BBA Secret Santa Reveal

We had so much fun with the BBA Secret Santa in 2011 that we decided to bring it back for 2012. Once again, the deal was that we could give handmade and/or store bought gifts totaling no more than $20. Things went smoothly all around. I'm excited to share more details about how it went on my end.

I was Nancy of NFallonDesignStudio's Secret Santa. I sent her a set of my music note cards and some music gift tags.

When I make music greeting cards, I always end up with little music scraps left over. I use a lot of them to make magnets, but they worked perfectly for making gift tags, too. This was a perfect opportunity to try out my new to/from Christmas stamp.

Linda of PruittCreations was my Secret Santa. Look at what a wonderful job she did with the wrapping! It is so much more amazing than anything I will ever do in that department.

I inspired Linda to make this table runner back in March for my turquoise/red challenge, and she wanted me to have the piece. She created it for Easter, but I think that the colors work for Christmas, too.

Linda also sent me some beads and dark chocolate. My teammates know me pretty well! Thanks for everything, Linda!

If you are not already part of the BBA, hop over to the join section of the blog and think about becoming part of our team.  We'd love to have you!

BBA Secret Santa reveal

One of the things that the BBA decided to do for the end of 2011 was a Secret Santa present exchange.  We could give handmade and/or store bought gifts totaling no more than $20.  Sharla did an excellent job with the logistics of this endeavor.  Thanks Sharla!  Everyone did an excellent job getting their gifts together and out on time so the whole process went very smoothly.

I was Santa for Karen of MysticWynd.  Karen loves Chai tea.  I ordered a bunch of tea from Tim of teaman for gifts this year, including some Chai tea for Karen.  For the Secret Santa package, I also included some Tazo Chai tea bags, as this has been one of my all-time favorite teas for about 7 years now.

Karen loves bookmarks and two of her favorite colors are purple and blue.  I created this set of reading bookmarks for her.  I used ribbon scraps left over from tying jewelry packages.  I covered the bookmarks with contact paper (which I still have a lot of left over from teaching) so they'll last a long time.  These were a lot of fun!  I may be making more of them in the future.

I also made Karen a little set of winter cards.  I included envelopes that are not pictured.  These were also a lot of fun to make.  I'm so glad that I'm working with paper again.

My Secret Santa was Sher of SherHastingsDesigns.  She ordered three sets of beads from Shannon of beadsandbabble that were in my favorites list on Etsy.  These will definitely go to good use in 2012!

Sher picked out this beautiful holiday picture frame.  We don't have any holiday frames so this will be a nice addition to our collection.

She also picked out a holiday scented candle for me.  It is VERY strong!  I have kept it closed in my craft storage/photography room and the smell is still very evident.  This may be one that I keep closed on the mantel or buffet and let it do its work like that.  I love the cinnamon scent in it and how it has little tiny "candies" on top.

I enjoyed making/selecting my Secret Santa gifts and am really happy about the gifts that I got in exchange.  Sher did an awesome job selecting items that fit my interests and preferences.  Everything was beautifully packaged, too.  Thank you Sher!  Thus far the team consensus has been very positive about the gift exchange so hopefully we'll do it again next year.

Check out the BBA blog this week to see what other team members received in the gift exchange!  If you are not already part of the BBA, hop over to the join section while you're there and think about becoming part of our team.  We'd love to have you!

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