This tale begins early in the hot and summery month of August, when our fearless leaders, Marlene Cupo of Amazing Designs by Marlene, and Shelley Graham Turner of Fabric of My Life (big kudos, ladies!), first announced to the blogging world that, come October, an event without precedent would be brought forth for all to see:
This momentous happening would come to pass after the humble blogger applicants had passed rigorous testing requested admittance and received partners. Each one would consult the other and commence fabrication of an ornament or piece of jewellery.
When I received an email from Jo-Ann of It's a Beadiful Creation, I immediately checked out her blog. Jo-Ann makes beautiful jewellery but her speciality seemed to be dimensional bead-weaving. We chose a general theme and got to work.
As with most plans, mine had a few hitches. My original cane work had to be scraped and restarted. The next one came together smoothly over the course of a week. Thankfully I was nearly done assembling my items as the deadline approached. This was when Murphy's Law swung into action, and I had almost two weeks of family illness, a visit to the emergency room with my son, followed by pet surgery.
It's always soothing to have a hobby to fall back on at these times. I finished my projects, and all human and pet family members started returning to good health. When I got Jo-Ann's parcel at the end of this, it was like a beautiful promise of better things!
As I opened the carefully wrapped package, I found a cheerful holiday greeting card wishing me a "Beadiful Holiday Season", I started to get excited. Could it be?
Yes... I was now the proud owner of an amazing beaded box! I forgot to mention this is another of Jo-Ann's many talents. That is a Swarovski crystal snowflake on top. But wait... there seemed to something inside the box...
A gorgeous little beaded star! See how it is a perfect "fit"?
And I wasn't done! There was yet ANOTHER star... so perfect!
I know my poor little camera doesn't capture how it twinkles!
I am so spoiled! Three gifts in one... they are SO pretty. I have always loved the look of beading, and it appeals to my math mind, so orderly and planned. But these old(er) eyes are not up to such delicate work. So you can imagine how precious these are to me. I LOVE my gift, Jo-Ann!
Everyone at my house was speechless as they admired my amazing little treasures. Check out the beautiful snowflake pattern on the box!
The next day I even dug out a miniature artificial tree to display the stars against a Holiday background. Now, anyone who knows me knows I am a last-minute decorator, and Hubby does most of it. Christmas has definitely come early this year! Thank you so much, Jo-Ann... I have the Christmas Spirit in a big way now!
Even Jo-Ann's business cards are adorable... look at those sweet little owls on a branch!
This guy was the inspiration for the cane I designed for my gift to Jo-Ann. But I'll save that story for another day!
Now check out all these talented folks who have chosen to help us start the Holidays early:
Michelle Fanucchi
Shelley Graham Turner
Mary Hicks, Shannon Hicks
