Sure hope ...

... that everyone's Christmas was blessed and merry!

It is such a sweet time of the year ... the glisten and glitter of the decorations, reconnecting with family and friends, and the rekindling of spirit that comes with this holiday season!

And then there's always the hustle and bustle, the stress, the anxiety that also comes with this time of the year. That I won't miss!

Now its time to look forward to 2011 ... with new hope, new beginnings, new ideas, new resolutions. I sincerely hope that it brings only the best of everything to each and every one of you.

I've been busy making all kinds of projects ... many were for gifts, so I didn't post photos of them ... and now I realize that I didn't take photos of too many of them!

Now I'm working on samples using the AWESOME calligraphy stamps that Cheryl at Ten Seconds Studio created .... I LOVE them! They're big, beautiful and oh so versatile ... if you haven't ordered one yet ... you should.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy new year!

Maison de Joie .....

... another fabulous day with Carol Wingert.

I feel so blessed, lucky, privileged to have attended all of her heirloom events this year. Thank you Carol for the energy you put into each one of these events to keep them unique, pleasing and challenging.

I'm going to let the photos tell the story .... and be sure to keep an eye on Carol's blog for her eloquent description of the day!

We arrived at Annette's beautiful house at 8:30 for breakfast. Carol's daughter, Ashley, did an amazing job with the food ...... breakfast was fruit cups, quiches, pumpkin cake ... to mention only a few ....

We gathered our breakfast and made ourselves at home in the resort like backyard ...

After we were fed, it was time to settle in at our places ... this is what we started with ......

at the tables, nestled amongst all the fabulous Christmas decorations ....

Carol walked us through the latest heirloom book ... this one perfect for the holiday season, Christmas white, with some beautifully elegant designs, and a touch of sparkle ......

Carol and our hostesses .... Earlene and Annette .....

The whole lucky group ......

And then before we knew it, it was time for lunch .... more delicious food .....

enjoyed in the backyard ......

and the work continues ......

there were work stations inside and out ...... the weather was a perfect 75 degrees ..

Afternoon snacks ..... chocolate covered popcorn, cookies, hot peach cobbler .... again, to just mention a few ....

Prepared by our cute little chef ......

And the day draws to a close ..... we're happy, stuffed and full of Christmas spirit and joy ......

as we watch the sunset on our perfect day .....

A very special thanks to everyone that made this day possible.