A Heaping Spoon{ful} of Grace

 
Squeal with deeeee-light! That's what I was doing as I slowly opened a package from a recent swap with Patty {Magpie's Nest}.

You know the routine...slowly is the operative word. Not only do you want to savor the moment as each new treasure/layer is revealed, but you also want to capture all the beauty with your camera...or as best as you can given that the sun was no where to be found that day...

 
I love details, don't you? The pattern on this hammered spoon handle, not to mention the word "grace" are just the best! A spoon, I might add that Patty makes with a little help from Mr. Magpie. Check out this post of Patty's for more photos of these wonderful altered cutlery... 

 
Backing up just a tad, I have to show you this MOST ADORABLE little zippered pouch. It is made entirely from recycled materials. Tucked inside was the spoon that was sitting on multiple layers of treasures that eventually led to the altered matchbox. The theme, if you will, of our swap. 

However, as you are about to see, Patty went above and beyond...three times around the moon and back gathering bits and pieces and treasures and trinkets...

 
In fact, tucked inside the larger covered matchbox, was this smaller matchbox filled with its own goodies! How cute is this little matchbox?! Way adorable! The eye actually winks! Love that little inchie she made as well. She has a great tutorial on her sidebar for making inchies.

 A A gorgeous TAP transfer with the stamped piece of eyelet...such a great saying!
 
Steampunk wonderful! Unlike anything I've got in my stash!

 
A beautiful tag with the sweetest words on the back...yummy handmade papers... 
The big-sized matchbox! In all it's glorious details...get a look at the lace collar and cuffs in that photo. So perfect to give that little royal boy a lace crown.

 
Another peek at the textures and creative details...

 
The aqua-colored fabric swatch on this piece is so gorgeous. The Kim Klassen texture on this photo distorts the true color...it's more like the previous two photos. I also was having a difficult time capturing all the glazing/painting/inking...in other words, the details on this altered matchbox.

  
 
Patty tucked in lots of little pieces of art...Not only do I love her Zendoodles, I also learned that term from reading her blog. Didn't even know there was a name for such purposeful/artful doodling! Come to think of it, I've learned a lot of artful helps by reading Patty's blog.

 

 

 

 

 

 

...don't miss the name of the venue for the Daughter Elks Ball...High Hat Night Club!  

 

...this vintage cake/cupcake topper is the best!  I've bought quite a few pieces over the years of vintage plastic halloween stuff to give to my two sisters who are avid collectors of the items. Sorry sissies, but this one is staying at my house! I'm thinking of taping it to my forehead on those days when I want to warn everyone as to the condition of my estrogen level.....non-verbal cues can be so effective!

 
More squealing....Patty gave me one of her wool felted heart pendants!

 

Love these little figurines too!

And then.........just when you think it doesn't get any better than all of this.....it does!

 
Tucked inside my package was this beautiful french maid's apron in all its glory! I LOVE "FRENCH" and I do seem to do my share of "maiding" at my house ...........but in a little spirit of fun {or subconsciously am I trying to send another nonverbal suggestion?!} I decided to let Mr. Dressform model this beauty.... 
 

A little better look at the scrumptious detailing in this apron!
 

 I absolutely love everything Patty sent me, and then some! It also occurred to me that the word on my spoon-- "grace" {and creative, and inspiring, and insightful, and kind, and generous, and thoughtful, and encouraging, and witty, and, and, and,.....FUN} are all great words to describe Patty!  

Without a doubt she spoiled me rotten with all these treasures! But as much as I am enjoying my rotten state, what I love even more are the connections I've made with Patty and others through blogging.  These are the bestest treasures of all....

Xo, Sue

Comments

[Cynthia Schelzig]

What a beautiful package....I know all to well the spoiled "rotten" feeling when receiving one of Patty´s inspiring packages.....enjoy!!

[Terri@PringleHill]

Ohhhh, Sue! How wonderful that you were the recipient of Patty's generosity and kindness! "Around the moon and back" was a good way to describe her multitude of treasures!!!! Thank you for sharing. You've captured every little wonderful detail with your awesome pics!!! Hugs, Terri xoxo

[~*~Patty]

Jeepers Sue ... leave it to you to make things look really nice! Your attention to detail is something I SO appreciate ... thank you for being your sweet kind self and for saying such lovely things ... had to laugh at loud about taping the witch to your forehead...GOOD ONE! Giggles too on MR wearing the apron ;)
This swap was a total pleasure for me and how lucky am I to receive your glorious Swan box that no longer resembles a matchbox ... you TOTALLY charmed me with all of the treasures you shared!
oxo
p.s. many many thanks sweet friend!

[Mrs. Magpie]

Wow, Sue! You made out like a bandit on this. What wondeful things, and leave it to a Magpie to be so creative with so many, many shiny objects! :-)

Patty really was generous, and I loved it all. I paricularly loved the match box with the boy in the lacy crown, the altered spoon with "grace" in the bowl and decorated so beautifully with those vintage flowers and ribbons, and that lovely apron!

No one deserves it more than YOU!

XO,

Sheila :-)

[Linda Richter]

I am speechless........

[Jill]

Oh my goodness! I have to check out her blog too. What a wonderful box of treasures you received and you photographed them beautifully!