Author name: Karla Nathan

Lesa Dailey’s class project at a Snowbird’s Song was a feat of engineering, and an object of beauty.  I was thrilled when she gave the original to me!

Especially since she had already given me this sweet snowgal riding a swan.  It was way too generous of her.  I will treasure them, as I do anything she has made.

The tags she used on the packaging were equally adorable.  I thought about putting mine onto my tree, but instead, I am using it here with my newfound, swan collection.

The teachers at my arty weekends gift a kit to each other.  We don’t always get to craft them during the event, personally, I try to save mine to savor later when I have more time.

 And it makes me feel better  when I am missing my Peeps!

Since I was lucky enough to have the original, I wanted to make my kit in a different way, not try to match it. Instead of adding the darling swan boat hat, I used the sail material to make a crown.

I changed the beak to pink, and used faceted beads for the eyes. I also tilted the neck and head, but maybe she just looks crooked…

I made the ruffle into a double layer, added lace, strands of pearls, and millinery blooms. Then, I glued her to a candlestick for height.

Of course, I HAD to use to wonderful, white ruffle she provided.  But I kept the rest of the back simple, since I loved the soft, blue velvet and wanted that to show.

Thank you, Lesa!  We love your classes here at the cottage, not only for the challenging way they stretch our skills, but for the pure loveliness you create and the personality you infuse in each of your characters.

If you are interested in some of the items from A Snowbird's Song, I have listed a few of  the pieces in my Boutique.  There are kits for Angelique the Aviary Queen as well as the completed projects.  

The kits come with a collage sheet, so you can make the angel with your preferred lady.  That leaves you with a page filled with other images to use for other crafting plans.  Pink and white are available. There are some holiday ornaments for sale too. And thank you to those who have already shopped with me!

You can find them here.

The Peeps visiting me for a Snowbird’s Song, came bearing gifts.  Lori Oles created this gem for me from rough cut garnets and vintage treasures.

For the tweets and gifts , I hand dyed fabric bags, and placed them out on the seats the night before the party like hanging stockings on the mantel on Christmas Eve.

Just like dozens of jolly St Nicks working their magic, the joyful Peeps over-stuffed the bags with delightful gifts.

There was an array of hand made gifts, treats, mini kits, art supplies and more.  Generosity times ten.

Gail made these itsy bitsy stocking brooches.

Terri made multiple versions of this cottage tree ornament for everyone.  This is the one I received.

Our Southern belle friend, Lulu gifted everyone with jewels and beautiful baubles.

This is the special one she made for me.

My Sis, Terry also brought jewelry.  Hers was sterling with genuine stones, Nora chose moonstone earrings that matched a necklace she had brought with her.

Terry brought a special gift for me, my favorite chocolates, from See’s.

She also brought a gift for my husband, a wooden golf cart handcrafted by her husband, Dale.  The tiny wheels actually turn, this is adorable.

I was blessed to get many special treats myself.  Like this nest filled with felted eggs from Kim.

There was so much generosity flowing my way that I wanted to savor the packages, and waited to open them after everyone had left. This sachet and bird are from Maggie.

 When the guests were gone, the house was feeling empty and lonely.  I cheered myself up by going through the thoughtful gifts and finding the perfect spots to use them in my home.  This pearl encrusted nest from Suzanne went with my nature inspired tree.

The chocolate bar shaped Oklahoma was a perfect fit for my belly… and the ornie that Teresa gave to me with it went on the tree in my studio.

Jeannie gave me this hat that fits like a warm glove, ideal for cold, Kansas winters.  

Jane knows my love of hats, and brought a bag filled with vintagey floral ones to play with.

Carol gave me luscious supplies to play with too.  And European chocolates.

Connie and Nancy brought a pumpkin festival of bath products that I am working my way through and enjoying this autumn.  

Linda gifted me with lavender honey products that look really pretty in my guest bath, but I think I will set them aside to use in late February when I need to remember that winter is not forever.

And was gifted with vanilla scented creams to brighten the holidays.

Tami crafted this pink reindeer diorama that now sits on the table next to my cozy chair that I watch tv from.

Across from me on the coffee table, I keep this creation from Lesa.

Seriously, the generosity the group showed to each other and to me was over the top.  I did not get photos of everything, and hope that I don’t offend anyone by not posting photos of the bounty they provided.

But after seeing the warm hearted sharing, I do not think that they are the types who would be upset.  These gifts were given for  heartfelt reasons, not done to show off.

Nora hand wove this bracelet, and every time I wear it, it will feel like an embrace from my friends.  

All of the presents, for the group, for the door prizes, and the personal ones for myself were greatly appreciated. 

We had enough door prize donations for everyone to get one, plus grand prizes, and a few more rounds of gifts from the prize table, so that some people got more than one.

Beth’s traditional needlework apron is always a coveted prize.

The excitement from the Peeps who give the presents is equal to those who get them.  I love the ones they give to me, but the biggest gift of all is the generosity I see them sharing with each other.  I am quite appreciative with the jovial atmosphere and happy gift giving between them.

Thank you, all!