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…

TussieMussie

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TussieMussieTeaser TussieMussieTeaser1 TussieMussieTeaser2

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.

30 comments:

Debby said...

What a beautiful post, love the tussie's and the goodies.
debby

Gloria said...

Julie---I have missed you---what a wonderful post--and a wonderful tribute to your new found friend....and I loved every bit of it--as that is just my stle too.

Diann said...

I've missed you too, Julie! What a great swap this was for you...all the items are so you! I have only found the tussie mussie's at Hobby Lobby around holidays! Yours also turned out lovely! Diann

Elyse said...

hi julia ann!

i am playing long-overdue blog catch-up today. i saw the parisol you made over at jenn's blog and had to come over and tell you how lovely i think it is! beautiful!

now i will be reading to see what else i have missed.

happy may ~*~

xo
elyse

Lynn Stevens said...

Oh you were Louises partner?I saw yours on her blog, you both did a lovely job

Thanks so much for entering my giveaway
Best of luck
Lynn

Bumpkin Hill said...

oooo what beautiful delights to find here at your Blog, love the little buttons! Hugs, Catherine x

Kateyed said...

You both did a beautiful job. I wish I had been in the Tussie Mussie swap.

We are relatively new and would love to have you come and visit. My daughter gave me the blog as a gift! She surprised me one day...I have wanted one for so long and she had it all set up!

Suz
http://katsuijewelry.blogspot.com

Lori said...

Julie Ann, both of those tussies are gorgeous!!! my Michael's store has the paper mache cones over with the ribbons with the decoupage supples for some reason...maybe your store has them hiding over there too...

Lori said...

by the ribbons...with the decoupage supplies...duh...

Cathy said...

Julie Sweet Pea,

What's happening my friend. I miss you!

I'm glad I stopped by your blog so I could see your tussie swap goodies. I have been so sick I still haven't had a chance to get mine posted yet.

I've barely sorted through all the P&P goodies. I am so anxious to get well and get going on the new swap and making some new pretties for my shop.

Hope you have a ball creating with all your new goodies.

xo Cathy

Bethany said...

Julie Ann,
You have a beautiful blog! I will be back to visit. Thank you for visiting my blog and for the sweet comment.
Warmly,
Bethany

Anne Lorys said...

Hi Julie Ann!

Wow, that was your first tussie mussie? It's gorgeous! Great job!

I wanted to thank for the wonderfully thoughtful comments you left on my last post, they really did mean so much to me.

All the best,
Anne

Unknown said...

Hi Julie Ann,

Your tussie mussie is absolutely beautiful as is the one you received. WOW! What incredible beauty for the eyes to behold. I know you will treasure them.

Wishing you a beautiful Mother's Day weekend.

xoxo
~Kitty Kellie
www.artfulpaperdoll.blogspot.com

Anne Lorys said...

Hello again, sweet Julie Ann...

Thank you so much for your unbelievably kind comments on my last post, they truly did touch my heart.

Wishing you a very Happy Mother's Day!

Anne

Rebecca said...

Hello
Everything is just beautiful on your post! I hope you have a wonderful week
Many Blessings
Rebecca

Anonymous said...

Hi Sweetie,
WOW! you scored on this. Isn't it fun to get more than you ccould of ever hoped for in a swap? I need to join more swaps, they always make my day. Miss you so much. I am having withdrawls.
Hugs,
Amada

Jodie (everything vintage) said...

Oh Julie Ann...
What beautiful swaps! You totally loaded up with some l-o-v-e!!!!
So happy for you...you are such a giving heart...I'm happy to see that you are getting it back :)

Well, I guess you don't love ME anymore...sniff sniff...I still love you!
:)

Natasha Burns said...

What gorgeous Tussie Mussie swap goodies!

So glad you're not finished with your Georgia stories :) Looking forward to hearing more!!!

Unknown said...

...OH delight! Such a sweet tussie mussie!
Thank you for entering~ Ozma's fan~tabulous giveaway, and posting on your sidebar, extra chances for you (teehee!!)
xo, Rosemary

Lynn-Teacupstitches said...

Oh my what a gorgeous swap! Each item is a creative treasure!
You have a beautiful blog and I must stay and visit longer!
Lynn

JoAnn S said...

ok after reading this post I need to join more swaps lol. great tussie mussies. I wish I had gone to Parasols and Petticoats it looked like so much fun. beautiful blog. I will visit often Hugs JoAnn S

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

What a wonderful swap you participated in ~ everything is just adorable!

Thanks for entering my little giveaway and especially for adding my pic and a link to your sidebar! Good luck to you!

Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

Leslie {Goodbye, house. Hello, home!} said...

Wow!
You got a great swap partner!
How creative and thoughtful she is!
I wanted to stop by and Say "Hi!" and WELCOME to my home and that I got your entries for the birdcage giveaway, thank you!
It's so nice to see new faces and learn from my sisters in blogland!
Blessings to you, Julie Ann, as you make your home!

Lori said...

Julie Ann, thank you for admiring my new brother:) i am so sad i won't get to see him for a few months yet...he won't be so tiny small then...

Christina Lytle said...

Julie these are all amazing! I just love the handkerchief card...
Hugs

Cathy said...

Hi Sweet Pea,

Just stopping in to say "hello" to my special friend. I hope you have a great Memorial Day weekend. Keep cool and eat lots of barbeque!

xo Cathy

Terri said...

Wow! Your first Tussie Mussie is lovely! Great job!

Mary Liz Gallery said...

PRETTY! I will be posting a giveaway on my blog in November - feel free to stop by.

Barbara Jean said...

LOVE your cones.
So soft and sweet.

Thanks for visiting my place.

blessings
barbara jean

vintage ring said...

What a lovely post. You are sweet, sweet person and the two people who mattered most at your wedding were you and your husband. It looks like it was a lovely, lovely day and I am so glad you have found someone to share your joy and the rest of your life with.