I meant to post this on Friday, but I was stricken (yes, stricken) with a horrible bout of  fever and chills.  It was not pretty.  I was basically one unhappy, shivering, curled up ball for two days. I finally didn’t have any fevers on Sunday, but still felt yucky and sluggish.

Anyhooo, I’m feeling MUCH better today. I am so grateful to have not been left with any awful remnants. No cough, just some very mild congestion. I drank A LOT of tea and used the good ol’ neti pot (it really works!!).

So now, I feel like sharing my trades.  How could I not share my trades? They are so gloriously wonderful.

Remember these, these and these that I took to artfest with me?  Well, boy was I in for a frenzy of trading.  I really mean FRENZY!  Trading took place the first night.  As I walked into the dining hall, there were many, many women with bags, baskets and totes filled with trades.  Everything from artist trading cards, necklaces, beads, collage papers, pins, flowers, cards, mini books & journals…you name it.  IT WAS CRAZY. And totally overwhelming.

I could only participate for a little bit before feeling a  little dazed and dizzy.  I hadn’t eaten all day! So I dashed away to get some grub and adjust to my new surroundings and all the new faces around me.  I happily sat with a group of beautiful women, one of whom I have been following on flickr for quite a while (didn’t realize that until I came home).

Trading ensued after the eating had slowed and more trades started flying.  I left with a good handful of my own left, which was good, because I traded during my classes and other activities- which I preferred anyway.  So nice to actually look at what you are getting and compliment the person and maybe even start a conversation. Still, it was all very exciting and fun.

Then there was the whole fatbook trade.  What a beautiful little fat book you are.  It’s beautiful just sitting there, don’t you think? The individual pages are quite wonderful as well.

Lastly, I have to tell you about my wonderful roommate.  I had never met her before and we shared one email prior to artfest (she only found out she was going the week before).  I really lucked out. She was truly wonderful– easy to talk to, incredibly kind, super fun and I found a safe comfortable place with her. Thank you Claudia for being such a wonderful roomie.

I will treasure everything, each little piece being a wonderful little memory and spark to fuel my ongoing journey with creating and art.

I wanted to share some of the valentines I received in my exchange. I was fun, and quite manageable, to do a little swap like that. From left to right: Beautiful “inspire” heart cut-out by Mousy Brown, “you are here” bookmark and magnet by CozyBlue and wonderful little bird by Mikala Creations.  Thanks so much ladies for swapping with me!

I also received a nice big valentine package from my friend Linda. It was such a wonderful surprise.

Included in the package were couple of really great Japanese books, some patterns, trims, ribbon and some beautiful jewelry. I ran out of time and didn’t get to take a picture of everything.I actually really like the patterns and am going to see if all the pieces are there.

And looksie here. This cute printable calender from Alex. Isn’t it fun? It was actually a little birthday gift a few weeks back. Please take a look at Alex’s vintage inspired jewelry and other vintage items.

On another note:
* I have decided not to make the origami wrap. I received my fabric and was so excited to try it out, but I just can’t get it to drape right. I’ve pinned it together, tried it on, re-pinned it over and over again. I think the knit fabric I bought is just a little too heavy to work. I might re-make my wrap instead and try to refine the pattern I made.

* We made some of this raw chocolate pudding a couple of days ago and it was quite good. Our cocoa powder is a bit too bitter and I only added 1/4 cup. I think It would be better without it next time (or I need a different cocoa powder).

* I want to make these tortillas. I have my grandmother’s most excellent recipe, but these have walnuts for the fat. I’m intrigued.

* I made these banana-maple oatmeal cookies today. I used ground flax seed (for the egg) and want to try them next with dried cranberries instead of raisins. Healthy and tasty and the kids liked them. They are almost gone.

* I think I’ve been eating too much!

Have a wonderful weekend!!

I made these bookmarks to giveaway as Valentines. There are a few more on my table that are half done.  I used some old vintage fabric that I picked up at a thrift store a  long time ago. The fabric pieces were small, perfect for accenting the canvas.

A few people are doing Valentine exchanges and  I wanted do the same.  I thought it would be fun to make something that you can use all year long, maybe as a marker for a project in your favorite sewing, art or craft book.

I have 6 left to exchange, so if anyone would like to make me a Valentine in exchange for a Valentine book marker, let me know and we can exchange addresses and hopefully get these in the mail before Valentine’s day.  Just to clarify, I am looking for 6 different people to exchange with. Leave a comment saying that you are interested and I’ll get back to you. (thanks!)

If you’d like to make your own bookmarks, here is my ‘how to’.

You’ll need:
Canvas (heavy cotton duck)
pretty fabric scraps
glue stick
white glue
scissors
paper clamps
iron
sewing machine
thread
letter stamps
ink

1. Cut canvas into strips about 2.5 inches wide x 9 inches long.

2. For the back, cut pretty fabric into strips,1 inch (or so) shorter than the canvas and glue to one side of the canvas using a glue stick. Iron. (This step is optional, but it does add some extra sturdiness to the book marker).  The bottom inch that isn’t covered with fabric will be the fringe.

3. Fold the top into a point, glue and use paper clamps to keep in place until dry.

4.  Cut a small heart (or any other shape) out of fabric.  Glue into place with glue stick and iron.  This just keep everything in place while sewing.

5. With your sewing machine, sew freestyle around edges. Sew around heart too.

6. Pull threads of canvas to make fringe on the bottom edge.

7. Using stamps and ink (I use versa magic inks), stamp any message you desire.  I thought it would be fun to make some that said “reading is sexy”.  Heat set with hot iron.

8. Give to your favorite bookish friends for Valentine’s Day.

I love this swap.  It’s such a great idea.  You get rid of some fabric scraps, get some new pretty ones, plus a lovely little patchwork gift in the mail–from someone you may have never met!  I had such a fun time putting my package together and even more fun opening my patchwork package from Liz.

Here is what I made:

A small tote and some coasters made from an old vintage quilt top that I thrifted almost exactly a year ago.  It’s such a beautiful piece that I wanted to keep it all together, but there were too many stains and holes that couldn’t be repaired.  I did manage to save a piece big enough for a baby quilt or lap blanket.  The rest I cut into.  I have lots of pieces left over to make myself a tote, more coasters and maybe some pot holders too.

The fabrics used for making the quilt top are to die for.  How I would love to get my hands on some of that fabric.  Each square was hand sewn together!  I marvel at the time it must have taken to make this beautiful piece.  The person I bought it from was the daughter of the maker.  She had no interest in keeping it and I was aghast.  But, I tucked it under my arm (along with another quilt top) and gladly handed over 5 bucks.

Now I think it a sort of tribute to that women who made this beautiful quilt, to pass a bit along to other crafty women.  Women who truly appreciate the hard work, love and time that went into making it.

Here is what the very lovely Liz made for me.  A beautiful patchwork scarf and an extremely generous assortment of fabric scraps, buttons and notions.  I was drooling everywhere! No joke.  I, unfortunately forgot to take a picture of everything I put in the tote I made.  I hope it all was well received.

Dear Francie,

I was a little nervous when I found out my box would be delayed, but kept the faith strong that my fellow crafty blogger would follow through.  And boy did you ever.  I received my fabulous box on Thursday night. I got off of work late, walked in the door and it was the first thing I saw on the table.  An unopened package with my name on it.  Well, the family knows, when there is a packaged, the world stops.  Quickly I opened it and it was as if the wind was knocked right out of me. It was better than I could have dreamed.

First, there is that amazing box.  Where did you find such a beautiful box?  The paint on the front is so perfectly Coraline.  Then I opened the lid and was totally blown away by the contents.  The circus mouse is incredible.  It’s as if he bounced right out of the box, ready to perform.  You must have known how much I loved the circus part in the movie. The cotton candy is such a delight as is the amazing button box (!!!).

All the time you spent on every little detail is so appreciated.  The box in its entirety will find a very special place in my home.

Thank you for your perfectly crafted and amazing Coraline gift.

Sincerely,

I received my Valentine’s ATCs from Amy’s swap and, doh! forgot to take pictures of them!! Well, just so you can see how pretty they are, I got this one, this one and one of these(the LOVE one). There is one more, but no pic. Ahhhh, I just love ATCs.

Well, a few people had to drop out of the swap at the last minute and I received  two of my cards back. You can see a better picture of them HERE.  I don’t want them. Already made one for myself so I thought I’d give them away.  Just leave a comment and I’ll pick two people on Sunday and announce them in this post.

Winners:

Marta Mendes: Poeiras, trapos e farrapos

Christina: Burning Karma Studios

Please send me your mailing address and I’ll get these to you asap

Here is my completed box for Coraline’s Mystery Box swap.

I guess sharing this with you doesn’t make it a very big mystery, but what I’ll be getting in the mail soon is.

1. Box# 26-Outside, 2. Box# 26- Coraline Doll1, 3. Box# 26- inside1, 4. Box# 26- Coraline Doll2

I had the hardest time with finding a box.  I finally ended up painting a box that was already half painted lavender. The outside isn’t what I had intended, but it’s the inside that counts, right?

1. Box# 26- inside lid, 2. Box# 26- buttons

I made a small Coraline doll with a felt body and a polymer clay face.  The face is glued and stitched in place. Then I made a little hand, a seeing stone and key, all with polymer clay.  There’s also some buttons, thread, a thimble and some needles. Lastly, the inside lid is painted with a circus theme, which I loved in the movie. I also really love the garden, but nothing garden-y made it into the box. Ah well.

Cant wait to see what I get.  There are some really great boxes out there.

I think I am dangerously close to becoming known as the bird lady. I do realize this, yet I keep goin’ on & on about these birds.  Can’t help it.

At the post office on Tuesday we had a little situation.  I am only sharing this with you so that you will know.  My husband, very graciously, took a box load of birds to the PO.  These boxes were those that had been sent with pre-printed labels.  At the desk he was told that these packages could not be sent because the labels were expired–no good.  The labels, he was told, could ONLY BE USED THE SAME DAY THEY WERE PRINTED.  Flabbergasted, my husband very kindly asked what could be done.  Roughly $40-$50 worth of postage were on these labels.  The postal lady was insistent–they could not be sent without additional payment.  Finally she called over the supervisor who, because of the goodness of his heart, and the patience, persistence and kindness of my husband, decided to let these go through.  phew!!!

So, lesson learned.  If you are participating in a swap, or need to send postage, please do not send pre-printed labels (or talk to your postal service person to make sure).  Paypal or actual postage stamps are best.   No harm done and everything went out as planned, without additional payment.  I just thought you should know.

I just realized that I never shared all of my birds with you. I like ‘em so much, I made one for myself too.

Yep, still workin’ on that bird swap.

The hardest part for me was waiting for all the birds to come in–which took FOREVER!!  I never know when to cut the strings and say, “sorry, can’t wait any longer”.  Some never came, and I’ve heard no word. SO, on with the show.

The stats:
74 signed up
62 sets of birds received = 310 birds
plus few extra (thanks you!!) and my 5 = 329
from 10 different countries, incuding:
US, UK, Canada, Germany, Italy, Hungary, The Netherlands, Finland, Portugal and Belgium. See the map (not everyone has been added).

They have been swapped out and I am s-l-o-w-l-y packing them up for departure. That’s a snack bowl in the middle there. A girl needs her energy! The first batch heads out tomorrow.

I worked over the weekend too, so I completely forgot about my giveaway-DOH!

The winner is Sketchbook Maggie.  Please send me your snail-mail address so I can send that off to you.