Tuesday, September 29

Gifting

Call me crazy but, yes, this is my entry for Creative Tuesday's GIFTING challenge. I know, Christmas and English robins are a ways off. I mean, it was almost 80F / 27C today, yet the slightest cooling breeze beckons my heart to winter: cozy days inside enjoying the peace and quiet snow affords; sitting by the fireplace with hot cuppas in hand and so on. One of my favourite parts of this season is having that extra excuse to give simple gifts to others who might never expect it, letting that person know that even the smallest things are not just noticed but appreciated. Aside from always always saying "please" and "thank you" whenever ordering anything anywhere, we do our best to recognize that someone who makes the perfect latte, has that extra finesse of customer service, or what have you.

Likewise, as stated over on Creative Tuesdays, it's time to surprise some lucky co-opper there. If you haven't signed up yet, there is still time. As long as you follow the guidelines, you'll be entered to win and the fact of the matter is, your odds are going to be surely very good. We'll be lucky if there are even 10 other people entered into the drawing! So, get out your pencils and draw something, or make something with fabric even. These are nice, quality items — nothing cheaply made here!

So, what is that circular metallic piece in the sneak peak prize drawing photo? Lissa's guess was the closest — a boiled egg cutter! You just position it over and around your your hard or soft boiled (hot) egg, grip the handle and, voila! It cleanly chops off the top, making your egg perfect for scooping and dunking your toast and spoon into. Isn't that brilliant? No more, Ow, ow, OW!! :)
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27 comments

  1. this piece it's so christmas-y but I like it. but the orange makes it a little less so. I do like the gift here - food - anything food related as a gift is something like giving life or something that revives people & all kind of creatures. anyway, it's definitely a great piece for a christmas card or a greeting card.

    I have no idea about the egg cutter, if fact, I didn't even know such things existed but I guess new inventions are created every day so I shouldn't be surprise.

    have a lovely day.

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    1. I had no idea about it either until I asked the owner of the store but waht a novel idea, right?! :)

      Yes, robins have orange breasts so I pushed it a bit to the red w/o going overboard. I like the idea of this working not just for xmas but the winter holidays as a whole. Thank you, Lissa, for your comment.

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  2. Great thoughts indeed. Greetings to you.

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    1. Thank you Blogoratti. Time to check in you again too! :)

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  3. That is brilliant the egg cutter thing! Your piece is so charming, aww! I see a bit of Alexandra in here too.

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    1. What? Rather, Alex's in mine! I inspired her first! hahahahhaha

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    2. Actually, truth be told, she suggested the idea in the first place and I ran with it. lol.

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  4. Michael,
    I love the sweet look on the robin's face looking down at the other robin - willing to give, or share something special. That is a wonderful gift. And did you use watercolour or acrylic? or what? to make that great orange?
    Thanks for the great linky.
    Blessings,
    Janis

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    1. Digital pencil for the colour, Janis, lots of layers. Thank you for noticing those things. now, where is your entry?! :)

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    2. Michael,
      So sorry to be late but I was at a conference in Edmonton, Alberta until late Sunday night. I painted my piece Monday night and wrote the blog post on Tuesday. It is up in time. I like trying to figure out the medium that is used. What is digital pencil?
      Trying hard to catch up now with comments to others.
      Blessings,
      Janis

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  5. This is a perfect Christmas piece! It would make a lovely greeting card. And sadly I know it seems far off, but, it really is time (or soon it will be) to begin thinking of what kind of art to make for Christmas, what gifts to give, and all of it. I love this piece, their chests against the sky pop out really beautifully. Thank you for all you do, Michael/Mister Toast! You give us all so much every two weeks it is much appreciated ^_^

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    1. You are very kind to say that, Donna. thank you! And yes, you are right--thus why I am strating xmas art now ad no doubt you will be too, right? to sell it for the holidays. I have a coffee shop that would like more of my cards for xmas when it gets closer so I am now starting that process. :) It is fun. I love the holidays ESP when able to SHARE it. you too bring lots of joy in your thoughtful writings and sharing your art with the kids, etc. keep it up! keep shining. :)

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  6. Oh yes, Michael, I agree with Janis. The robin's expression looking at the other is so loving and kind. I love your choice of colors as well. You are an amazing, talented artist. I didn't know about the "eggy, thingy" either. LOL

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    1. Hee, that eggy thing so cracks me up. BOOM! Get it. hahahah. I cracketh myself uppeth, actually, oh dear me. Anyway, thank you for your lovely words. Isn't it funny that both you and Janis noticed the eye there as I actually took quite a while redrawing that one and colouring it to make it perfect, to express that exactly. It;s hard to do with beady bird's eyes without getting too cartoony if not wanting to go that direction. lol. thanks again.

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  7. such a sweet drawing. i love the offering from one bird to the other.
    i would have never guessed that tools job, at least not from the photo, that is wonderful. I love kitchen tools.
    thank you for being our host!

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    1. Well, maybe you will win, Tammie! you are entered in to the drawing. Thank you for participating adn playing along and for your comment here. Lovely. I will show another pic later. And if I get more than 10 peeps entered, I will do two gifts for first and second!

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  8. Your English Robins turned out wonderful, Mooks. I'm so glad you didn't give up. They're perfect - filed with joy, giving and coziness all the way around. And who says we can't start celebrating Christmas now? :D hee

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    1. So, where did you hide my stocking? :) thank you smoots! you make the hols more fun, for sure! And, importantly, so glad you gave me the idea for this. Thank you!

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  9. This is so not fair!! I stared at that metal thing for like five minutes and have NO clue. Good thing I get gifts from you all the time.. Perks of being the daughter :D Now here's another question that always stumps me... What do YOU want for Christmas? You're the hardest person to shop for!

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    1. As always, a lovely card form you, darling. That fulfills everything. So, what do you think of the image? :)

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  10. What is it about birds that melt my heart. The gift of food is such a special gift. This surely would be a delightful Christmas Card. The blue circle just frames those two little twitters so nicely. And he simplicity makes it profound. Love it Michael.

    I truly loved your teddybear story in you comment, and so sorry it had to be thrown out. So much like the loved Veleteen Rabbit. Michael, I think we could share stories for hours.....wouldn't that be fun. Hugs.

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    1. Yes, I'm quite sure we could...just come to Colorado and we'll sit over a nice hot cuppa and chat for hours! fun! Thank you for you lovely comment, Wanda.

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  11. No lie. I just did a digital snowman puzzle. And I'm wearing my white winter robe. So fun.

    Your picture is very nice indeed. Very neat on the egg thingy. Stuff like that is fun.

    Cheers and boogie boogie.

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    1. Thank you! Terribly sorry for the late reply.

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    2. No need to be sorry. Wishing you an Alex a magically New Year.

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  12. I love little robins and so happy that winter is coming and air gets chilly. I'm back in Finland for this October and return to UK next month. Here it was -1 Celsius yesterday and I saw some pretty amazing northern lights. Christmas time definitely is great time to give gifts and receive gifts.

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    1. Awww....like you, I love Christmastime as well. Hope you're doing well. :)

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