Sunday, October 25, 2020

Christmas is A-Coming.....and a Giveaway


Hello lovely lovelies❣ 'Tis early Sunday morning here. One of those sunshine-dripping, spring kinda mornings. One of those mornings where one just wants to slowly sip a cup of tea, in a pretty teacup, looking out to the garden beyond and be thankful that this day has been given to enjoy. The calender has nudged me that it is the 25th day of October. Goodness me, in two months time you and I will be waking to the sounds of Christmas Day. I wonder what Christmas Day will be like this year?? I suppose a Christmas Day like no other. With all that thas happened this year, one cannot really plan for such events, as COVID is a day by day proposition, isn't it. I wonder if families will be able to gather together this year as has always be done; or will Christmas Day celebrations be one where family members are limited and social distancing has to be adhered to??

I know 'tis a bit early to chat about the festive season, but I wanted to have a little Christmas giveaway to sprinkle a little cheer into the day of one of you lovelies. I wanted to sprinkle a little Christmas joy in these uncertain times. Nine years ago I penned a tale about the fashioning of a a Christmas stocking in the aesthetic of a rather elegant Parisian boot evoking the times of King Louis XIV; and a court jester boot for my husband. I wanted to add a little 'joie de vivre' to our festive mantlescape; and to be honest, nine years of skipping down the flower-lined path of this thing that is called life, I still love them as much as I did when I first fashioned them. If you are in the mood of a little light reading or a humorous little tale (well.....at the time.....I thought it was) then you can skip along the twinkling Christmas path, lit with festive sparkle and be amused (or bored) and read my tale of  'Twas The Night Before Christmas........HERE.

Why oh why did I divert you to my Christmas tale of old???? Why, I am desiring to gift a Parisian boot somewhat similar to the pretty I fashioned for my mantlepiece all those years ago.

I fashioned this pretty (along with others in every hue) for a craft fair I was participating in about ten years ago. As with my Louis XIV style Parisian boot, it is a pretty with a jumble of lace, vintage fabrics, jewellery, ribbons, buckles, ruched ribbons......and all that bedazzles.  It has been hanging about in one of my armoires all these years and is wanting to escape, to add a little joie de vivre to some other lovely's Christmas mantelscape. There is another Parisian boot as well to choose from. For those of you who prefer a more traditional christmassy aesthetic, this one is a boot singing a Christmas carol in reds and golds, with sweet little cherubs and lovely laces, gold tassles and beading. Mmm....a Parisian boot smothered in creams and antique laces; or the more classic red and green pretty.......I wonder which one you will choose????
















My deepest apologies for broaching the subject of Christmas with you a wee bit early, but, with the postal service as it is all over the world, I thought I had better throw caution to the wind and attend to this little matter sooner rather than later. Why, I have heard rumours and scuttlebutt about the mail  in the USofA, (if perchance my little pretty should wing it's way there) of the longest delays with the delivery of packages and letters, so I had better post this little pretty, early. Who knows, perhaps it will arrive at someone's doorstep before (fingers crossed) Christmas Day......or Christmas Day 2021.......if at all. =) One never knows these days. I will just have to send it on a wing and a prayer. I have sent cards to my daughter and son-in-law in San Fransisco and they have taken an age to arrive at their doorstep. It's just the way it is these days. There is not a lot we can do about it. The new normal I'm afraid that we all have to get used to. Oh.....I just had a thought. A ridiculous thought, but you know;  there is always the possibility of bringing out the retired stagecoaches of yesteryear, and four trusty steeds to deliver my pretty........well....it could work. Why, is that the honeyed voice of Doris Day singing whip crack-away, whip crack-away, whip crack-away, enroute to Deadwood..........off in the distance?????? Why......I do believe it is . =) Sorry, much too many viewings of Calamity Jane!!

All humour aside, if you hanker after a little Parisian Christmas boot hanging somewhere in your home this Christmastime; adding a little sparkle, a little shimmering glimmer to your days, then please say so in your comment.....and don't forget to mention which pretty you prefer (if indeed, you feel inclined to say hi). I fully understand that a Christmas stocking dripping with  lace and other such fripperies is not to everyone's taste.....I won't hold it against you. =) Thank you for visiting my little place. I will let you know next Sunday where my little Parisian boot will live forevermore. Have a beautiful day, lovely lovelies❣ Thank you for gifting me with your sweet visit

Until the next time.............


Linking up this week to Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching...........as these pretties were entirely stitched by my needle pricked fingers and and I seem to recall that they were hand stitched on a Sunday, well, not in their entirety, as they did take an age to fashion. Why, with my hand on my heart, I speak not with forked tongue. =)


59 comments:

  1. Kim - I will admit to dipping my toe into the Christmas season - we are on a road trip at the moment, and I have been visiting needlepoint and cross-stitch stores for Christmas lovelies! So, your post was certainly not too early for me! What lovely creations these are, and how generous of you to be willing to give them away. Dare I say that I am interested? And I think the red one is my favorite, but "beggars can't be choosers". Your generous thought is gift enough!

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  2. Oh my goodness these are exquisite. I LOVE BOTH but I would really, really, really love the gold one. They are gorgeous as is all your work. And as far as I am concerned Christmas in the heart is all year round! :)

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    1. Love the quote of Charles Dickens of honouring Christmas and keeping it in the heart all year round. What a wonderful world it would be if we all lived with this thought. =) I must say, Asha, the gold pretty does tug at my heart strings, too. Thank you for your beautiful visit and generous comments. It was lovely to have you drop by. Kim Xx

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  3. How pretty are the Christmas boots!!!!!!! Both are gorgeous in their own right. I have to say, I am a bit partial to the right and cream checks on the fabric. Christmas really isn't that far away to be honest. lol. I will have to get a move on myself with Christmas items. x

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  4. What stunning masterpieces your boots are!! I fell in love with them both and couldn't help but be bedazzled by all their finest and ingeniously added details and accents!
    I haven't started any Christmas projects yet, and this one will certainly be a different one.

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  5. Wow Kim
    How can you bare to give these lovelies away. Love the blog on how they were made. Would love to have either one.
    Best wishes fingers crossed Kay c xx

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    1. Hello lovely Kay♥ It is always a delight to gift a handmade pretty to someone. I have a few of these pretties here, so sending one to a new home will sprinkle joyfulness into my day. Wouldn't it be lovely if one of these stockings found a new home with you. Thank you for your delightful visit, lovely lady. Enjoy a beautiful week. Kim Xx

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  6. Hi Kim !!! Lovely post and boots !!! I can't imagine the time and patience you needed to make those Parisian boots ! And you are right, the delay for postage are insane...I send a letter (express) for the US and it arrive two month later :(
    Here, in Portugal, we don't use boot/socks for Christmas...I suppose because people were too poor for too long...My mother (94)say that for Christmas, an orange and a sweet were what the majority received for Christmas...
    This year, Christmas will be complicate...for everyone...Health will be a gift for many...
    Kisses and Hugs
    Anna

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  7. Wow, Kim... I want to come play in your sewing room! Your collection of vintage fabrics and trims must be awesome. I just love how you've used so many in these boots. Both are gorgeous, but if I had to choose, it would be the red one. Your photos of making the boots are wonderful... so much detail. Thank you for your generosity. Whoever receives this treasure will be blessed.

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  8. I am glad you are enjoying Spring down under dear Kim... I hope you are well as you seem to be doing grand wanting to give some of your loveliest works away ... but I understand that too! I would be interested in the tan and red one if it is in the giveaway mood... but only if it is :) It matches the colors we collect and while we are in the midst of moving soon we will be settled and like the Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss we will be unpacked... Just. Like. That ... and getting ready for Christmas... what better gift I think thank one made by a true friend too <3
    Have a wonderful Sunday whatever you are stitching today... and thanks for blogging and offering such a special gift to a special someone! Kathi

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  9. Oh wow how lovely they are! so much work has gone into the making of them! Good luck to everyone that enters. Christmas is at the back of my mind, once I have finished my Queen blanket I will give it more thought, I have a feeling it's going to be a very quiet time this year. Have a lovely Sunday. xx

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  10. Kim, I own a gift shop and start shopping for Christmas in February! By November I am really busy. My store decorations go up November 1. Your work is lovely. While both are beautiful and the red one matches my decor better, the cream and white one seeks to my soul. My best email is sarahsgiftnship(at)gmail(dot)com . Enjoy your spring,it’s my favorite season,

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    1. Sarah, it sounds as if you have been 'christmas-ing' all year long....how fun. I always love stores bedecked with Christmas pretties. I have a feeling my little cream and white Parisian boot would feel ever so much at home with you. Fingers crossed! KimXx

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  11. Your stockings are beautiful. I would love to have the red one hanging on my mantle. I enjoy your blog and your quilts.

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    1. Thank you so much, Glenda for blessing me with your visit. Your name is in the hat for the red pretty. Fingers crossed. =)

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  12. I would love to have your beautiful red stocking hanging on my mantle this year. I enjoy your reading your blog.

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    1. I wish I knew your name. =) Fingers crossed that my li'l red stocking wings it's way to your home. Thank you for popping by; it is a pleasure to have you visit. Kim Xx

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  13. WOW the are lovely Kim! ♥ Christmas is just around the corner.
    Happy stitching!

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  14. They are absolutely gorgeous Kim! I love them. Should I be the fortunate one then the frothy cream would be my choice. Autumn is well under way here and the most delightful colours are appearing in our trees and shrubs. Sadly morning coffee outside has not been an option recently as we have been receiving some much needed rain, but you can have too much of a good thing... Yes, Christmas is going to be very different for us all this year - and maybe a slowing down of the overindulgence and general waste would not be a bad thing. But for those who will miss their annual family gathering I know it is going to be very hard. Thank you for your giveaway and of course another beautiful post. xx

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  15. Enjoying a lovely spring day while sipping tea sounds like a dream right now as we are anticipating winter here. Your stockings are just beautiful. There is so much detail I. Your gorgeous stitching.

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  16. Such beautiful workmanship... or workwomanship!
    Don't put my name in the draw as mailing to Canada is precarious these days since COVID19. My sister sent me a parcel from Michigan a long time ago and it has yet to arrive.

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  17. In my mind it's never too early to mention Christmas! Normally I work towards it pretty much all year long but this year I was later getting started and now I'm having to play catch up. I need to mail the parcel out west by mid-November so I have to get a wiggle on!
    As for the wonderful stockings I would love to throw my hat into the ring for a wee chance at the red one (not that the white one isn't wonderful too, but I just happen to like red).

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  18. Your stockings are absolutely gorgeous!! You can tell you put a lot of thought into making them. Our Christmas will be on the quiet side this year mainly because the Covid virus with still be a big problem. That is okay because we can adapt and still enjoy the holidays. Hugs to you,

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  19. Kim, these are gorgeous! All your hand work is. I would be delighted to hang either in my own little throne of an office, where creams and reds both reside, happily together, along with my mish-mash of antique & beaded purses and fashion mannequin donning her 1920s day dress in cream. :) I am all form getting into the Christmas spirit early. We've already decked our booths, and I am soon ready to break out the Christmas storage here at home. The lights alone are worth putting out the decor early, and as daylight savings time comes to an end here next weekend, we'll be wanting all the light we can muster. Have a wonderful week, and thank you for the generous opportunity of your gifts of art.

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  20. Christmas has been in my mind, also! Your Parisian boots are gorgeous! Either of them would be a lovely addition to anyone's decor (meaning I can't pick one over the other)! Enjoy your time today!! :)

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  21. Your stockings are just lovely! How can you stand to part with them?

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  22. These are so lovely, I would be blessed to receive either. Christmas of course will be a bit quieter this year in the US. However I will decorate (as my birthday is also in Dec) and hopefully get through this difficult time here. Winter is arriving here and it will be a snowy quiet year.

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  23. These are magnificent! I love the work you do! Alas, I have no proper place to display one, so I will pass. I hope whomever wins love their boot!!

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  24. Yes, Christmas will soon be here. At this point, we have been asked to limit contact so that we can, we all hope, gather for Christmas.
    Your mantel dressed for Christmas looks stunning, Kim.
    And I love your beautiful ornate stocking, Kim.

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  25. I would love one of your gorgeous Parisian boots. I especially love the cream/gold one. Thanks so much Kim, and as usual you have beautiful pictures and tales to go with your lovely work. Thanks so much!

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  26. Your Christmas boots are charming and pretty,great giveaway!Congrats on your original artworks,the second one is my favorite.Hugs and blessings!

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  27. Hi,
    it's never toooo early to think about Christmas...all the gifts to buy, planning the menu, inviting guests, Christmas cards to get ready for sending...and yes the mail here is rather slow about deliveries. As for your boot, I think the pretty white lace one's would love to come live at my home for Christmas...have a great day!

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  28. Oh my dear Kim, what a lot of reading this post is.
    The Parisian boots are really amazing, all you have shown are richly decorated with the most beautiful fabrics, lace and brooches, buttons, pearls, too many to mention.
    I always really enjoy your handiwork, excuse me, artwork !!
    If I received such a beauty, I would show it right away and show everyone with a lot of pride that a Tasmanian friend made something like this for me.
    But I keep dreaming .......
    Dear greetings.

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    1. Loes, I am so sorry that you had a lot of reading, but you know how I love to play with words and spin a tale or two. =) Wouldn't it be fun if my little Tassie Parisian stocking found a home in your lovely Denmark home. Why, I think it would be perfectly at home hanging about with all those fabulous artworks of yours. Kim Xx

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  29. Kim both stockings are beautiful but I prefer the red with the Angels.
    MarionMPC[at]aol[dot]com

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  30. Thank You Kim for this lovely and generous giveaway. I like both of the stockings. I would prefer the red one.
    MarilynDKC[at]aol[dot]com

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    1. Your are very welcome, Marilyn. The red pretty does seem to be the preferred stocking. Fingers crossed that my little pretty might find a forever home at your place. Kim Xx

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  31. Both your stockings are just gorgeous! Wow! We have never hung stockings, and I suppose if we did, they would be some old shabby woolen thing. I want to say, Yes...the red one! But, I just feel some of your dear friends are wanting this so badly that I'll just leave my name out this time. Thanks, Kim!

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    1. Mary, I cannot for one minute imagine, that if indeed you hung stockings, they would be "some old shabby woollen thing". Why, they would be in the same vein as your dolls.....they would be exquisite. Kim Xx

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  32. My whole style of dressing and decorating is "shabby chic" which is not shabby at all. I absolutely ADORE your Parisian boots...I've never seen such a thing before and have totally fallen in love with them. Both are gorgeous but the first one, all neutrals, speaks volumes to me---of love, lace and other luxurious trimmings. How very generous you are to make such a beautiful thing of your own making a gift to a total stranger. Do you have angel wings? I would not be surprised. Blessings from a chilly West Virginia. You've made my day just reading your sweet post. Thank you for the photos...eye candy every one!

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  33. I still have the stocking my grandmother made for my first Christmas. I have been trying to think of a place where I could hang it. The days with a cozy fireplace are long gone.

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  34. Hello Kim ... I am just catching up on blog posts after my return from my Mums. Your stockings are divine my dear friend ... Oh Be Still my beating heart!!! I could not choose as they are both so gorgeous so I would be most thankful to be the lucky recipient of either one. Thank You for the chance to enter your gorgeous giveaway - yes we all need a little "brightness" in our lives after this year.

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  35. You are so clever Kim! All that frothy glitz and glamour would cheer up the darkest day (and fireplace) I'm loving those little red cherubs I must say.

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  36. Oh my goodness, I am not sure how you are able to part with either of them! So stunning and beautiful eye candy! I would love either one really! Although the one with the cherubs is very sweet! Your work is absolutely wonderful and your blog is always a delight! Aren't you glad we have needlework to turn to during this trying time??? Hugs from frosty Iowa

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  37. Your boots really are spectacular. After much pondering, I would choose the red but they are both beautiful. Good luck to us all! I'm sure whoever is lucky enough to have your boot skip away to them will treasure most dearly :)

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  38. Beautiful stockings Kim, full of gorgeous stitching! I am sure the winner will love and treasure it.

    -Soma

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  39. Tomorrow we will come out of lockdown in Victoria hard to believe still csnt travel more than 25k but that too is coming cant see my kids or brothers and sisters yet maybe brothers and sisters after the 6th november but kids and grandkids are in Queensland so will have to wait we were supposed to go up at easter but wevvall know what happened then,maybe next year wevwill get to see them, it is lovely blogs like yours thsst keep me going i love both stockings but maybe the cream one more your work is fantastic thankyou for thinking of giving away such beauties.

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    1. That is good news you will be able to get out and about once again in Victoria, Elizabeth. Hopefully, you will be able to visit your kids and grandkids very soon. Covid has caused much distress and sadness with families not being able to be with each other, hasn't it. This year has certainly taken a toll with our daily lives. I hope you are okay. Thank you for visiting my blog and gifting me with your lovely comments. I will put your name in the hat and swirl it around with all the others, and fingers crossed your name is 'the one'. Take care, lovely Elizabeth. Kim Xx

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  40. don't play with me about sunshine...i have not seen the sun in 10 days and i am in great need of a little of that amazing warmth!!

    the boots are so special, so unique...i have never seen anything like that!! stitched. completely with love, how can you possible give one away!?!?

    your fireplace is a picture dreams are made of!!

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  41. You are absolutely amazing Kim! Imagine being able to create something so beautiful! I would love to be able to hang such a beautiful Christmas stocking on my fireplace. Both are beautiful, but if I were to be the lucky winner and be able to choose one, it would have to be the cream colored one.
    Thank you for inviting your blog visitors this exciting give away. Good luck to all of us!
    It is always a pleasure to read your blog and enjoy the beautiful photos you share. Thanks so much! :-)

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  42. Oh, I like talking about Christmas! You are so talented! I am afraid the lovely boot would feel quite out of her element at our house! Everything is all woodsy and wool here! LOL! Your fireplace photo is incredible! WOW!

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  43. I'm so ready for Christmas this year! I've done some online ordering and would wrap the goodies but I'm afraid little Jack would unwrap them for me too early. He had a birthday (#2) recently and became quite a good 'unwrapper.' Your beautiful bootie will be a lovely addition to someone's decor this year! Enjoy the lovely view out of your window today! Mine is cold and dreary....but a sunny forecast is shaping up for the weekend! Zenda

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  44. Awww - another enjoyable post (with flowers and lace!) Thanks for sharing your writing. Beautiful work on the stockings. They must be so much fun to make.

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  45. Oh my word, Kim! What an outstanding giveaway to one lucky person to receive a work of art stitchery from you! Even though red is my favorite color ever, I'm thinking the cream colored one is what I'd choose. Thank you for the opportunity to win! xx

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  46. Oh dear sweet Kim... I enjoyed hearing very much that such a lovely spring day was visiting you last Sunday, while here, ole man Winter had made its appearance, and it was treacherously cold here, with wind chills close to 0 degrees. Yes, the early cold weather has us all thinking about Christmas this year, and wondering how it will be. You are such a generous sweet soul to give away such a beautiful piece of your darling creations! How absolutely lovely it is! I would be thrilled and most honored to have it hanging in my home for Christmas! I love all three of them, each of them so unique and special in their own way! Anything your hand touches, brings beauty and delight to the soul! If I should be the winner, I would let you choose... I love them all. I hope you continue to enjoy lovely days filled with the beauty of springtime, how lovely that joy is! Much love to you my dear friend!

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  47. Gorgeous boots Kim, love the lace and trims, full of unique details.

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  48. Дорогая Ким, вы так щедры! На ваши великолепные сапоги уже давно засматриваюсь, мне нравятся оба. Была бы очень счастлива получить любой, мы живем слишком далеко от Вас, навряд ли мне выпадет такое счастье, но я рада сказать вам спасибо за ваши красивые работы, они окрыляют, хочется сделать что-то подобное.

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    1. Dear Kim, you are so generous! I've been staring at your gorgeous boots for a long time, I like both. I would be very happy to receive anyone, we live too far from you, it is unlikely that I will have such happiness, but I am glad to say thank you for your beautiful work, they inspire, I want to do something like that.

      Hello♥ I wish I knew your name. Thank you so much for your your beautiful words and lovely visit. Your generosity has indeed sprinkled loveliness to my day; indeed, you have delighted my day. Kim Xx

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  49. Wow aren't you ever so sweet to have offered up these Awesome creations, they are all just fabulous and all the extra little details you have put into them is just amazing, you can just see the love for creating them in every little detail, I am glad that you let us know in your last post that you shared these as I did not get a notice in my email about it. I am off to see if I have missed anything else :)

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