"If you hear a voice within you say, 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced." --Vincent van Gogh

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Treasures

My local quilting group had a secret santa exchange last Saturday. The person who drew my name happens to also share my birthday, so of course I loved absolutely everything! But this took my breath away. June is a quilter (it's a quilting group) and has never ventured into the world of altered arts and mixed media. She did this just for me and it is beautiful and I am so touched. Above is the outside of the altered altoid tin. Beautiful, yes, but when I opened it up...
You see, June has been snooping around my blog, unbeknownst to me. She used photos of my art and inspirational sayings to fill this accordian book that was hidden in the tin. Isn't it just amazing? I will cherish it always. Thank you June!!!
I drew Janice's name. Now, I happen to know that Janice reads my blog (thank you Janice!!) so although I was making some things, I couldn't really share them because it would have ruined the surprise. I did give you a peek of one thing, so here is the big reveal...

This is a laminate sample made into an ornament. I made it non-Christmassy so she could hang it year round if she likes. I used molding paste for the dimension.


This actually didn't go to Janice, but I did something similar for her. The tag is made from a paint sample (you can still see the lines that separate the different shades). I will be doing a lot more of these for a swap in the New Year.

And finally, here is the journal - or actually it holds a notepad - that started out as hat icky brown calico. I think it looks much better now. :o)
I have a few other things to share - I finished the quilt and have received a few other gifts - but it may be a few days before I am able to post again. My husband's grandfather passed away and the family is all staying here. The funeral is tomorrow. I'll be back as soon as I can.




5 comments:

Jeanne Turner McBrayer said...

All the gifts from the CyberBee exchange were so wonderful. I was really impressed with your gift from June.

So sorry about the death in the family so close to Christmas.

Anonymous said...

mine, all mine! hee hee.
thank you again, Michelle, i just love everything. and she didn't mention that she also gave me some of her southern style freeze fabric!
Sorry about Tom's grandfather - big hugs to all!

Anonymous said...

Wow Michelle, beautiful both what you received and what you made. Yummy...

NEEDLEWINGS said...

What fun gifts! You have some awesome treasures!

Cathie said...

Michelle this is sooooooo pretty - I know Janice must just love this. What a creative way to use the molding paste and the painting you did is very cool. Happy New Year to YOU.