Sometimes I don’t like posts like these, because I feel like I’m bragging, however… with the limited budget I am on (I will skip buying “important” things like new normal clothes or shoes so I can buy fabric or reference books/material for my hobbies), I am truly thankful for those who send me gifts for my hobbies and interests. 🙂
I’m also very fortunate to have an awesome mother-in-law who loves that I draw and sew, and gets such enjoyment out of picking out gifts to give us too! This year was definitely no different… some of the items I received:
Prop replica sword “Deathless” from my amazingly sweet husband, and a Thorin iPhone case and soundtrack from AUJ from my mother-in-law.
My MIL also gave me this beautiful print of the Gates of Erebor from WETA — easier to show this screencap from their website, as my copy is safely rolled up in the shipping tube, awaiting a frame.
My big gift from my MIL — Thorin’s left-hand ring. She had to guess my size, and unfortunately will have to be returned for a larger one as this one didn’t fit. Now I have both of his rings. Yay!!! 😀
On the costuming side of things, I have mentioned many times how tiny this apartment is, and everything I use is buried and difficult to get to. She got me this awesome makeup case, so now I can keep my costuming makeup/wig styling supplies and my soon-to-be-growing (hopefully) costume prosthetic collection together and easy to find.
I admit, I let out a squeal when I realized my MIL also got me this book. I’ve had this on my wishlist for a long while now — seems like every time one of my costuming friends/bloggers makes a new corset, they always mention this book! I felt like the pitiful kid on the playground, left out, and wondering what information was in here. Oh my! I can’t wait to put this book to use!
I didn’t list everything (I’m so spoiled by my awesome family), but I can’t say it enough… thoughtful gifts like these just make me so happy and are such a huge help (yes, even the movie props/jewelry/soundtrack stuff… great inspiration)!
I will be doing a “not-a-review” page on the Deathless sword when I have the time to put it together (there are better reviews out there, but I took some photos and have a few thoughts to share on it… nothing much, but it’s fun to share).
I just have this to say about that sword: My sweet hubby and I don’t really exchange gifts often. We did not plan on doing it this year. He didn’t tell me about this — it was a secret between him and my MIL. We were at my MIL’s for Christmas Eve, and when we were finished doing the gift thing with her, he went out to the car. Leaving me asking my MIL “what’s going on?” Imagine my shock when he came back in with the wrapped gift that I immediately recognized due to the shape and size. I couldn’t believe he’d pulled that off. I’m still not sure how he did, but he must have been planning this for a long time.
So it’s been a wonderful year, and we’ve had some great holidays. I hope to do an end-of-year entry at some point as well.
Aw, I’m so happy you feel inspired by your gifts, although I’m still kicking myself (not TOO hard) for ordering the ring without a clue about size. But it will all work out. And you DID let out a little squeal when you opened the corset book.
We printed out the ring sizing chart, and will be bringing it Saturday hopefully. I’m just not sure which of two sizes it will be… don’t want it to be too loose, but don’t want it to still be tight.
And a “little squeal”… heheh! I admit, I held it up over my head and let out a “YEEESS!” heehee! 😉
What great gifts! They are special, too, because they show how well the givers know you. It’s always so nice to know that people care enough to select things they know you’ll love.
I can’t wait to see all the exciting things you make with your new stuff!