Sunday 14 December 2014

Secret Santa and a give away!!

Hello everyone, I am so happy you decided to come and visit today.
For today is the day that all the design team for  A Vintage Journey will show you the Secret Santa gifts we gave and received. I hope you will visit the other DT members too, to see all of their gifts, which no doubt will be amazing.

Let me start by showing you the gift I received from the lovely Julia Aston. This is what arrived in the post, all the way from the US:


Julia made this beautiful bag  and had also added a lovely tag and a whole little envelope full of die cuts, - loved them, as I don't own this die, it will come in very handy no doubt!
Here are some close ups of the front and back of the bag:

I love all the wonderful little details like the heart and the snowflake and the great combination of stenciling and stamping!
Thank you so very much Julia!!!

Now to the gift I created:
The person that I had to give to was the wonderful Alison (Butterfly) from Words and Pictures.

Well, it being Alison that I had to give to, I knew words would have to be a main feature in whatever I created. So in the end I made her a little mini, holding my favourite Christmas poem that I will share with you all at the end of this post.

I am not going to do a full step by step of how I made this, as that is not the purpose of this post, I will just mention that I was lucky enough to receive an enormous box from Decoart with many of the paints and mediums of their new Media line and several of those were used in the making of this book. In the new year I will do many step by step projects using these wonderful products, meanwhile
I'll  just show you the cover and one or two of the inside pages:
This is obviously the cover, I used a sort of faux leather technique for it.
And here are a few of the inside pages:
Each page is done in a similar way, as the main feature is the poem. Here is just the final page still:

As this is the last post I will share for a while as I am taking a blogging break over Christmas (apart from a couple of scheduled DT posts), here is the poem, and with it I want to wish you all the most wonderful festive season!!
CHRISTMAS THOUGHT
If we want to celebrate Christmas in a Christian way
There must be within ourselves a Shepherd and a King;
A shepherd who can listen to what others cannot hear:
Who with powers of devotion
Lives immediately under the starry heavens
To whom Angels are happy to reveal themselves,
A King, who knows how to give,
Who does not allow himself
To be guided by anything other than
The Star in the heights;
Who sets out to place
All his gifts before the crib.
But beside the Shepherd and the King,
There must also be a child
Who now wishes to be born.

I have no idea who the poem is by, I was given it my a friend some years back.

I hope I have not offended any non Christian visitors with this poem, but apart from the first line it is something I think, that gives food for thought, no matter what our outlook is.

Before signing off, make sure to stop by A VINTAGE JOURNEY, not only to see all the wonderful projects my teamies have made for each other, but there is also a give away with some fantastic Tim Goodies up for grabs, just to keep us all in the festive mood!!!

Wishing you all the very best for the coming days and weeks, I am flying out to Australia tomorrow to be with my grandchildren and will be back in the second week of January.

Thank you so much for all your support like always!
xxxxx

70 comments:

Margaret Mifsud said...

Oh my, this is so beautiful!! I am simply in awe of your talent Astrid, everything you do is simply divine. Alison will treasure this I'm sure. I wish you a safe journey tomorrow and wish you and all your family the most wonderful Christmas and New Year. Thank you so much for the support you have given to me in the past and I hope, one day, when you come to Aus that we might have the chance to meet. That would be awesome!!! Love and hugs xx

Maryanne said...

A lovely gift given ad received. The poem is beautiful, as well. Have a wonderful time with you family. Have a safe trip and amerry Christmas.

Julia Aston said...

what a gorgeous book Astrid - I'm loving those wonderful art supplies you are using - the texture and color - and your poem is absolutely love for Christmas! thanks for sharing it! and have a lovely time with your family!

Anonymous said...

Another stunning piece of work Astrid! Love the leather look on the cover too. Have a wonderful time here in Australia, hope it's not too hot for you. Just a thought for your next visit .....perhaps you could hold a work shop, you have plenty of fans in Austalia. One can only dream I suppose. Really admire your work! Karen.x

Maryann Laursen said...

WAUW Astrid, you´ve just done it again hun. Your work is always stunning, but this album here is absolutely outstanding and sooooooooo sooo beautiful as it can be. I´m really amazed every time with the overwhelming beauty, you always manage to get out of just anything you ever touch with your amazing hands. You´ve just created a real treasure for her, that´s for sure, it´s sooo fabulous in every little detail. I would certainly also love to be able to learn from you one day, that´s for sure, and would be a biiig dream come true. I just LOVE this piece of art hun.
It´s also a very beautiful piece of love, that you´ve recieved from your Secret Santa too, that´s for sure.
Have a wonderful time in AU with your lovely family and just enjoy every minute of it and have a safe trip there. And last but not least, have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours. See you in the new year hun.

Rita said...

What Wonderful gifts Astrid. Love that little bag with all the details. Your book of Christmas quotes looks totally gorgeous. It will be treasured for many years to come. Safe Journey my friend and we'll catch up in the New Year. Hugs Rita xxx

Valerie-Jael said...

Love your gifts, received and sent! Hugs, Valerie

Brenda Brown said...

A wonderful, wonderful gift for Alison. I just love the ideas and designs of your little book, such a special gift to treasure. Xxx

Jenny Marples said...

I don't think you could have made a more perfect gift for Alison. This is so appropriate for our 'Literary Queen' and has all your trademark textures and colours to make it so special.
Have a safe and enjoyable trip down under to be with your wonderful family and a fantastic Christmas. Jenny x

brenda said...

Lovely poem Astris and a gorgeous gift to receive. Your creation for Alison is a delight and I am sure she will love it.

Have a good Sunday.

B x

Helen said...

The poem is beautiful, and the book is fantastic! Hope you and your family have a very happy Christmss.

Maarit at Violets Corner said...

Such a gorgeous gift and a very beautiful poem.

Warm hugs
Maarit

chrissie said...

What a beautiful little bag with the stamping on it and one of your stunning cards for Alison as well. Great gifts both of them.

Love Chrissie x

Dagmar said...

Dein Weihnachtsbuch ist wunderschön !!! Auch der Beutel, den du bekommen hat, ist so liebevoll gestaltet.
Ich wünsche dir und deiner Familie ein wunderschönes Weihnachtsfest mit ganz vielen unvergesslichen Momenten und strahlenden Kinderaugen. Genieße jede Minute eurer gemeinsamen Zeit.
Ich freue mich darauf im neuen Jahr wieder viele kreative Ideen bei dir zu finden und deine wundervollen Arbeiten zu bestaunen.
Dir und deiner Familie wünsche ich ein glückliches und gesundes Jahr 2015.

Ganz liebe Grüße, Dagmar

Rupa Swaminathan said...

This is a book to die for! Lovely creation Astrid, loved every bit of it. The faux leather is fantastic and thanks for sharing that poem. Its beautiful. Enjoy your vacation. Merry Christmas to you, hugs, Rupa.

Words and Pictures said...

As you know, I'm over the moon with my gorgeous album - it's even better in real life - so much shimmer and stroke-able texture!! Thank you again so much. What a charming gift from Julia too.

Wishing you safe travels and a wonderful Christmas with family - we'll miss you!
Alison xx

Ros Crawford said...

It's a beautiful poem and such lovely creations both from you and your blog friend ... Have a safe journey and a wonderful time!

Words and Pictures said...

Oh - by the way, I worked out that the Captcha glitch is only affecting the pop-up boxes. If you set your comments as Embedded, it won't force people to verify they're not robots. I've changed mine temporarily - even though I don't like the look of the embedded panel. Hope they sort it out soon!
Alison xx

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Gorgeous project, love it as I'm sure the recipient will too! Have a wonderful time and best wishes for 2015. Shirleyx ps.. I enjoyed the poem. x

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

I forgot to say that Julia's gift is also beautiful, x

Pamellia said...

WOWSERS Astrid, your mini album is beyond gorgeous and the card is just as amazing! What a spectacular gift to send someone, and how lucky are you to receive such a fabulous bag!! Just wonderful! holiday hugs :)

Dorthe said...

I love the poem, Astrid, thank you for adding it.
Your gift to Allison, is gorgeous and beautiful in every way, outside an in, all so stunning.
And that little bag you recieved so sweet !
Have a safe and happy holiday tour ,my friend.
Hugs,Dorthe

Vicki Dutcher said...

Beautiful book of poems!

Redanne said...

What a lovely gift from Julia, I just love the little bag. Your gift for Alison was so perfect, I can only imagine how beautiful it looks in real life.

Just wanted to say that I hope you have a safe journey and a wonderful trip. Have a lovely Christmas too! Hugs, Anne xx

crafty creations said...

What a beautiful gift that I am sure will be treasured by Alison - all that texture the beautiful words and well just everything

Have a wonderful trip and a Happy and Healthy 2015

Terry said...

Such a wonderful gift from Julia! I am sure Alison was trilled to receive the beautiful Secret Santa gift from you with all the stunning colors and textural layers. You really make those Decoart products sing! Lovely! Happy Sunday!

www.deeadamsart.blogspot.co.uk said...

Hi Astrid I have been really busy lately and have a rare day off so catching up on blogs this is really Beautiful and I know Alison will love it. Glad you have your box of goodies the results are amazing.

froebelsternchen said...

You received such a lovely gift and your book for Alison ist just a dream Astrid!
Looking forward to your step by step tutorial in the future with this products!

Mrs.B said...

Such a stunning gift for Alison, love the colour and textures and such a lovely poem too.
Have a safe journey, and All my Best Wishes to you and Yours for a Wonderful Christmas together.
Avril xx

Jools Robertson said...

Such a beautiful mini, the cover is exquisite
I love the elegant colours on the cover and how they come alive on the pages and love the words

Love your Beautiful gift bag from Julia

Have a great holiday

Jools x

Nikki said...

What sweet bag and poem book love it and I'm going to have to try stamping on fabric it looks wonderful :) hugs Nikki

Laura Turner said...

Lovely book! Have a wonderful Christmas in Australia with your family!

Nikki Acton said...

Fabulous gift for Alison - so much texture, so much inspiration and love the words you have chosen. Thank you for sharing the poem with us too. Wishing you a safe journey and a peaceful and happy family Christmas. Nikki xx

Deb said...

What a stunning book Astrid and love your cute gift from Julia! Thank you for sharing them and wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

Lys said...

What a beautiful book with a fabulous work on textures! These tags and bag are very cute too. Wonderful gifts for talented friends ! Have a nice stay in Australia and a merry Christmas.
Lys.

Jane said...

What a beautiful festive post Astrid, so much to see here. Gorgeous work. Have a wonderful break and Merry Christmas, hugs xx

Klaudia/Kszp said...

Such a clever idea! And so lovely gifts :))

Unknown said...

Oh Astrid this is simply Vintage personified to the max... Love each little section of each page... I have studied this over and over... finally just copied so I can admire it more later.... love it all... all your work is so very magnificently created... with such love and the earth mother reflected in all ways... Love it all.... Love, Light and Peace...Bonnie

Monica taylor said...

Beautiful project!
♥ Monica

Meggymay said...

Beautiful gifts, given and receives and I am sure they'll be treasured. Loved the poem Astrid.
Yvonne

Mona Pendleton said...

Both projects are fabulous Astrid! Julia is a dear friend of mine and I know first hand, how beautiful her handmade creations are! Surely Alison was thrilled to receive such a stunning project from you as well! Love all the texture and inky goodness! Happy Holidays!

sarascloset said...

What a stunning gift you have made for Alison, and so special that you have included that lovely poem. I always enjoy your work...it has that special touch and look that only you can give. What a lovely gift to receive from Julia, too! Have a safe journey, and we'll be looking forward to seeing more of your gorgeous creations in the New Year!

mamablitger said...

Oh Astrid.... Alison will love and adore this book. I'm in awe about it. It's gorgeous, stunning, fabulous. You are a fantastic creative talented woman. Love all what you create.. Or at least all what you share. Lol the texture on the front of this book took my breath away. It's awesome !!!!!
Thanks a LOT for sharing.
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas ! And sending gratefull hugs ... Monica... Spain

Asia King (aka Joanna K) said...

Beautiful Secret Santa makes! And your album covers look fantastic. Have a safe journey to Australia and have a wonderful Christmas! xx

Maggie said...

Fabulous Secret Santa gift for Alison I love your work and the effects you always achieve, will be looking forward to seeing more in 2015 have just completed to follow by email so I don't miss anything. Enjoyed your poem very much Merry Christmas
MaggieH.

Alie Hoogenboezem-de Vries said...

How cute is this....great gift set Astrid!
greetings, Alie

Jackie PN said...

Safe travels my friend!
Your received and given gifts are both wonderful- such fun to do such an exchange!
I am glad that you posted your poem- if someone is offended by it, they are neither the Shepard or the king - and that it sad-
Have lovely holidays ! xoxo

Gerrina said...

Love the blues and silver combined with the warm colours! You made a real artwork to give away! Inky greetings, Gerrina

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

LOVE your gift...lucky you! You pages are just amazingly gorgeous, just a WOW!!!

Paper Profusion said...

Your gift from Julia is wonderful Astrid - a beautiful make. As for your gift - well Alison must be well blown away!! It is truly a magnificent treasure to behold. She (I'm sure) will adore it.

Perhaps you are safely in Oz by now. Have a happy, happy Christmas there and enjoy your Grandbabies. Nicola x

Joan said...

Oh how lucky Alison is! What a fabulous book and a wonderful poem. Have a great time with the a Grandchildren

Joan

Unknown said...

Astrid--Your mini journal to Alison is simply gorgeous and so very touching. I can only imagine the joy Alison experienced when opening her Secret Santa gift from you :) Very special indeed!!
And love the gift you received from Julia!! How fun!! What a fun time you are all having with this very special gift exchange! Thanks for sharing!! XOXO-Shari

Pawsitively Creative said...

Gorgeous! The poem is good for thought and I was not offended at all. TFS! ~Niki

Annie said...

what a beautiful Gift you received from Julia Astrid x A beautiful array of various techniques. Love your little album for Alison...so thoughtful and I know she will treasure it

TFS and safe journey to Oz.

Have a wonderful Christmas and Best Wishes for New Year 2015

Hugs Annie xx

Scrapintheattic.com said...

Amazing, love it x

Jerrie said...

What a great secret Santa gift. You are right, your embellishment are perfect...I bet she will love it!

Maarit at Violets Corner said...

I'm joining your give away too :)

Love
Maarit

Unknown said...

Oh my, so much texture and such a beautiful vintage colours! Amazing!

pearshapedcrafting said...

What a lovely gift from Julia. Alison's book makes me want to reach out and touch it - it truly is a beautiful creation and so appropriate for Alison! I can see she loves it! Have a wonderful time, Chrisx

S@ndy Diller said...

How fortunate are we to be able to share such loveliness?? All the gifts are so beautifully creative.
Your mini is just wonderful and such a thoughtful gift to make and give.

S@ndy xx

Juliz Design Post said...

Hi Astrid, hope you are having a lovely time in Australia. A beautiful gift from Julia for you. The book you made Alison is a stunner and these paints look brilliant and am sure a treasured keepsake.
Merry Christmas, Julie x

Dianne said...

Wow Miss Astrid how special is the swap, everything being made with love, exceptional work being created here, the bag. Miss Julia's bag is beautiful and die cuts, love to get them too, I have no machine, her tag is also lovely, she is a lovely creative artist. Squawk,your Word book is THE BOMB and I know Miss Butterfly will adore it you have worked magic here with all your new products and we are lucky enough to get to see your outstanding creations, thanks so much for always inspiring me, I adore your unique cards made from envelopes, your SO creative, hope your having a wonderful time with the family....

Specs N Scissors said...

I loved the mix media on the inside pages. Mam you have really done a wonderful work in creating this. I am still learning mix media idea and to see such finesse is inspiring.
Cheers :)

Kathy/NorthCarolina said...

I love that little stamped muslin bag....and the cover of the book is amazing! Looks just like it came out of grandma's trunk!

Sandy said...

What a delight and I am sure Alison is absolutely thrilled with your gift! I look forward to your new posts with instructions.
Merry Christmas Astrid!
Sandy xx

Jaya Raghuvanshi said...

Fabulous indeed!

Unknown said...

Wow.. I love your fabulous book , and also youir poem . Allison will be exchited with your gift and a gift for you from Julia is yummy too.... oh that's a christmas tradition , love it : )

Evelyn Walter said...

Lucky Alison! Your book is sooooo very beautiful (like all your artwork). But you received a wonderful gift too I think. All the DT work is absolutely gorgeous.

Ellie Knol said...

LOVE this Astrid, the colors, the texture, a pure Astrid again!

Kim said...

Astrid, Your book is absolutely stunning and a fitting background for such a meaningful poem at this hectic time of year. Alison is a lucky girl. I love the texture of your cover and pages, and look forward to future posts highlighting the new Decoart products. Wishes for a Blessed Christmas and Very Happy New Yearart

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