Papilio and Some Sweet Stuff for YOU from a Happy ME!!!!

A very Happy Monday, everyone!! I would like to thank everyone who has written of your concerns about my Dad. He is out of the hospital and back in the Life Care Center but is not doing well at all. He is very confused and has alot of difficulty with mobility...can't use a fork or spoon now and can't pick up a glass...So he is back in therapy to see if there will be any improvement. Please continue to keep him in your thoughts.

I am hoping that you find this posting a special one because it is special to me for a couple of reasons!! I am very humbled that Siv at Steffens AS, a marvelous shop in Norway, asked me to showcase a Papilio stamp and she even made all arrangements for me to receive this lovely collection...Thank, Siv!! Hugs, and congratulations on your 3 year anniversary of the shop. This just may be the very first preview of this darling Nisse in all of Cyberia...lol

For my card I used Bazzill for the base, Prismatics and SU for all matting, and the DP is the new, gorgeous SEI Christmas Mint Collection which was a gift from Suzan. I machine stitched all major panels in RED. All coloring is Copics and Spica. I have used Crushed Velvet for all of the snow and all charms and dew drops are from Jayne at Crafty Feeling.

When I first received the stamps I thought that they were Santa but upon closer examination and research I find that this cute and sweet Nisse is really a little gnome who at Christmastime guards all of the farm animals and plays tricks on the children if they forget to place a bowl of porridge out for him. I even had to find out how to color him...red cap, dark knickers, a tweedy sweater or vest and gray beard. So I hope that all of my Scandinavian friends will let me know how I did!!

NOTE: The incredibly talented Malin is the designer of this stamp and leaves a comment below to give a bit more information on Nisse. Malin, thank you so much for such a kind, sweet, and informative comment.

On the front I also used some lovely poinsettias which I colored with Fire Engine Red Shimmerz, some red flower trim that I made into mini-poinsettias with dots of acrylic paint in the centers, a new MS garden trellis deep edge punch, a touch of sparkle trim, and red organza ribbon. If I forget anything, just email me!!



On the inside of the card, just more of the same BUT I also used another stamp from the collection on the jotting spot...this time the Christmas Goat which is really another gnome but dressed as a goat like creature...both of these traditions harken back to Viking times and are precursors to St Nicholas. These little goats are traditionally made from the last shafts of the harvest crops and symbolize the power of rejuvenation (I need lots of these...lol) and fertility (and none of these....hahah)

Gosh I love to read about these traditions from all of the countries...sooooo interesting!!!! So I hope you have enjoyed hearing about them in a synopsis form!!

AND now for the other SPECIAL reason for this post:
(although I am about a week late)

I am celebrating my 6 month Blog Anniversary and I am so happy and humbled that I have had more than 58,000 visits and have more than 340 Followers!! Thank you so much to each of you!!! So I would like to give you an opportunity to win a Holiday Package from me which you see below!!!


Martha Stewart 2009 Snowmen Edge Punch
Martha Stewart 2009 Himalayan Snowflake Punch
Martha Stewart 2009 Ornament Edge Punch
BG Eskimo Kisses 6X6 Paper Pad
BG Eskimo Kisses Painted Brads
BG Eskimo Kisses Colored Buttons
BG Eskimo Stitched Brads
5 yards Matching Ribbons
4 Matching Stickles
1 Magnolia Christmas Stamp of your choice from Magnolia-licious
1 Belles 'n Whistles Christmas Stamp of your choice from Belles 'n Whistles
Collection of gold and silver Christmas charms

In order to be eligible for the Sweet Stuff, I am asking that you leave a comment for me on this posting, that you consider being a follower, and that you mention and show the Holiday Package on your personal blog if you have one. I will select the winner with Random.Org at midnight on Sunday, November 15 at Midnight EST. I will ship world-wide. Good luck!!!

Thank you so much for dropping by to see me today and please know that I always love to hear from you. May you have a delightful week and return to see me often...Big hugs from me to YOU!!!