Beginnings of an ornament exchange

I think I have mentioned before that the reason I started blogging almost 2 years ago, was because I wanted to connect with people that shared my interests in art and jewelry; 'life, the universe and everything'.

That has happened in ways I couldn't have dreamed of  - and I am very thankful. Thankful for the connections, for the encouragement and support, for the love and the friendship.
Thank you - all of you!

I have been dreaming of finding a group of people here in Germany to connect with. For a number of reasons - maybe the most important is, to support each other in mixed media art and mixed media jewelry, which does not have such a widespread community here - yet.

The end of November I approached three ladies within Germany and asked it they would be interested in an ornament swap for Christmas. Unfortunately, Gaby of Colorful Adventures was not able to commit to an additional project at this time - but I hope she will join us in the future, as the two other talented ladies - Stefanie of Stefanies Sammelsurium and Janna of Schnitzkästchen (aka Palimpa Lim) - graciously accepted my 'invitation'. I deliberately only asked a couple of people, as it was already far into the season and I was sure it would be difficult to find time to make a large amount of ornaments (but I will definitely be expanding the group for next year - because it was so much fun! These girls are incredible!).

Okay, enough of the talking already, before I bore everyone to death. On with the pictures!

This week, we received all our respective ornaments - last night we unpacked! Was it ever exciting!

This cute little box is from Stefanie.

This was the wrapping for Janna's ornament.

Talk about suspense!

These are the ornaments I received. Aren't they gorgeous?

This is Stefanie's ornament - anyone who follows her blog will recognize her use of vibrant colours. Love the way she combines them and she always has some sari silk in her creations. Love the little cherub - a resin paper/wire creation. A gorgeous ornament! I can't wait to put the tree up tomorrow.

This is Janna's creation. Talk about mixed media! She used brass, copper, vintage lace and sari silk and I think the heart is resin paper... fantastic. Love it! And that little face! There is even a little sleigh bell dangling from the silk - sigh!

Thank you both, Stefanie and Janna, for taking the chance and playing along with me for this swap. I promise, it will not be the last. 

Please visit Janna's and Stefanie's blogs later today, as they will also be sharing their ornaments with us.

Once again, thank you to everyone - for enriching my life and expanding my horizons in so many ways!