Presents and WIPs: I have much to post about today so will probably need to do more than one post. This one is about presents I received in the mail in the past few days. The first present was from Mary Ann who is so kind with her giveaways every other week. I was so excited to be chosen to receive this book titled "Designing with Fabric". It is an absolute treasure trove. I can hardly wait to dig into it. At first glance I noticed a reverse stamping technique. I did not have any bleach here otherwise but decided to try some liquid dishwasher soap which I had purchased a couple of years ago for stamping on jeans. I thought if it worked on denim - why not other fabric. I did some stamping on a piece of this sheet which wasn't quite right for what I had purchased it. I want to turn it into a journal quilt sometime. I'm not certain what I'll do with it yet but hopefully I will come back to it.
The next day I received a wonderful paper doll from Emily. I so admired the paper dolls of Emily which I had viewed on flickr. They are fabulous. I am inspired once again to try something that I thought I never would. Hmmmm - that list of things to try keeps getting longer and longer. We'll see.
Then yesterday there was another parcel card. Because we have to pick up our mail at the post office we need to be there before 5 on a week day. I got the package at lunchtime today when Greg walked in the door. I'd kind of started to worry about my "cuppa tea" swap package. Sometimes our mail is SOOOO SLOOOOW. But after I opened the package I had to put on my "be inspired - not intimidated" hat. There were many gorgous pieces in the package from Regina. I admire anyone who can do paintings. And today I received this wonderful card, together with the fabulous case, some stamped cards, vintage postcards, buttons, and these whimsical angel earrings.
Huge thank yous to Mary Ann, Emily, and Regina. This emotional artist has, well, I think you get the picture. I'll get some tissues now to dry my face.

My FIRST - tiny shipping tag book: About stamping, play, simplicity?, and being inspired by the very sweet Mary Ann. Ever since I have been receiving real mail from Mary Ann I have been so impressed with all the stamping she does. On one recent comment on Mary Ann's blog I believe I said something about starting to do more stamping. Yesterday morning, or maybe it was the day before I was looking through one of the stamping, inspiration magazines I had received from Mary Ann. I noticed especially a little shipping tag (not really certain what they are supposed to be called) book. I've always really liked them and thought I could easily make one. So on stormy yesterday I found a few of the shipping tags I have and did some tea staining. When they were dry I yanked out my alphabet stamps, my licorice scented (Yummm) black stamp pad and a couple of other things. It took me awhile. I knew I also needed practice with a steady hand. It's not perfect - YES! I had such fun AND I really like the looks of it. What do you think? Would you decorate it any more or leave it simple? I think I like it simple but...?