Handmade Postcards

I love the idea of sending postcards through the mail so when I found out about the handmade postcard swap,  I immediately signed up.  I was assigned two ladies from the Philippines!! I used my Cricut to cut the shapes and I attached a small vellum envelope with the message tucked in to the back.  This is what they looked like...

Unfortunately, I was told it would take more than a month for the girls to get them!  I guess that is part of the fun as well...the waiting!!

Baking Swap

I never thought I would, but I participated in a baking swap!!  If you know anything about me, you  know that I don't cook or bake. I thought it would be fun to participate in  a swap out of my comfort zone.  I did cheat a little since I ended up going with a no-bake recipe!!  I chose a recipe for Chocolate Coconut Balls from the Food Network.  The treats were easy to make and overall I learned a few things.  I had the most fun putting together the packaging for the treats.  I am addicted to mason jars so of course I chose that as my container.  I made a cozy to go around the jar and for the topper used felt with a fabric heart sewed on to it.  They were so easy and quick to make.  For the recipe, I simply printed it off directly off the Food Network website, topped it off with a doily and some cute clothespins that I had originally made for the craft fair.  I thought overall they looked adorable!! 

From Bonnie for me!!

all the goodies i received from swap! everything was so awesome...cannot thank you enough Bonnie!!, a photo by thread of hearts on Flickr.

These are all the goodies I received from Bonnie at Pink Stitches. Everything was awesome, I love it all!

Christmas swap goodies for my partner!

swap goodies i sent to my partner!, a photo by thread of hearts on Flickr.

These are the swap goodies I sent my parter Bonnie at Pink Stitches for the Christmas swap.

Craft Fair

This was my first time participating in a craft fair and selling my handmade items.  I was so excited and somewhat nervous.  The craft fair was extra special since my husband was the one who organized it.  He called it the Laredo's Vendor Expo and it took place at our local Embassy Suites.  I was so proud of him-I don't think I would ever be able to organize such an event.  I was stressed out just my table!!  

I was happy with the overall look of my table.  I gathered items that were already part of my craft room at home and somehow it all came together. I think my biggest fear was not selling anything, but I am thankful that I did!!  I think the best part was meeting other ladies with similar interests as mine.  Everyone was extremely nice and willing to help.  I was not able to take too many pictures of the event but I did manage to take one of my table.

I was happy and thankful to see family, friends, and coworkers enjoy the event and support handmade!!  I am already looking forward to the next fair!! 

My First Post/The Apronista Swap

I am super excited about my first official post.  Recently I have participated in a series of swaps-which I absolutely love.  I am totally addicted to them for several reasons.  I love meeting new gals who share the same interests, I love making handmade items for others, and honestly...who does not love receiving fun surprises in the mail!!  This new swap that my friend, Martha, kindly entered me in is The Apronista Swap.  The information can be found on http://flirtyapronswap.blogspot.com/ . The swap guidelines include having to answer a questionnaire and posting it- I figured it was perfect since my blog is new and I get to share some information about myself.

1. What are your hobbies?  My hobbies include sewing and making paper crafts. 
2. What are your favorite colors? My favorite colors are pink and turquoise.
3. Do you collect anything?  I am not sure if "collection" would be the right word, but I love to buy fabric, washi tape, and stationary. 
4. Are you allergic to any fibers or animals? No allergies to either.
5. Do you have any pets? I have a cat and three dogs (outdoor).
6. Coffee, Tea, or Chocolate? Definitely Chocolate!!  I do like coffee (love my Keurig) but have to be in the mood for it.  I hate tea!!
7. What do you like to read? I enjoy reading inspirational/spiritual books.  I love buying books and magazines that feature sewing projects and crafts.
8. Do you prefer Cookies or Candies as a sweet? I prefer Candies....Chocolates!!
9. What is your favorite holiday treat? My favorite holiday treat is anything chocolate.  I can't think of anything specific!!  candy canes are always nice...
10. Describe your favorite holiday tradition. My favorite holiday tradition is opening gifts at midnight.  There was always something exciting about staying up late and being able to open gifts.  A tradition that my husband and I started when we got married was taking a cruise to look at Christmas lights...we take eggnog along...its pretty special to me!!!
11. Did you believe in Santa as a child? I did not believe in Santa!!  My grandma did not believe in anything like that.  The funny thing is that I want my three year old son to believe...I want him to believe in him and the magic of Christmas.
12. When do you open presents? I grew up opening gifts on December 24 at Midnight...technically the 25th.  I am trying to instill that tradition with my husband and baby as well!!
13. Do you put up a tree and when? If not, how do you celebrate? We do put up a real tree and we try to put it up the first week in December.
14. Does your tree have a theme? It does not have a theme. 
15. What has been your favorite gift to give? to receive? I gave my hubby an IPAD last year for Christmas and I love how amazed he was with the gift.  I enjoy all gifts.  I love anything my husband gives me...he has way better taste than I do.  Overall, I think I enjoy handmade gifts the most...it is special to know that someone took the time to make me something.

Well...there it is...I hope this swap is as fun as the others that I have participated in.  Will post pics as we go along. 

Wow...I cannot believe I have two followers...thank you ladies!!

Halloween polymer clay "sewing pins"

I made polymer clay "sewing pins" to go with theme!, a photo by thread of hearts on Flickr.

I made these polymer clay sewing pins for Halloween.