This is a unique challenge blog where we are inspired by and focus on the Vintage; shabby; mixed-media; art journaling; industrial, timeworn and steampunk genres and encompass the talent, flair, expertise and ideas of many artists that we are inspired by. We welcome all types of projects - cards, journaling, assemblage, layouts, albums, atcs, altered art in fact whatever you want to share (as long as it is in good taste).

Sunday 13 December 2015

A Seasonal Secret Santa

Welcome everyone to a very special post added as an extra into the normal routine of blogging for A Vintage Journey.  We have the most amazing group of gifted and talented Creative Guides who are also the most incredibly kind, supportive, helpful, giving and friendly people you could ever wish to be with on a design team with. As the festive season advances we turn our thoughts to designing and making for other people in our lives, in fact some-one of our very own team. Unfortunately when we started the process for getting this post done we didn't have Deb, Amanda and Olga with us so they were not able to join in and share a make with us but the other Creative Guides are here and so it is with great pleasure that I am able to share with you our Christmas gifts to each other.

For the second year running we have run a Secret Santa gift exchange with everyone's name going into a hat and being pulled out to see who they would make something for. You might like to grab a cuppa (or something stronger depending on the time of day you are reading this) and peruse the wonderful array of projects that have been winging their way - some across the world - to each other's houses.



I wanted to create something that Brenda could bring out each year to display with her cards, something that was vintage and dimensional. I also wanted to create something a little different and use one of Tim Holtz dies to create a type of shadow box. I always love to create dimension in my pieces of art, along with adding layers to add a design that are both tactile and interesting to look at. I used Tim Holtz Arched Frame and Sized Arches dies to create my piece decorated with Tim Holtz Merriment and Yuletide papers. I really enjoyed creating this piece and I hope Brenda enjoys displaying it!




I was Secret Santa for Anne Redfern this year and I made her a little Christmas book along with a box to store it in. I was inspired by a book made by Anna-Karin whom I link to on my post. It's the first small book of this kind that I have ever made - and I am so happy with how it came out. I hope Anne is too, that she will enjoy it for years to come and will think of me as she turns the pages! You will find a plethora of photos showing just how I put this together and how I decorated each page on my blog post here.




As my parcel was travelling to the US I had to ensure that it would get there in one piece so I decided to make this little Christmas folio book for Sandy to record some Christmas memories. Do hop on over to my blog if you want to see the pockets and tags inside.



Brenda to Alison

My Secret Santa gift this year is for the lovely Alison. Although I had a number of things in my head that I could possibly make, in the end I opted for a canvas board hanging. I wanted to include some of the things that I think Alison loves like vintage, grunge, weathered texture and the colours blue and brown, I also wanted to add dimension and collage and in the end I think I achieved all those things. I put it in the post hoping she would like it. :o) xx



Nikki to Astrid


When I knew I was making for the very talented Astrid Maclean I decided to be inspired by her. I know how much she loves texture and making mini books so I decided to make her a little book featuring some of her creations for A Vintage Journey in 2015. The photos are Astrid’s work and I have tried to use the style of each of her designs on my page layouts. Photos of all the pages can be found over at Addicted to Art today.



Astrid to Tracy

 I altered a book box for Tracy as I wanted to make a gift that would be useful. I created it in vintage style and along with the box there is also a tag holder. I thought perhaps Tracy could use the box to store her Christmas cards. To see more of how this was put together just visit my blog.



Sandy to Julia

I received a lovely gift and handmade card from Jennie. Thank you so much, it is a treasure. The attention to detail and vintage goodness is truly special. I will add my holiday memories to the many tags and cards inside.
I was so happy to see that I got the lovely Julia Aston as my recipient. I sent the handmade folio that I made at my class with Tammy Tutterow and a card of course. I have already received a thank you note from her. She now has a spot for her treasured holiday memories.
 To see more details simply visit my blog.
Happy Holidays,
S@ndy



Jenny to Annie

I was lucky enough to draw Annie as my recipient and when it came time to create a special gift for her fate intervened. My new Tim Holtz Sizzix 'Village Collection' dies had just arrived and I was desperate to find some time to play with them. Then Tim's December tag design was released and I figured it would be fun to combine those techniques with these dies, especially as it meant a battery operated candle could be placed inside (Annie loves candles you see!!!) And so my creative adventure began...




I know Julie has a dollshouse and an interest in miniatures, so when I discovered I was to be her Secret Santa it seemed obvious that a little house was in order! I had a lovely time creating the wooden roof, and enclosing the cottage in its own private little picture frame courtyard with a couple of frosted fir trees. And of course it simply had to light up! I hope she likes it. Hop over to Words and Pictures to see more close ups by day and by night. Merry Christmas to all!



 Annie to Jennie

I decorated a candle using a napkin, which I cut to fit the candle then removed a layer of the tissue. The napkin was tightly wrapped around the candle and held with pins. I then applied my heat gun to the candle and watched the tissue melt in to the wax. Another way to adhere the napkin is to wrap some greaseproof paper, holding it really tight. Having tried both techniques I really like using the pins as it is easier to see what you are doing as you have to be careful not to overheat the candle as you will melt the wax. My second gift is a little notebook and pen, made from card, with some Tim Holtz paper stash to embellish. One of my mum’s crafty friends sent her a notebook and I thought they made the perfect little gift for friends. I have put the link to the tutorial on my blog if you want to pop over for the details.




 I wanted to make something for Nikki that was a little different to my usual papercraft projects.  As I have a lovely stash of Tim Holtz fabric and I saw a pattern in a magazine, I knew I wanted to make one of these make up purses for Nikki as her Secret Santa gift.  I really enjoyed doing some sewing again and thanks to Nikki, I will be doing a lot more!




 Having met my lovely Teamie Jenny (Buttons) in London this year at Wendy Vecchi's workshop, I was delighted to make my Secret Santa gift for her. I made a Glistening Christmas Tree Decoration using a small balsa wood Birdhouse. Please stop by my Juliz Design Post to see lots of photographs and techniques used.



Aren't these the most fabulous gifts that you would like to receive? As being a recipient I can't tell you how exciting it is to both make and send a gift but to also open your parcel to see what is inside the one that has been lovingly sent to you, each and every one is a treasure.

It would be lovely if we could send all of our readers and challenge entrants a gift to say thank you for being part of our journey, so in the spirit of giving presents at Christmas we have a give-away for you instead.


Here is a little Tim Holtz collection for the lucky winner who will be chosen on New Years Day from the comment list below. Just remember the date on your comment must show 2015 as we will close the entries at midnight the start of 2016 (London time). Good luck and thank you for all your visits.

See you again tomorrow with another Destination Inspiration post.
Have a great Sunday.

hugs Brenda and all the Creative Guides xxx





50 comments:

  1. How lovely to see all the secret Santa pieces all together. I love each and everyone and I was so thrilled with my piece from Asteid. This is such a lovely idea and the pieces are all so inspired, Enjoynthe festive build up ladies. Hugs. Tracy x

    ReplyDelete
  2. It's late and I obviously cannot type either . Sorry Astrid. Tracy x

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh, what wonderful creations you have made for each other! The talent is amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh what an amazing lot of gorgeous projects, I will have to go back and check out how each one was made. Thanks for sharing, and thanks for the chance to win the prize.
    A Merry Christmas to all the team

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh my, these projects are just fabulous! I love each and every one and studied the photos and marveled over all the wonderful details each artist managed to put in. Thanks so much for sharing all this talent!! Merry Christmas to everyone!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow, just awesome gifts! Thanks for the chance at the Christmas candy and a year of inspiration. Merry Christmas (c:

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh wow... Such an incredible set of creations... Each one beautifully crafted and presented. I can't wait to see all the details of them all xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh dear, such temptation. I now NEED to go and look at each individual blog to see all the pictures and I really don't have the time. Still, who ever has the time to do these things but we do them all the same ... off now to look at the blogs of all these talented ladies.
    Happy Christmas.
    Hugs, Neet xx

    ReplyDelete
  9. I have been so looking forward to seeing all of the wonderful creations - and how fabulous they are too - so many inspiring ideas!! It was amazing taking part in the Secret Santa exchange again this year - huge thanks to Brenda for organising it and huge thanks again to Julia for my beautiful book! Hugs, Anne xx

    ReplyDelete
  10. What an amazing array of projects ladies, I am so grateful to be part of this amazing team!! I am delighted with my wonderful gift from Nikki and now I can't wait to see the details of all the other super looking projects! A special thanks to Brenda for all her hard work behind the scenes and of course to all or wonderful visitors and challenge participants! Have a glorious and peaceful festive season in what ever way you celebrate! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thank you ladies for your amazing array of wonderful gifts to each other they are all beautiful and thank you for participating again this year. This is such a special event and I too love being part of this wonderful team of remarkable people who give, share, support and encourage each other as well as produce innovative and inspiring art. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.
    hugs Brenda xxx

    ReplyDelete
  12. You are all so very talented and have put so much thought into your Secret Santa gifts. Hope you all have a fabulously happy Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Merry Christmas everyone x absolutely gorgeous gifts for everyone.......it's such a great time of the year and we have stunning gifts to treasure x x

    Off to work xx

    Hugs Annie x

    ReplyDelete
  14. WOW! That was a beautiful Secret Santa exchange! So much talent and inspiration here at Vintage Journey and thank you to the design team for providing fabulous art all year long! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  15. What an amazing collection of lovingly handcrafted gifts by you all . Its been an absolute pleasure to see them all . You ladies are the best . xx

    ReplyDelete
  16. What a great idea for a secret santa exchange and everyone made such great creations. Such wonderful talent. Thank you for the inspiration in 2015. Looking forward to what 2016 has to offer! Merry Christmas. xx

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oh Wow what an array of loveliness for the Secret Santa beautiful keepsakes for each of you, will have to go back and have another look.
    Merry Christmas to all and I look forward to 2016 challenges.
    MaggieH 😊

    ReplyDelete
  18. Those ARE all gorgeous Gifts! WTG ladies and TFS

    ReplyDelete
  19. I so enjoyed looking at all the Secret Santa gifts. I have found so many great ideas for me to make a lovely keepsake for myself for Christmas 2015. When life gets so busy I sneak down to my craft nook and create for a bit. This is my little bit of stress relief.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Yes, absolutely a talented group! Every Secret Santa gift is amazing, beautiful and so unique! I can't wait to got visit and get all the stunning details! Merry Christmas to all of you! Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  21. What delightful creations for your Secret Santa exchange! Lots of fabulous ideas and what a treat it must have been to open these treasures!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I remember this last year and this year is every bit as gorgeous. Lucky ladies to give and receive such special presents. Merry Christmas to you all and looking forward to sharing more creativity with you in 2016. Hugs xx

    ReplyDelete
  23. Wow such beautiful gift creations with gorgeous ideas!! Merry christmas for everyone!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Wow, does this ever look like fun! Such a great batch of inspiration! Thanks so much for the giveaway. Christmas hugs, Autumn

    ReplyDelete
  25. Wow, does this ever look like fun! Such a great batch of inspiration! Thanks so much for the giveaway. Christmas hugs, Autumn

    ReplyDelete
  26. Great gifts! Hope I win...��

    ReplyDelete
  27. What gorgeous and heartfelt Secret Santa gifts, every single one is a treasure! Can't wait to join in next year and good luck to all of our wonderful followers who enter the giveaway, wishing you and yours a joyous holiday season! Deb xo

    ReplyDelete
  28. Marvellous and fantastic creations! How lovely to recognize the style of each one, creating with the recipient's tastes in mind! Happy Christmas ladies!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I've just been wandering around gazing at the delights on offer in detail at each blog... fabulous festive creations and a wonderful way to relax from the Christmas chaos!
    Alison xx

    ReplyDelete
  30. What a beautiful collection of perfect gifts you have all made! I have thoroughly enjoyed going to the different blogs to look at more details of the projects and have discovered some new blogs to follow. How lucky you all are to be part of such a talented group of ladies who all made such beautiful and thoughtful gifts for each other.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I have now managed to visit all my teamies and what wonderful presents everyone has received. Santa is really rather clever to know what we like and also very talented. Seriously ……. fabulous creations everyone xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  32. Ooh I am in total awe at all of the wonderful secret Santa gifts you have all created! You are all soooo talented and such a source of inspiration! Thank you so much for sharing your awesome creations with us. Thank you for the chance to win such a fab giveaway too! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  33. I love vintage journey blog and enjoyed the lovely secret santa gifts everyone made!I hope everyone has a blessed Christmas Seasonand thank you for your generosity on this giveaway chance!Merry Christmas to all!

    ReplyDelete
  34. What wonderful inspiring gifts made by all - I've just been to see the details on each one - what a creative team and I'm SO happy to be one of you - you inspire me and stretch my creativity so much ladies! Wishing all a wonderful Christmas! Julia xx

    ReplyDelete
  35. Oh my . . . I'd say that ya'll outdid yourselves, for each other! These are all amazing and inspiring . .. thanks so much for sharing your creativity with all of us!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Such an array of wonderful gifts..each one shows remarkable craftsman ship and the thought and love behind the creation.It must be such a great feeling to receive these hand made love! Thanks to the entire team for such an inspiration and lovely goodies on display! Wishing each one of you in the team and the visitors a MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR.Hugs, Rupa

    ReplyDelete
  37. Wow what a gorgeous collection of secret Santa gifts to cherish . They are all so beautiful .

    ReplyDelete
  38. Wow what a great team You are! I'm very impressed of your talent and creativity! Such nice gifts you have made for each other! Big thanks for the chance to win the nice giveaway! Merry Christmas to all!

    ReplyDelete
  39. I found LOTS of inspiration on this post!! Everything is so beautifully made....they are truly gifts of love and friendship!!! Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Wow, it's so wonderful to see this post finally all come together after the excitement of making our Secret Santa presents. All the gifts look wonderful and Its clear to see how much love went into all the creations. So pleased to be part of AVJ.
    Hope to visit all your blogs soon.
    Hugs, Julie x

    ReplyDelete
  41. What amazing gifts you have all made, they are all personal and look beautiful! I am off to visit your blogs to find out more. Happy Christmas everyone, hugs Jan x

    ReplyDelete
  42. Absolutely stunning secret Santa gifts! How exciting to receive a gift that has so much personalization and detail added!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Spectacular Secret Santa's !! Wow! You ladies have my head spinning, so many lovely gifts and ideas. I am going to be hopping to a lot of blogs.. I've got to see more. Inspiration Heaven starts here. Thanks yall for sharing all your cool art. :)

    ReplyDelete
  44. I'm blown away by the amazing creativity from you all. ALL the makes are a joy to behold. Thank-you too for chance to win. Nicola x

    ReplyDelete
  45. OH, MY GOODNESS!!!! Such amazing gifts! As I scrolled down and read about each one, I thought to myself how much love went into each one, and how blessed you all are to be on a team together! I can feel the LOVE! Each one of these gifts is a treasure beyond any words I can muster! I'm so happy you decided to extend this tradition another year! It's truly like opening the best Christmas gift! Thank you for preparing a generous and useful gift for your followers! My fingers, legs and eyes are crossed; wouldn't that be a lovely surprise! Thanks for offering us the chance to win! Big Christmas hugs to you all (Deb, Olga, and Amanda, too)!!!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Oh wow! Those are awesome, and so perfect for my subject matters that I create with. What a generous give-away. The projects that you all sent and received are all incredible. I can only imagine the delight and total glee when opening any one of those. The team is awesome.
    Janelle R

    ReplyDelete
  47. Oh WOW! Such lovely gifts you have all created! Lucky is the receiver of each and every one! wish it were me!!
    Merry Christmas to you all and your families and thank you for all of your inspirations you share!
    Jackie xo

    ReplyDelete
  48. I love all the Secret Santa Exchange gifts; they are very inspiring! I have been searching for the Sizzix Village Dwelling die by Tim Holtz but it has sold out everywhere! Thanks for the chance to win the wonderful prize assortment. Happy Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello! The above comment is from me: Melanie Curtis at mbmdesignbritt@comcast.net, even though it says "unknown!"

      Delete