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
Hi Kerryanne,
This is a lovely post and I’ll surely be thinking of Sandra and others in the same situation at this time of year.
Thank you and your guest artists for all your expert advice and tips to enjoy our festive season!
Wishing you and your family a Very Merry Christmas and happy, healthy, fun filled, creative year in 2011
Merry hugs,
Anna
Kerryanne, thank you for a wonderful run-up to Christmas. I may not have been as organised as I hoped to be but you and the other lovely crafting ladies have provided me with some super ideas and I have really enjoyed the items that I did get a chance to make. I may not have made or decorated all the things that I set out to but I got all my cards made & delivered and my gifts are bought & wrapped ready for giving. If nothing else “Simply Christmas” has given me somewhere to drop by and relish all the lovely Christmas things I have seen – Thank you all so very much.
Toni xx
Another thank you Kerryanne, I definately wasn’t as organised as you, however you and your guests posts have given me plenty of ideas for next year and I’m hoping you will be around to guide me.
My thoughts will be with Sandra and others close to me in the same situation.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas and a fantastic 2011.
Thanks Kerryanne for doing Simply Christmas. I always looked forward to reading them & to get some great ideas.
I wish you, Mark, Jess & Aimee a wonderful Christmas & a great new year.
Anne xoxoxo
Thank you for everything, Kerryanne – it was wonderful. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Merry Christmas to you and yours Kerryanne, and thank you for weeks of fun and ideas….. it has been great ….
Hugz
A great reminder to us all that there’s more to life! Merry Christmas Kerryanne and thankyou for Simply Christmas and the lovely prizes. The pudding will have a special place every christmas from now on!
HUgs to you
Jo
Dearest Kerry!
Sweetheart you have brightened our festivities and kept us on track – I have enjoyed every post and every minute of it – THANK YOU!!!
I am holding Sandra and her loved ones in my prayers, and want to thank her for the beautiful reminder of the biggest gift of all – that of friendship, love and support.
With love to Sandra, to you Kerryanne, your family, your lovely friends and followers – MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Vikki xoxo 🙂
Thanks Kerryanne,
It has been fabulous to follow your blog during the Christmas build up.
It is so moving to know that you have touched Sandra’s life.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Kelly
Merry Christmas to you ! Thankyou for inviting me along for the ride and doing such a beautiful job .
All the very best to you and your family , ho ho ho !
you are invited to follow my blog
Thankyou for the post Kerryanne and reminding us of what Christmas is really all about – nothing that money can buy.
Thanks for hosting Simply Christmas, and while I couldn’t get right into all of the organising it sure has given me a head start on ideas for next year. I appreciate all the hard work you and your guest posters have put into it.
I wish you and your family the most joyous of festive seasons and i am looking forward to a creative 2011
Lee:)
I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog and even though I haven’t been as organised as I’d have liked it’s been a fun way of leading up to Christmas. Thanks to everyone who contributed to your blog and of course mainly to you! Hope you had a great Christmas and best wishes for 2011.