I'm SO blessed!!

I promised to show what was in the packages I got last week. My life has been so far behind lately, I'm surprised I actually got around to taking photos of all these lovely gifts I was sent.

Here are the packages with their goodies. YOU asked to see what was in the them, so here we go. Clockwise from lower left:

From the gifted Terri Kahrs I received this decorated goodie bag with the lovely tag. That was just for starters. Look at the detail on that bag. Even the top was punched with a lacy edge. Inside were prints of some of Terri's lovely artwork in postcard form. Also included were some lovely beaded flowers, a special tag, and a wire bird's nest. Thank you so much, Terri.

I think I've known Cindy most of my altered art life. Although we've never met, I feel like I know her so well. She's a fantastic artist whose style and art I often study for composition techniques. She's also a moderator on ABC yahoo group. Thank you Cindy for the beautiful hand stamped and colored handmade card. Thank you also for the wonderful goodies, which will allow me to play with some great art supplies, including some ARTchix images which I covet, many napkins, and a heavy cardboard sheet of playing cards.

Next is a box from Halle that I received yesterday. The great thing was, Halle and I were talking when I opened it, so I got to share the fun with her. Included in the package was a lovely handmade card, fabric pieces, two rolls of fiber ribbon, several slide mounts (paper, so they will color easily), an ink pad, and of course, that lovely book she posted photos of last night.

And finally, I am embarrassed to admit, I had forgotten that Marie was the one who offered a handmade brooch during the OWOH giveaway. During the giveaway period, Marie experienced more than one loss. I'm surprised she even had the strength to draw names for the win. Fighting many distractions and fighting back tears, she bravely asked me questions about my pin. I told her to take her time making it. I was in no hurry. After all, I've never in my life had a custom made piece of jewelry before (well, my college class ring, but that doesn't count). Here is what Marie said in her blog post the other day:

I just finished my 3rd one, 4 months later, I have two more to do. I haven't gotten the instructions for one yet! That is a long time to finish these pieces. I did though, warn everyone that they would have to wait for me, the reason being that these pieces, even though I have information, pretty much speak to me about what is supposed to be on the goddess or angel. It takes time. I have to be in the right frame of mind. There is also study involved. Visiting pages and looking for info, every detail will make a difference in the finished pieces. Not only that, I have no idea what some of the things people request are.

The 3rd one is gone, it was shipped off and Elizabeth from Altered Book Lover has received hers. I took a very long time with this one, there were not many things for me to choose from on her list. She loves her cat Bleubeard and her friend plays the steel drum, all the clay and wire should match, do not clutter it up, Crown and wings. I thought "oh merde" this is not enough info. I can not do this. Not enough info. And what the hell is a steel drum anyway??

Well, here it is, uncluttered, for my work, matching wires and clay, steel drum, Bleubeard, wings crown. I added a halo of peridot and hoped that it wasn't over the top and a bit too much per Elizabeth's instructions. The reason I added the peridot is myth, but lovely myth.

Marie, it is PERFECT. I love it all. Look at how satisfied Bleubeard looks on that pin. Of course, Marie's photo is better than mine, so you might want to check it out on her blog, since I didn't think to ask prior permission to use it in my post. I couldn't ask for anything better. I'm sorry I didn't give you much information. It's weird, because I thought I asked for a lot. After all, I am the queen of verbose at times. Of course, I think I added the wings and heart after a prompt from Marie. I can't imagine asking for them without some guidance. But now I'm so glad I did. They are the perfect additions to the piece.

Marie leaves no stone unturned, either. Both sides of her pieces are perfect in every detail. I love, love it, and will wear it today when I go to our annual River Festival Art and Craft Show. I bet I get more than a few comments on it, too.

Today's blog has a bevy of authors and a ton of art styles. UK Handmade has lots of handmade items for you to peruse and enjoy. No matter what your style or favorite medium, UK Handmade will surely have something for you.

And now I must be off to visit the River Festival. And yes, I'll be taking my camera and report back on Monday.