Gifts and generosity

Some weeks have you smiling for the gorgeousness and generosity of folk.

I recently completed a commission for a friend's father - to update his family tree with a few more generations. My friend was at a meeting and I gave her the completed work (on a large A1 page) and she swapped me for a rather large bubble-wrapped parcel. I had no idea what it was or who it was from and just took it home - it was beginning to rain and things were a bit mad!

I read the thank you card from her dad, and went on to open the parcel. Imagine my delight when I discovered an old type drawer was the gift!  It is in such good condition with all the right amount of wear and use.

It has such lovely little nails in the dividers.

I was beyond belief thrilled. This thank you was in addition to payment, so how gorgeous was that?  It was the perfect gift for me for sure.

A few weeks ago I was the lucky winner of a give-away on Lesley's blog - Printed Material - and during the week the prize book arrived.  It was all that I had hoped for when I had peered through the screen and wanted to touch the embossed pages...

So many lovely edges.

As Lesley and I exchanged emails - she asked if I had noticed the end pages.

I had looked but not seen.

Here on the inside of the front cover is the word book.

And here on the inside back cover is end. How perfect!

Lesley also included some gorgeous book marks. I have struggled to work out whether I can bear to share them or not - but I will!

Embossing, de-bossing, cyanotypes and etchings. Sigh. So, so beautiful.

In amongst this loveliness Lesley included yet another gift - but it is so special I have kept it for its own post. I have spent ages poring through it and admiring it and can't wait to share some of its glory - soon!

What a special time it has been, to receive such gorgeous, generous offerings.