Don't you just love an unexpected surprise? From Amazon, the UK website, I ordered a book and some ginger biscuits for my father-in-law in England. Since this was really the same thing I got for him last year...wouldn't it be nice to send him something else, something unexpected? I sent a message on my Instagram account to the British illustrator Alice Tait and told her that I was pleased to see that she had a website where I could order some of her pieces. She sent me a message BACK. A real artist! Yes, my friends, it made my day...I am telling you! (You see, I had explained that although I am American and live in the States, I would want the gift to be mailed to England.)
My father-in-law received his package from Amazon and while he was pleased with the book and ginger biscuits, I think it was the package from Alice Tait that really made him happy! I truly love her drawings! I found a short video for you.
Her website is just here.
If you are able to look at her site, I ordered the set of coasters for Peter, one says "Shall we soldier on" and "Is That The Time" and "Royal Treatment Please". (And I am so bad, I ordered the canvas London tote bag for myself! I already have one, I bought it in London the last time we were there but I am wanting a new one!)
They came free with the bag!)
I cut my head off for you. You're welcome.
Don't you just love her prints? If you notice, it says that she will sign the print, and not only that but will personalize them with a unique message of your choice. Isn't that just the nicest thing? (It says that the world map is very popular for birthdays and christenings.)
I just had to tell y'all about this! What will be the next thing that I will order? She has written a children's book, "No, Nancy, No". I simply must have it! (Nan, in Maine...I hope you are reading this!)
For anyone on Instagram...her account is alice_tait_illustrates
Alice Tait, if you ever see this post, thank you! I really love that you included a personal note in with the package, an unexpected surprise for my dear father-in-law, Peter. Very much appreciated.
You are just the BEST daughter-in-law, Kay. I'll bet he was tickled pink. Your tote is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kay! I was pleased this made him happy. Hard to think of gifts to send for someone so far away.
DeleteI'm off to check out her website right now! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGood! I really like her work, I bet you will too.
DeleteWhat a thoughtful and unique gift. I like it.
ReplyDeleteAnd I should have told you, he really loved the ginger biscuits I got him last year so this year he got two boxes!
DeleteWonderful! And I mean everything - your idea for a gift for your dear father-in-law, the way the artist deals with her customers, the bag, the hydrangea, and last but not least, your header photo. It made me think of the book "Sailing Alone Around The World".
ReplyDeleteYes! I am glad the photo brought that to mind, one of my favorite books! You know I try to think of wonderful gifts,he also has your mother's socks from Germany!😄
Deleteher art work is sweet I have never heard of her. But I am sure your father in law loved his gift.
ReplyDeletecathy
I think she is a gifted artist. How I admire those can draw! Like songwriters, I am in awe of them.
DeleteWhat a delightful gift! And thank you so much, Kay, for introducing me to this new-to-me artist whose work is lovely! Her website is great. I'm following her on Instagram now.
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely, so glad you think so too.
DeleteWhat a delightful artist. And so nice, that she adds a personal touch, to what you order. I'm sure he was thrilled. :-)
ReplyDeleteOh yes, to be able to draw nature. -happy sigh-
Why not just try??? You just might surprise yourself. Some artists did not begin, till later...
✨💛✨
Guess what?! I picked up a pencil and sketched a small picture and put it in a card and mailed it to my father in law. Hope he can make out what I drew!☺ He might wonder what small child sent that to him!
DeleteHow sweet. You are the perfect daughter in law.
ReplyDeleteI am not perfect but I am appreciative!
DeleteWhat a thoughtful and caring lady you are. Kay.
ReplyDeleteHa! I am so thoughtful, I thought to buy myself something too!😁 You are sweet to say so anyway.
DeleteNever heard of that artist before. Liked the bee buzzing video.
ReplyDeleteI liked that video too. Somehow her drawing on that reminds me of Beatrix Potter, who was not only a great artist but one of my heroes.
DeleteWho
The hydrangeas are just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThey really are! I wish I could capture that beauty in a painting. My husband can in a photograph. Thanks for your comment!
DeleteWhat fun gifts! I’m off to check out her site. Thanks for commenting on my blog yesterday. I’d love to subscribe to yours by email but i don’t see a place to do it. If you add one, could you let me know? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou have a lovely blog. Loved your photos from Tasmania. Subscribe by email? Not sure how to have that on here, I have a blog and also Instagram account, but hardly know how to do either one. Sad but true. Thanks, Cynthia for your comment. If you think about it, stop by again.
DeleteHi-ya. You commented on my blog "by accident," but I'm returning the favor... on purpose. :)
ReplyDeleteHave you ever been to Norcross? We have a lovely store here called "Taste of Britain" that carries all kinds of wonderful foodstuffs and gifts from across the pond. :) I've been buying tea from there for years.
Take care. Nice to meetcha.
Hello Susan!
DeleteYes, I know "Taste of Britain in Norcross! Hard to get out of my busy little Conyers these days, but you have a fantastic shop, you know I love it. (Save all the Yorkshire teabags and any English chocolate for me! LOL)
Sorry I left that comment on your blog and then had to delete it, you don't want to know how nutty I am.
Very nice to meet you also. When I am back up in your area, I will stop in and introduce myself!
Dear Kay, thanks for stopping by my blog this past week and leaving a comment about my posting, which was a eulogy for my friend Pat. Now that I've visited your website, I can see that I've been missing some lovely thoughts and ideas! Are you a fan of the Jacquie Lawson e-cards? Sometimes her cards have drawings taking place and they remind me a little of Tait. Also, I wonder if you are a Downton Abbey fan and if you know that there is a movie coming out this fall about Downton Abbey. Supposedly it takes place two years after the last episode of the sixth season. I am so looking forward to seeing it. I feel that as you are reading my words, you are smiling and nodding yes! I think you must be such an upbeat kind of person--one who sows flowers in the pathway she walks. Peace.
ReplyDeleteDear Dee,
DeleteI appreciate your kind words very much. I have a dear friend who sends me the Jacquie Lawson e cards and I think they are lovely.
OH yes, that Downton Abbey movie, you know it will be a hit!
Love those costumes, don't you? Those dresses...sigh.
"One who sows flowers in the pathway she walks."
Well, I am telling you, that is just about the nicest thing anyone has ever said about me, so I thank you.
God bless. x
Hi Kay - I concur with all the comments ... excellent customer service - but more importantly your thoughtful choices for your FIL - ginger biscuits always good, but Alice has surpassed all. Lovely read - while the hydrangeas are just gorgeous - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteSo lovely to be away and to come home to your comment!
DeleteI adore hydrangeas, I truly do. x
Hello, I clicked onto your comment at Susan Flett Swiderski's blog and somehow got sent several Wednesdays ago to "Sir Arthur Conan Doyle..." where I commented and proceeded to time travel a bit thru your posts. Brava! I follow on GFC.
ReplyDeleteWhy hello there, George, I am so happy to meet you!
DeleteI thank you very kindly for your comment here and for reading my posts. Most bloggers only write of one subject, but I write about a great number of things, stay tuned!
Thanks very much for becoming a follower!
Flowers, totes and art........what a win win situation. Happy Birthday to your Dad.
ReplyDeleteI wrote of gifts to my father in law here. My Dad died in February. I miss him terribly. The last birthday that he had, I took that day off to spend with him. Glad I did that now. Glad you left your comment to remind me of that! God bless you.
Deletefun bags....
ReplyDeletelove it
Hey Tanza, thank you. I like fun bags!
DeleteOh I have seen her work! I recognise it ... she does a lot of drawings about London. I bet your father in law was thrilled! Those hydrangeas are lovely, and I would love to see your drawing.
ReplyDeleteYou should look at her website, it is very well done! My father in law is so very, very proper...but he almost sounded like me in his excitement! Hee hee! I am not an artist but I have the eye of an artist and can appreciate the beauty of the hydrangeas. x
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