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Sally Russick's Ornament Swap

Every year for 3 years now, Sally Russick has hosted an ornament swap.  I have participated each year and it's always so thrilling to get a work of art from someone else to put on your tree.  This year was no exception.  In fact, I received TWO works of art from Patti Vanderbloemen.  I had the pleasure of finally meeting Patti in person at ArtBLISS this year, and she's as wonderful in person as she is on-line!

 This first ornament features Patti's wirework, meant to look like an actual round ornament, and I'd say she did an amazing job!  She used a focal from Donna Millard, who makes the most wonderful lampwork beads!
 If I wasn't lucky enough, she made me another ornament using a set of clay beads from Gaea.  She made this one to fill that "empty" part of the tree you always see after you're done decorating!

I did want to specifically show you her wirework in these ornaments because it's amazing.  Her work always looks so rich and perfect to me in photos, and believe me, in person it is too!


 

And again, as if I wasn't lucky enough to receive two ornaments, she also sent me a gift of a pair of earrings she made, again, with exquisite wirework.  I received Patti's package on a day that I felt pretty down and I can tell you, after I stopped crying, I felt the holiday joy!  She is such a generous, genuine, and sweet person, you really have to go to her store to give her some love!

Here's a list of all the swap partners, I hope you go and take a look at all of their ornaments as well!

List of Holiday Ornament Swappers

Sally Russick and Beth and Evie McCord
Erin Prais-Hintz and Melissa Trudinger
Karen Williams and Shirley Moore
Lori Finney and Alicia Marinache
D Lynne Bowland and Paula Kramer
Kim Bender Hora and Jenny Davies Reazor
Becky Pancake and Lori Anderson
Veralynne Malone and Therese Frank
Tanya Goodwin and Sandi Volpe
Jeanette Ryan and Rochelle Brisson
Patti Vanderbloemen and Susan Kennedy

Comments

Hi Susan,
Wow you were paired with an amazing person Patti is so talented. I own several of her pieces. I love the ornaments that she sent to you and the pair of earrings as an added bonus so pretty. I am also jealous that you got to meet her is person as I am jealous that she got to meet you too.
Therese
Unknown said…
I'm with you Sue, she is such a special lady. I look forward to meeting her in real life one day. Her wirework is so droolworthy. I'm lucky enough to have a few of her pieces, and you are right, it is so much better in person! Both of those ornaments are gorgeous!
Karen Williams said…
I had to smile when I got to your third picture showing the details of Patti's wirework because I'd already brought up the larger image of the first picture for just that purpose.

The details are so beautiful. And I wasn't familiar with Donna Millard's work, but I am now!

But what I'm truly struck with as I go through this hop is just how wonderful it is to receive a special package from someone we've become friends with through the online community.
Stunning ornaments - Patti did an amazing job on the pieces! I love her wire work and she sure showcased it in the ornaments she sent you! What a wonderful treat for you those - those earrings! Isn't Patti the greatest!
Thank you again, Sue, for my trio of treats that I received from you!!! Your ornament is hung smack dab in the middle of my tree, and I think of you every night when the lights are turned on! Wishing you the merriest of Christamasses!!!!
Jenny said…
Share the love! So cool! Patti the wire maven strikes again with a lovely design, right down to the details!
Anonymous said…
Sue, I agree, Patti's wirework is beautiful. What a lovely ornament and all the other goodies she included for you. I am so glad you both got to meet in person at artbliss. You both are sweethearts! Enjoy the holidays!
Anonymous said…
Sue, I agree, Patti's wirework is beautiful. What a lovely ornament and all the other goodies she included for you. I am so glad you both got to meet in person at artbliss. You both are sweethearts! Enjoy the holidays!
Anonymous said…
I agree, Patti's wirework is beautiful. I love the ornament she created for you and all the other goodies she included in your package. I am so glad that you two got to meet in person at artbliss. You both are wonderful ladies! Wishing you a very happy holidays!
Anonymous said…
I agree, Patti's wirework is beautiful. I love the ornament she created for you and all the other goodies she included in your package. I am so glad that you two got to meet in person at artbliss. You both are wonderful ladies! Wishing you a very happy holidays!
Anonymous said…
I agree, Patti's wirework is beautiful. I love the ornament she created for you and all the other goodies she included in your package. I am so glad that you two got to meet in person at artbliss. You both are wonderful ladies! Wishing you a very happy holidays!
Anonymous said…
I agree, Patti's wirework is beautiful. I love the ornament she created for you and all the other goodies she included in your package. I am so glad that you two got to meet in person at artbliss. You both are wonderful ladies! Wishing you a very happy holidays!
Lori Anderson said…
I don't know which one I like better, but her details are always top notch! Very fun and festive!
Wow! Sue, Patti's wirework is soooo amazing and the design of both ornaments are spectacular. And how lucky are you to also get a pair of her earrings!! Thank you so much for participating again this year and have a very Merry Christmas!!!! Looking forward to seeing you sometime in the New Year!!!

P.S. Your beaded beads are beautiful!!
How beautiful! I love her wire work. She makes it look so easy!!!! Great gifts from her and I know they will look great on the tree!
Islandgirl said…
Everything looks wonderful... love that first ornament. Your link on the blog hop doesn't go to your blog. the one on your partners blog works! My icicle ornament that I received from Paula has one of your beads! Wishing you a very happy holiday!
Tanya said…
I have been a fan of Patti's for a while now and I love her wirework as well. I can only imagine how wonderful it looks in person. Her ornaments are just gorgeous!

I took a peek at your ornament as well and it is beautiful, as is the pendant and beaded beads you sent.
Becky Pancake said…
You are right Sue Patti is an amazing wirewokrer. Your ornaments are beautiful.P.S. What you sent her is fabulous too.
Unknown said…
How fun!! I organized a "secret santa" swap for the Etsy Maine Team this year (as well as last year)...I think I might have to try my hand at organizing a swap of some sorts this year! Any tips/tricks/pointers? :-D

Many thanks!

Shawna
jsbarts.blogspot.com

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