler, and author of, not one, but TWO fantastic books.

You surely have the book she and my friend, Kelly Snelling, wrote, right? The one about the charming jewelry charm exchange? If you don't you are really missing out. It's fantastic.

 

Cover of Ruth and Kelly's book

Have you seen Ruth's new book? I promise you, it is packed with yummy ideas and eye candy.

 

Cover of Ruth's Latest Book

Click on the image to get a better look at these pages by Ruth Rae

OK, that's as long as I can stand it. Lets open the package and see Ruth's ornament.

Gift Wrapping by Ruth Rae

Ornament by Ruth Rae

 

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  ~Matthew 6:21

Home is where the heart is.     ~ author unknown

Want to see the back of it? Even the back is quite artful.

Back of Ruth's wonderful ornament

Ruth, you kept saying you were late, late, late getting started with your ornaments and girlfriend, that just added to the suspense. When I got my package from you on just the day before I was to open it -- now, that was exciting! LOL. However, as Deryn and I keep telling each other -- you are the super talent and with as much experience as you have making these incredible fabric art pieces, we knew you'd come therough. And come through you did! We couldn't have asked for a more thrilling ornament. Thank you, my friend, for a real treasure.

Ruth Rae is an extraordinary artist. Everything she puts her hand to turns to pure masterpiece. Do not, I repeat, do not miss her blog, My Creative Soul. Buy her books, read her blog -- just stick with Ruth and you'll be entertained, enlightened, and inspired beyond measure.

On the 4th Day of Christmas . . .

 
. . . IT SNOWED!!!!!

Melissa David's beautiful gift wrap!

Oh, my gosh -- it is snowing in Texas!! Global warming? What global warming? This is the earliest snow ever in our fair state. Boy is it fun. You can stand in it and love it or walk in it because it is only sticking to the flora and fauna. Except, look at the huge flakes sticking to this package.

This is looking from my back deck toward the neighbor's yard.

Just look how hard it is coming down. I had to go out and take some pictures in order to believe it.

Across the street from my house looking across the golf course.

Package by Melissa David

Well, anyway on the Fourth Day of Christmas . . . Melissa gave to me -- a gorgeous package and we'd better get it out of the snow. I don't want to ruin the luxurious fabric wrapping nor the lovely icon transfer sewn on the front. Anyway, true to Texas weather (at least where I am in Texas) it changes before you can say "jack rabbit." It only snowed for about an hour and a half. Then it began to melt. Now it's all gone. So, back to the excitement at hand -- Melissa's gift ornament. Let's OPEN it!!

Carefully slit the stitches at the top where she has sewn it closed and slip the little ornament out:

Melissa's Way Cool Ornament

This ornament is Melissa from top to bottom. It is creativity at it's highest. First let me show you a better picture of the heart.

Isn't that fantastic? A lumpy ole heart made from wh-wh-wh-WHAT? A cardboard heart smeared with molding paste? A paper clay heart slathered with spackle? A wooden heart shape with paper clay lumped all over it? Don't you love it when you can't even figure out how she did it? Anyway it is luscious.

 

And what in heaven is that little crown thingy? Metal? No, I think it's plastic . . . what in the world is it?

 

It is so perfect. It makes the whole thing look like the sacred heart of Chist to me. I love that - especially at Christmas time. Let's see it on the tree.

O-o-oh, A-a-ah!! Wow!

And look at the precious dangle.

Well, Princess Mel (that's what her real friends call her - probably because she is magnificently talented,) all I can say is you really "done yourself up proud" this year. Girlfriend, this little jewel will be up all year at my house for sure. It is definitely not just a Christmas ornament -- it is LOVE itself. Thanks for such a yummy gift!

On the Third Day of Christmas . . .

Oh boy! Oh boy! My friend Jackie Allison sent a gift that is perfect in every detail. That's like Jackie. She is one terrific artist!

First of all . . . the box was the perfect arrival in the mail.

Now how would like to get such a delightful package out of your mailbox? Only Jackie would put her treasures in a lovely Christmas box and then just put the addresses on it and mail it -  just like that. I'm telling you it was a thrill right from the beginning. And then --

 

A quick look inside started the excitement all over again... Oh, the darling Christmas bag all tucked in with red tissue. And that precious card . . .

Decorated card by Jackie

She even put her artistic twist on the gift tag with her beaded berries. Is she not the master of detail?

Ok, so what is the ornament? OH- AH ---- WOWZA!  First I saw the head. Oh my.

Top of Jackie's Ornament

True to Jackie's talent, it made me sigh when I first saw the vintage doll head affixed to a decorative collar and perched on top of a vintage candle reflector.  She is just so perfectly precious. Then a look at the whole ornament.

Jackie's ornament hanging on my tree.

A glitzy finish accomplished by Jackie as she attachied a sparkling chandelier crystal. Again, the perfect touch! So let's get a closer look at that collar Jackie created. 

You know you can click on any of these images to get a better look, right? (and, btw, did you notice that I finally remembered how to use the macro setting on my camera?) Anyway, you're going to want to look at this photo even closer to see the rhinestones, beads, and gold glitz. How did she do that anyway?

As the crowning glory -- Jackie hand made the glistening ornament hanger. That is a wonderful idea. The whole presentation absolutely makes me feel special to have received this priceless ornament. Thank you so much, Jackie. You really outdid yourself this year.

 

On the 2nd Day of Christmas . . .

Pilar Pollock gave to me . . .

Pilar's gift says, "Let it Snow!" (which btw is forecast as a possibility for us Friday!)

Day 2 already! Our package for this day is from my friend, the talented Pilar Pollock. Pilar is an accomplished mixed media artist who has art work in many publications. She creates fabulous fiber art and exquisite digital art among many other art venues she pursues.

Speaking of her fiber art - - for our ornament this year, Pilar made her own rendition of a "Prayer Flag." IF you pop over to her blog, PIP Notes, she has a story about how she chose to do these particular ornaments and you will be blessed with the prayer that goes with it.

 
Click on this image to see more detail of the terrific fabric tree ornament Pilar made for us this year.

Here are some close shots of it: 

 

Top of Pilar's Ornament

 
Bottom of Pilar's Ornament

Whether she is producing digital art, fabric art,  mixed media collage, mail art, paintings, or stencil art -  you can be sure Pilar's art work will be exciting, polished, and expressly creative.

Rock Star by Pilar Pollock

Be sure to check out her blog, PIP Notes and expect to spend hours there! You can even find a link to purchase her fabulous "Rock Star" pieces and others. Don't miss out.

Thanks Pilar for another fun and fabulous Christmas ornament.

On the First Day of Christmas . . .

Danita sent to me . . .

 

Danita's artist-made gift tag (Detail)

It is the first day of our Adorn group's 12 -- no, 13! Days of Christmas Ornament Exchange. This morning, DAY ONE, I opened the most precious gift ornament from Danita! Just look at this tiny little lady:

Danita's Darling Doll Ornament

The beauty is in the details. My photography skills are not honed enough to give you the full blast of this fantastic little ornament. Here are my best tries:

Danita's signature face painting

Notice how the shoulders are realistically turned

Teeny Wreath on Danita's Ornament

Oh, nuts. This doesn't show the darling little wreath and shiny bow. The color is all washed out by the glitz. That ribbon is red on one side and lime green on the other with tiny stitches of white thread along the edge. (Next I'll be looking for a new camera or at least a macro lens!)

Skirt and feet of Danita's doll ornament

Just look at the attitude of this red skirt! It's all int the way Danita twisted and turned and situated everything. And the feet?

Danita's Doll Feet

My, oh my, just look at that positioning! Doesn't she look like she is dancing for the time of her life? Danita must have trimmed the pipe cleaners to make her slender little ankles!  Danita's attention to detail is just perfect.

You probably recognize Danita's distinctive work, all full of whimsy and love. She has been published in many art magazines and books.

Danita's Dolls on Jan/Feb Issue

Did you see her Frida dolls on the cover of Somerset Studio's March/April issue? You must not miss Danita's web site to see more of her work. 

Thanks so much, Danita for this fantastic little doll. She'll hang on my tree for many years to come.

 

Original Doll Ornament Created by Danita, December 2009

 

It's That Time Again

12 Days of Christmas Ornament Exchange

Gifts from friends waiting to be opened

For the past three years, I've participated in a Christmas Ornament Swap with some very talented artist friends from the Adorn group. Traditionally, on December 1st, we open the first gift ornament and each day after that we open one until we have opened every gift ornament -- usually 12 days, but this year it will be a lucky 13 Days. 

This year, my packages have been piling up on the pie stand just waiting to be opened. They began arriving every few days since before Thanksgiving as the artists could get them created, wrapped, and mailed.

The packages I wrapped are ready to go.

I wrapped the ornaments that I made in tissue paper and put them in handmade "envelopes" I created using my special decorated acrylic brayered paper. Each friend received a different colored package with a handmade gift tag of aother color of brayered paper. The gift cards have the number of the day they are to be opened on the front. So, everyone will open my ornament gift on the 8th day of December. After that I will post pictures of the ornaments I made.

This year, the artists participating are:
    Day 1 - Danita Art (mixed media artist and she makes the world's cutest art dolls!)
    Day 2 - Pilar Pollock (mixed media artist who has been making fabulous fiber art, too, lately)
    Day 3 - Jackie Allison (mixed media artist who is an absolute wizard with metals & found objects)
    Day 4 - Melissa David (mixed media artist who is fantastic on the sewing machine)
    Day 5 - Ruth Rae (mixed media artist and author; exquisite fabric artist and jeweler)
    Day 6 - Maija Lepore (mixed media artist; the grooviest and going-est one of us all; delightful art)
    Day 7 - Crystal Neubauer (mixed media artist; vintage art guru and maker of beautiful things)
    Day 8 - Me, Sally Turlington ( well, you know me -- nose around my blog.)
    Day 9 - JoAnnA Pierotti (mixed media artist, doll maker, assemblage star, and champion of women)
    Day 10 - Kelly Snelling (mixed media artist and author, creative jeweler and painter of intrigue!)
    Day 11 - Deryn Mentock, Hostess (mixed meida artist, creator of extraordinary found object jewelry and quite the accomplished photographer, too)
    Day 12 - Lou McCulloch (mixed media artist; extreme talent with painting, collage, and assemblage)
    Day 13 - Lorraine George (mixed media artist; meticulous jeweler; and maker of myriad finery)

You'll want to visit each of these artists who have blogs because they are spectacular and gifted artisans. You will want especially to be present on their day of the exchange when they post about the gift ornaments they created. If it goes anything like the past years - there is eye candy enough to last all year!

Yea! Can hardly wait for tomorrow (it comes at 12:01 AM, right?)

Tomorrow's Package by Danita

   

Whew! The Lazy Day AFTER Thanksgiving

 

After Dinner Crowd

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving Day - we did. I was just sending pictures around to everyone who was there yesterday. So, thought I'd post one for you, too. This is mostly my brothers' families (my son and his family were not there this year. They will be with us for Christmas, though.) Don't we look "fat and happy" after all that scrumptious food? 

In the picture is most of my family -- the eldest lady (front center) is my mom (88), the two white haired men in the back are my brothers, the tallest man in the back on the left is my husband, and the gal in the denim shirt is a friend of mine from church. She and I sort of ramrod the Arts Ministry at church. Now aren't you glad you got to see all these strangers? LOL.

The Day After  Soup from Palate-to-Pen

Do you do anything special with the leftovers from Thanksgiving dinner? I always have good intentions but never seem to get up for it. I always look for recipes, though. Here is one soup recipe that sounded really good. Wish we hadn't thrown the turkey carcass to the animals last night.

This recipe is from Palate-to-Pen, a yummy blog for the hungry. The author of the blog says, "Palate-to-Pen is my slice of cyber-sky in which to scribe culinary musings. Topics include: original recipes, book reviews, wine tastings, tea tips, dining experiences, and market finds."

So, back to the recipe:

The Day After Soup

A quick and light soup filled with veggies and good intentions.

12 cups homemade turkey stock
5 cups shredded turkey meat leftovers
6 carrots, chopped into quarter-inch rounds
1 medium potato, peeled & chopped
1 medium sweet potato, peeled & chopped
1 15 ounce can kidney beans (no salt added, ready to serve)
1 15 ounce can sweet peas
6 green onions, sliced into dainty rounds
1 bunch red kale, leaves plucked from stems into bite-sized pieces
2 pinches coarse sea salt
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon dried tarragon leaves
1/8 teaspoon celery salt
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup white wine

Homemade turkey stock - simmer the turkey carcass till the bones hold no longer, giving way to a flavorful stock and bits of meat enough to fill a deep pot of soup. Pour stock into deep stock pot. Set burner to a low heat. Add the turkey, carrots, potato, sweet potato, beans and peas (with “can juice”), and onions. Stir for a few minutes to mingle the goods. Next, pile in the kale, stirring every couple of minutes, until it’s self-absorbed and mingling with the rest of the veggies that rest easy in the broth’s bath. Sprinkle in salt. Perk up flavors by rolling Italian herbs and tarragon through your palms over the pot. Season further with the celery salt and garlic powder. Toast the soup one last turkeylicious hurrah with a pour of wine. Rev up the heat to a medium setting until a fast simmer brews, then return to low and cook for 30 minutes, or until the carrots are tender to a fork piercing—paying mind to a good stir a few times throughout.

This soup is lightweight, veggie-packed and flavorful. It’ll ease you into your yearlong turkey hiatus.

Roast Turkey Panini from Food Network

Maybe a turkey sandwich is more your cup of tea. Try this panini recipe courtesy  Emeril Lagasse:

Roast Turkey Panini with Pesto, Roasted Red Peppers and Fontina

1/4 cup prepared basil pesto

8 slices ciabatta bread or other rustic Italian white bread, thinly sliced

8 ounces very thinly sliced roast turkey breast

1 roasted red bell pepper, stemmed, skin and seeds removed, cut into thin strips

6 ounces fontina cheese, thinly sliced, to cover the bread slices

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Arrange the slices of bread on a flat work surface and, using a small spoon, divide the pesto evenly among 1 side of each of the bread slices.

Divide the turkey, roasted pepper strips, and fontina equally among 4 of the bread slices. Top with the remaining 4 slices of bread, pesto sides down, to form 4 sandwiches.

Brush the outsides of each sandwich lightly with some of the olive oil.

Heat a large skillet, griddle, or grill pan over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, add the sandwiches and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, pressing occasionally with a large metal spatula or the bottom of a small heavy saucepan, about 4 minutes per side. Remove sandwiches and transfer to a cutting board. Slice in half on the diagonal and serve immediately. 

Or maybe something else:

   

Two of the Five Delicious Recipes for Holiday Leftovers

What is your favorite after the holiday recipe?

If you're like me -- you're tired and sleepy so you'll just heat up the leftovers and have Thanksgiving Dinner all over again!!