My favorite things...

While Christmas is generally for kids, and with a 2-1/2 year old this year was no exception, I did, however, receive 3 awesome gifts that I am thrilled with!

• From my husband – a collage class with a professional artist!

Exploring Collage - Saturday, February 2, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

For those intimidated by traditional drawing or watercolor, collage is a user-friendly and hands-on way to make art. Collage is an act of creative organization, fueled by inspiration and creating qualities of meditation. If you enjoy assembling jigsaw puzzles or piecing quilts, you will find an affinity for this art form. Come prepared to have fun while you:

• explore creativity, color, and design
• learn to assemble disparate parts into a unified whole
• create papers using various art techniques
• assemble "made" papers, "found" papers, fabric, and text to create unique fine art

Phyllis Wolf Wilkins is a professional artist who creates abstract collage and pastel landscapes. She earned her B.A. at Williams College, with additional studies at Maine College of Art (MECA). Co-director of Kaleidoscope Arts & Crafts School, Phyllis also has eight years' experience teaching adults. Currently her work can be seen at Redfield's Artisan Gallery, Northeast Harbor, ME.

Check out her website: www.phylliswolfwilkins.com

• From a colleague at work – a gift certificate for a set of mini MOO cards!

This is a totally COOL gift and one that I am pondering deeply about what to use them for. If you’ve not heard of MOO or would like to see more ideas, check them out at www.moo.com. This has got to be one of the neatest products on the market and I am totally hooked on them. I’d love to host a few MOO trading card swaps this year!

• From me (or Santa, if you’d like to keep up the magical nature of Christmas) – a Happy Kat bag and purse from one of my favorite etsy shoppes!

This is the second set that I have purchased from Katrina and it is awesome. Great quality, great looking, holds a ton but is very organized and fashionable. The best part is that she will custom design the bag for your specific use in mind – this includes the sizes of the inside pockets and the color combinations. Katrina is an RN is her “real” job but is a total whiz with the sewing machine and is just the sweetest lady to work with. Check out her etsy shoppe – www.happykatbags.etsy.com!

My New Happy Kat Bags:

My Original Happy Kat Bag combo: