Monday, January 6, 2020

T Stands For Christmas Cards and Gifts Galore


I'm having T Tuesday in my dining room and sharing all the gifts and cards I received. 

I can't begin to express my gratitude, because I am practically speechless.

Here is everything I received since I showed the previous gifts I opened earlier in December, 2019.   I know this is a very, very long post, but I'm not going to apologize.  After all, if you sent something, you should be recognized and properly thanked, right?

I'll get the "non-artist" gifts out of the way, first.  This beauty came from RO!  She always knows how to spoil me.  This was the third gift from her this Christmas.  Isn't this a beauty?  It may be a Christmas ornament, but I will keep it out all year long to add to all the other brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, and uncles who will welcome it here.  Thank you beyond belief for this third and gorgeous gift, dear friend.

I received this from my friend SC.  She knew I already had one, and found another on the internet.   It's the best surge protector on the planet as far as I'm concerned.  It also can be positioned around table legs, or in any position you can think of, and still keep your electronics safe.

This absolutely adorable tree card came from Caty.  She wrote a lovely personal note inside the card. She included the gossamer fabric that surrounded the card.  Thank you Caty.  This is adorable.  I may have to borrow that design next year for my cards. 

This tip-in came from Linda Findley.  She always sends the most incredible tip-ins that put mine to shame.

I wasn't sure if Linda would want her address shown all over the internet, so I used my smudge tool to rather badly remove her address.  

Now I'm not sure if I should laugh or cry.  This card came from CJ.  She used my design and made something so beautiful, I feel ashamed that I even SENT cards this year!  Look at that incredible handwriting.  Along with the card, she sent some S&H green stamps, too.

CJ showed what a washi tape tree card SHOULD look like!! She even added a darling cat, too.   Thank you for this adorable card, CJ.

I laughed so hard when I saw Marvin's expression, I couldn't help myself.   I warned Halle (who every year sends a card that includes photos of her family as the gift) if I could figure out a way to show his really annoyed face, I would.  I used the smudge tool to block out the person holding Marvin and cropped the photo, too.  Part of Marvin's right ear got smudged in the process, but just look at that expression on his face.  When I saw that, I nearly fell over laughing.  Trust me.  I have two fur babies and I KNOW that look!!  BTW, that is ONE BIG cat!  Thank you so much for the card and the laugh, Halle.

My next card included gifts galore.   This is from Yvonne, who sent napkins, napkins, napkins,

along with some die cuts and a simply darling card.  The written message inside was thoughtful, too.

You KNOW I'll find a use for these! And those adorable postage stamps, too. Thank you beyond belief, Yvonne.  That was so sweet of you.

I had to take this photo for my own benefit.  I wanted to see how Dianne made this envelope.  I tried to make my own envelopes after I ran out of them, but I never figured out how to get them out of one piece of paper.  Had I received Dianne's tip-in sooner, I wouldn't have spent $42.50 (USD) for 200 envelopes at the big box office supply store.

Here is the front of Dianne's tip-in.  She does collage SO well.

This is the reverse side, where Dianne put her drawing skills to work.  This is beyond beautiful Dianne.  Thanks a million.

This incredible postcard and napkin were sent to me by my dear friend Patty S who now shows all her art on Instagram.  It's awesome.  Thanks, dear Patty.

This gorgeous card is from Linda Kunsman.  It was created by her.  She also included a nice note inside the card, too.   You made me smile, Linda.  Thanks so very much.

This is a New Year's card from Erika.  Isn't it lovely?  The snowflakes and the stamping really impressed me.  Thank you dear Erika.

This sticker on the outside of the envelope is so pretty, I actually almost hated to open it.

The "from" sticker was the same as the back, too.  Yes, this is from Kathy.  Sadly, after I copied her address, but before I opened the card, I lost it.  Look how early Kathy sent it.  I've been looking for it ever since and just found it minutes before I assembled the cards and tip-ins.

Here's the card she sent.  Isn't it adorable?  Thank you again, Kathy.  I love it.  BTW, is that Teddy, our resident T time bear?

This came from Eileen.  Isn't it adorable?   This was the last of the cards.  But wait!  This is T Tuesday and I have to have something drink related.

Guess what!  I have something drink related.  Isn't it precious?  I love it.

and of course, as I'm sure you've guessed by now, it is from Eileen.

Look at the face on that cat.  It's adorable.

Yes, this is definitely my drink reference today.  Thank you beyond belief, Eileen.  You are too kind.

Now it's your turn.  I'm sure by now you know the "rules," but in case you don't, please show something drink related. It can be photos, a place you visited, movies, tea cups, coffee mugs, tea or coffee service, postcards, books, sketches, mixed media, drawings, paintings, tags, ATCs, scrapbooking, or other art that is digital, hybrid, or traditional, as long as it in some way relates back to a drink, any drink.  Please share below and Bleubeard and I, along with the rest of the T gang will be by to visit.   Please link only your T post and not your blog in general.  Old photos are acceptable because they may be taken any time, not just on Tuesday, and not just this year.





28 thoughtful remarks:

Valerie-Jael said...

You got some wonderful cards and gifts again, enjoy being spoiled, and have fun! Happy T Day, Valerie

Divers and Sundry said...

What wonderful gifts! Enjoy! Happy T Day :)

CJ Kennedy said...

Wonderful gifts and eye candy.

Lisca said...

You certainly have been spoilt. Such wonderful cards and gifts.
Yes, the cat mug is fun. Perfect for the T-party.
Happy T-Day!
Lisca

Linda Kunsman said...

oh what a truly beautiful post filled with the gifts- of friendship!! They are all so wonderful- I couldn't begin to comment on each. Aah, but the napkins- near and so dear to my heart. I even got one of those fox ones too and just finished a piece of art around it (which I'll show next posting:) Here early but I just couldn't wait to get back. I have missed everyone in blogland. Happy T day!

kathyinozarks said...

Hi I enjoyed seeing all of your gifts and cards. so thanks for sharing them all-and I never thought about little Teddy in my card-that was cute.
I think that serge protector is really cool and have not seen one like that before. I love CJ's writing too-so lovely.
Happy T hugs Kathy

My name is Erika. said...

You had a wonderful holiday for mail Elizabeth. It is an impressive stash for sure. I am glad you shared all this beauties and the joy they brought shines in this post. Glad you received the New Years card and I hope it came on time for that holiday. Have a fabulous T day my friend. Hugs-Erika

Rita said...

Beautiful cards and wonderful presents! What a super Christmas! :)

Krisha said...

Welllllll.....SURPRISE!!
What a wonderful Christmas you have had. Always a delight to see your cards and gifts.
LOVE the new coffee/tea mug, it is definitely YOU!
I actually did join your T-party this week......lots of news LOL!
I have missed you and the T-gang tremendously .
Happy New Year!

Birgit said...

So many talented artists and loving these cards! They are inspiring for sure..love the washi take Christmas tree. The pussy cat is so cute, such a pretty face.

peppylady (Dora) said...

Hello from Idaho and stop in from Low Carb. Those are some cool cards I like recieving mail or lease fun mail. By the way of snailmail.
If you have time stop by for a cup of coffee

aussie aNNie said...

Lovely post of cards and gifts received.

Helen said...

Great gifts and cards. tfs.

(btw the carousel was part of Christmas at Kew so will be gone now)

Iris Flavia said...

What a cute horse this is!
Wonderful cards! If you´re interested, I used to have the flow-magazine and there were some ways to make envelopes, too.
Peace on Earth, oh, that would be the best present ever.
Teddy and the cat, so cute, as the mug.

Meggymay said...

A lovely post and happy mail, your new mug is awesome and I wouldn't want to put the beautiful glass horse away either.
No news on my computer as yet, I do miss it.
Happy T day wishes.
Yvonne xx

Anne (cornucopia) said...

I'll be back later to leave comments for you and everyone. (I'm running late.)

Let's Art Journal said...

Wow, how wonderful! You received so many amazing cards and wishes, they are all so beautiful 😁. Thanks for sharing them all and wishing you a very happy T Day! Hugs, Jo x

RO said...

I always love, loe, love to see what blogging friends from around the world send you, and I'm never disappointed. First of all, the artistry that everyone shares is out of this world fabulous. I think I'm going both your ideas for a Christmas Tree card next year, because both are so pretty. Yay to lots of fun napkins and that cat mug. I can just admire all these forever and ever. Glad you liked the ornament, and I've already used two recipes from martha, and there are 2 appetizers I passed on to a caterer for the wedding I'm planning. Words can never express how much I adored those 2 books and my marvelous planner. You helped me to feel very special during a tough 2019, and I'll always appreciate that. Many hugs and Happy New Year! RO

Linda Manning Findley said...

Thank "E" for the kudos and credits and not putting my address on the internet ... it's out there I am sure ... you got so many wonderful things, I know it's because you are such a sweet person and do so much for people ...

Happy New Year!!!

craftytrog said...

What a lovely selection of cards and gifts Elizabeth!
Thanks for your comment on my somethings. I don't think the challenge is hosted by anyone this year, folks seem to be doing it anyway. I hope you find time to join in too.
Alison xx

Kate Yetter said...

You are certainly loved. Many lovely cards and gifts.
Happy Tea Day,
Kate

da tabbies o trout towne said...

enjoyed reading this post Elizabeth, you have amazing friends !!! 984 paws up to them as da tabbies would say !! :) ☺☺♥♥

Eileen Bergen said...

What lovely gifts and cards, Elizabeth. The rocking horse ornamnet is very special. I'm glad you like the cute cat lover mug. You are certinly loved by many ... and for good reason.

Happy T-day! Eileen xx

pearshapedcrafting said...

Lovely cards and gifts Elizabeth- I remembered after it became dark that I hadn't photographed all of my cards! Happy T Day! Chrisx

Anne (cornucopia) said...

Elizabeth, this was such a joyous blog post to read. I love seeing all of the wonderful Christmas cards you received. And that cat mug is fantastic. I smiled when I saw you received another rocking horse. I chuckled at your comment about Marvin's expression. And Teddy is thrilled beyond belief, to see that he got a mention, too. Happy T-Day and thank you for continuing to post this challenge every week.

Sami said...

Wow Elizabeth, you were really spoiled with so many gifts. The glass rocking horse is so pretty, and so is the cat mug. You have very talented friends who made beautiful cards too!

I'm embarrassed to say I didn't even send a single card this year, in fact when I came to Australia I used to send close to 60 cards but the post here is so expensive, I started reducing and only sent to the older people who had no computers. Now not even those got a card...

Jeanie said...

I see lots of beauty in this post. Lots of creativity. Lots of talent. Lots of joy in giving and receiving and recognizing the creative gifts of others. Most of all, I see lots of well-deserved love. And that, my friend, is the best gift of all.

Caty said...

OOh Elizabeth !! Your cards and presents are all Gorgeous !! really beautiful details and great words ! The mug is adorable, Happy belated T-day !! (sorry I ´m late, very late posting and writting you, but I hope you could read me) I´m so so happy you like my card.
I send you biiig hugs dear Elizabeth,
Caty