Sunday, May 2, 2010

Simple Joy

I’m not quite done with my story of my vacation in Georgia, but remember all those swaps I kept writing about… well I have received them all and I want to share one of them with you today! :)

I participated in Linda’s A Swap For All Seasons Tussie Mussie Swap and my partner was Louise Granlund. Once we exchanged emails, we knew we had the same tastes! This was the first tussie mussie I’d ever attempted and I could not for the life of me find a paper mache cone! So I used what I had and created this for Louise…

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To see the articles I included in the Tussie Mussie, you’ll have to visit Louise’s blog, because I forgot to take pictures before sending it off! But she had told me she loved Primas… :)

I was having a bad day the day that I received Louise’s Tussie Mussie, but that all changed drastically the moment I opened up her package!

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Louise made me this gorgeous shabby chic Tussie Mussie! Just look at the beautiful torn paper strips in pale blue, cream, and pink… And that gorgeous lace trim!

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And inside, two little girls in bonnets smiled back at me with beautiful pink flowers :)

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Here are the things stashed inside… A beautiful rose handkerchief which was from her mother(!!!), two lace trims, a gold spoon, a tiny calendar, a gorgeous sewn hand (which I just ADORE!!), unique flower crystals, and a tiny little picture frame with a sweet little collage inside…

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And then, there were even more gifts!

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A sweet card from Louise and handmade “Card Candy” flowers in sweet shabby chic style…

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Tons of paper ephemera and cards in my favorite 50’s vintage style! And from her sister-in-law’s family!

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And a sweet, sweet yellow handkerchief card- a gorgeous collectors item!

I almost cried when I saw the thought and love Louise had put into this swap for me. Especially for sharing items with me that were part of her own heritage! But even though the gifts were wonderful, beautiful, and so very considerate, it was the feeling of connection- that someone, a stranger, had taken the time to know me and really Understood the kinds of things that I loved that brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much, Louise. This swap really touched my heart and I will treasure these heirlooms, always.