Painting little gourd Matryoshkas

Clockwise from upper left:  ATERGcrochet:  Jenaissance Designs:  That's Woolly Something:  PlanetJune

As many of you already know - in April I supported "makers of free content" - craft artists and shop owners who share free content in their blogs - by experimenting with my very first "Shopping Spree Giveaway".

Usually at Mother's Day I write about the women who shaped me into the person I am - my Mother, Grandmother (Gwennie) and my Great Grandmother (Grammie).

This year I am breaking with "tradition" and sharing a treasured memory about my daughter, Diane.

The sweet little crewel embroidery pictured here was completed by Diane when she was between 11 and 12 years old. And there is a story to be told.

Check out my beautiful plant markers! A gift from Annette!

 Visit her blog "by Annette" where you will find an excellent tutorial for making your very own set of plant markers using recycled aluminum pop cans!

Fruit Bat Amigurumi image by PlanetJune with permission

After announcing the April Shopping Spree winner a few days ago, several of you left comments or wrote me asking me to share Areille's (the winner) choices!

This beautiful Iceland Poppy greeted me yesterday as I strolled through the garden - morning coffee in hand and wrapped in a blanket to keep the rain drops at bay.

The explosion of pollen heavy stamens and half formed petals looks exactly like my mind has been feeling lately.

Image of Valborg Fire in Sweden by Thomas Bucktele

Valborg or Walpurgis Night! April 30th.

Time to say goodbye to winter and welcome spring.

We have a winner!

And the winner is Arielle!

Arielle, I will drop you a note and let you know what to do to claim your prize!!

Thank you to all who entered. Your comments were so lovely, I am sitting here wishing like everything I could afford to award everyone a prize just for playing and sharing.