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Saturday, December 19, 2009

the end is only the beginning

Isn't this beautiful?
Thus begins a Christmas story.

A very talented friend, Molly Alexander, contacted me several months ago, asking if I would like to participate in a Secret Santa Jewelry Swap! I said "yes"! Turned out Molly and ten other very talented ladies also decided to participate. See the list on Molly's post here.
We had until December 15th to get our secret piece in the mail, then post about it once it was received.
So, on December 15th (or soon thereafter), I started keeping watch outside my window.
I even kept an eye towards the heavens. Never know, something could fall from the sky!
But alas, a lovely white package came via USPS.

I love the sound of the big brown truck stopping in front of our house. The brakes squealing as it roars to a quick stop. In just a few moments I hear the ring of the doorbell, letting me know there's a fellow standing at our front door holding a package.
Oh, that's right...that is UPS. Not USPS. Sorry, I got sidetracked.
Well, anyway, I received my Secret Santa gift in the mail from the United States Post Office last Friday!
"Sisters"
What a beautiful work of art!
My art sister, Riki Schumacher, sent me the most gorgeous and thoughtful gift. She totally designed an etched metal & vintage rhinestone encrusted picture frame that holds a picture taken this last April while we (three sistas, Riki, Diana, and I) were at a jewelry retreat together with Stephanie Lee. I cannot begin to tell you all the thought and preparation Riki put into my gift.
See the back? The detail of the etching, and the delicately soldered hing that keeps it standing upright so perfectly on my work desk. See how she used tiny screws to hold the front piece she methodically cut out with her jeweler's saw, to the back?
Not only that, the package was just as beautiful. My little frame was wrapped in bright white tissue paper, and tied with various strands of yarn. Riki even tucked in a tiny twig and bird feather. And, a dove shaped gift tag, which now (will always) hangs on my Christmas tree. So fitting from my far away art sister who dearly loves nature.

Thank you sweet Riki for blessing my soul with this gift.
You are the best!
*the end*

17 comments:

Fanciful Expressions said...

That's a beautiful frame, Diane. And, look at those gorgeous gals in the picture.

Merry Christmas to you,my friend =-)

Riki Schumacher said...

Awwww shucks, you are so welcome my friend. I'm glad you like the little frame. It was a blast to make for you, and you got your smiles! Enjoy it, big hug, Riki

Charlene said...

OH DIANE IT IS WONDERFUL!!!! What a special gift from such a special friend. I can't wait until we are all together at Adorn Me! What fun we will have. I am also looking forward to my class in January! I taught a soldering class on Saturday & was talking up Adorn Me & then when I had my Christmas Tea for my friends yesterday we talked about both Adorn Me & the January Class. Can't wait. Merry Christmas dear friend & enjoy your treasure & all the memories it brings to you.
Hugs! Charlene

stregata said...

What a very lovely surprise - I love the details! Fantastic!

Riki Schumacher said...

Diane, the earrings and necklace you made for Tami Roth are sooooo darling! She must just love them. You did an awesome job!

Diana said...

Your frame is just fabulous, my friend! I love what Riki did so cleverly and beautifully. Merry Christmas!
Hugs
Diana

jill z said...

What a wonderful idea for a jewelry secret santa exchange- and what a gorgeous gift you received. Wondeful telling of the story- and it's just like having Ed McMahon come to your door telling you that you're a sweepstakes winner- only this winning is a shining meaningful treasure! Happy Holidays!

Cindy said...

Diane, what a great post...you have such a way with words and pictures (the little guy in the window and the bird are so cute!). Riki truly outdid herself with this amazing frame. It is just out of this world!!!! I was in awe when I saw it revealed on Molly's blog. I love the details, she didn't even neglect the back. The picture of you three "sisters" is so sweet. I know you'll always treasure this one! :-)

KayEllen said...

What a beautiful frame :)
Fun to have sweet creative friends!
Great photo too!
Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Kay Ellen

Jessica Moreau Berry said...

OH MY! This site always makes me smile:) Everything is so pretty and inspiring!

Just wanted to drop in and wish you a fabulous Holiday! Will catch up more after the New year!

~Jes

connie said...

the frame is beautiful...I remember that picture being taken like it was yesterday! and the etching!!!
merry christmas diane!

susanna said...

Oh, what a beautiful, thoughtful gift from a friend. Happy Holiday to you both!

Daryl said...

Merry Christmas!

Stacie said...

That is such a lovely Christmas gift...Merry Christmas!

Barbara Lewis said...

The gift is mind-blowing. It's wonderful that you ladies share so much in common and are able to get together and do fun things. Riki is very talented as are you and Diana! I'm so glad to have found you guys online! The three of you are so inspiring to me.

sallyt said...

What a thoughtful, touching, and gorgeous gift she made for you.

Happy New year to ya.
Sally

Renee Troy said...

So glad I found you. Love the jewelry swap and the piece that Riki made for you.
Riki and Diana Frey will be teaching at my new art retreat Inspirational Retreat www.lisalarosa.blogspot.com
We are so excited and look forward to have them do their workshop. Please come visit our site.
Have a wonderful New Year with good health, peace of mind, lots of inspiration and time to create.
xxoo