my swap gifts from Steve Bellinger
OK, here is the beautiful gift trove I received in the swap from Steve Bellinger. I was, and still am, very touched by the beauty in both his items and his thoughtfulness. Y'all other swappers are going to find it very difficult to top this.
The box is 10"wide X 5" high. No need to describe, you can see the beauty and expertise in it's construction. Design, inlays, finish, everything combine to make a very special item. I have never come close to creating a thing of beauty like this.
The small hollow form with finials is a work of art, as unique as it is beautiful. It is about 5 3/4" high X 3 1/2" wide. Very delicate.
Tiny bell that actually has a ringer in it, 4" tall.
And, the bear claw shaped knife. Not something he made but still a very special gift to me.
Steve made a box that surpasses anything we (I) expected in this swap. I'm blown away by that alone. My very humble offering to the recipient cannot compare. I'm going to label it as coming from Vaughn and not me.
The hollow form is a real plus, beautiful gift. It might go to my daughter-in-law when she returns. Her birthday is today but this is no joke.
The bell really demonstrates what kind of person Steve is. He thought of my wife. Somewhere along the line I must have mentioned she is an avid bell collector. She really got excited when she saw this. One of a kind handmade and beautiful to boot. Her appreciation is over the top. Steve thinking about my wife put my appreciation way over the top.
And, finally, Steve gave me this small knife he has had for many years. It is a personal item. It is a bear claw style. Again, Steve remembered, at one time I had mentioned I have a 'thing' for bears and have worn a bear claw necklace constantly for more than forty years. I would have to get gushy to explain how I feel about this personal gesture.
Thanks alone is not adequate. Thank you, Steve.