Santa delivers from UK

This is just a sample of what my Secret Santa Kim sent me from the UK. The group of artists that I frequently refer to here in my blog, Mixed Media Collage Artists did a Secret Santa swap and I was lucky to have Kim receive my name. I received this small package in the mail that weighed a ton! I cut the tape and the top literally popped up and little individually wrapped packages starting falling out. I don't know how Kim got all she did in that little box. I took each package and carefully opened it to find something special. There were beautiful hand-dyed silk fibers, One Penny Rubber Sheet from Paper Artsy, watch parts, tags, stamps, a magnet, Christmas ornament, the cutest bendable Santa, soldered art and so much more.

I don't know which I enjoyed the most. . .The anticipation of not knowing who had my name and anxiously awaiting a surprise package to arrive and then to see what cool things I received or receiving and gathering things for my Secret Santa and the anticipation of her package being delivered. All I do know is that I can't wait to do this again next year.

Until next time. . . .Enjoy the last few days of the year with your friends and family.

Debbie

More Surprises Received

I can honestly say this is the only time of the year that I actually watch for the mailman to come. I just love getting Christmas cards and packages.

Monday I found an envelope among the bills from the one and only Becky Christian. Inside were 3 of Becky's famous ATC's to add to my BC collection, a Vintage photo of a very distinguished gentleman and the cutest handmade holiday card.

Today I was totally surprised when I found a little padded envelope among the Christmas cards. I am now the proud owner of an Deryn Mentock Original Altered Cab Card. I admire Deryn's art so much and had hoped to someday own a piece.

Becky and Deryn, thank you so much for my wonderful surprises.

Today is Wednesday and I know I still have one more surprise coming my way from my Secret Santa, that is unless my surprise is I'm not getting anything because they think I've been naughty!

Until next time. . . .I'm off to get a few last minute things finished up so I can sit and watch for the mailman. Sure wish he looked like the UPS guy, cute as a button.

Happy Holidays
Debbie

More Christmas Surprises

I just love it when someone surprises me with a little gift in the mail. Over the past week I have received gifts from some very special friends I have made through my art.

First I received a beautiful 2006 Calendar from Reiny Rizzi. Reiny has been creating these wonder calendar girls and sharing them with all of us on MMCA. Little did we know she was creating calendars for some of us. I just love mine! Here is the cover and a few months that are my favorites.

A few days later as Steve and I were working on the MMCA website and forum another package arrived. Cece Grimes had sent me one of her beautiful bottlecap pins which she named "Queen" and a box of Lindor Milk Chocolate Truffles for Steve. I felt just like a Queen as I worked that day and have had many compliments on her since. I would love to share with you the chocolates, but I have to confess they were to die for!

Some of the girls in MMCA participated in a Secret Santa exchange and I am anxiously awaiting my surprise. Everyday I listen for my mailman to drop things in my basket and quickly run to see if I have gotten my Secret Santa package. I am sure the mailman is wondering by now why I am practically running over him everyday, but it is just so exciting to see what he has brought.

Reiny and Cece thank you both for your part in making this a wonderful holiday season.

Until next time. . . .Happy Holidays

Debbie

Christmas Surprises

This could have been me a few days ago.

As I was preparing dinner I heard the UPS truck stop in front of our home as he has done daily for the past two weeks to deliver packages to our neighbors across the street. Only this time I was surprised when I heard him knocking on my carport door. I opened the door as he was running back to his truck waving and there before me was a huge brown box. I yelled, Santa has started delivering. Funny how everyone comes out of their room when they hear "Santa" and "delivering." Here I am trying to carry this huge box in and everyone else is watching asking "who is it for?, who sent it? do you get to open it now?" and the list goes on. Dinner was put on hold and I opened the box to find gifts packed amongest peanuts just as tightly as possible. As I pulled out each gift one by one I would find more.

Do you remember running into the living room on Christmas morning and just standing there looking at all the presents and not knowing which one to open first? That was me!!

I wish I had thought to grab the camera to get a picture of the box before I starting pulling things out, you would not have believed it. Santa delieved this package all the way from Cody, WY!!! Yes my best friend Deb Trotter is an Angel on Earth.

Inside I found a Fold-Out Garland of Children Riding Animals, 6 Candy Striped Jingles Ornaments, A book "All I Want for Christmas" of Antique Dolls and Toys in Vintage Photographs 1890 - 1920, Miniature Porcelain Tea Set, Mini Scrabble Set with Magnetic Tiles, Dick and Jane Magnet, fun Reindeers for Steve to wear when working on the technical side of MMCA, the cutest Snowman Tote Bag for Kaycee, an Original Mixed Media Collage "Buttons and Lace" created by Deb and the most gorgeous Norma DeCamp Original Santa.

Here are several pictures which do not do justice.

Original Mixed Media Collage by Artist Deb Trotter

"Buttons and Lace"

Mini Scrabble Set

Miniature Porcelain Tea Set

More Fun Things

Close up of Santa's face and the things he is holding.

Santa in ALL his glory.

There are no words and THANK YOU seems so small for all the wonderful treasures Deb has shared with me not only this Christmas but all year.

I wish for each of you a wonderful holiday and may you too have such a Friend as I have in Deb.

Until Next Time. . . .Happy Holidays!!!!

Debbie

It's a Journal

I love journals and have kept one on and off for years. Journals are a place for your special thoughts, your everyday life or anything you want it to be for. Here are a few that I recently made, some were for gifts, some are for sell. Each journal is one of a kind and created by combining my collected vintage ephemera and other elements. These journals are approximately 10" x 7.5" with 200 pages of wide ruled paper. Not only has the front been collaged, but the back and inside covers have been given a special touch.

"Dreams"

"Thoughts" "Questions" "Time Alone" "My Favorite Things"

These make wonderful Christmas gifts for friends, family or yourself. I am happy to create one similar to any one of these if the original is not available, but please remember each journal is a one of a kind therefore no two will ever be alike.

Last day to order for Christmas Delivery is December 11th.

Until next time. . . .Enjoy the holidays!!

Debbie

Creative Day

What a day!!! I have blisters and cuts on my fingers from all of the wire, hot glue and tinsel I worked with today, but I must say I am very pleased with my accomplishments.

Here are samples of some of the Christmas Ornaments that have kept me busy. Wish I had time to make a few of these for my own tree. I received a call today asking if I could make 24 of these before next Tuesday. She is having a party and would like to send each guest home with an ornament.

A manicure will certainly be needed after the holiday orders are all created, packaged and delivered.

Until next time. . . .Ho Ho Ho

Debbie