day one of the twelve days of Christmas ornament swap

I have loved Ruth Rae's art for some time, and thoroughly enjoyed her book

layered, tattered & stitched.

So when I received her package in the mail, it was hard to resist opening it up right away!

The wrapping was way cool.

 For starters, 
she had a perfectly torn piece of muslin, 
stamped with the words "Be Brave", 
tack stitched to the bubble wrap!

 Inside I found this " most thoughtful " ornament.

A small box that now holds layers of plaster wrap, 

gently coated with my favorite robin's egg blue paint.

Right in the center sits a bright red hand sculpted paper-clay heart

that Ruth painted, then dipped into wax...her ode to a Sacred Heart. 

 It's been circled with wire, intertwined with 

a sprinkle of pearls and crystals.  You will also see several nails and a crystal bead crown.

A gentle dusting of mica around the lower bottom edge of the box, 
reflects light in the most subtle way.

I simply adore this added ruffle of fabric at the bottom,
which holds bits of text and one single crystal bead.

 

Now it hangs sweetly on our tree!
 Certain to be one of my many favorites.
Thank you Ruth.
I ♥ it!