Very recently my friend Se'Lah, who writes the very inspirational and profound blog Necessary Room, hosted a wonderful event/project, Gift of Jewels, where participants are paired up and send a card, postcard or photograph--to spread a little love around the world!
The end of last week I had the great pleasure of receiving this terrific photograph card (above) from Anali of Anali's First Amendment. Thank you so much, Anali! I didn't know Anali before receiving her card. The kitchen items theme of her card gave me a bit of a clue about her. So I was delighted to find out that she is very much interested in baking and cooking. Me too! So it was a fun way to meet.
This is the card I created for my Gift of Jewels offering, and sent it to Margie of Soeurs du Jour, authored by Margie and Kath. Margie is currently downsizing and moving, so I'm not sure if she has received my card. Friendship being the garland surrounding blogland, it was easy to pick friendship as a theme for my card. It's not often these days I play with paper crafting, but when I do I
love it. So I enjoyed making this card for this special project, and
participating.
Thank you for this great idea, Se'Lah, and organizing it all. :o)
If you've not met Se'Lah, or Anali or Margie, do stop by and say hello--find out more about the Gift of Jewels and meet these lovely ladies.
Speaking of jewels... This week I'm adding brand new jewelry--like this necklace-- and more to my Etsy shop. I'm working on some fun crafting at the moment too, and look forward to sharing some finished items very soon. I've not forgotten that Pink Purl actually began life as a craft blog--LOL!
Happy Days! :o)
P.S. More jewel-bright goodness... The jam-making continues! I'm addicted... Here's some peach jam I made this week using the same Honey Plum Jam recipe, but using peaches in place of plums. Delicious! Some of you have asked about this recipe, and I just wanted to follow up. I am keeping one jar to use in the fridge and extra jars in the freezer as it has a short storage life in the refrigerator. Most jams, no matter the processing, seem to do well in the freezer for later use, I find. This recipe is lovely! And most any soft fruit could be used. If anyone gives it a try, do let me know.
And for another splash of color... a new photo is at my other place, A Certain Slant of Light!
Your peach jam looks lovely - peaches taste of summer to me! Your latest jewellery is beautiful - simple and classical.
Posted by: Lisa | September 09, 2009 at 10:10 AM
Sooo happy that you participated in this "gift of jewels" project Tracy! You brought your unique touch and it definitely would not have been the same without you.
Thanks so much!
One Love.
Se'Lah
Posted by: Se'Lah | September 09, 2009 at 04:27 PM
Hi Tracy! I found you through Se'Lah. The Gift of Jewels is such a wonderful project, isn't it?! Your card from Anali is so lovely and your card to Margie is, too!
Posted by: Gayle | September 09, 2009 at 04:42 PM
oooh your cards are lovely. i'm still waiting for mine. isnt it exciting? :)
Posted by: kamana | September 09, 2009 at 04:55 PM
What a fun idea to send little greetings -- a modern-day penpal!
Posted by: nikkipolani | September 09, 2009 at 05:19 PM
you made a really beautiful card there. Love your new necklace too and yummy yummy jam. Looking forward to seeing your other craft projects :) big Hugs, Catherine xx
Posted by: Bumpkin Bears | September 09, 2009 at 06:05 PM
Hello Dear Tracy!
First let me say the jam looks delicious and your presentation just lovely. What a beautiful necklace, I love the addition of the ribbon adds the perfect feminine touch. I am in the middle of doing a little beading myself and I tell you I am having a ball!:o) Thank you so much for the link to the Necessary Room and will pay that blog a visit today. Enjoy a beautiful day my friend!
Smiles...
Beverly
Posted by: tea time and roses | September 09, 2009 at 07:09 PM
Your card is soooo lovely! It reminds me of the Victorian calling cards - maybe that could be something you could add to your etsy shop? They would make nice gift tags too.
I am doing better. Sleeping regular hours has helped tremendously and, having Mr Puffy doing so well.
Hugs, C
Posted by: MrPuffy | September 09, 2009 at 10:17 PM
Beautiful card, Tracy! I love those gorgeous canned goods. Yum! Preserving a summery fruit in a stylish way, with warm fall colors, lovely :)!
Posted by: Sophie | September 10, 2009 at 12:51 AM
Tracy,
Today was a rough day and you really brightened it with this post. I'm so glad that you liked the card. Love the card that you made for your Gift. And that jam looks sooo good! ; )
Posted by: Anali | September 10, 2009 at 01:29 AM
More jam. Yum. I had no idea you could freeze it! You learn something every day! :)
What a nice card you made as well as received! I love getting to know people through blogland.
I took a quick peek at your other blog and I am simply amazed at your photography. It is stunning! I am going to have to go back when I have more time to look!
take care,
Dawn
Posted by: Dawn | September 10, 2009 at 01:31 AM
I am drooling over your homemade jams!! That was a very good idea, pairing people up with exhanges of postcards. A very simple and cheap way to start a great friendship. Hope you are enjoying your day..and well, weekend is almost near :P
Posted by: M.Kate | September 10, 2009 at 03:02 AM
what a great way to meet new people! your necklace is precious and your jam looks delish! saw your previous post too and i am just intrigued by macarons. have seen them in magazines everywhere lately. have never had one, but will have to track down someplace here in the states to try one.
Posted by: Janet | September 10, 2009 at 04:40 AM
Lots of eye-candy! The heart-shaped locket necklace is lovely! The peach jam?! And the accompanying vintage spoon?!
Posted by: Maureen | September 10, 2009 at 05:50 AM
Hi sweet Tracy!
I think your postcard is very lovely! Everythingb you mske is done wiht wonderful attention to detail. I enjoyed a post card swap a few months ago --it's a nice way to see others creativity andf learn more about them.
Your jams sound delicious! I have a pantry full of jellies and jams right now so I might wait till next year to try your recipe.
I've been back a few days but have been catching up at home -- and I also found I need to upgrade my computer to hold all my vacation photos...who knew a C rive could be so demanding?
Hugs, Pat
Posted by: Pat | September 10, 2009 at 06:32 AM
Dear tracy, that was such a wonderful project that you participated in! Your card is sooo pretty! And i'll visiting your shop soon to check out the new lovely items you made! :) Oh and more jam!! Yumiee...your peach jam is making me drool! Have a lovely merry happy day and love to yoU!
Posted by: Jacqueline | September 10, 2009 at 07:20 AM
That sounds like a wonderful project. I love the card you made and also the one you received :)
Posted by: Tracy | September 10, 2009 at 11:16 AM
homemade jams are the best! I haven't made jam in years, due to a disappointing effort. You have inspired me and I may make another attempt. Beautiful plums by the way, and from your own garden!
Posted by: P.K. | September 10, 2009 at 01:17 PM
oh the gifts here are full of simple pleasures...for the eye, the heart and the tummy!!!
Posted by: elk | September 10, 2009 at 02:13 PM
Good to hear you are being so happily creative both with cooking and with jewellery.
Are you having some of this wonderful sunshine too at the moment? I'll share pics when I finish Yorkshire. I played with hubby's camera this mornign on the dog walk.
Posted by: Melanie | September 10, 2009 at 03:04 PM
Tracy I'm loving that jam photo with the spoon! And what a gorgeous photo you received. I love the idea of the exchange and what you made is so sweet!
Posted by: Amanda | September 10, 2009 at 07:02 PM
This is a good day to share friendship and new blogs! I really appreciate all the work you and others go to! Can't wait to meet some new friends!
Your card is very pretty and the jam has your touch! My mouth is watering!!
Posted by: Flower | September 10, 2009 at 08:05 PM
Hi Tracy!
You are so talented! Not only you can make jewelery, sew, knit (which I have written before) but also you can make such a wonderful card and make yummy jam!!!!
As a fellow cat love, I am very proud.
Hope your week is going well.
x
Kyoko
Posted by: Kyoko | September 10, 2009 at 10:27 PM
Awesome! Your cards -- both given and received, your necklace and your jam! Wow! Are you going to tell us how you made the jam? Or have you already done so and I've missed it? Love it!
I'm off to your other blog, now. ;-)
Paz
Posted by: Paz | September 11, 2009 at 02:27 AM
Hi Tracy, lucky you that is a lovely postcard. Your necklace is gorgeous - so delicate and pretty. It would be perfect for a bride. Leaves are turning yellow in my garden, pretty soon I will be picking leaves and Tencents will be gleefully running through them tail flying :) Cats, you gotta love em!
Posted by: raina | September 11, 2009 at 03:08 AM