Did you enjoy Kristen Duke’s tutorial and photographic tips in Wednesday’s Guest post? I know I sure did. I have to admit that there are very few photos of myself in our albums because I’m always the one taking the photos, so Kristen’s words struck a chord with me. Thanks to Kristen, we are trying something new this Christmas. We have several pocket cameras in the house, so I’ve made sure they are all charged and ready to go and all of us will be taking photos on Christmas day. Hopefully we’ll get a few decent shots and I might even appear in a few [giggle]. Thanks Kristen for Guest Posting over here at ‘Simply Christmas’. If you’d like more great photographic tips and tutorials you can visit Kristen here.
There’s still one last gift to be given for Simply Christmas. The lovely Vikki from Sew Useful Designs has drawn a winner for her gorgeous photo album.
Congratulations to Deb from The Angel and the Pukeko. This gorgeous album is on its way to you.
All good things must come to an end and here we are at the last day of ‘Simply Christmas’.
Many months ago, I had a vision to create an event to simplify Christmas and put the homemade and home baked back into the holidays. To be that organised I knew it would need to span 12 weeks and would involve a lot of work. What it equated to, was 40 posts, 12 guest posters, 40+ free tutorials and 19 handmade gifts that were gifted to friends in blogland.
And I couldn’t have done it without the help of some very generous crafting friends, who not only willingly gave their time and talent, but also gifted their handmade gifts in giveaways. These lovely ladies are:
Kris at Tag Along Teddies
Kathryn at Our Shabby Cottage
Jen at Melei Fashion
Jodie at Vintage Ric Rac
Natasha at Artistic Creations by Natasha Burns
Clare at Clare’s Craftroom
Linda at Lilly Cottage
Simone at Beach Vintage
Michelle at Paper Tree Designs
Jordan at Polkadot Prints
Vikki at Sew Useful Designs
Kristen at Kristen Duke Photography
All of these gals have shown the true spirit of Christmas by giving of themselves and sharing their creativity. You can pay them a visit by clicking on the above links.
What I didn’t know 12 weeks ago, was that ‘Simply Christmas’ would bring together hundreds of crafting ladies, that it would be the catalyst for new friendships and a new blogging community. I am ever so grateful to everyone that took the time to read my posts, leave a comment and send emails. To those gorgeous (but naughty) ladies who gifted ME with handmade loveliness... THANK YOU so much. Also, special thanks go to Kris, Clare, Vikki, Linda, Anne T, Anna and Kylie – you girls are amazing!!
But perhaps the greatest gift I could have ever received was an email from Sandra in the UK. (I won’t give her link, so as to protect her privacy). Sandra’s husband Dave has just recently been diagnosed with inoperable cancer. With all that Sandra has going on, she actually took the time to email me to say thank you for giving ‘her’ Simply Christmas. I was absolutely floored by her email and deeply saddened by her circumstances. Sandra summed it up by saying…
“No need to respond; this note isn't meant to be negative but, rather, joyous. Joyous in the
knowledge we, all of us, somehow, some way touch the lives of others and, all too frequently
without ever knowing. Please know you've blessed me this Christmas; you have my
heartfelt gratitude”.
Thank you Sandra for opening my eyes to something far more important.... even if you were the only one reading my blog, it would have all been worth it. Please add Sandra and her husband Dave to your prayers.
Finally, I hope you all enjoyed ‘Simply Christmas’ as much as I did. I know I for one, was at least organised this Christmas and in doing so I’ve enjoyed the lead up to Christmas without the usual stress and running around. All that’s left to do now is put out Santa’s Supper and sit back and enjoy Carols by Candlelight tonight.
As one door closes another opens, so please join me at the Shabby Art Boutique after Christmas with lots of new crafting ideas, tutorials and some very exciting studio happenings [all will be revealed soon].
Wishing you all the happiness of the season and peace and prosperity in the New Year.
Merry Christmas
Kerryanne xx
