Friday 27 March 2015

GIFTS FROM AFAR!

I had an opportunity to participate in a gift exchange with Jonquil of "Latchkey and Jonquil" blog.
Jonquil asked me if I could make her a pot of chives either for her kitchen or her garden as per the pot that she saw on display in Janine's "Minworks" kitchen table.  

Jonquil was kind enough to allow me to make the pot however I chose and so I decided to include not only chives, but also some golden oregano and some silver leaf sage.  I kinda got carried away and ended up adding a butterfly and a teensie weensie ladybug on the downward bending leaf. 
 hmmmm? 
Now that I've had time to reflect, I'm not really sure if it isn't just a wee bit too early for a butterfly in a spring garden?  
Ahhh me..... 
Jonquil, the butterfly can be removed, just so you know!

"anyhoosie" this is what I made for her and then I made some more potted plants, just for the fun of it.


Jonquil has already blogged about all of this, but since she is in the process of building her Daviot House kitchen,  I included some additional kitchen minis inside her parcel, and I was pleased to see that she has already managed to find places for some of them too! :))  Now, I would like to show you what she has sent to me.

I was delighted to find that her package contained first, this little white cushion with the lovely embroidered red flower on it!
I hadn't expected it and not only was there a flower but she had included my initial "E", on the cushion as well.  But that is not all.
This pretty little cushion is filled with the most intensely fragrant lavender that came out of Jonquil's garden in France!
It was pure bliss and sensory over-load when I held the little cushion up to my nose.  I couldn't put it down.  I just kept on sniffing and inhaling as deeply as I could, and let me tell you, it put a BIG SMILE on my face!
Call it a powerful "phlowersutical"
heeheehee

The cushion found a spot on the bed, but
the other half of what Jonquil sent me is in the bathroom.


Here is  the laundry bag that I desired for the bathroom door of #43.
This has more of the delicate hand embroidery that Jonquil is so famous for! 


Unbelievably tiny stitches!

I LOVE IT! 
and it is PERFECT for my bathroom door.
 Thank You Jonquil, for making me 2 FABULOUS
miniature treasures!
I consider them both
Precious
WORKS OF ART!

:D



and
Finally another gift that I have received. 
This kit came in the mail last week.
It was courtesy of HOBBY BUILDERS SUPPLY.
Let me explain...
At the beginning of March, I had a lovely email from Fran, of Hobby Builders Supply, asking me if I would be interested in blogging about this product which is currently part of their annual
"HBS CREATIN" CONTEST"
 I would NOT be participating in the contest,
which ends on December 16th,

but would be kind of like a "promoter" for it.

Currently this contest is already in full swing with a number of popular blogs either involved in the contest or doing what I am about to do, a non-entry "build and blog".
I have viewed some of the past entries for this Popular event and the results are ALWAYS ASTOUNDING!
You would not believe what contestants have done with some of the kits that HBS sells, so I was all for putting in a good word about it.
Now comes the hard part; making the time to do it.
I have a good idea of what to do with mine but now I need to find the time to work with
it, as well as get #43 completed.
I am not a very good Time Manager but

I am good at
panic-ing!
Knowing this about myself, I was on the point of passing this opportunity by, then I thought,
"What the heck!"
As long as I can make a good beginning on this kit, then I can divide my efforts between it and #43 with the doll's house obviously being the most urgent with its June deadline, then I can work on this new little cottage in between.
So next week is when I start, which will give me lots of time to draw up a rough sketch of what I am thinking of doing, to show you. 

And you know, I am rather stoked that I have something big to work on other than Green Dolphin Street because
sometimes 
I just don't feel like doing
ANYTHING, 
and
NOW

 I WILL HAVE TO! 
Thank you Fran at 
HOBBY BUILDERS SUPPLY 

stay tuned... :D

elizabeth

50 comments:

  1. I bet Jonquil was thrilled with her plants. They look amazing, as always. Your gifts are wonderful too - such tiny stiches with so much detail.
    Looking forward to seeing your HBS build =0)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Pepper! I hope that Jonquil has enjoyed her potted herbs as much as I am enjoying her incredible needlework! It was a Fun swap and I'd do it again in a heartbeat! :D

      elizabeth

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  2. it's a beautiful bunch
    Elizabeth yes, yesterday I saw butterflies flying in the garden, it's really spring
    gifts received are very beautifully made: a beautiful exchange

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    Replies
    1. WOOHOOOO!!! :D
      Thank You for enjoying the herbs Claude and also for the re-affirmation about the springtime butterflies! :D
      I think it is a sweet exchange too!

      elizabeth

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  3. Hi Elizabeth! Both of you have spoiled each other and both of you have made beautiful swaps :D! I'd already seen on the blog of Jonquil what you've made for her. These miniatures, which she made for you has such teeny tiny stitches, it's absolutely stunning and beautiful work, enjoy :D!!
    I can't wait to see your HBS build too!!
    Have a nice weekend. Hugs, Ilona

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    Replies
    1. I think that you have expressed it so well Ilona, because I certainly feel spoiled!
      I don't do any form of needlework and so I have such a great admiration of anyone that can do it, and especially when they can do it as expertly as Jonquil can! :D

      elizabeth

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  4. Dear Elizabeth,
    What a beautiful gifts. I love the flowers.
    Hugs Dorien

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    Replies
    1. Hi Dorien! Thank You Very Much for enjoying the swap between Jonquil and I,
      I Love flowers too and I enjoy making them, but I am totally in love with Jonquil's amazing stitching!:D

      elizabeth

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  5. What a wonderful swap! So beautiful small things.

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    1. Hi Merja! Thank You!:D I have enjoyed this swap too!
      There are some Fantastic Miniature Artisans within blogland and I feel that it is an great privilege to know so many of them! :D

      elizabeth

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  6. Beautiful flowers. Your skill is amazing. I hope your HBS build has a garden!!

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    1. Hi Kat! I am delighted that you like the flowers Thank You!:)) I enjoyed making them for my own dollhouse garden as well as for both Jonquil and for Janine.
      I have more flowers to make for #43 but as to whether the HBS build will have a garden,.... well, you will just have to wait and see! :D

      elizabeth

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  7. Hi Elizabeth,
    Such wonderful swaps! Gorgeous items from both sides of the world, and they fit perfectly!
    Looking forward to seeing your HBS build. It will be cool to see Studio E's mark on this structure.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sam, with the New Avatar!!! :) Thank You Very Much! :D I had a wonderful time making up the potted herbs and then seeing them installed in Jonquil's Spring garden. I love the Spring, it is my favorite season. And I was thrilled with Jonquil's gifts too! Her skill with a needle is quite Remarkable, and I feel so blessed to have an opportunity to showcase her talent inside the cottage.
      The HBS build is going to be a personal challenge, but I am willing to give it a go and I will keep my fingers crossed that my idea will work! :D

      elizabeth

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  8. This is what I'd call a great swap - wonderful gifts were given and received. I totally agree with you... Jonquil's delicate stitching is awesome. But I have no doubt that she will be very happy with your... eh...her pots. And if the butterfly should be too early for a spring garden, well, in that case I would say too much realism is overrated and a butterfly can NEVER be wrong together with plants... *LOL* Exciting news about the offer to take part in this contest in that special way... it's a lovely kit with so many possibilities. It's always kind of sad that these kits can't be found in Germany and ordering a dollhouse kit with international mail and customs kind of scares me... but now I'm lucky to lean back in my computer chair to just watch and enjoy what you're going to do with yours! I know by now that I will have loads of fun seeing what you're creating out of this lovely building! ;O)

    Greetings
    Birgit

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    Replies
    1. Hi Birgit! I know that You with butterflies and bears go together like "soup and a sandwich" :D
      I Thank You for enjoying the potted chives that I sent to Jonquil, didn't send all of the pots those they were just for effect.
      Jonquil's stitching is truly Wonderful and I am So Pleased to have received it!
      I am looking forward to the HBS build too, although I can certainly appreciate what you are saying about living overseas and the expense. But I am sure that my build will be rather tame compared to what is already going on for the Creatin' Contest. I am always BLOWN AWAY with the things people come up with.

      elizabeth

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  9. I know just how you feel! Thank goodness I don't feel that right now because I have tons of orders to fill. Your gifts to Jonquil are so precious and beautiful! Oh my goodness!! I love your pot with all the details so much. You really put all your efforts in that gift! And the gifts you got in return are just the perfect "magazine" finishing touches. Like you'd see in Victoria magazine. Sweet!
    hugs♥,
    Caroline

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  10. Hi Caroline! Thank You for your Sweet compliment! I know that you are a Very Busy Lady and we ALWAYS enjoy your Amazing creations, which become more complex with every project you undertake. I Love what you do!
    I only hope that this HBS build will turn out half as good as what I have in my head. But I am so glad that you have enjoyed the potted herbs Caroline, it was such a great project to do and I am pleased to say that Jonquil has also liked her herbs and that was important to me, because I have thoroughly enjoyed her incredible talent! :D

    elizabeth

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  11. Hi Elizabeth, So glad to see how you have used the laundry bag. I wonder what is in it?
    A lovely exchange and well received at both ends of the globe.
    Look forward to seeing you soon.
    As Always Janine

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    Replies
    1. Hi Janine! The laundry bag contains some previously wet then dried, tissue paper which bulks it out as it hangs from the peg. In keeping with my own, Real Life laziness about keeping up with the wash, it will also never get done! :/
      And I am looking forward to seeing you again too! :D

      elizabeth

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  12. What a lovely swap! Well matched, your miniature gardening skills, Jonquils beautiful embroidery. Your chive pot has me salivating on two levels, I can really taste those herbs :) and my miniature loving eyes are drooling over the awesome detailed reality! Both the cushion and the laundry bag are perfect.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Susan! I think that it was a lovely swap too! :D I have NO SKILLS at anything involving a needle and thread, so I am Thrilled to be able to have such a Beautiful Laundry bag, installed within the bathroom.
      And Thank You for liking the herb pot that I made! You know that I am all about the details! :D In my Real Life garden, I grow quite a number of different herbs and love Everything about them; their flavor, flowers, and how easy they are to grow.... except for basil.... I NEVER have any luck with Basil. :/

      elizabeth

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  13. Привет Элизабет!
    Что за великий обмен! Вы подарили друг другу радость! Ваши цветы замечательны! Я люблю бабочку и маленькую божью коровку. Весна наступила после зимы. Теперь будет много бабочек в саду. Вы получили ценный дар. Увы! Я совсем не дружу с иголкой!
    Я уже предвкушаю то удовольствие, которое получу, когда вы начнете новый проект! Удачи!
    Татьяна

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  14. Hi Tatiana! Thank You for enjoying my herbs and Jonquil's Needle Art! :D
    I am not "friends with the needle" either! :(
    However, I genuinely appreciate and enjoy it, when I see what those with that talent, can do! :)) It makes me happy to have had the opportunity to share a swap with Jonquil and then see how she has used the herb pot, as well as, the kitchen utensils that I forwarded, in her doll's house. I hope that she will enjoy the look of her laundry bag, in mine. :D
    And as for the HBS challenge, I have changed my mind about this project several times already, but over the weekend I am going to finalize my idea on paper.
    It was not what I thought I would be doing after the doll's house was finished but then, again, my plans seem to change like the weather, so I'll just go along with the flow! :D

    elizabeth

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  15. What a swap. Two talented people swapping! Needless to say I am impressed with all of the booty, mate! I am looking forward to seeing what you do with the little bldg. I know another talented person who was given one to work on. This is going to be fun!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Grandmommy! Thank You Very Much for your compliments! I am Very Happy with our swap too! :D
      As for the HBS building; I still have to solidify my ideas, but already several options have "stopped by for a visit". Hopefully, only ONE idea will be the eventual winner, failing that, I could build a hybrid by using all 3 of them. YIKES!!!! :((

      elizabeth :D

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  16. Hi Isabel! Thank You Very Much! I have certainly enjoyed this exchange with Jonquil and I hope that she is enjoying mine! :D

    elizabeth

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  17. Bonjour Elizabeth, le printemps et les papillons sont bien là !
    Très bel échange de cadeaux. Les broderies sur le sac et le coussin sont superbes.
    J'aime le parfum de la lavande, j'en ai dans le jardin. Je fais des petits sacs pour parfumer les penderies.
    Je suis certaine que vous allez faire quelque chose de bien pour le concours, bon courage ;)
    Bisous. Bon week-end ! Joce

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  18. Good Evening Joce! :D I bet your lavender sachets are just as Exquisitely scented as the one that Jonquil sent to me! I had heard that France is Famous for the quality of its flowers, and NOW I truly believe it! :))
    Thank You for your compliment Joce, and although I AM NOT participating in the HBS
    contest, I am obliged to build the structure and blog about it as I do.
    No pressure, just pleasure! :D
    You Enjoy your weekend too, and Thank you also for the Butterfly info. Whew! I no longer need to fret about it!

    elizabeth

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  19. The gifts are lovely and your chives are perfect! A great exchange of creative ideas. I am excited to watch your progress on the miniatures house, I know you creation will be amazing.

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    Replies
    1. Thank You Jane! :D I had quite a bit of fun growing those herbs and I am satisfied with the results. And I am also stoked about receiving Jonquil's Incredible needlework in exchange! As Tatiana has put it so succinctly; "I am not friends with the needle" :D
      I am certain that the HBS BUILD AND BLOG challenge will be fun and will get my head out of the ARTHUR and provide a breath of fresh air in the process. Looking forward to it now that I know it is a done deal! :))

      elizabeth

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  20. The plants are just wonderful - and your gifts very special!

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    Replies
    1. Thank You Robin! From one mini gardener to another, your compliment means a LOT! :D I Love the needlework from Jonquil and you are right, they are Very Special!!!:D

      elizabeth

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  21. Hi Elizabeth, I sure love all of your gifts! They are going to fit your #43 cottage so well.

    I am more than a little excited to see what you do with the City Cottage Kit. I really like that kit, but I am a one track person... I don't dare start something else or I will never finish!

    Enjoy the new kit!

    Doug

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  22. Hi Doug! Thank You for your appreciation and you are right about them fitting right in! :D I have been WOWED by what other involved bloggers have been busy doing or are still planning to do with their HBS kits, and now I am getting "more than a little excited" about it too! :)) Like you, I normally wouldn't dare to start something new without finishing the first project, but I made this commitment and so it's TALLY HO!
    AND OFF I GO! :D

    elizabeth

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  23. I was speechless ... first of these plants are amazing, Elizabeth! the butterfly detail is beautiful, I love it. second for your gifts, which points tiniest! It is very cool! and finally this great opportunity, wow! Congratulations! sure to be a wonderful creation, enjoy it all!
    A big hugs

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  24. Hi Monica! WOW! Thank You for all of your enthusiasm! :D I am Delighted that you have enjoyed it. I really enjoyed making that pot of herbs and I agree with you on how infinitesimally small, Jonquil's stitches are. How in the world is able to even thread such a fine needle!!!?
    My eyes begin to hurt, at the thought! ><
    And THAT is why it is such a Pleasure to have these 2 needlework creations! :D

    elizabeth

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  25. Hello L:ady Elizabeth,
    What a great swap! You both received amazing miniatures. Jonquil's needlework is amazing, and your arrangements are incredible. The pillows you received are perfect and the laundry bag is such a great touch. I can't wait to see what you do with the kit!
    Big hug,
    Giac

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    Replies
    1. Hello Sir Giac! :D Thank You Very Much for saying so and I was extremely pleased to have had the opportunity to have this gift exchange with Jonquil! :))
      Her needlework is EXCEPTIONAL, and I was more than pleased that she wanted some potted chives of mine for her spring garden! :D
      I have been trying to organize my next post to show the tentative plans that I have for the HBS kit, and very soon all will be revealed.
      Big Hug Back :D

      elizabeth

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  26. First off, great swap! Your plant is gorgeous, and I love your embellishments, above and beyond! I hope the butterfly decides to stay :D And Jonquils needlework is stunning, as always, those stitches are perfect.

    Oh dear though, you sound just like me, the pressure of having a deadline! That would send me into a tailspin :D Sending tons of strength your way Elisabeth, tons of it. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!! :D xxx

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    Replies
    1. Hahahhan THANK YOU Sarah!!!! :D It has always been my habit to Panic first and then think later! So after the initial panic subsided a bit, about not knowing what to do with it, I decided to do a bit of research along with a few quick sketches and now I can say that I at least, have A PLAN! Thank You Sarah for sending tons of strength in my direction. I needed it, I felt coming and I have received it!
      And I'm not kidding either! :D

      elizabeth :D

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  27. Beautiful minis all round! :D

    'I am not a very good Time Manager but I am good at panic-ing!'

    That describes me perfectly as well, haha!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Christine! Thank You Very Much but It is good to know that I am in Good Company! :D

      elziabeth

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  28. Hi Elizabeth...I am sorry my friend that I took so long to view your post, but I wanted to savour each and every picture as well as comments. Your exchanges are awesome! I do love the cushions and the laundry bag. Like Janine...I did wonder what could be in the bag. Can't wait to see what you will come up with for the challenge!
    Keep your amazing creativity coming ....
    fats

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    Replies
    1. Hi Fatima! No Problemo, I know that you are extremely busy with your Real Life right now, so I really appreciate your taking a quick break here! Thanks!!!:D
      I feel so Blessed to have some of Jonquil's handiwork here to enjoy inside my cottage. :)) And as far as what the HBS kit challenge will be. I am already building my IDEA BOARD to show hopefully by this Saturday.
      So Stay tuned Fats!

      elizabeth

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  29. I absolutely love your potted herbs. It sounds like a perfect exchange with the lovely embroidered items you received. I can't wait to see what you do with the contest kit. Whatever you choose to do with it I know it will be a fabulous build to follow with wonderful detail and special 'Elizabeth' touches.

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  30. Hi Sharee! I loved making the potted herbs and hope to be able to make some more soon too! Jonquil's embroidery is Superb and what an honor it is for me to have a place for it inside the cottage.
    I am slowly working up to the HBS kit, and have gotten so far as to gather the "possibilities" that might go into it. I hope to share my plans for it very soon but have finally been able to get the 3rd Side of the cottage started and that has been my priority. However,seeing all of the cool and innovative projects that some of the others are doing, certainly has me itching to get started on it too! :D
    Have a Great Easter Weekend Sharee! :D

    elizabeth

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  31. Elizabeth, I had to keep looking at your potted arrangement to tell my brain that it was mini scale. It's wonderful, I love herbs and the scale and style of what you made is spot on. Well done. Love the bag and little pillow they are so delicate. Jenn

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  32. Hi Jennifer! Thank You Very Much for your compliment! :D Making this herb pot was great fun for me and I was really happy with the way that it evolved! Jonquil has placed it in her spring garden and it does look right at home! It goes without saying that I am Thrilled to have some of her Fabulous embroidery work in exchange, and I am Pleased as Punch that you have enjoyed them too! :D

    elizabeth

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