12 Days of Christmas swap, Day 12: Epiphany

Today is the Epiphany. I have heard the word, but I always thought it meant something similar to what I found in my old American Heritage hardback dictionary. Here is what I read:

Sudden realization about the nature or meaning of something. An epiphany can often come about as a result of an experience that triggers the sudden realization.

But that is NOT attached to the 12 Days of Christmas, so I searched online. According to Your Dictionary, there are several definitions for Epiphany:

Ephiph-any (ē pif′ə nē, i-)

noun pl. Ephiphanies-·nies

1. an appearance or manifestation of a god or other supernatural being
2. in many Christian churches, a yearly festival, held January 6, commemorating both the revealing of Jesus as the Christ to the Gentiles in the persons of the Magi and the baptism of Jesus also called Twelfth Day
3. 1. a moment of sudden intuitive understanding; flash of insight
   2. a scene, experience, etc. that occasions such a moment

Yet another site, The Voice, had this to offer:

In western Christian tradition, January 6 is celebrated as Epiphany. It goes by other names in various church traditions. In Hispanic and Latin culture, as well as some places in Europe, it is known as Three Kings’ Day.

Epiphany is the climax of the Advent/Christmas Season and the Twelve Days of Christmas, which are usually counted from the evening of December 25th until the morning of January 6th, which is the Twelfth Day. In following this older custom of counting the days beginning at sundown, the evening of January 5th is the Twelfth Night. This is an occasion for feasting in some cultures, including the baking of a special King's Cake as part of the festivities of Epiphany (a King's Cake is part of the observance of Mardi Gras in French Catholic culture of the Southern USA).

And finally, I found a good definition on the KU Medical Center Diversity Calendar website:

Epiphany (Christian)

Epiphany is one of three major Christian celebrations along with Christmas and Easter. It is celebrated by most Christians on January 6 to commemorate the presentation of the infant Jesus to the Magi, or three wise men. Roman Catholics celebrate Epiphany on the Sunday which falls between January 2 and January 8.

Epiphany is derived from the Greek epiphaneia and means manifestation or to appear. In a religious context, the term describes the appearance of an invisible divine being in a visible form.

The celebration of the Epiphany began in the Eastern Church and included a celebration of Christ's birth. However, by the 4th century C. E., the various calendar reforms had moved the birth of Christ to December 25 and the church in Rome began celebrating January 6 as Epiphany. Armenians still celebrate the birth of Christ on January 6.

The period between December 25 and January 6 is known as the Twelve Days of Christmas and is the subject of a popular Christmas song.

Ah-ha. Now we're getting somewhere. So whether you are a Christian or not, religious or not, here is the final gift from this great 12 Days of Christmas swap.


A snowflake showed what day this package was to be opened, while a tiny gold thread held the wrapping paper in place. Attached was an itsy light bulb and a metal tree charm.

Inside was an awesome drummer boy, and his twelve companions all stamped out and lined up ready to make some noise.The drummer sits above the background, and his chin strap is a string of gold beads.


I accidentally thought the back was the front. Some of these were designed so well, it was hard to tell which side was which. However, you can see this one was made by Jo Ann (I whited out her last name for security reasons). I have no blog address for Jo Ann.

This is the perfect end to an absolutely stunning swap! Happy Epiphany everyone. I guess, if you haven't already done so, it's now time to take down your Christmas decorations.

12 Days of Christmas swap, Day 11

It's rather ironic and fortuitous that today's gift came from Cath in Cypress, another WOYWWer. Cath's gift was wrapped in a brown striped paper that I was unable to fully capture. It was wrapped in twine and a cute Christmas decoration. Cath also wrapped a hostess gift for me.


This is an absolutely lovely 11 Pipers Piping. First is the background in green, then layered over that is painted corrugated paper. Over that is a tree that was shiny and coated with what I suspect is diamond glaze, something I don't have. The title was printed from a Dymo label maker. Next came the tag that held the piper. It was tied with a ribbon and slightly offset on the card. With Cath it is all about the layers. The first layer was tartan and the second layer was a vellum type image of a piper. It was held in place with some eyelets I have never seen before. This is one gorgeous gift and came to us swappers all the way from Cypress.


But that was not all. As I mentioned before, Cath is a WOYWWer and I display at least one rocking horse from my collection of around 450 pieces each Wednesday. So what better hostess gift, than a gorgeous rocking horse. I only wish I'd opened this gift sooner, so I could have shared it on WOYWW today. Thank you Cath. This is an awesome gift!

Now I'm off to the post office, charity shop, and grocery store. A girl's gotta have food and art supplies.

12 Days of Christmas swap, Day 10

If you are here looking for my Tea Tuesday post, please scroll down to the next entry. If you are here to see the next installation of the 12 Days of Christmas, we are just about ready to open this beauty.


Day 10's gift was created by Kathy W., an artist who was recommended by Gina Wise, but was not a member of ABC. Her package was wrapped in a decorated rustic butcher type paper and twine, making the tiny deer seem to fit right at home.


Inside was an adorable 10 Lords a Leaping. In fact, this Lord lept and pranced and did all kinds of gyros because it was on some kind of spring that was made of either plastic or paper. And it was black, so it was invisible, even when I turned the piece sideways. On a background of painted anaglyptus (textured wallpaper), the Lord was decorated with lots of lovely squiggles made from (I'm guessing) Stickles.


But Kathy didn't stop there. Her attention to detail was probably why Gina recommended her. The tiny book that was tucked into the pocket on the back side was filled with pages describing the meaning of Day 10. It was held together with colorful ribbon. Front or back, this lovely piece is a very worthy and welcome addition to my soon-to-be-complete book of 12 Days of Christmas treasures.

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.

12 Days of Christmas Swap, Day 8

Wow, I can't believe we are 3/4 of the way through this lovely swap already. Where has the time gone?


Today's package came from Marilyn Morrison. It was wrapped in a festive Christmas wrap that conjured up childhood memories and gifts.


Inside was a hand drawn beauty with eight bottles of milk signifying 8 Maids a' Milking. To my knowledge, Marilyn doesn't have a blog, but if I learn differently, I'll add a link. This is Marilyn's first swap with me, and I think she did an awesome job.

I'll be back later with a Silent Sunday that is reminiscent of some of the things I did in 2010. It's amazing to see how some photos are so much clearer and better than others. I know I need a better camera, so I'm putting that on my Christmas list for 2011!

12 Days of Christmas swap, Day 7

Today's package came wrapped in blue tissue with a lovely postage stamp inspired number.


After carefully observing the number, I saw it contained nearly hidden "sevens" in it. I was so impressed, I had to take photos.


Inside was this very detailed art square with seven swans swimming along on the card. Carol Barker, the creator, and whose blog is Vintage Rose Art and Stuff, did a great job cutting out and decorating all those swans. If my calculations are correct, then 12 times 7 comes out to 84 swans! Way to go, Carol.

BTW, did anyone notice I don't even own a couch from my blog post yesterday? Lots of tables and antiques, but nothing to sit on but one rocker in the "living" room. So, you'll need to sit at my dining room or kitchen table when you visit, because there is no "living" room.

So did you guess my blog pick of the day? Sorry. You're going to have to wait a bit longer. I know it means three posts today, but this final blog deserves a post of its own. Besides, it's the very last one, so it needs to be special, right? In fact, I think I'll have to call it the blog of the year. Keep guessing. I bet a few of you have it figured out from the huge hint I left yesterday.

How I spent the warmest day of December and Day 6 of the 12 Days of Christmas swap

Yesterday was the warmest day of December. It was 65 degrees F (~19 degrees C) and I put on shorts and a sleeveless top and cleaned my house and got rid of the Christmas decorations. The only "Christmas" left are the 12 Days packages I still haven't opened, which you can see in the basket below.


Now tidy is one thing, clean is another.


I first got rid of all the Christmas goodies. You should have seen my kitchen table while I was packing things away. I used it as a staging area where all things Christmas went to be packed up.


I dusted,

I polished the wood furniture (boy do I have a lot of wood furniture),


I vacuumed (or Hoovered, if you live in the UK),


I even cleaned the ceiling fan and sanitized the garbage disposal! Then I checked my mail.


What an awesome surprise gift I got from Kayla, my dear teen friend.


This is Kayla's page,
and here it is up close. However, she has much better photos of it on her blog post here. What an absolutely PERFECT way to be rewarded after spending the day cleaning.

Fast forward twenty-four hours or so, and today is the final day of 2010. I am actually looking forward to 2011. But before we get there, it's time to open our Day 6 art square.

Day 6's package came wrapped in shimmery hand painted paper and was tied with ribbon and a tag. The tag proudly proclaimed this gift was from Amy McDonald. I love her stylized writing on both the tag and the back of the art square.


Amy's swan, depicting six swans a swimming, is full of detail and texture. I wish you could run your hands over this one, because the texture is simply wonderful. Amy added sheet music to the handmade background, too.

Today's blog goes to Amy on the Flipside. Amy has a fun sense of humor, and many of her posts will have you laughing at her mishaps, which she documents for you. Her blog banner begins the fun, and it doesn't stop there. If you want a bit of humor along with unique art, please visit Amy on the Flipside whose package I opened today.

I'll be back this evening to document how well I did on my New Year's resolutions I made on January 1. Until then, how are you spending this last day of 2010?

12 Days of Christmas swap, Day 5 and two giveaways

Before I open today's package, I want to let everyone of my readers and followers know about two wonderful giveaways being offered in blogland. Just like every other giveaway I tell you about, neither of these come with any strings attached.

Because Patty's giveaway ends first, I'll list it first. Her New Year's Giveaway includes so many goodies I'd be here all day. So please stop by Patty's Magpie's Nest and enter for a chance to win all these goodies by January 6. And just to be clear, here is what Patty wrote:

all are welcome to join in…near or far…even if you’ve won something here before…no need to have a blog to play along…just be sure I have a way of contacting you…

The other giveaway is given by Marilyn Rock who is offering one of the most beautiful mixed media pieces I've seen. Everything about this piece screams "lovely." Per Marilyn's instructions, "all you have to do is comment here . . ." so hop on over and enter for your chance to win.

Good luck to all who enter these awesome giveaways. Now let's open some packages!

My UK friends would call this day 6, but we started opening our gifts on December 26, so we will complete the swap on January 6, which is Epiphany.


Day 5 is wrapped in tissue and there's a matching gift for me (as the host). This one is from Marilyn, who lives in Australia. Again, I don't believe Marilyn has a blog.


This is one lovely piece that my camera simply cannot pick up the detail on. The five golden rings and hearts rest on some lovely raised paper that has been swiped with gold ink or possibly paint. I swear this is a beautiful and detailed piece and I was unable to capture the depth, detail, and design. This is Marilyn's first time swapping with me, and I am totally impressed with her art. Additionally, hers was the package that had the furthest to travel.


Marilyn sent everyone a gift, too. Isn't that a cute little clothes pin? She explained to me that she got these in Australia and they don't make them anymore. Along with that, are three bunches of hand dyed ribbons. I probably should have untied them so you could see how lovely they are, but hindsight is always 20/20.

I stand corrected about a statement I made regarding yesterday's post. Michelle, who made the awesome hybrid art square I had so much trouble photographing, has a blog called Ponderings of a Mind. PLEASE, please visit Michelle's blog because her photographs are stunning and so detailed. Not only that, she writes lovely reviews of each of the art squares after she unwraps them. But that is not the only reason to visit Michelle's blog. She has some lovely pieces made for challenges like the Three Muses, Mixed Media Monday, Wednesday Stamper, Sunday Postcard Art, and Art on the Darkside. She draws, sketches, paints, collages, and makes digital art. I am only sorry I just now learned of Michelle's blog, because I will be visiting often. I hope you will stop by Michelle's Ponderings of a Mind if for no other reason to check out the lovely 12 Days gifts that are photographed so stunningly.

12 Days of Christmas swap, Days Three and Four

Today I'm playing catch up, something I've been doing for over a month, it seems.

This lovely package was made by Penny, who was also in the first 12 Days of Christmas group. This was her first ever swap and I think she did an excellent job. The little foam tree is raised on the tag, with the number on the tag back.


Inside was this lovely art square depicting Three French Hens. Penny made a hidden pocket which held a tag.


When it was removed, the tag represented the three beliefs that the hens symbolize. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get a decent photo of the writing on the back that explained this symbolism.


Day Four was wrapped in a brown paper bag by Michelle, another first time swapper with me. As cliche as that sounds, this bag was stamped and decorated to perfection


on both sides, even!


This beautiful art square was difficult to photograph, since it was a hybrid collage (mostly digital, some traditional elements). I only wish you could see this stunning beauty in real life.

EDITED: After finding Michelle's blog, I read that she used one of her own photos as the base of this piece. Also, according to Michelle:

I then digitally altered it by using filters along with a sepia tone. It was printed on white card stock paper and then to create an aged look around the left-hand edge, I used brown water color paint and let it run.
For the hanging 4, I used a 1" circular paper punch and punched out several pieces from decorative scrapbook paper. I then used the same 1" paper punch on white card stock paper, stamped the 4, cut around it, then used the Chocolate Brown colored stamping ink on the edges and then lightly pressed over the 4 to give it more of an aged look. The 4 was then glued onto the 1" circle and a needle was used to puncture a hole and run the metallic copper thread through and tied. I then punched two holes into the actual art piece and pulled the metallic thread through, taping it to the back. It was then finished off with bronze mini-brads. For the final touch, I ran the fuzzy black yarn down the side and taped it to the back. The back was then covered with 5"x5" white card stock and black stamping ink was used on the edges and around the writing which explained my interpretation of the Four Calling Birds.
This is what I wrote:
During the holiday season, many people stay busy visiting with family and friends. I am from the southern United States and grew up hearing my elder ancestors say they were "going calling" or "going to call on someone." This phrase meant they were going to visit someone. Hence, my interpretation of the Four Calling (Visiting) Birds.

To my knowledge, Michelle doesn't have a blog, and Penny is the one who I'm going to help put a blog together once my life settles a bit (like 2024 or so). However, I hope you enjoy their art. This is one awesome swap and these are two stunning examples of the quality of art that has come out of it.

Day Two of the 12 Days of Christmas swap

Day Two of the second group's 12 Days swap belongs to me. Never let it be said I would miss an opportunity to throw in a mini tutorial along with the gift I made.


Those of you who follow my blog, saw a teaser of this back in November. Because this was day two, I hand drew the "2" on wax paper using white glue. I tried to control the glue as it came out, but some of the "2s" are better than others.


I spent an insane amount of time placing plastic confetti birds on the glue, and unfortunately, made the "2s" a bit wonky.


Next, I added single layers of facial tissue to the tops, using watered down glue. Be sure to dab the glue/water mixture on at this point. The tissue is quite fragile and tears easily.


Allow to dry, preferably overnight.


After the "2s" were dry, I cut them to size, then backed them (still with the wax paper on them) with dictionary pages, again using white glue, this time full strength again. Then I sewed around the piece.

For the paper, I used some deli paper and painted them fun Christmas colors. Since the deli paper was a bit see through, I backed them with sheet music. Then I inserted the art square gift and sewed the package shut using the longest straight stitch I could get from my machine. I made a small tag and stapled it to the string I left hanging, in hopes the recipient would be able to easily pull the string freely. Click to see them larger.

While I was looking for ideas for pages for the first 12 Days swap (Dec. 13-24), I learned the doves I had created were not turtle doves. In fact, the more research I did, I found that turtle doves are smaller than other doves, and have a beige body. The turtle dove's tail is key, though, because it is wedge shaped, with a dark center with white borders and tips.


So I dug out my black marker and beige stamp pad, and went to town on the doves. The words in their beak are stamped (yes, I stamped) on seam binding. It was already doubled, so I didn't have to deal with raw edges. I printed a portion of the 12 Days song, colored it with Staz-on/alcohol mixture, then sewed the front to the back (which contains my personal information). I added the two doves using foam dots for lift. Click to see them larger.

Since today was my day, my blog pick is one that I missed in the first set of 12 Days. Patt of Patt's Ponderings was featured on Day 8 of the previous 12 Days swap. I just learned about her blog, and wanted to feature it today. Patt hasn't been blogging long, but she makes some lovely ceramics, along with altered art. I hope you will visit Patt's Ponderings today.

And I'm going to try to get around to visiting everyone who left such wonderful and heart felt comments while I was gone. Seems like I haven't been around so long, I have no idea where to begin. But I'll try to visit today or tomorrow, since I'm still working on a few Christmas gifts.

Boxing Day and the First Day of Christmas

Today begins the traditional 12 Days of Christmas. According to several online sources, contrary to popular belief, these are not the twelve days before Christmas, but in most Western Churches, are the twelve days from Christmas until the beginning of Epiphany which is January 6th. The 12 days count from December 25th until January 5th, although in some traditions, the first day of Christmas begins on the evening of December 25th with the following day considered the First Day of Christmas (December 26th). In these traditions, the twelve days begin December 26 and include Epiphany on January 6. These are the days we voted to open our 12 Days of Christmas swap gifts.


Day One starts out with a lovely fabric wrap from Liz Kettle. I couldn't get the details of this fabric to show well, because it was so late this evening when I photographed it. However, the fabric is black with lovely gold threads running through it.


Inside the package, I found this gorgeous Partridge in a Pear Tree. Luckily, Liz explained to our group how she made it, so here is the description in her own words:

I began by painting a pear branch and partridge on watercolor paper. I am still very much a beginner with watercolors but think this turned out pretty well! I scanned the painting and reduced it to 5"x5". Then I printed it out on tissue paper 12 times using waterproof pigment inks. My base is a craft stabilizer to which I used a heat activated fusible web, Misty Fuse, to apply a sheet of gold scroll tissue paper. I cut these into 5" squares. Next, I used matte medium to apply the partridge in the pear tree image. The matte medium renders the tissue paper transparent. I stitched around the pears and leaves using gold metallic thread to finish up.

I would say Liz did a marvelous job as a beginner watercolor painter. This is one stunning, stunning piece and is the perfect addition to my collection.

In addition to the beginning of the 12 Days of Christmas, it's also Boxing Day in Canada, South Australia, and the UK. According to Wilkopedia "There are disparate theories as to the origins" of the term. The more common theories include:

It was the day when people would give a present or Christmas box to those who had worked for them throughout the year.

Many years ago in England, it was common practice for the servants to carry boxes to their employers when they arrived for their day's work on the day after Christmas. Their employers would then put coins in the boxes as special end-of-year gifts. The servants carried boxes for the coins, hence one possible theory for the name "Boxing Day." Both of the above theories can be compared to the modern day concept of Christmas bonuses.

Another theory is that it was traditional to open the church's donation box on Christmas Day, and the money in the donation box was to be distributed to the poorer or lower class citizens on the next day. In this case, the "box" in "Boxing Day" comes from that lockbox in which the donations were left.

"Boxing Day" was also the day when the wren, the king of birds, was captured and put in a box and introduced to each household in the village when he would be asked for a successful year and a good harvest.

Another theory of the name is that because staff and servants had to work on Christmas in England by serving the master of the house and his family, they were given the following day off. As servants were kept away from their own families to work on a traditional religious holiday and were not able to celebrate Christmas dinner, the customary benefit was to "box" up the leftover food from Christmas day and send it away with the servants and their families. Similarly, as the servants had the 26th off, the owners of the manor may have had to serve themselves pre-prepared, boxed food for that one day. Hence the "boxing" of food may also have been the reason for the term "Boxing Day."

Many people believe that "Boxing Day" is the day where families return unwanted presents to the store from which it came in exchange for money or other merchandise.

In the UK, it is a "bank" holiday, and is an optional holiday in Canada. In the US, it is the day we find super bargains at big box and local stores. Whatever the reason, here is how I spent "Boxing Day."



Today's blog belongs to Liz Kettle at Textile Evolution. You should check out Liz's blog, if for no other reason than to see her lovely art square. It is stunning and she has it photographed beautifully, too. It shows all the lovely stitching and rich detail that my photo didn't pick up. Liz is a seamstress, and has written books on various aspects of fabric design. Liz has appeared on Quilting Arts, the PBS TV series, and holds classes in her home in Colorado (in the US). Please check out Textile Evolution today.

Advent Calendar Day Twenty four and 12 Days swap, Day 12

I'm still not here. I'm on autopilot again, but hope you didn't think I would leave you out in the cold. I'm with my friend Scott and his family at his parent's house. Expect pictures after I return home.

This countdown is really nearly over, and I've had so much fun opening the boxes and seeing what pops out each day.


And today is no exception. Out popped a set of vintage sparkly earrings. Now I could have altered them, but at the time I made the box, I just couldn't bring myself to do so. They look too sweet this way.


And they would have been so lonely if they had been separated.


It was fun seeing how artsy and creative I could get photographing these. Now I know why people like to photograph jewelry.


And look at the final day's packaging of the 12 Days of Christmas swap countdown. I sort of hid the packaging, because once again, this one was packaged with the individual's name who it was intended for. Since I was not supposed to play in this swap, the name doesn't match mine. But the one on the package sure does!


Inside I found a clever little Lord Leaping, the final gift in the song and the swap. This one was completed by Rita at Art by Rikae. And it looks like I'm going to be filled with glitter in the coming months, especially when I use all these lovely colors. And we all know how glitter sticks to any and everything, so you might even get some on you.


Don't these look lovely all bunched together? I'm so glad I actually got to play in this swap. Now all the headaches and frustration have melted away and I'm left with some pretty spectacular art.


On the 26th, we will begin opening these, and tomorrow, I will open all these spectacular gifts you see people have sent me. I'm simply overwhelmed by the generosity of this blogging community. Thank you all beyond belief.

Today's blog goes to Rita at Art by Rikae. I met Rita when she took my free online altered book class. Although she admits she hasn't blogged since the class, she should be doing more of it. She is a super artist who thinks she's a novice. I think she's a super person, full of giving, caring, and artfulness. So please say hi to Rita today. And prepare yourself for the big day tomorrow!