2012 NNC Anniversary Meet

Caution: Picture heavy post.

Today is NNC's 5th Anniversary Meet. This year, Mel has graciously offered to host the event at her house. Thanks to Bee Ee who gave me a lift and Vivian who served as navigator, we arrived around 9:30 am.

First thing I saw after greeting everyone was this gorgeous cupcake stand.

Talk about a feast for both the eyes and the tastebuds. On top of that, Mel has prepared these gifts for everyone. Framed Pincushions,

Tins of Buttons,

and Little Pink Cupcakes which are actually a crafter's microfibre polishing cloths.

I just love this handmade decoration she has hanging off the ceiling.

Off to the side was a lovely pond full of koi fish. There's just something so soothing about watching fish swim round and round. LOL!

I chatted and hung out with those in the living room for a bit. Then, I walked into the kitchen to see if I could lend a hand and was greeted with this adorable bunny bowls that I couldn't help but take a picture of.

"What were they for?", you asked. Well, they had something to do with these

and my new found addiction.

Oh yes, that's a chocolate fountain! Which can only mean one thing.

Chocolate covered strawberries. Members who were there will confirm that I was on a sugar high the entire meet ^.^

Of course, let me not neglect the other available dishes.

And this macadamia chocolate brownie is as sinful as it looks.

Okay, enough about the food :P

Every year, a challenge is given to members who participated in the Anniversary Gift Exchange. Last year was the Gingham Heart. This year is the Bird Challenge.

These are what the participants came up with.

Just look at the lovely birds on display. I'm always amazed at the creativity of this group.

To ensure the voting remains fair, every bird was labeled with a number with no prior notice given on who its creator is.

But sometimes, we can venture a guess.

For example, these beautiful tatted birds belong to Zarina. Hehehe...

When everyone has eaten, the demos were given. Here's Vivian showing us her Big Shot.

Zarina also showed us basic piecing method for quilts. I was too busy asking questions to take a picture.

Once votes were taken for the birds, the winner was announced. I won!... Again. Some said I should be banned from entering next year :(

This is the prize made by Margaret.

I'm so happy everyone love my bird. I'll show it to you in my next post.

Check out Margaret's gorgeous stitching. Unfortunately, I have no idea which design this is.

Next, gifts and prizes were given. Here's Margaret, one of the organizers, showing off an owl she received.

And Nik, our other organizer with the cat she made for NNC's 1005th Posting Prize winner.

I was lucky enough to win this pincushion made by Margaret too. This is a Primitive Hare freebie downloadable here.

I had wanted to stitch this the moment I saw it. Now I don't have to anymore :) Thanks, Margaret.

Finally, the moment everyone has been waiting for. Every gift has been labeled with a number. Underneath each bird on this tray is a Hershey's Kisses and a number. You get to pick a bird and the gift that matches the number you pick goes to you.

Mine went to Shanny in Switzerland.

This is the bird that came home with me, made by Vivian.

Can you guess what treasures are in this pretty box?

Three stunning handmade cards,

A tissue holder, book cover, zipper pouch, hand-bind book and a bottle of perfume.

Last but not least, door gifts were handed out to everyone.

What a haul! Thank you so much to all who contributed. I had a fabulous time today.