Trust...

Gifts Galore.

This beautiful little collage was a gift from the talented Dawn. If you want to find out about that delicious background then look for the reference to potato chips on Dawn's blog.

One of the added Christmas blessings was being spoilt by gifts galore. I won't bore you with pictures of my food processor, if you are a local friend you may get to taste the results, you may even join me on a picnic where we will use my new picnic basket. It was the year of the cat, and I received a beautiful porcelain cat, cat bowls, cat calendar and more. I love the strange serendipity of Christmas gifts.
I remember the year as a child where I received three watches, and the year of heart lockets, the year of note paper and the year of tea towels. I remember the year of petticoats (if only the Grandma's and Aunties knew I wore them as dresses and felt like a princess). There was the year of cutlery and the year of car accessories. Some of these 'years' match with trends and interests, others don't. Each giver spent ages choosing a gift and thought that they would be unique, so of course - even as a child - the gift were valued. Have you had a 'Year Of ...'?

These two art dolls were from Dotee: Henny House and Feelings.

When I picked up Henny I smiled and looked around for someone to share her with (Archer obliged,but was disappointed to only get a look). When I opened Feelings I paused to look within. Later I reflected that it was the essence of the artist that led to two quite simple dolls changing my feelings and emotions. Thank you Dotee.

This beautiful jewellery was a gift from my Aunty, in England, and was made by her grand daughter (does that make Rachel a second cousin?). Anyway, my wardrobe is bulging with purple clothes and I just ordered a pair of purple shoes, so I am sure these will get a lot of wear.

There are so many gifts I could blog, and when I get broadband (very soon) then that will become easier. For now know that I appreciate each and every piece of art I receive.
I am always blown away by the gifts I receive, those chosen with loving care and those created from the heart.

The Christmas Bling

Due to popular request (giggles) my Christmas ‘bling’ appears here. The sterling silver necklace features a rare filigree spoon handle; I have two different ones and have not yet found more. The heart and amythyst piece above the spoon is a silver brooch given to me decades ago – and now looks silly on its own against my large body

The wonderful large beads are hand made in Nepal and their caps are engraved sterling silver, the smaller round beads are vintage speckled glass.

Christmas Day was bliss, lovely family, huge quantities of delicious food (Which is always calorie free on public holidays), delightful gifts, bubbly and an adorable neice who got so much joy from unwrapping gifts and playing with new toys.

Archer would like me to tell you that he was a very good boy – and he was! I came home and cooked fresh fish for Charles and Phantom so all boys were spoilt too.

Christmas Blessings To YOU

from Julie, Charles, Phantom and our model for this evening, Archer.

Do you see Archer's collar? His Christmas bling involved some ferocious concentration and a little time. A few lessons were learnt: Beading in bed leads to an uncomfortable nights sleep and guests may think you are mad to make a collar.

I have just finished my bling, a new silver necklace to wear tomorrow. I even used some of my 'too good to use' treasures.

Have a safe and happy day as we celebrate this special birthday.

Soar

I had started this necklace a week or two ago but it was one of the projects I completed sitting at the table with dear friends. My dining table looks out over town, to hills and ranges, giving clear views of each and every weather change. It also allows those seated to see many birds including the seagulls that circle in the storms and the pelicans whose flight path I am under. It was such a precious time to be creating with friends who saw my view as a gift; who reminded me of my blessings.
With the encouragement of Dawn and Kylie I have listed 'Soar', a OOAK necklace on Etsy ( www.julieh7@etsy.com) . I have no idea why I am not allowed to do links today, will try to tidy this up tomorrow. Meanwhile many thanks to Nina with whom I made my first booklace.

Blissful Times

I have had my lovely friend Dawn to stay over the past weekend and more. What a treat to spend so much quality time with an art buddy, and particularly one with such a very generous heart. Even more, one whose body clock matched mine: afternoon naps, late nights and a sleep in every morning – bliss.
It was my birthday over the weekend and I took the opportunity to have family and close friends join me for a cheap and cheerful meal at the local Squid Shack; Dawn’s sweet and friendly family (who were camping just our of town) joined us too. My neice showed off her new shoes, as my Dad begged left overs. No, no, he was not hungry – just delighted to see L throw the chips for seagulls braving the cold weather outside.

I was blessed with many delightful gifts (always an unexpected surprise at 37) including the stunning quilt above. This is my friend Kerry’s very first patchwork effort! Yep, I am speechless too.

Archer and Phantom adored Dawnie, and it was a blessing to watch someone else delight in their affection and antics – hilarious too when Archer scoped out Dawn’s icicle dolls and selected one for himself. It was rescued very quickly and no beads were ingested.

Charles was shy and as Dawn spent time with her family on Monday he squeezed in a weekends worth of cuddles. I was trying to list some scrummy house shaped buckles on my etsy with him smooching on my lap. Definitely not items from a pet free home, but hopefully still hair free!
So much more to tell, and art to share, however I HAVE to take my list and go forth in search of several errant Christmas gifts; the 'just right item' to complete my packages.

This and That

I have been helping out in a jewellery class at school; and picking up a few tips myself. In a quiet hour last week while most of the student's were working on projects I made this bracelet. I think every wire wrap is shaped by a question: Can you show me jump rings again? Is this tight enough? How do I? It was a nice haven, a comfort zone within a comfort zone; wire within teaching. I didn't have anyone in mind as I made this one so I have popped it on Etsy.

Thanks to Sherry, Kate and Dawn for participating in PIF you will get surprises soon.

Pay it Forward

"I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I don't know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog." is what I read on the talented and kind Gunnel's blog a few weeks ago. Yesterday this lovely quilted Christmas card arrived in my mail box - despite the fact I was fourth to comment.
Now I make the same commitment to you - I think it will be some of the ATC's from the same series as the one above which will wing their way to you.

Gifts from the heart

on etsy

My lovely friend Kim sent Halloween to Australia for the second year. Do you see the candy corn socks and ribbon? My first candy corn experience, in 2006, was bliss. Love the button and trim, ummm... but I might have enough spiders :) . Kim and I are doing a special swap at the moment - I am looking forward to sharing the results.
Nikki blew me away with the time that went into this Box of Chocolates; each of the little books has quotes about chocolate, for example: Man can not live on chocolate alone; but woman sure can.

The guarantee on the back cracked me up: All chocolates are guaranteed to give hours of amusement and are 100% calorie free. Enjoy as often as required. Please store in a cool dry place away from Clever but Cute Cavalier Spaniels and Aiding and Abetting Cats. Containers no Macadamia Nuts (cos a nut takes up space where a chocolate should be). Just precious.

This classy box came from my friend Kylie and now is home to my 'business cards' - yep, you heard right. I am often asked when wearing my jewellery if I have 'a card', so I made some and try to remember to have one in my purse. Makes me feel like a bit of a Diva.

This box came from the talented Carmel. At the moment it has some of my favourite metal buttons in it. Not sure if that will be its 'forever job'.