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Wednesday, December 14, 2011

A Special Christmas Story


I have a very special Christmas story to tell you....My friend Celeste of Celestina Marie Designs is an amazing artist, as well as a consumate hostess as you can see by her fabulous tea party here.



She recently sent me this beautiful hand-painted card....And Celeste has even created special ornaments for the White House Christmas tree in Washington, D.C. (I told you, she is an amazing artist!)

But, back to my story....One day, I read about a special challenge in a magazine where they asked people to buy a complete outfit and create "altered couture"....So, I went and bought a little girl's dress (the rules were that it had to be from a secondhand store.) But, the dress I found had never been worn and had the original tag on it-How lucky was I?

Well, I worked making the altered dress, but when it was finished, I just couldn't part with it! How could I possibly send it off to strangers and maybe not get it back? Instead, I wrapped it carefully, tucked it away, and decided that one day, I would meet a blogger who could display it in her studio....I did not know who that person would be, but I just KNEW that she would emerge some day.


Well, months went by and I met Celeste and saw her gorgeous pink and black studio on her blog....AND I decided that I would have to be super-patient and wait 'til Christmas to send it to her....

Isn't her studio beautiful?


Here is the black velvet and pink satin dress I altered....and it was just shipped in a box to Celeste....But, don't worry because even if she sees this post, trust me, that on Christmas morning when she can hold it in her hands, it will have more meaning....and she'll know that this surprise was planned for a long time....Why? Not only because Celeste's studio is pink and black, but because she is such a good friend and wonderful person....


I think that Christmas is all about surprises....See the tea time design on it? The teapot is from the Graphics Fairy and was printed on fabric...and I purchased the flower in Indiana because I knew I needed it for the dress because it has French writing on it!

If you would like to visit Celeste, it will be a treat, believe me...Just click HERE.

Merry Christmas from New Orleans, Celeste! And Merry Christmas, Everyone!!!

Added Surprise News:

I made this post last night, but I just received some amazing news and wanted to share it with you--My book, Mixed Media Art: Living Your Passion just became a bestseller on Amazon!!! Thank you to everyone who bought one--I hope that you are having FUN "getting your craft on." There are all kinds of projects to make--including last-minute ones for Christmas gifts! (It's an ebook, but no need to own a Kindle to read it...If you look up on the tab at the top of this blog that says "Read an Ebook on your computer, you can download the free app from Amazon.) The book is just $2.99.

XO
Cindy

Linking this to Time Travel Thursday
Pink Saturday
The Graphics Fairy

35 comments:

Jill said...

Where do I begin? Her card is beautiful! Her studio...stunning! The dress you made is gorgeous! How kind of you to send it to her, Cindy.

I just love surprises and surprising people too. :)

Anonymous said...

You are an amazing friend and a gorgeous soul, Cindy. That dress would leave me speechless for days if I were Celeste, but you know, the gorgeous tags you send me do that already. :)
LOVE the pink and black combination. She will be thrilled, and she SO deserves it. Celeste is a another beautiful soul.
Muah!!

Celestina Marie said...

Dear Cindy, WOW~~ I am just over the moon surprised and eyes filled with tears of joy.
This dress is just gorgeous and your altered artwork is a beautiful addition. The teapot graphic and the flower is so pretty with the pink and black. To say that I am honored is an understatment. Never in a million years would I think you were planning this. Now I can't wait till this package arrives and open on Christmas day. I promise I'll be good and wait!!!!
Cindy your kindness is such a blessing. You are an amazing person and friend with awesome talents. But the gift of friendship and being a friend is the talent you share best to everyone.
To say thank you just doesn't seem like enough, but please know, I love it and will remember your surprise forever.
You know something, I had a dress very similar when I was a little girl. What memories this brings.

Thank you, Thank you and Christmas Love to you always.
Your friend, Celestina Marie XOXO

Gina said...

Celestina's card is beautiful! She is quite an artist. Your dress is beautiful as well. I love that you're sending it to her for her studio. What a sweet story.

Linda M. said...

Celestina's tea table looks so inviting and her studio is gorgeous. Your lovely dress will look perfect in her pink and black studio. Hugs, Linda

Darcie (My Modern Country) said...

So perfect, and such a sweet surprise for her!

Anna Rosa Designs said...

Hi Cindy,
Ohh, how sweet of you to send this gift to Celeste!
Creative hugs,
Anna
PS: I love the photo's from around your house at Christmas time.

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

How AMAZING!! I loveeeeeeeeeeee what you did with that dress...and what a WONDERFUL gift for her!! LOVE IT! :):):):):):):):):):):)

sjmcdowell said...

Dearest Cindy,

Cindy what a loving and giving soul you have. The dress is lovely and how wonderful you knew that Celeste was the one to receive it! God has a plan for everyone and everything if we just listen to Him!

What a true Blessing You are to everyone who meets you whether in person or here in blogland.You are appreciated and loved so very much!!
I do know that you are and will always be a Blessing in my life.

A Joyful Blessed Christmas Dear Friend,

Love eternal,

Susan
xxoo

Donna said...

What a wonderful gift you have created, Cindy! She will just love it! Celeste has a gorgeous home, and some amazing talent to boot! You are such a great friend, Cindy!!

Ann said...

An amazing gift for an amazing artist. Beautiful altered dress. Exquisite card. Delightful shop. Thanks for sharing.

Devonay said...

It's absolutely beautiful Cindy! Your friend Celeste will be so happy. You are such a wonderful friend... how lucky we all are to share your friendship!!!

Myric said...

That was a very nice story! I bet her studio looks great! That is awesome she made special ornaments for the White House! Very impressive!

xoxo
Myric

Anonymous said...

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…¨˜“გª¤.¸::¸.¤ª☆“˜¨¨happy new year.
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Sush said...

Lovely story, Cindy. How wonderful you saved it and for just the right person...
Merry Christmas Cher Bebe!

Elli p.´s Stempelvitrine said...

Your dress is very beautiful and Celestinas card looks so amazing.
I wish you a merry christmas, lovely days and a happy new year.
Greetings, Sabine

Gloria said...

So nice to read Celestina's comment above, she is very happy! Hearing how that beautiful dress came to your mind and how it stayed with you until now- some things are undeniably destined to be. TFS!

Hope you're feeling better day by day from the surgery. Going to visit Celestina's blog...

Dorthe said...

Cindy,
your beautiful dress fits like it was meant to be..and what a gorgeous gift to send your friend. Her studio looks fantastic and the card is so lovely.
Happy day to you dear.
Hugs,Dorthe

Blessings from Cindy said...

What a wonderful story & beautiful gift for Celeste!! The dress is exquisite! I recently had the honor of meeting Celeste on Etsy & she purchased a tree from me to go with her black toile dishes. She is the sweetest & She will cherish your gift forever! Her comments say it all. You are both two sweet ladies that I am so glad I have "met"!
Blessings,
Cindy

Valerie-Jael said...

Great dress, and what a beautiful surprise for your friend! Hugs, Valerie

Marie Lost Bird Studio said...

What a wonderful story,Cindy and so generous of you to send her the dress.I'm sure your friend will be over the moon.Beautiful Christmas card.
Merry Christmas to you.
XO Marie

The French Hutch said...

Oh Cindy, this is such a sweet story. What a beautiful gift awaits Celeste on Christmas. The adorable embellishment you added makes it so special. I love the teapot you printed onto the fabric and the flower with the french script. Your friend must be very special to you! I'll go over and visit Celeste.
Cindy, Wow your books keeps moving up the ladder, in the top ten. CONGRATULATIONS DEAR FRIEND!

~Emily
The French Hutch

Unknown said...

Such a touching and wonderful story Cindy, I don't believe in coincidences, things are meant to be. Your dress was just waiting to be sent to the right person and here we are. Celeste will be over the moon, you've altered it so prettily! Sending hugs, Ira xox

Terry said...

Celeste will be so delighted to receive this special gift and so thought of you! Beautiful handpainted card! Have a great day!

jacirascrap said...

Que lindo de sua parte contar toda a história, garanto que sua amiga se sentiu demais de especial...Lindo vestido alterado!!

Zaichick the flying rabbit (aka Shannon K. Thomson) said...

Congrats on your book beinging the top 10 Cindy! And you have a Merry Christmas and wonderful new year too!

Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ said...

Hi Cindy,

The card you received from Celeste is beautiful. She has wonderful talent. WOW!

I love the black and white in her studio it reminds me of my bedroom.

You’re the sweetest to have mailed her that adorable dress you altered. Your artwork on it is so beautiful!!!

I just shouted out to my husband your books are all becoming #1.

Thanks again for the beautiful necklace. I love it!!!!!!

xoxo,
Dee

Unknown said...

Your home looks beautiful! Love the sweet dress! I'm glad you left me a sweet note so I could come for a visit! I'm so excited to be your newest follower and would love it if you'd return the "love" on your next visit!!!

XO, Aimee
itsoverflowing.com

Cindy Adkins said...

Wow! I'm loving all the black & white & pink!! Your dress is so pretty, Cindy! I loved reading Celeste's message to you! I'm headed over to her blog next. Her art looks amazing! I love that card! You are the most generous soul I've ever met, Cindy. I mean that.
Hugs,
Cindy

Hearts Turned said...

What a sweet story, Cindy--and I LOVE that beautiful dress you altered--perfectly feminine & sweet!

Celeste sounds lovely--I'll have to pop on over and meet her!

And BIG congratulations on your book, my friend--you deserve every honor!

Julie

Ros said...

What a fabulous story ... and a beautiful thoughtful gift ... and congrats on the news about your book!!! I'm off to visit your friends blog now ... have a wonderful day ox

2amscrapper said...

This is truly what blogging is all about.

1CardCreator said...

What a wonderful Christmas story Cindy. I met Celestina Marie through your blog, and she is a most interesting and sweet person, you could not have chosen a better person to gift this to. I am so proud of you for making #1 on the Amazon list. I am not surprised a bit, that book is so well worth the read! I have re read it twice already! Merry Christmas my dear friend.

Michele said...

totally cool! love the wonderful card you received, love the amazing dress you altered. a lovely poast all in all! happy christmas! xoxo

Donna said...

Oh Cindy, How beautiful is this little pink and black dress! And, the tea pot design on the dress front on the flower are adorable!

I'm so happy for you my friend, for your successes, though honestly not surprised. For one who is so honestly open, giving and encouraging, God is so willing and wanting to bless you.

Congratulations hardly seem enough to say!

Blessings, and wishing you and Ralph a very blessed and Merry Christmas and a wonderful, healthy and Happy New Year!

Hugs,
Donna