Homecoming Surprises

We made it home safely yesterday afternoon with our little Subaru totally stuffed with bags of dusty vintage treasures, suitcases full of dirty laundry, a box of empty Tab cans (Nancy would be proud!), the remains of multiple picnics in the car (our WW leader, Mary Elizabeth, would be proud too...lots of apple cores and banana peels!)...and five Easter lilies for good measure. Pennsylvania and Maryland were beautiful and we got the chance to visit special aunts and uncles in Connecticut on the way.

While we were unpacking the car, I noticed a cardboard box at the front door. It was from my new blogger friend, Paula Clare, at Paula's Palace of Altered Art. If you haven't visited her blog, you absolutely need to check it out. Paula combines her love of altered art with her love of vintage campers to create amazing pieces. Recently, she had a contest on her blog and I actually won! Since I also love vintage campers and altered art, it seemed almost meant to be. I was so excited when I opened my prize from Paula that I have to share it with you, my "blog buddies".

Paula created a scrapbook in the shape of a vintage camper using a variety of papers and textiles to reflect her artistic and camping passions. The amount of time that she put into this project absolutely humbles me as the recipient of it.

 Inside the front cover is a picture of  Paula with a few words that inspired her project. Isn't she cute?

 And here is a little denim pocket page she created...stuffed with photos of her vintage camper.

I love the sentiment on this page..."The road goes on forever and the party never ends." Hopefully, we'll never get too old to play!

Paula embroidered the little camper on this page....

 and added more embroidery and some vintage buttons on this one. I love "Camp Cute".

Here are Paula's "Camping Rules"...perfect!

After this page, she created some blank pages for me to fill in during future travels in our little camper. How thoughtful is that?

Paula even tucked in some camper stamps and a string of camper lights. Now I can create my own camper art. (That will go on the very long  "To Do" list in my craft room...so many great ideas, so little time!) Thank you so much, Paula, for this amazing gift...I will treasure it.

I was also surprised to see that my blog about the "Home Educator" was featured on my new friend Denise's blog, The Pink Postcard. Denise blends contemporary and vintage styles with a creative eye and her blog is full of ideas. I love what she did with vintage shoe forms in this post. I have a box of these that I have been trying to think of a creative use for and can't wait to try Denise's project (add that to the list!)

Our vacation was perfect but I can't believe how much I missed all of you while I was away. I kept up as best I could on my laptop but it's nice to be home and have a chance to be back in touch with each of you. Since Nancy passed away, I've missed the hours I spent just sitting and talking with her so much. Having so many new blog friends has helped me to stay positive through the long days of missing my sister. Thank you all for that.

It's good to be "home"...Happy Easter!

This post is linked to:

Saturday Nite Special at Funky Junk Interiors

Favorite Things Friday at The Speckled Dog

Home Sweet Home Party at The Charm of Home

Show & Share Day at Just A Girl

Friday Pretties at I Love Pretty Little Things

Show and Tell Saturday at Be Different, Act Normal

Treasures & Trinkets Party at My Cottage Charm

Hodgepodge Friday at It's A Hodgepodge Life