This and That on Thursday

There is a new Angel watching over me  ....

Because our family unexpectedly had to change their plans and not come to Tennessee for Christmas, we had to do some creative brainstorming to get my gift from our son and daughter-in-law in Raleigh out here.  Of course it was a surprise so I didn't know what was inside, but we were told it couldn't be shipped because it was "Very Fragile".  Finally, it arrived this past weekend, and I opened a huge box to find this treasure, all securely bubble-wrapped inside.....

An angel!!!  And cats!!!  I ask you, could it be any more perfect?  

This beautiful girl is over 20" tall and very heavy!  She is a Jim Shore creation called Garden Angel, and I think it is intended to be used outside in the garden, but there is no way this girl is going outside.  She is currently reigning over the sewing studio ;*D.

I had never seen one this large.  That box on the left is a rechargeable battery box that fits inside the base at the back.  During the day, I can leave that open in the sunlight and it will charge the batteries so that at night the diorama in the angel's skirt lights up.  It's really beautiful all lit up!  Todd and Nikki said as soon as they saw her they knew she had to be mine.  I really like the way they think, don't you?!?  =^..^=

As for what the Garden Angel is currently presiding over in the sewing studio...

This is a really sweet Teapot Mug Rug I made for a friend "just because..."

Back in September, I was working on this Dots to Dots Blog Hop project...

... and my friend Candice saw this little teapot in progress 

..... and she said, "Oh that's so cute!  You can make one of those for me!"  

And so I did!  

Candice is always bringing us baked goodies from her kitchen to keep our energy levels high during sit-n-sew, so I thought a little mug rug would be a "sweet" way to say Thank You!  She was really surprised when I gave it to her - I think she liked it!  =^..^=

And I hope you are all excited about the Dare to Dresden Blog Hop that is starting next Thursday over at Madame Samm's!

My day will be January 29, and here is a sneak peek at my inspiration fabric for this project ....  YUM!!!

I have been really working hard on this project to be sure I do it justice, and that is one reason I have been away from blogging for so long.  I hope you will forgive me when you see the completed project.  :*)

And last but not least, Easy Street is coming along - slowly but surely.....

This picture is not the best - it is a very cloudy, overcast day, so I apologize... to you and to the quilt.  Such gorgeous colors deserve to shine, right?  Hopefully I'll get a better picture next time :*)

Hugs & Blessings!

Teresa

=^..^=