Featuring

Today I am giving

the Handmade Gifts I received...

their day to shine in the spotlight.

Now I am not a gift snob.

I did receive some perfectly

lovely store bought gifts

as well.

But as a crafter, I know

the planning...gathering...

the doing of it...

all require

time.

Precious time.

A glass globe ornament...

filled with lines from a

Christmas Carol...

each individualized...and chosen specifically

by the giver (my sweet mama)

that somehow sings

of the person who is to receive it...

me.

Hark The Herald Angels Sing.

Because every chance I get

I find reason to sing

Glory To The Newborn King!

My niece, Jillian, began selling

these wonderful wreaths this

holiday season.

Everywhere we were...there she

would be...wrapping and designing...

to keep up on the demands

of selling and giving.

I confess...

I bought this one at

one of her shows.

That retro crafting just

makes my heart

happy.

Here is a corner from my dining room.

This little cabinet holds

all things sweet and lovely

to me.

If you look on the top shelf...

you will see one

of my sister, Mary's

one-of-a-kind cards.

This will change as I get one

of these lovelies

throughout the year.

Now it is showcasing

JOY.

I loved the simplicity of this design.

Truly...little pieces of

art.

My mom enjoys paper crafting

as well...

just yesterday this

"thank you"

arrived in the mail.

This is my thank-you for

the very thoughtful

thank-you, Mom.

One word...

beautiful!

Up next...

a gift for the family.

Sweet Baby James...

yeah, he's thirteen, but he

will always be my baby...

crafted a construction paper chain...

the traditional count-down

to Christmas.

Hung on a "walking stick" we acquired

on a trip up north

with Mary and Ed and Boys...

such great memories!

It made me oh, so very happy to see

that chain each and every day...

knowing...

well, what we mothers already know...

time moves along...

sometimes too rapidly.

It is so important to

embrace each and every

moment.

Two links remain...

they will be added to our

tree trimming box

for next year...

dated and signed by the

designer.

Finally...

my niece and great-niece...

God-daughter and Great-God-daughter...

Jessica and Paige,

made me these cute and functional

(gosh, how I love functional)

coasters.

Holding this mornings

cup of coffee.

A snowflake pattern that will

see me through the winter months.

Knowing me...

will most probably be around all year!

There is nothing left to say...

except...

Thank you...

each one of you...

from the

bottom of my crafty

heart.

I Love You, too.