Precious Patty...

 Even though Kat and I primarily make jewelry (upstairs in the bead room), I have a paper (and clay, glass, fabric, etc. etc. etc.) craft room (in the basement). Though we haven't made jewelry for awhile because of Jud's illness, it had become a bit of a job. Playing with mixed media is something I like to do to relax and have fun. 

Every field has its "rock stars." Patty Szymkowicz is a rock star in the area of mixed media. There isn't much that Patty can't do, and she does it all beautifully. I stalked her blog for ages, even before I had a blog of my own.  I finally got the courage to write responses and, lo and behold, I was answered! We started to chat more and thus developed a friendship. I found out she was a real person, just like me!

I just adore her and she is one of the kindest and brightest people I know. 

One sunny day, a beautiful present came in the mail. I wish I could show you the envelope but I took a photograph and forgot to block out the addresses. The brown envelope is beautiful, decorated with birds and beautiful papers, and I am keeping it just because of that. 

Inside was a package wrapped in a brown glassine, covered with gold and white Indian paper and, on the top, the cutest teeny, tiny French airmail envelope with a little note inside. This was all tied together with a sash of golden Dupioni silk. "Presentation is everything" is a saying that has oft been recited here in Blogland! This package had that art down! 

Ooooh, Look at this incredible miniature canvas work of art! Layer upon layer of text and dots, paper and paint, black stamping (see the "overdue"?, and a gorgeous seal, all perfectly blended together. Then, take a look at that beautiful woman with a gold crown on her head, surrounded by a veil of almost invisible gilding. I swooned! 

Alright. I admit it. I told her I really liked it. I should have learned that you don't say that to generous bloggers. A week later, it came in the mail.

This is my favorite part. When you turn it on the side, there is a secret message that the woman whispers...all executed in this gorgeous script with those wonderful clover leafs at the side and shell-like shapes at the top. A special message just for me, I would like to think. Certainly one that I need to remember these days.

Sigh! I thank you, my friend, Patty. You are so kind and so delightful. Knowing people like you is why I love this "land" so much.