Good-bye, my dearest!

A Fresh Start

Mitten Swap, Etc.

This Christmas I took part in Speckled Egg's Mitten Swap. Heather asked each of us to make a large mitten to swap. The one pictured above and below is the mitten I made.
The tree is made of white felted wool and decorated with silver beads and thread. The mitten itself is made of canvas, with big polka dots painted on with creamy pearly paint and lace trim.

And I made a tag to coordinate with the mitten.

In exchange for my mitten, I received this wonderful burlap mitten from Sarah of My So Called Junky Life. Don't you love the colors she used? I hung it on the inside of my front door so I can admire it all day long.

Check out all the details in the photo above.

Along with the mitten we each sent 12 packets of vintage artsy-type goodies to exchange. The packets shown above are the ones I sent.

And this is what I received in return! Each one was more exciting than the next! I can't wait to get into the studio to start playing with it all.

I also took part in the Kitty Needs A Home Charity Auction that sweet Lorraine of Paper Bird held right before Christmas along with others in her art group to benefit the Haiti Gospel Mission. And lucky me - I won this adorable Miss Holly Kitty made by the talented Julie Collings. Don't you just love her?

And this adorable primitive angel is from my friend Cerri. She sent her to me as a complete surprise. Her timing couldn't have been better. Thank you so much my friend!

Miracles and Blessings

Sorry that I've neglected my blogging duties this past week. I had so many Christmas things I wanted to share with you, but my DH was was rushed to the hospital on Tuesday. It was pretty scary stuff, but things are under control now and fortunately he was able to come home yesterday just in time to celebrate Christmas. Who could ask for a better gift? So from our house to yours, We Wish You The Merriest Christmas Ever and I'll be back when the new year begins!

Vintage Stocking Swap Reveal - Part 2

As promised, today I am sharing with you the beautiful stocking I received from Diane as a part of Joli Paquet's Vintage Stocking Swap. I just love how Diane had everything wrapped up in dress pattern tissue.

And the beautiful Victorian-style lace stocking is amazing, don't you think?

Lots and lots of lace and old buttons. Isn't is funny how both Diane and I used creamy whites and lace to decorate our stockings? I told you in the previous post that we both had similar tastes! I just love everything!

And look at the stash of goodies she had tucked inside the stocking and the box! I can't wait to sit down and play with everything while sipping a steamy cup of that Bellagio Gourmet Mocha. Yum!!!

Vintage Stocking Swap Reveal

This season on the Joli Paquet gals and I decided to host a Vintage Stocking Swap with our readers. My swap partner Diane and I had similar tastes, which is always fun. This is the stocking I made for her. . . .
I used white felted wool for the base of the stocking and then added a French Laundry Hanger, lots of tulle and pearly accents and layers of creamy lace.

Along with the stocking, I sent lots of artful goodies.

This organza bag is filled with all things neutral, old and sparkly.

Then I added in some sweet vintage images, flash cards and a handmade shipping tag.

Here's a close up of the tag.

Also a little bag of mitten die-cuts, snowman picks, a sugary candy cane, tiny mushroom and a wee knit mitten.
I threw in a bag of pastel Cavallini Christmas stickers and a pink chenille candy cane for good measure.

I also tucked in a copy of a favorite book of mine on journaling. Swaps are so much fun - it's like having Christmas all year round when you take part in a swap! Tomorrow I'll share with you what Diane sent me!

Literary Paper Crafting!

I've been doing some last minute holiday crafting over here. I'll post a few other items I made in a day or two, but right now I wanted to share this Paperback Book Tree I made. If you want to learn how to make one for yourself (or as a gift) just check out my tutorial over on the Joli Paquet blog today!

Tuesdays at Joli Paquet

~ Photo Courtesy of Cerri Campbell ~

Isn't she adorable? You can learn how to make this sweet ornament designed by Cerri at the Joli Paquet blog today. And she'll also share a fabulous tip for using Glimmer Mist sprays! Cerri's studio is also featured in the new winter issue of Creating Vintage Charm magazine available here.

Twelve Days of Christmas Traditions

This month I am taking part in a wonderful event on the Where Women Create Blog called The 12 Days of Christmas. Various artists and I are sharing our favorite holiday traditions as well as offering great giveaway prizes. In fact there are THREE prizes being offered EVERYDAY! Here's how it works:

"Each day between December 1st thru December 12th, the Where Women Create Blog will feature three fabulous artists. They will be sharing their cherished holiday traditions, plus giving away a fantastic prize. All you have to do for a chance to win is to leave a comment on each of the 12 posts. (Limit - one comment on each post please) You can comment on any of the posts at any time during the 12 day event."

On the 3rd Day of Christmas, I am offering the very last of my limited edition Sweet Vintage Wreath Kit to one lucky winner. For a chance to win be sure to leave your comment on the Where Women Create Blog by clicking here.

Good Luck to everyone!

KIts For Sale

I'm so excited because today is Kit Sales Day at Joli Paquet. We've all worked hard to bring you some adorable kits this year. I think everyone really outdid themselves this year. My Winter Wonderland Cottage Kit is pictured above is available in my Etsy Shop. Check out Cindy, Cerri, Brandy and Sheila's kits here.

UPDATE: I just listed more Joli Paquet Kits in my shop - Thanks so much for your wonderful response! I also found a couple of kits from last year if anyone is interested!

Sneak Peek!

Just a little teaser for you ~ Today is Kit Preview Day #1 at Joli Paquet. Holiday Kits go on sale here Thursday, December 2nd. If you want to see more of my 2010 Winter Wonderland Kit, hop on over to the Joli Paquet blog by clicking here.

Sale!

For those of you who have decided to stay home today instead of fighting all the crowds at the stores and shopping malls, there is a sale going on in my shop TODAY ONLY! Save 15% on everything in my shop until Midnight (cst) tonight (11/26/10). Just enter the Coupon Code: BLACKFRIDAY15 when you get to the checkout to receive your savings!

Happy Turkey Day!

Digital Elements by Roben-Marie Smith

"O Lord that lends me Life,

Lend me a Heart replete with Thanksgiving."

~ William Shakespeare ~

Wishing everyone a blessed day!

Holiday Announcements

I've updated my Etsy shop with a Winter Wonderland of goodies! Be sure to check it out by clicking here!

~ Photo Courtesy of Sheila Rumney ~

And our Guest Artist, Sheila Rumney has a wonderful tutorial to make these vintage inspired star ornaments over on the Joli Paquet blog.