My final blog pick gave me PMS!

I'm sure a few of you have already guessed who my final blog pick is. But first, let me show you what I received in the mail shortly before Christmas.

The envelope was decked out in fun mail art style packaging. And look at the swan at the lower left. It's dress maker's tissue and it's been stamped on. Never did I ever consider doing that, so I was impressed before I ever opened the envelope.

Once open, you can see all the goodies that spilled out. All those papers, images, and such that I'll be using in my art over the next year. Look at that stunning handmade arch slightly hidden by a playful bow.


And look at this package of charms and such.


Inside the package was a handmade bird's nest and a bird charm to compliment it. Also there was an "E" and a wonderful little burned-edge pink hand made flower that didn't quite make it into the photo.


Attached to the art I won, which is the arch in the upper left of the photo, was a package of MORE goodies. I was unbelievably impressed with the generosity and over-the-top kindness that my dear friend showed. There were so many goodies, including lace, more images, S&H green stamps, as well as the slightly rusted metal gauge plate, among others.

So now, if you don't know who my blog pick of the year is, you are brand new to my blog. Why? Because I have mentioned and linked to this person no less than 29 times this year, and that doesn't include the posts from last year, where I even borrowed photos for my Silent Sunday post. I also borrowed one that I used in a Valentine swap. And none of these links were because this person was the host of some blog party I was in. These were genuine art-inspired posts.

This person has been a GENUINE influence on my life, my art, and my blogging experience. S/he was the person who gently nudged me to join both Margaret's Project 2010 dress-up and Tea Tuesday at Kimmie's. S/he introduced me to the matchbox project, Butterfly Effect project, and various other interests. I learn something new each time I go to the blog I'm spotlighting, just as I learned from looking at the envelope above. We are also in a private six person swap. Although we have never met, I feel like I know this person like I know myself. In fact, with this blogger's influence, I have taken my art to a new and better level.

Sadly, if we ever meet, I would have to buy brand new clothes for the occasion, since her husband is violently allergic to cats. And we all know that cats mean hair and cat dander, no matter how careful we are. That's one reason I limit Bleubeard's time in my craft room.

So, have you guessed yet? Of course you have. My final blog of the day and year is full of PMS! It's my dear friend Patty from Magpie's Nest. No list would EVER be complete without her name on it. And I'm so proud to close out this year long adventure featuring one of the best artists I know: Patty M Szymkowicz. Thank you for everything, dear friend and for allowing me to close out my blog picks in style.