Let's Here it for Mail

It's been awhile since I have had the time and (I'll admit it) the desire to post some of my incoming.  The holiday season continues to swirl as I settle in from a long trip to "home"  (aka Ohio).  I actually have received and responded to much more than what I am about to show you, but I wanted to break this up a bit to let each letter shine.
First off, the wall of holiday cards.  I have added a few more, but I did a group picture just to allow some privacy since the majority are photo cards.

On to other fun

Awhile ago I won a fun contest for creative mail.  The pillow finally arrived just in time for the holidays.  And no worries, I was a student once and understand the limitations of coinage when applied to mail!  All the other note cards were bonus gifts!

The top card is from Juanita at There's Only Juan blog.  She sent me a way cool stamp - below that is a scratch off to reveal the answer.  I decided to leave mine intact for posterity!

One is postcrossing and the second is a private exchange from Annie.  You'll probably be seeing a lot more from her as time goes on.

Some lovely Postcrossing cards!

2 postcrossings.  The top is from Brazil and has a terrific bat stamp!

Malyss knows how to package some sunshine and send it my way!

A lovely packed envie from my dear friend Carrie

Well that is a wrap for now!  I hope to get more up soon!
My Best,
-b

Family Christmas

Hell all,
I still have limited photos to put up as the camera is in one of the currently still packed bags.   Anyway the weather held for my trip back to Ohio to visit the parents and family there.  I quite happily got the one thing I had really requested!  Any guesses???
Stamps!  That's right all this mailer really wanted for Christmas was stamps : )
Anybody else have a similar request? 
Happy holidays to all! 
-b

Lack of Posts Not Lack of Creativity!

Hello all,
Have you all been as busy as I have?  This crazy December has been a swirl of activity!  I love the creativity that I get in the winter, when the leaves, flowers and sunshine are not a distraction this side of the equator.  For some reason, I find the winter season, one of my happiest and always like to stay indoors and just make things.  This year is no different, but unfortunately there is not enough time for all my hobbies! 
This weekend I will be off doing the family holiday thing!
Hope this finds you all well and happy!
-b

Highly Doubt They Will Peek

Hello all,
I promised to post a view of the 2 paper cuttings I got for my Mom and a brother.  I know on occasion both have looked at this blog, but it is so rare, that I doubt they will see them before they unwrap their gifts this weekend.  (We are having an early holiday since a few of the family are in the medical profession).



12 days of Christmas

 Paper cutting goes back to the ancient Chinese days.  The Pennsylvania Dutch still give paper cuttings as a traditional gift for several events (births and marriages).  Look at the details!  It is wicked tiny!  And done by razor blade.  I would not want the sneezes while carving these out.

Hope this finds you all merry and bright!
-b

Sending and Recycling

One thing I love more than sending or receiving a fun and interesting letter is making care packages - huge heart here!- !!!  Recently, I was looking to consolidate my remaining stationery and knew I had a few beautiful boxes almost empty of their stationery (not stationary) contents.  I hated to toss them.  What memories and beauty!  What to do?  

How about combining some of my loves?  Here are some examples of the compact care packages I am sending out to a few pen friends.   It was fun to let go and I hope to eventually slow the accumulation and increase the home made pieces!

I like this holiday card very much, but could only score a handful of them at the Dollar Store!

The Post Office's Jolly Elf,
-b