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Sunday, January 13, 2013

Do You Know My Friend Katherine?

Do you know my friend Katherine?  If you do, I know you'll be smiling and shaking your head "yes," as you read on...

I met sweet Kasia, aka Katherine,  a little over a year ago through blog land.

She's one of my dear Canadian friends and the author of Chatelet, an amazing blog. Katherine is one of the most loving and giving people I know ~ a truer heart does not exist.

One day, in the midst of all the Christmas festivities, I received a package in the mail....



Of course, I recognized the return addy, but had not expected this ~

First, I opened the beautiful card ~



A sweet message was written on the back of the card and it was readable through the lovely organza fabric ~ Katherine, so talented!

And here is the most beautiful Christmas gift of all....
a hand crafted star to crown our Christmas tree!



I know I've said this many times ~ I'm so blessed with the richness of my family and friends ~ but it bears repeating, and dear Katherine...you are a blessing to me! 

While I wax poetic on you, my blessings, let me share Saturday with you...

Dear Sandra will celebrate her birthday on 
January 24th, and we always celebrate our birthdays in a grand way. 


This year Sandra's desire was to enlist my teaching so she could try her hand at soldering.

I decided to set up the soldering station in the house. Normally, I like to work outdoors with this medium as it's more pleasant, but 30 degree temps in a very dry climate does not a comfy workshop make!

My kitchen is pretty fireproof, so I set up on the ceramic stovetop...



Torch station, waiting in the wings

Sandra arrived and we began our day with a yummy breakfast, a la Starbucks...




"Class" started with tips on safety,  and navigating the art of the soldering iron.

Sandra prepared her inchie charms....

 And dug...



right in!!


The results were stunning ~ an awesome student!!


We enjoyed a most delicious lunch at the Hess family's favorite Mexican bistro...



Putting smiles on Tucson faces since 1922...



Back to work ~ time to tackle the torch!

Working from the ground up, Sandra learned to cut and prepare metal, flood solder, and cold connect an  heirloom jewel.



And she proudly wore her finished work of art!


It was a wonderful celebration of Birthday



and friendship!

a lovely gift from my "star" student
I wish you a beautiful week, my dear ones...your blessings are there ~ don't miss them!!

xoxo
Karen



8 comments:

Unknown said...

How lucky! Soldering is on my bucket list~even have a soldering gun that has never been used. Loved the little inchies. Thanx for sharing and your gal pal is blessed to have a friend like you. Tiff

JoAnne said...

Isn't Katherine a beautiful soul? I'm fortunate to have her in my life as well. Your soldering play date looked like a lot of fun Karen!

Tara said...

I've always wanted to learn to do that! I looks like you had an exceptional day, if only all Birthdays could be so special!

Unknown said...

Oh Karen! You are the biggest sweetheart! :) SO glad you liked this, I got all beet red my dear! Thank you for your sweet words! And the soldering is wonderful, your friend had a fabulous teacher, so Im not surprised! ;)

Hug,

lynn said...

that star is gorgeous... and fitting for such a sweet lady as you :)
and daughters are such blessings.. i am blessed to have two myself .. happy birthday from me to her .. give her a big ladybug hug for me
and karen you have a great week.. and thanks for sharing.. you are a great tutor.. the inchie charm is perfect... and im sure she will have memories of it for along time.

Something Special said...

Oh how I would love to live closer to you. I use to live in Arizona in the White Mountains. Looks like you both had a wonderful time spent together. Thanks for your inspiration always!
Just announced a new swap for Valentine's come check it out if you wish! You are one of my favorite partner's ever!

Decor To Adore said...

Oh what a heartwarming post! I love the charms.

Have a lovely winter wonderland weekend!

~*~Patty S said...

Thank you for making me smile by sharing so much friendship and creativity always dear Karen!

What a fun fun time you all had.
oxo