Thursday, December 15, 2016

A glass pear and a pincushion...

There's nothing nicer that spending the day with your best friend.
And that's what I did today. 

Heather welcomed me at her front gate, faithful dogs in tow, and so began our familiar routine of coffee, cake, sewing, lunch, laughter, thoughtful pondering, tea and more cake, continued sewing...and as it's the last time we'll catch up before Christmas, gift-giving as well. 

If you've followed my blog for a few years you may have noticed I'm rather fond of pears and have some lovely ceramic, wood, and cross-stitched pears displayed around my home. Some I've purchased and others are special gifts.

Today, Heather surprised me with a pear like no other.
Vintage glass...and truly exquisite!
She found this a while back in an antique shop and has been waiting patiently for Christmas...

I've never seen anything like this pear, but oh, how beautiful it is. The photos do not capture the loveliness as they should, but if you had heard my gasps of delight you would surely agree this was a treasured gift indeed. 

The little leaf looked to me like an angel's wing...

The glass pear opens in two so you can store something special inside. Heather had filled it with a ribbon embroidered pot pourri pouch, so pretty, so fragrant.

Wasn't I the blessed girl today?!
Yes indeed.


Would you like to see what I made for Heather? 
You know I'm rather fond of sewing pincushions at the moment and I wanted this one to tell her just how much our friendship means to me. 

She loved it.


NEWS:

I've had some news to share since October but it's only now that I'm free to tell you about it.
After two years selling used cars because there was no other work available, my darling husband will return to teaching high school next year and has, by the grace of God, secured a position here in the town where we live. 
This means we can be close to Blossom and little Cully May and not have to move away! 

He'll take up his teaching position in late January at the start of our new school year here in Australia. 

To God be the glory, great things He has done!

hugs


43 comments:

Nanna Chel said...

How wonderful that your hubby has a new job to look forward to, Jenny. Not having to move is a real bonus as well. You are really blessed to be living so close to your girl. I wish mine lived a little closer but it is not to be at the moment.

Christine B said...

What beautiful gifts you and your friend swapped.... I just adore that beautiful glass pear and such good news that your husband has a new job which will keep you close to Blossom and your dear little grand-daughter! Christine x

Shortbread and Ginger said...

I love your pincushion - gifts mean so much more when they are made with love!

Unknown said...

Dear Jenny,

You have been a lifeline for me with your loving words and thoughts for all you come in contact with. There is so much beauty in your Godly inspired work.

Your husband is going to also be a much needed role model of love brought into the lives of the children at the school. I see God working through my husband at the high school he is blessed to work at.

Thank you for your love.

Faith in Texas said...

Dear Jenny,
The pear is gorgeous. I also love old vintage. Also such a gift that your husband can teach again, and be close to home, so you don't have to move.
Thank you for all the wonderful patterns and tutorials through this past year.
My favorite part of course are your Sunday messages from our Lord. I can't tell you the number of times, what you posted was what I needed at that particular moment.
I hope this next year sees an easing of your medical problems, and wonderful family blessings.
Merry Christmas and a blessed new year for you and your family.
Faith in Texas

Las Labores de Tatiana said...

Pero qué bonito!!. Me encanta, los colores muy alegres.
Besos

Little Quiltsong said...

Wonderful gifts - you gave each other. Must have been a special day of just being together! So happy for your husband - and for all of you, that you don't have to move!

Tricia T said...

Such wonderful news about your husband's new job! Praise the Lord! Your gifts- given and received - are beautiful!

Debra said...

I am so happy for you, Jenny! To be able to remain near your loved ones is a true gift! Your pear is lovely, and I feel inspired to attempt a pincushion or two before Christmas, now that I am getting caught up. As always, I look forward to your posts!

Jackie said...

Beautiful gifts! Wonderful news about your husband!!

A Joyful Cottage said...

Dear Jenny, I just found you this morning via Instagram, and now I'm following you every way possible, I think. I love your blog and am thrilled to have found you. Your designs are precious. They're really special. I downloaded your "free" Lord's Prayer quilt pattern just a few minutes ago. It is breathtaking. I am a quilter, rugmaker, and have in the past done quite a bit of cross stitching. I have been wanting to re-learn embroidery and combine it with quilting, so you have inspired me! God bless you. I'm praying for improved health for you. So very thankful to have found you. I have a lot of reading to do on your blog and it's going to take me awhile to get through it all. I know it will be a joyful journey. xoxo ~ Nancy - Oregon USA

Cozy Thyme Cottage said...

Yes, indeedy! You are one blessed lady and deserve it after sharing your wonderful talent with us. Your glass pear gift is beautiful! Congratulations go to your husband on his teaching job! Nancy

Jacqueline said...

Beautiful, thought filled gifts. And congrats to your hubby on his wonderful gift.

Lin said...

Gorgeous gifts Jenny - the glass pear is superb! What a beautiful pincushion - I love pincushions that double as something else too. Great news about the job - is it really two years? Goodness, time flies! xx

Christine M said...

The glass pear is just beautiful, Jenny. So you! What you made for Heather is beautiful too. Congratulations to Mr E on his new job. How wonderful you don't need to move away. I bet Blossom and Cully May are so happy to know that. Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs, Christine xx

Julie said...

Beautiful gifts both given & received Jenny. LoVe them all ... so precious. That is such wonderful news about Mr E's teaching position. I can imagine your joy at NOT having to move away from that precious grandbaby girl ... who is growing like a little bundle of joy. x x x

Kristy said...

So glad for both of you! I love your pear. I have a leaded crystal heart that I have had our entire married life (31 years) and I love putting things into it. So glad you got to spend such a special time with your friend. I love your pincushions. They are so wonderful. Thanks for letting us share in your joy. Thanks for your hugs too. K-

Anonymous said...

Oh that is fabulous news Jenny, what a lovely start to your New Year.

Anonymous said...

That's wonderful news! An all around blessed day. What a gift to be close to your grand daughter and what a blessing it is to see the world through the eyes of a child. So happy for you. Grandma Rita

Diane Garton said...

I'm so very happy for you Jenny, the news of Mr E's new position is fantastic, especially as you don't have to move away from Blossom & Cully May. God is so good!! I have fallen in love with your latest pin-cushion it is so sweet and one, I am sure Heather will treasure for ever just like you will treasure your beautiful glass pear. It's so very comforting to have a close friend to share special times. I am going to bed now with a happy smile on my face at such a lovely post you shared with us today. God Bless you and GoodNight xx

shirley flavell said...

Wonderful news for you all Jenny.Merry Christmas and the best of wishes for 2017.Love all your pincushions.

kallii said...

Well Christmas came early to you! Congratulations to Mr. E and to stay near Blossom such a bonus! Gifts too! Great week!

Guida said...

What a wonderful gift you received and the gift you made is truly gorgeous. Congratulations to your dear husband on his new position, I wish you both well in your future. Guida

Kathleen said...

A beautiful gift you received, and the one you gave as well. And spectacular news about your husband!! I'm very happy for you and your family.

Robin in New Jersey said...

I am so excited for you about your husband's job. That is such great news and an answer to prayer!

Anonymous said...

What a fabulous exchange! Both presents are so perfectly wonderful. It makes me happy that you have a friendship like that - several, in fact. I'm so excited about Mr. E going back to the classroom - what a boon for everyone in your family. I only pray Aussie high school students are more polite than some I've seen here lately! Can't be any worse than car salesmen, though, right?

Deborah said...

What wonderful news for you and your husband. Merry Christmas.

Ondrea said...

Fantastic news! What a wonderful job to have. Our young ones need good teachers. Even better that you won't need to move away from your family. LOooove your beautiful pincushion. HOpe you are feeling good at the moment. Angel Hugs.

TerriSue said...

Well, that is indeed an answer to prayer. You will now have to give me something new to add to my prayers. I know so many people have been praying about this. I am so pleased it has finally come to pass.

Charity McAllister said...

God is so good!

Baa. xxx said...

Yay for Mark's job! Yay for more cuddles with Cully May, and Yay for beautiful gifts given and received in the spirit of Christmas. Love and blessings

LyndaTreen said...

Jenny, I absolutely LOVE your pear pincushion. Is there a pattern for this particular pin cushion? I have a friend that is that dear also that I HAVE to make this for. Thank you so much!! Looking forward to my Nov patterns. Getting SO excited....Lynda Treen

Winifred said...

Congratulations to you both! That's wonderful news for you all.

What fabulous Christmas presents. The antique pear is beautiful & so is the pouch inside it. That pincushions is fabulous. What a great idea to put the scissor pocket onto it.

You must be over the moon! What glorious Christmas presents you have all had.

allthingzsewn said...

So happy for you and DH. Some things are getting better here as well. I'll post after Christmas. Both of the gifts are beautiful and so thoughtfully given. May you and yours have a blessed and safe Christmas and New Years.

Phil Poggeaux said...

Well done on the job front. As a man I can testify that not being able to work in one's profession (for what ever reason) is very trying on the psyche. It will have been a mentally courageous 2 years for your husband. It is wonderful that the teaching appointment is in your town!

Susan said...

So happy for you and your husband. Yes, you are truly blessed by God. Have a wonderful Christmas.

Montse said...

Bellísimos trabajos Jenny ,el alfiletero me ha enamorado !!!!!!!!!
Besitos.

LyndaTreen said...

Still looking for the stitching pattern for this darling pin cushion. Anyone know where it is??? Found the pin cushion instructions, which are GREAT!! But I LOVE the stitching design......Help, Please???!!!

Jenny of Elefantz said...

Lynda, it's one of my designs and is here in my shop - https://www.craftsy.com/embroidery/patterns/prim-spin-posey-stitchery-2-sizes/319374

LyndaTreen said...

Thank you Jenny. Definitely getting the design. But what about the gorgeous writing? Do you have anything for that???? Thank you SO much.....

Jenny of Elefantz said...

See today's blog post, Lynda Treen.

LyndaTreen said...

Oh dear Jenny....Thank you thank you thank you every SO much for the beautiful wording for the pin cushion. I got the design today and was trying to figure out how to do the wording. You are an answer to my prayers. My girlfriends birthday is in Feb and she will be getting this for her special present. Thank you again so very much. You have made me SO happy!!!! Merry Christmas to you!!!

Sheryl said...

Wonderful news for you both. Just love your pretty pincushion.