Because we're all one big happy family here, I'd like to start a holiday tradition that should be fun for everyone.

We're going to have a Secret Santa event.

....where everyone who enters gets a virtual present drawn for them! But.....we won't know who sent them!!!! We will have to do some guessing...and some detective work!

Here's how it will work....

From now until Dec 12th:
Volunteers subscribe in the Secret Santa thread

Dec 12th: List is split in two and published (each participant is assigned a Santa).

From Dec 12th to December 22nd: Each participant sends the virtual Xmas present drawn by them to their assigned Santa for distribution

Dec 23rd: Santas send virtual presents via PM to his or her list.

Then Participants exchange PMs to find out who sent them the present. When they have found out who drew their gift, they can then post the image in the thread ( saying xxx is my Secret Santa, here is what I got).

When you register your name for the Secret Santa event, you should then provide your list of what you would like for Christmas. Then whoever gets your name drawn will have some ideas to 'draw' from... The sky's the limit in this. Be as extravagent or frugal as you like.


PARTICIPANTS
Jeanette (IslanderNL) (Santa 1)
Lori (racedolls) (Santa 2)
Markita
J-Lynn
Venus
Paulette
Laura
Pammy
Kim1963
RJS
Painter48
ronnyd257
Brian David
Farfallina
Cyn
Chalktalk
Sickfish

This is a super idea I would love to join in on the fun !
please add me
Mark
anything I can help with just let me know

this sounds like fun--i would be willing to help you jeanette with the santa thing--i need something to get me into the spirit of christmas. let me know what i need to do--also do we still participate in the secret santa thing? the drawing and so forth? let me know if you want me to help you. thanks
Lori

Great, thanks Lori. I'll put you down as Santa 2 And yes, you still participate in the drawing as well. I would have your name and assign a partner to you and vice versa so we don't know who would our secret santa is.

So now everyone sign up and tell us what you would like for Christmas!

Oh, goody! At the top of my list is either dsl or cable internet service!

Hmmmm, not possible? Oh well, sign me up for a 1958 MG-b convertible, any kind of flower, how about a castle? Money is always nice to receive - even virtual money! Oh, and any kind of animal, love my fur,fin & feather babies! lol And we'd love to have a new pond in back maybe even with a gazebo! Love anime'/manga also. And surprises! Love to be surprised.

Jeanette said to be extravagant so I'm only complying with her instructions! lol (Hope I didn't ask for too much!)

J

Oooh what fun! Yes everyone can shoot for the moon on this. Its everything you ever wished for - money no object!

I'm thinking about what I would like....I'll post my santa list later.

okay jeanette, just let me know when and what to do. i am still thinking about my virtual presents too.
Lori

Ok sign me up too...As for my list hmmm..I love candles, absolutely adore dolphins!!! (favorite animal too by the way) ummm fairies, butterflies, of course flowers (irises are my fave) hmmmI think that about sums it up. Hubby already bought me my presents I wanted for christmas so I am not picky anymore...

I'm thinking on a list also.
Paulette

I was thinking How are we going to be an Secret when we know each others drawing style and user names when we pm and with email address some of us know each others email address?



Am abit lost in how its going to work please help me ?

Jeanette,

This is such a great idea!!!! Now that I have a bit more time I think I can safely participate!!!

"Deck the halls with bows of holly...fa...la...la...la...la...la...la...la...la...."



Dear Secret Santa,

I've been a very good girl this year so I thought I would write my list early...to make sure you could find what I want for Christmas....yippee...

I want a picture of Santa Claus with Rudolph!!!!
If you can't find one of them then I'll settle for just Rudoph!!!
If you can't find one of Rudolph I'll settle for the head elf at the toy shop!!!!
If you can't find one of the head elf at the toyshop...I'll settle for the Toyshop at the North Pole!!!
If you can't find that...then I want a Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-Shot Air Rifle ...just like Ralphie...
I promise I won't shoot my eye out!

Merry Christmas,
Laura

OMG I am laughing tooo hard here Laura!!!!

Ukartist, me and racedolls will be the 'santas' and control the list which we'll split in two.

On Dec 16th each person who has signed up will be assigned a partner by either me or Lori and we will send them the name of the partner that they will draw for.

Once you've finished your drawing of the gift for that person you send it back to me or Lori (whoever sent you the name of your draw partner to start with).

THen on December 23rd, you will be sent your 'present' by one of the Santas and from there you have to guess who drew it! Once you have guessed, you can then post your 'present' in the thread for everyone to see, but you can't post it until you've correctly guessed who has drawn it. You guess by sending PMs to people asking them if they are the one who drew it.

Does that make sense? Are you going to join in the fun? I hope so, it will be a blast!

LOL, neat list Laura. I hope you get what you want!

Oh i understand now Thanks

Is this open to newbies as well? I don't know about some of the other folks but just reading the wish lists I have already tried my hand at a couple crude drawings LOL.

oh laura i love christmas story. thats my fav.
here is my list-
since i am not good a drawing flowers and i NEVER get flowers
flowers (any kind)
mountains i can look at
log cabin
i think i would like santa claus picture too. thanks
Lori

Wonderful Ukartist, I'm glad its clearer to you. Do you want your name edded to the list? Just let me know if you do and I'll put it on.

This is open to anyone Pammy The more the merrier! I'll add your name to the list and on the 16th, you'll receive the name of the person you will draw the gift for. Now you need to come up with your wish list.

I'm still working on mine...

maybe we need to go hunt down some of the guys-- i bet some of them will join in if we convince them. rjs, davidd and david brian. well?
Lori

What with Laura and her Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-Shot Air Rifle, mmm thanks but i'm having my hair washed that day.lol

Seriously, i would love to, but its the commitment that would worry me, i would hate to let anyone down. At the moment i just can't say for sure what time i have and i am taking it as and when i can.

Anyway the Crystal watercolour is for Venus, consider that my contribution.

RJS

Awwwwwww RJS.......pout. C'mon. Pleeeeeeeeassssssssssseeeeeeee??

You can knock off a little drawing in an hour or so. And it IS for Christmas after all.....you could get something really good in your stocking...

I will join in , I think this is a awsome idea !!

MY Christmas list :

A colorful Christmas tree dazzled in lights .
Anything Fairy
A good Book to read
A warm pair of slippers and a fuzzy robe.

There is my list , simple things for a simple girl

Just a quick suggestion if no one minds...could we start a wish list thread for those participating in the virtual secret Santa? It would make it much easier to find on the 16th.

My wish list:
1968 Candy Apple Red w/ gold metallic flakes Ford Mustang
1968 Pontiac Firebird (purple and black)
A country style 4 bedroom house complete with a 4 stall barn and some lovely post and rail fencing& New Kennels for my pooches (6 in all)
4 wheeler to share with my son ( Moms share ya know LOL)

hmmmm how specific do we get with this?





Seriously, i would love to, but its the commitment that would worry me, i would hate to let anyone down. At the moment i just can't say for sure what time i have and i am taking it as and when i can.

Anyway the Crystal watercolour is for Venus, consider that my contribution.


Rjs just a quick suggestion...maybe you could cheat a bit and do a generic for those last minute signer uppers. Ladies always LOVE flowers and fellas always love a new truck!

Thanks Pammy, sure we can start a seperate thread for wish lists if it makes it easier for individuals to find things. The numbers are low at the moment but we have another couple of weeks before the drawing start.

What does everyone want to do? I'll go with the flow.

no one would be disappointed in anything you did rjs. you love yourself for doing it!!! and be a inspiration for all the other guys out their. i think its a good idea to start a seperate thread for wish lists too.
Lori

RJS,

No Bah Humbugs allowed...I've got 2 commissions on my board and one of them is a double and I'm still gonna play so get your holiday booty in action!!!

Merry Ho Ho,
Laura

Laura--- YOU GO GIRL!!!!!
Lori

get your holiday booty in action???

I'm sorry, i'm British, i don't understand the terminology. lol

Don't think that, as i am the only male to have posted in this particular thread, that i can be manipulated!!
I aint succuming to no girly talk!!

It's a well known fact that women have always known that they are better at multi-tasking than men.lol

Read that carefully, it's not an admission that you can!!
RJS

RJS,
I'm surounded by males, there was no missing that one!
Paulette

I lived in the UK for 15 years RJS, want me to translate? lol

But that's ok, we won't force you to play. I'm sure you'll join in if you have time.

This is a great idea Jeanette to do the secrete santa ..
I will put my name in ..I would like a ...
Harley Davison Motorcycle
Louis Viutton purse ( real no knock offs lol )
socks lol
Portrait of a angel

Ok, I've thought about my wish list and would like one of the following: (I won't be greedy and ask for all of them ) I leave my wish to be 20 pounds lighter and 20 years younger for another day....

A light box, so I don't have to transfer drawings using the dining room window
The statue of David, by Michelangelo
A personal chef or housekeeper
An aquamarine ring
An elliptical trainer
A miniature horse

There, I can dream, can't I?

Islander, 15 years, you never said you were one of us, well practically.

Paulette, you get me then don't you? there are my three sons, myself and my wife here at home. If i want something, i just get the kids to want it too, that way i stay out of the firing line, yet still get what i want. he,he,

A Harley, Kimmy, now we're talking.

Oh, and i had to settle for a book of Michelangelo work last xmas.

Merry Xmas one and all.

RJS
xxx

RJS,

It's ok I won't make you play either...and I'll try to speak english instead of "girlie talk"...hehehehe

Did I mention that your avatar and the RJS reminds me of the late great SRV....Stevie Ray Vaughn....

I hope you you change your mind...yanno...you could even draw a lovely little sprig of holly...if you have

time and were inclined to try.

Merry Ho Ho (hehehehe)
Laura

Ok i've thought about it......

sign me up


yeah, yeah, you heard right, sign me up.

Wish list,

A new apple computer
A holiday in jamaica
Something Christmassy anything really


I love holiday sentiment and black and white films.

RJS

I am glad to see you have changed your mind hun

Well I'd ask for my two front teeth but they seem to be fine.(maybe I should knock on wood after saying that )
I like pictures of Santa, more towards the woodsy outdoors man than the rolly, polly, jolly fellow.
I would love a driveway, I live in suburbia surrounded by nice neat driveways mine is still gravel.
On that vien, I would love a wooden staircase. I didn't like what they were offering for stairs when we built so I used my stair money for more windows, you can't have enough windows! So-o-o I'm still living with construction stairs , but I don't get the winter blues!
A small bed and breakfast for Jim and I to run in retirement surrounded by hills and lakes. Maybe Northern Ontario.
Sleigh bells or any type of Christmas bell. There is something so christmasy (I don't think that's a word) about bells.
Hey this is fun! I usually look at Christmas in terms of what other people want and have no ideas for myself. Yet when you take off the constraints of money and reality, look at me go!

Glad your joining us RJS.

Paulette

I knew you couldn't resist Christmas RJS

Now how about some more males to join him? And some lurkers? Come on, you're very welcome and its a great way to jump in and get your feet wet.

RJS,

Love the new avatar and so glad you're going to join us!!!! hehehehe

Paulette,
Hey, sign me up for a BUFF Santa too!!!!

Laura

LOL
Paulette

yeah!!!! RJS has agreed!!!! i knew we could talk you into it. thanks
Lori

Bumping this up for others to join. You have til the 16th to sign up!

How many do we have now jeanette ?

There's 10 people signed up so far.

well I hope we get more ...but if not it will still be fun .. i think its a awsome idea ...its personal .

I'll go beat the bushes later for more to join up.

Ouch, Ouch, Ouch - hey, Jeanette quit beating those bushes so hard - that last one hurt!

Okay, okay, I'll join the Secret Santa.

Here's my little bitty list. I am hard to buy for, I usually just go get what I want (within reason of course)


1. Art Supplies - you can never have enough pencils, paints and brushes.

2. Books - I am an avid reader - I just can't get enough books.

3. Flowers - I love gardens and flowers

4. Civil War History anything - I am fasinated by it - especially the Confederate viewpoint.

5. A Christmas Tree already decorated. I hate putting up a tree, its so much work!

6. A Snowman - Just to make it easy for my Secret Santa. LOL


That's it Jeanette - now I gotta go mend my wounds!

Awwwww Painter, sorry about the bruises...now how about all those new people out there with stockings to be filled for Christmas?

Its totally pain free - honest - no matter what Painter48 says! LOL See page one of the thread for all the details. You'll love it, I promise. So join up today, just drop a note here and tell everyone what you'd like for Christmas - or Hannukah or Kwanza or whatever holiday you celebrate!

Gee, I sure wish some of the newbies would sign up for the Secret Santa. C'mon you guys - jump in and join the fun.

What about Brian David? Everybody would love to have a Tweety Bird or a Snoopy or Woodstock in their Christmas Stocking wouldn't they?

And Davidb - we all know you draw well so you don't have to be embarrassed or shy.

You too, Olddad - and all the rest of you fellas out there. We know you're not too busy Christmas shopping now don't we?


Looks like RJS is going to have all the girls to himself this Christmas.


Jeanette, Laura, why can't we get these guys to sign up?

Now them's the sort of odds i like!!!!!

I don't know Painter, perhaps they're waiting til the last minute, like a lot of male shoppers! lolol

RJS, seems you may have a harem after all...

I will be personally contacting a number of people to invite them to participate. I'd encourage others to do the same.