T Stands For ATCs

 

 It's time for T and I have

two gifted envelopes I'm about to open. 

The tea bag package hides Erika's return address.

Lisca loves to see postage stamps.  The one in front is from Jo.  This must be new because I couldn't find one with that specific amount of postage.  I know Charles was first added in 2023.  I went to Stamps of the World to find this, with no luck.  I'm sure it's the one designed for International postage.

I had marginal better luck at USPS.  The kitty is Love 2023, which is paired with a puppy that also holds a heart.  At Stamps of the World, I found the two lower stamps, both from the same sheet.  They are Historic Railway Stations of the US and are both Forever stamps first issued in March, 2023.  Unfortunately, I couldn't find the flower and hummingbird.

Erika and Jo both sent ATCs for me.  I knew they are both sharing their ATCs today, and I wasn't sure I should show mine in case they were the same as they sent each other.  I worried because mine would be and is posted first.

Look at the card Erika made for me.  Isn't it charming and lovely?  I want to know how she created the background.  I love the flower and the dots she added all the way around the focal image.

This is what I found when I opened the inside.

I definitely didn't have to worry about repeat ATCs.  Looks like these were all made just for me.

Each focuses on a different drink.  First there's a hug in a mug of something decadent, then there is coffee (check out the "steam"), and finally champagne with lots of bubbles.

I was hoping you could see the dimension on these.  I simply can't thank you enough, dear Erika.

Next up was the adorable ATC wrapped in love that Jo sent.  She explained her reason behind the focal image was because she was thinking of both Bleubeard and Squiggles.  I knew then that this ATC had been created for me (and the boys).

I love how she also made her own limited edition background.

I actually gasped when I first saw this.  What amazing fussy cutting around those wings.

Then I noticed the stamping and what looks like stenciling, too.

I took 28 photos of this beauty and never got a complete ATC in a single one!  Regardless, I love it from the bottom of my grateful heart, Jo.

Now I'm off to drink my Tetley Royal Blend tea.  These two friends have certainly made me feel like Queen for a day!

Although you probably already know the drill, please share a drink related post.  It can be gifts you received, photos, a place you visited, movies, postcards, mail art, junk mail, catalogs, books, sketches, mixed media, drawings, paintings, handmade cards, tags, scrapbooking, or other art that is digital, hybrid, or traditional, a favorite mug, cup and saucer, teapot, coffee pot, or even a wine glass. Regardless, please join us by linking below.  Bleubeard and I will gladly visit, as will other T participants.  Please link only your T post and not your blog in general.  Bleubeard would like to remind you that old photos are acceptable because they may be taken any time, not just on Tuesday and not just this year.  Please remember to visit your fellow T participants. 

 

Second on the 2nd: Wild Thing

 

As most of you know, whenever possible, I like my Second Look to somehow reflect what our current host at Art Journal Journey is featuring.  That means I had to look for something that reflected Jo from Let’s Art Journal's Wonderfully Wild theme.  

This is from May 15, 2009 and is entitled Wild Thing.

  This was number eight in a series of ATCs I created.  I loved the look of this guy's wild hair and didn't want to distract from it. Not owning a clipola, I used a large paper clip and glued it to the back. 

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I've shown you mine, now it's time to share your own Second on the 2nd.  The rules are quite simple and everyone is welcome to join the fun look back.  All you have to do is bring back a post that you are especially proud of, or perhaps one you shared before anyone knew your blog existed.  Any post, any genre, any artistic endeavor is acceptable, as long as it's been published sometime in the past.  Then link below (direct links only, please) and Bleubeard and I, along with other Second on the 2nd friends, will be by to visit.

 

 

 

T Stands For Finally Final Anniversary Gifts

 

 A funny thing happened last week after I had published my T post.  Seems Sharon asked about her ATC she sent me.  As I was looking back over the packages I received, I realized I had also not opened Deb's package.  Saturday was the clean up and afterward I slept, partly because I was exhausted and partly because I hurt my back, even though I lifted from my knees.

Sunday I hunted high and low for Deb's and Sharon's packages.  I really AM usually organized to the max.  I got down on my hands and knees in the kitchen where I had originally kept the packages.  Then I checked all the bags hooked on the chair to be sure they had not fallen into one of them.  Then this morning, when the sun was just right, I thought I saw something under my dining room table.  Lo and behold, there were the missing packages and CJ's postcard, I had completely forgotten about.  That's what stress does to a "perfect" memory.

I promise these are the last of the gifts everyone sent.

Don't you just love my shadow that I can't get rid of unless I stand on a ladder, at which time nothing is ever in focus.  This is from Sharon, who obviously sent a nice card and several restaurant payment checks.

Here is the handmade envelope Sharon made to hold the ATC she made for me.

I love this gorgeous ATC.  It looks like there are so many layers to this one.  It's a real beauty.

This is the back of Sharon's ATC.  Thank you so very much for this amazing and stunning ATC and the other gifts you sent, too.

This is the stamp on Deb's package.  The bird is actually embossed and was hard to focus.

Deb placed this beauty on the front of the package.  You can see that I am wearing lavender today. 

I found this fun sticker attached to the back of the envelope.

Deb sent this lovely card that matches the sticker on the envelope.  I love the wood grain background and the adorable letters that spell out "Hello."  This is stunning.

What a lovely and thoughtful message.  Actually, it is I who should be thanking YOU, dear Deb.

Here is the adorable ATC Deb made for me.

I wish you could see the detail and how dimensional this is.  It is also glittery and textured.  My photo doesn't do it justice.

Deb's back.  She created them early.  Thank you so very much, dear Deb.

This package is from Jo.  Jo used a ton of tape, but I finally got the envelope open.  I can't show the back of the envelope because Jo's address is there.

I need to remove this from the plastic packaging.

OMGoodness.  Jo knows how much I LOVE rust!!!  This spoke to me.  Can't you just feel all that faux rusty goodness?  It is amazing, Jo.

This is the back of this ATC.

However, imagine my surprise when I turned the card over and found another ATC tucked into the pocket.  Squiggles was just thrilled and so was I.  All three of us are so happy with this gorgeous ATC made just for all of us.  Thank you from all of us, dear Jo. We are thrilled.

Now it's time to finish my ice water that is now merely cool and clean up.  

It's now time to share your own drink related post.  Please link your post below, then share the love with others.  Bleubeard and I will be by after we eat a bite.

T Stands For More Gifts (hopefully the last of them)

 

It's fairly obvious we are once again in my dining room and at my dining room table.

I'm hoping to get through the remainder of all these wonderful gifts T Tuesday friends have sent me.  I realize there are LOTS of envelopes, so I hope I get through these before I succumb to the heat.

Blogger is SO slow today.  I should never leave this to the last minute.  Can you see the postage stamps?  I've had a few cats, but this is the first dog I've gotten.  Leave it to Erika to include a dog!!

Look at all the beautiful goodies she sent.  Tons of die cuts

mugs, a teapot, and amazing butterflies. 

If only I had opened this in time for last month's challenge at Art Journal Journey.

 

Look at this handmade postcard.  Yes, Erika, this will go in my Cats AB.  Thank you so very, very much, Erika.  You know many of these will end up in my art.

Sometimes my camera just will NOT focus correctly.  Out of 15 photos I took of this stamp, sent by Lisca, this was the best.  Sadly, it is rather completely puny.

Look at the lovely postcard Lisca sent that she picked up in Amsterdam.  And of course I love the awesome ATC she made.

Here are the backs of the postcard and the ATC!

I tried to show how dimensional this ATC is!!

 

What a clever way to get the 10 to stick out.  Thank you SO much, Lisca.  I adore the clever ATC and the beautiful postcard.  I will also cherish the recycled paper you included on the back of your handwritten note.

 

This next letter comes from Anne of Anne's Creative Cornucopia.  Anne told me the postcard she created was not to her liking, but Teddy insisted she send it, anyway.  I love the collaged front of this envelope, too.

I love the Lunar New Year stamp Anne chose.  This one is Year of the Tiger.

I am so glad Teddy insisted, because this is a charming and "beary" beautiful postcard.

Here is the back of the card that I see Anne created, too.  Thank you SO much, Anne, and thank you goes to Teddy, too!!

I spent an inordinate amount of time trying to find information about this postage stamp.  Apparently it is old enough it is no longer listed on the USPS web site.  Possibly Carola will know more about it. 

Even before I opened the envelope, I got a pleasant surprise.  LOVE the cat washi tape.  OPPS.  Looks like I'm starting to overheat.

Carola sent one of her incredible frameable photos she took.  This is amazing and I have just the place for it, too!

What a lovely note.  I also hope to see our 20th Anniversary.

LOVE this cat in sunglasses, and his umbrella.  That background is amazing.

How cool is this back, too!!  Thank you for the gorgeous card and the beautiful ATC, dear Carola.  I love them both.

I'm fairly certain we all know that CJ sent this package.  Squiggles always loves CJ because he feels included for once!  In case you can't read it, the cups have the names Squiggles and Bleubeard.

Here is a 10 year tea pot next to my name.  I love how CJ capitalizes both Liz and Beth.  Believe me, I will NEVER be a Beth!

Love the postage stamps, but seem to have cut off Bugs Bunny eating a carrot.

Another close up that wouldn't focus properly.

My heart skipped a beat when I saw that teeny, tiny incredible rocking horse.  Goodness it is tiny and beautiful.

CJ knows I love cardinals, too.

Imagine my surprise when I opened the envelope and saw all those incredible cancelled postage stamps.  I am in LOVE!!  Note, CJ sent two napkins, too.

Now that my heart is no longer palpitating,

here is what I uncovered.  There is I Love Lemon and Wild Blueberry.  I may drink that when I get finished showing all the gifts today.

CJ even gives suggestions as to how to drink these teas.  Wow, CJ.  Thank you for these amazing gifts and that rocking horse that has stolen my heart.

The postage stamps on the left are called Tulips.  The butterfly was issued in 2021 and it is for the non-machinable surcharge.  The package is from Nancy.

I think this message on the back of the envelope starts with Rock Star.  Sadly, I couldn't read Nancy's writing.

Imagine my surprise when I saw the many ATCs.  I could not have been more surprised or delighted. Several of the keys fell out, but I will puthem back after I finish photographing these.

To cut down on time it takes to upload these, I am going to share them all at once, even though it isn't much faster.

I got an even bigger surprise when I turned the sheet over!  So many choices, so little time.

Also included was this beautiful card Nancy made.  She is definitely famous for her cards.

 

I admit it really WAS a surprise.

 

The final package I received on Saturday.  It's been a long time since I've seen that $0.37 bird, even though I have some in my own stash I can use to send people.  Sorry, but this was as good as the camera would focus.  This came from Mae.

I was blown away by these museum quality postcards.

The postcard on the left represents all the big name places you would find in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  The one on the right is Vincent Van Gogh, Self Portrait, 1887.

The postcard on the left represents Krogs, a restaurant on the Strand canal.  The building dates to 1798.  The one on the right is called Composition for Clarinets and Tin Horn.  It was painted by Ben Shahn (1898-1969) in 1951. 

I hope no one was bored.  Please share your own drink inspired post and Bleubeard and I, along with other T Tuesday participants will be by to visit.

 

 

 

I will be meeting with the Neighborhood Association president at 4:30, so I will be late visiting tonight.