Monday, January 3, 2011

12 Days of Christmas Swap, Day 9

Today was a day I was not looking forward to. This wonderful box was created by my dearly departed friend Gina Wise. But as I removed the ribbon from the box,


I decided it was time to celebrate her art and not mourn her. The box was handmade by Gina. She made the boxes for the first 12 Days Christmas swap group too, but this time, she told me she made the boxes a bit thinner so they would fit better in the return envelopes.


I could see why Gina created the box. She didn't want her dancing lady, which pops away from the page, to get crushed in the mail. Added to that is a piece of HVAC tape, which she ran through her die cut machine using an embossing die. It appears she added alcohol inks to color the tape, too. In true Gina fashion, nothing was left unattended. The arms on the girl move, and the dress raises to show legs that were individually cut (not that I go around looking up dresses, but I needed to understand how she made it so I could describe it to the Yahoo group). Hand dyed cheesecloth was held in place by bling. Even more bling was used for the belt and a piece of doily was used for the bodice.


The back was equally lovely. The HVAC tape continued to the back to make a cohesive piece that included all the baubles and the day (9 ladies dancing). Thank you Gina, for one final piece from your creative soul.

I hope everyone has an awesome Monday. I'm off to deliver two Christmas presents today, one to my neighbor and friend Sally, another to my friend Billie (who also collects rocking horses). Bet you can't guess one of the gifts I have for Billie. Not sure when I'll share photos, since I seem to be behind on both Christmas and New Years celebrations. Maybe next week after Epiphany, I'll have more time to share these memories.

15 thoughtful remarks:

Unknown said...

How sad to loose a crafting friend. But how nice to have something of her to cherish.

I hope to spend more time with you and BB this year I love that you share and your such a great friend and inspiration

Love Dawn xx

Dianne said...

a lovely page from a sweet creative lady. It's beautiful. Have a fun day delivering presents, and creating more fond memories...hugs...

sharon said...

You have such a sweet memory now to cherish, it will bring you a smile.

Lynn Cohen said...

Bitter sweet this. Treasure her work, in it her memory lives on. So sorry for your loss of your dear friend.

Terri Kahrs said...

How wonderful that you such a beautiful piece to remember your dear friend, Gina. I'm sure that she watched you open her lovely gift and smiled the entire time. Hugs, Terri xoxo

Marianne said...

This is such a treasue. So sorry for your loss. Peace to you my friend.

Marfi-topia said...

what a wonderful gift to treasure Elizabeth.
I hope you have a wonderful week:)

Halle said...

What a beautiful page!

Diane said...

This is so special Elizabeth--I know that you'll treasure her friendship and you must be so glad that this is yours.

Miss Kitty said...

Greetings dear Elizabeth and Bleubeard,

What a wonderful gift you hold in your hand and be able to cherish the memory of a good friend.

Yet as we grow older, sadly there will be many more memories for us to treasure.

Warmest regards,
Miss Kitty and Egmont

Mary Helen-Art Saves Lives said...

I am sending you a virtual hug...loss is part of our life's cycle but as long as the memory is in your heart and you have a small sacred mark from them they will always be with you. Imagine and live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

voodoo vixen said...

Bittersweet indeed, and what a beautiful piece of art and Gina you have to add to the other projects you have of hers.

Unknown said...

How wonderful to have such a beautiful piece to remember your friend by. I hope it's at least a little therapuetic to share her work and your thoughts of her.
BIG hugs to you-
Stephanie

Darla said...

Opening your gift must have been a bittersweet moment. I know you will treasure it tho. I've enjoyed all the posts about this exchange.

Darla

~*~Patty S said...

oh my dear...choked for words just now...
I do think Gina was smiling down on you when you 'didn't' look up the dolls skirt ;) but needed to find out HOW she created it...
such a sweet and meaningful post
thank you for sharing!
oxo