StampNation and The Gifting Ball

I often talk about StampNation and all the inspiration that
flows from that site. But it's not only inspiration that you'll find

at StampNation. It's friendship too!

I have found the most amazing group of ladies there - friendly,
funny, encouraging, thoughtful and oh so supportive. We are truly a
group of friends, from all over the world, who have found

a place to gather and share not only our creative journeys,

but our personal ones too. I have never met any of them in
person (yet) but consider so many of them my friends.

Have you heard of a Gifting Ball?
I had never heard of one before but I was very
intrigued by a post one of the members of

 StampNation started.

Circle of Friends "Gifting Ball"

A gifting ball is floating around visiting our SN sistahs. The purpose of the ball is simply to remind its recipient how much they are loved by the family. It's not a means of giving monetary gifts unless it's some small token or something to be used in our craft. The first one I ever received had a butterfly in it with the message, "Spread your wings and fly"
Just something thoughtful to bring a smile.

There is one on its way from North Carolina to Australia for our Aussie sistahs to pass, and also one is on its way to someone in the states. Please don't drop the ball. I think it would be so interesting to watch them go across the states and beyond. Thanks for humoring me, I know when I received them, it made me feel really special. These are not new ones but ones that have been circulating for years so if they appear tarnished, just know that's from many many happy hands who have opened it before you.

Here is a picture of what was in the gifting ball 
when I received it.

I literally squealed with delight when I opened it and saw
all the amazing things inside!  It most definitely brought a smile
to my face. I couldn't wait to fill it and pass it on to another one
of my SN 'sistahs'.  It is now very full and ready to be
mailed - I can't wait to see if the person I chose to send
it to likes it. It was as much fun to fill as it was to open.
I'll be sending it out first thing on Monday morning.

Now to play with all my new goodies :) :) :)

Happy Stampin'