The Pleasure of Giving (and receiving)

One of the things we all love about Christmas is the pleasure we receive when we are able to see our friends and loved ones light up with joy when they open a gift that we painstakingly searched for or took the time to create with our own two hands. I wish that my friend Cindy from Lilly's Lace could have seen my face when I opened a most unexpected package the other day. I could not believe what a beautiful and thoughtful gift she sent me.

 The detail she put into this was incredible. The Santa wore a coat embellished with vintage wedding lace, buttons and a beautiful hand pleated ribbon.

 The basket he carries has bobbins, buttons and more bits of lace.

 There are so many wonderful goodies it takes time to soak it all in!!!

 I don't know if you all remember the beautiful belt buckle that Cindy made for her first Giveaway, but I should have known after seeing that, what an extraordinary artist Cindy is. She collects these treasures everywhere she goes until she finds just the right project to use them on.

 She really personalized it to fit me. I think this is one of the most beautiful and thoughtful gifts I have ever received...

And in the spirit of giving... I have created a little sidebar button for anyone who wishes to take it. It is one of my favorite quotes. I thought it might be particularly appropriate for today's times, that we remind ourselves that the only really important things are our friends and family.  

(You can grab the code from the sidebar

of my design site Valentine Design. )

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas filled with lots of laughter, love and eggnog!!!!

You all mean the world to me!