Tuesday, December 27, 2022

A SEASON TO GIVE


Christmas…gifting is giving.
I always get to use my cardmaking creativity for this.

For my girlfriends…
It usually begins with a plain gift bag
that I decorate with holiday papers.



And hand made gift tags


And when you punch out, too many trees, you figure out how to use them.
I put them on wine bottle gift hangers.


The main gift was a mini Charcuterie Board
I found at Aldis.
I always make handmade Christmas cards!
Even the envelopes get a pretty stamp! 
So, heres a snapshot of the entire package.


I usually receive some fun gifts!

This came from Kim and
oh how true...I actually used to have a Cookie Swap!


My bestie, Kathy knows me so well!
Her gifts began with this towel.



I love the t-shirts and needed new ones...
in the worst way!


I am a Charley Harper fanatic!


These Flamingo Socks were in the gift exchange.
Perfect for me!


My peeps know me!
A slew of fun things and can't go wrong with wine.
Unless of course, its sweet wine.  Ewwww!


But the best gifts given this season…were the toys my girls brought
to the Cork and Fork party.

I asked them to bring a toy their inner child or teenager would have loved…
And why!

THIS HAPPENED!


Wonderful memories and stories were shared!
Everyone agreed that we are so blessed and
Paying it forward to the kids at 
Franklin County Children Services,
reflects the true meaning of giving. 

I loaded them up in my car, the next Monday…


And took them to FCCS in Columbus Ohio


The place was bustling with gifts and workers!
Santa would soon be delivering toys!



Christmas presents for children who need a kit of extra love
given by friends who understand the need.
I now know how Santa Claus must feel each year!

MERRY CHRISTMAS  to all and to all…a good night



Friday, December 23, 2022

SWEATER-ING!

And as I promised…
Ugly Christmas Sweaters on parade 
At my Cork and Fork party! 

A little peek at who these gals are and why they fill my life. 

The hostess with the moistest, ME!



Kathy, quilter, knitter, gardener, Louise to my Thelma 



Dianne, Master Gardener, crafter



Emily, Gardener



Connie, Master gardener



Bonnie, quilter



Tami, Quilter, Small business owner



Char, overseer of shenanigans 



Leslie, quilter



Patty, quilter, longarm quilter, usher



Debbie, gardener, fabulous cook



Nancy, Master Gardener, crafter



Linda, Master Gardener, crafter



Cheryl, Master Gardener, crafter, usher



Susan, quilter 



Vikki, quilter, card maker, gardener



Kim, quilter, long arm quilter, gardener



Michelle, Horticulturalist, Farmers Market owner, AND
 Backwoods Barbie
The UGLY Sweater contest winner ! For the 3rd year!  



These ladies never disappoint. 
And always, always make my party the BEST! 





Monday, December 19, 2022

GIRLS, CORKS and FORKS

Because Cork n Fork parties are fun!
I begin the preparation November 1st
when I put up a wine theme tree in my kitchen.
I absolutely LOVE this tree!

I use wooden wine boxes as the tree collar!


2022 was spent collecting 'bunches of grapes' at thrift stores.
And I covered this tree every color of grape possible.


I also needed lots of texture...from grapevine wreaths
to glittery ornaments.


And lots of corks wrapped in fabric as ornaments


And a topper fitting for any winery tree!
Grapevine leaves and all.


This is the 3rd year I have hosted (as one friend stated)
 the G.O.A T. holiday parties, with my girl friends.

All creative souls, from quilters, to gardeners!


It begins with lots of wine and food...cork and fork!


I make a Red Holiday Sangria..that disappears before the ice melts


And oh these appetizers are amazing.




I made jar-cuteries
instead of one big charcuterie board!
A huge success, enjoyed by all.


We milled around chatting and eating.




Until everyone arrived, there were 19 of us this year!


An annual Christmas sock exchange...
with packaged fun under the tree!


Squeals of delight in what they opened...


Until theivery and sock pirates appear!
Vikki had her socks stolen 3 times!


and of course, wine appears wearing ugly sweaters, 
cause an ugly sweater contest is about to happen.  


The best heartwarming guest is Cheryl Kaye.
After a dreadful year full of chemotherapy,
and a double mastectomy, SHE beat her 
breast cancer and joined the fun!
 Her new hair looks amazing.


And lucky me...this wine was unopened and 
LEFT BEHIND!


More on this party and the ugly sweaters coming soon!
This is the gift I give myself, time with my girlfriends.




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