...and what did the postman bring to me today?

The doorbell chimed a while ago, and the postman handed me a large packing box. I had no idea what it could be; I have a few things ordered, but nothing that would require a shipping box this large. Hmmm.

And then I saw the return address ... Secret Marie! Woo hoo! Now I'm excited! Why?, you ask? Because now I know exactly what it is. The Marie Antoinette Mail Art group (see button on side bar) is having a Les Vacances secrétes de Marie Remplacent (Secret Marie Holiday Swap). This was my secret partner's gift! Not that I'm all that much into gifts or anything, of course. I know, of course, that it's far better to give than receive, and - oh, who am I kidding? I love gifts!
I tore open the box, and inside I see ... hmmm ... most exciting and intriguing!

I see a large country French rose fabric wrapped around a box and tied with a grand gold ribbon - and a rolled something-or-other, tied with black glittered paper, pink ribbon and a black feather.
Oh! See what is in the roll! A selection of delightful vintage wallpapers! I'm already thinking of wonderful ways to use these in my work! I especially like the seafoam green piece that I've shown on top here!

Next I untie the golden ribbon and remove the fabric from the box and I find ... OH MY!
this exquisite hatbox. Really really really exquisite. It is meticulously upholstered in fine fabrics and embellished with lavish trims and bow and ribbons and feathers and ... I just can't begin to tell you how beautiful the craftsmanship is ... 'toinette would have been proud to own this box!
After enjoying the outside for a few minutes, and examining every minute area of it, I opened it and find three lovely Marie Antoinette tags - again, beautifully crafted - and on one of the tags, I discover my Secret Marie is Debi! Her blog is Life in My Studio - be sure to visit and see the wonderful things she creates. The tags are heavily embellished and are going to look ever so fine hanging on my Christmas tree!
And, yet, another package, chic in black and white ...
woo hoo! A real collection of romantic trims and ribbons that I will be using on my mini-theatres and Marie-inspired pieces. The ribbons are all wrapped around vintage music covered tags and secured with pearl-head pins.
Just look! This box is never ending! There are more things to see!

Another finely crafted box, Marie inspired, of course. With roses and ribbons and lovely collaged images. I was so delighted with it, that I didn't even think that there would be something IN the box! But ...
A collection of art embellishing treasures - little jars holding strings of sequins, tinsel wire, vintage jewelry and jet beading - wow! And check out the lid of the box - isn't it enchanting?!Oh, LOOK! what I found next! My secret Marie even included treats for Dusty! Isn't that thoughtful. He is quite excited, as I let him smell the package. But he doesn't get one until he comes in from his walk. He knows that it will be good because green Milk Bones are his favorites!
And the box just continues to surprise! This plethora of ribbon and silk flowers are so appreciated - I can never have enough. And I just love the little "sugared" bird!
oooh oooh oooh! Fabrics in Marie's favorite hues and a roll of ecru lace, all tied with papers and ribbons, and looking properly festive!
and, finally, another box wrapped in black (with gold ribbon this time) holds this Marie ornament, made of 'toinette images and braid and feathers and crystals and .. ! It will look so beautiful on the tree this holiday - though I plan on hanging it in my studio all year to enjoy.
Isn't that the most wondrous gift ever?! I'm terribly grateful to Debi for taking such time and care and making the joy of opening the contents as exciting as the items themselves! I am now so in the mood for the holidays...this started me right off. I may make Christmas cards tonight!
Thanks for spending some time this afternoon and opening my gifts with me! And, Debi, hopefully you'll read this and know how much I just love and appreciate everything!

Now, surely, with all these lovely things as inspiration, you should be off to make something beautiful - right?!

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(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥