Crafting, Cupcakes and Champagne at a Mansion with Elyse Major

Last Thursday my friend Joyce and I drove to Bristol, Rhode Island to visit Blithewold Mansion to attend a wonderful event. Crafting Night at the Mansion with Author and Tinkered Treasurer Elyse Major.

I met Elyse Major in 2008 through blogging.  I instantly fell in love with her style on her beautiful blog called Tinkered Treasures.

You know her because in almost every magazine I pick up lately, Elyse has contributed to the magazine with her gifted writing and crafting.

When we walked in the door of Blithewold, Elyse greeted us, and gave me a gift that she made for me.  One of her dolls and she showed me how she even got my hair to look just like mine.  Isn't she adorable?  I will surely treasure her forever!  Thank you Elyse.

Once we walked into the room we were totally smitten.  There was a buffet table set up with the prettiest craft supplies.

On another table were stacks of  Elyse's books, Tinkered Treasures and Seaside Tinkered Treasures.

A tower of scrumptious cupcakes decorated with beautiful designs made the perfect accessory and treat while crafting.

Champagne was served and after a short demonstration we were all busy crafting and enjoying being in such a magnificent tea room with lovely kindred spirits.

You can find Elyse on Tinkered Treasures Facebook page.

We were fortunate to get a preview of Christmas at the Blithewold, which will open on November 27th.

Thank you so much Elyse, we had such a lovely evening.  Thank you Joyce for photographing us for the perfect keepsake.

Your Advent Calendar Gift 4

Welcome to the gift of an Advent Calendar.  I have always loved Advent calendars.  When I was little, I just couldn't wait to open each little door and find the surprise waiting there.

This Christmas I am turning my blog into an Advent calendar, so I can give you a Christmas surprise every day until Christmas.  Every day I will post downloadable artwork for you to use as my gift.

Today's gift is all about Clara from the Nutcracker.  A few years ago I painted this painting of Clara.

If you have a little girl in your family, perhaps she would like some Clara artwork.  I have  made her into all kinds of things, cards, paper to write letters and one year I turned the art into Tussie Mussies for Christmas.

So, I thought I would give you two 5 x 7's printed on an 8.5 x 11" sheet for that special little girl. You can click HERE to download Advent Day 4, Clara and the Nutcracker.

I also thought that perhaps you might enjoy some letter paper,  You can click HERE to download Advent Day 4 Clara Letter paper.

My daughter Sarah is taking me to the Nutcracker Ballet in Boston for my birthday next week.  I used to take her and now she takes me.  Isn't life sweet?

During the Christmas season, I will be creating more gift tags, Christmas stationery, and all kinds of art for you to use.  You can give the art as gifts, decorate your home or use on your Christmas crafts and cards.  If you miss a day, just click on this page, and you can see all the posts and artwork at a glance.

You can also find all of the artwork on my Pinterest Board called An Advent Calendar of Downloadable Artwork.  If you click the artwork that you like, it will lead you back here with the link to the download.