Heleen de Vaan made me a photorealistic butterfly!

[Minneapolis Gnome]

When this arrived in the mail it caused quite a sensation at my house.  Two friends and I all had to look two or three times, very closely, to see if this was an actual butterfly somehow mounted on heavy weight art paper or maybe a finely detailed photo of one that Heleen sent to me.  I swear I can see the dust on it's wings.  It's simply unbelievable.  We were in shock and awe.  This sentiment was echoed by a coworker who saw it up in my wall at work yesterday.  

After careful study, I see that she must have used fine micro-pens in addition to watercolor to create this butterfly which looks as if it may lift off and fly from the paper at any moment.  My Grandma loved butterflies, Heleen - thank you so much for the card and the personal note you wrote on the back.

Everyone should also note the ENVELOPE!  What could bring more joy to a Gnome's heart?  It echos the butterfly theme with a monarch on it, a gardening gnome and a sweet snail!  My name and address are slipped between growing, lush, healthy leaves on a green vine.

I LOVE THIS mailing from Heleen de Vaan and feel privileged to have received it.  Thank you so much for your kindness and sincerity, Heleen.  You're marvelous people.       

[stripygoose]

What a real treat. It looks wonderful. People
are so generous and thoughtful with their art - makes
the world seem a truly lovely place :->

[Katerina Nikoltsou (MomKat)]

Beautiful!