A Swap for All Seasons Mini Fabric Collage

Linda dreamed up another swell swap for us this winter at A Swap for All Seasons...mini fabric collages. I've seen loads of these in all sorts of styles all over the internet and on some of my favorite blogs but I'd never tried one myself. My sewing skills have always been a little lacking but thankfully weren't taxed too much here. I've called this little piece Jolly Girl. I downloaded this photo ages ago and love the little smile on her face. When we exchanged emails my swap partner Liz told me that the colors yellow and orange always bring a smile to her face. So, I gathered some fabrics with those colors, added some canvas, some vintage dotted swiss (is that still made anymore?) some old buttons, orange pom pom trim and a little wire hanger and there she is....the Jolly Girl. I checked with Liz to see if she preferred being surprised or seeing photos of the collage ahead of time and she said it was okay to post photos. I hope she likes it! I had so much fun making this I think I may just have to make another! Thanks Linda for always dreaming up these great swaps for us. Be sure to stop by A Swap for All Seasons to see more of the mini fabric collages.

Happy Valentine's day!

Making Valentines

I loved making Valentines as a child and I still love it today. I didn't swap as many Valentines as usual this year...my own little art group hasn't been very active lately...but I joined in trading with Nancy of My Crafty Little Page and Sandy of 521 Lake Street who were part of the Dolly Dingle Valentine Exchange hosted by sweet Elizabeth of Bluebird Papercrafts. Be sure to drop by to see all of the beautiful valentines everyone made...Elizabeth will have links to all the participants.

This one is from Nancy. She used a vintage Bingo card as a base and add layers of images and trims and foil and flowers...I love it! Thank you Nancy for trading Valentines with me.

And just look what Sandy sent me...she recreated a vintage lollipop valentine...isn't that cute?! And she also made a Valentine tag and included a bag of Sweethearts. I almost hate to admit it but I've always loved these! Here's the other side of Sandy's tag...isn't that Scottie cutout adorable? Thanks so much Sandy!

And here are the valentines I made...for Nancy

And for Sandy

Happy Homemaker February Tag

Didn't that month go by quickly? I'm looking forward to seeing all the February Happy Homemaker tags. For my tag this month I've used images from a Child Life magazine cover and some more of that wonderful Modern Homemaker paper from October Afternoon. I love this paper...every sheet makes me smile! Here you see my starched soldier bringing a little flower and a card to his Valentine. I've also scanned in a two page Valentine spread from the magazine for you to enjoy. Be sure to stop by the new Happy Homemaker Tagalong blog to say hello to Elizabeth and see the rest of the February tags. I hope everyone has a sweet Valentine's Day. See you next month!

One World One Heart 2011

Once again it's that time of year when bloggers all over the world come together to visit and share and get to know one another. This event is hosted by Lisa of A Whimsical Bohemian and as this is its final year you won't want to miss it! Last year was my first year participating and I had so much fun and was so inspired by the many blogs I visited. For those who don't know me, my name is Linda and I live in a small town in Washington. I love all kinds of paper crafts especially ATCs, collage and mailart. So, welcome...spend some time looking around and then be sure to check out One World One Heart to find the list with all the participating blogs!


Now, as a thank-you for stopping by I'm giving away a set of Cavallini rubber stamps...Birds and Nests. These stamps are just gorgeous and I find myself returning to use them time and time again. I know you'll love using them. To enter just leave me a comment on this post. Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you should you win. At the end of the event (February 17th) I'll post the winner on my blog. Have fun!

Vintage Notecard Swap

Lenna's latest creative swap is all about vintage note cards. This is my second swap with this wonderfully creative group and I've had so much fun watching the cards arrive on Lenna's blog. Even though we're all working with the same theme everyone's take on "vintage" is different. I really enjoy seeing the different styles used by each artist...I get so inspired! Be sure to stop by the Creative Swaps blog, say hello to Lenna and have a look at some of the beautiful cards that have come in. Here are the cards I created. The swap was for three cards with envelopes but I chose to make an extra one for Lenna as a small thank you for hosting the swap. A year or so ago I took a workshop offered by Mary of Green Paper called Artist Class. The images I've chosen for my cards were used in one of the Artist class projects. I thought these four women would be perfect as a set of vintage note cards so I decided to use them again here. I've layered the images on some vintage book text and a piece of old flocked wallpaper, added a little vintage lace and a heart charm and there you have it...a set of vintage note cards!

Playing in my Gluebook

I was cleaning off my desk today and happened upon (you know how that is) some papers I had made a few weeks ago. I was inspired by a tip Mary had shared in Your Vintage Gluebook about layering images. I took a botanical print and layered it onto a page out of an old dictionary. I had made these two pages to frame as a gift for my sister's birthday (she liked them!) and made a few extras to play with. So, today instead of putting them away I pulled out my gluebook. This is what I really love about my gluebook...whenever I'm inspired (especially when I should be cleaning my craft room) I can create a little piece of art that makes me happy. Here are copies of the papers I made...feel free to use them. The flower images are courtesy of Carolyn at Antique Images. Go play now!

Happy Homemaker Tagalong

Elizabeth of Bluebird Papercrafts is hosting a year long tagalong and she was gracious enough to let me play along! She is a talented artist and infuses everything she creates with warmth and whimsy. For this swap we'll create two tags each month...one for a partner and one to keep. We are each to choose a theme in keeping with the Happy Homemaker idea and continue that theme throughout the year. One challenge Elizabeth has set for us is that we can only use one paper pack or 10 large sheets to last the entire year. This is what will make it really interesting.... we'll have to get very creative in our piecing of things as the year progresses. Every month on the 10th we'll reveal our tags on the Bluebird Papercrafts blog. Elizabeth also asked us to share a little about the choices we made...theme, paper etc. and our process. Here are a few photos of what I've chosen. I chose the Happy Homemaker paper pad from October Afternoon mainly because I had just purchased it and I love the nostalgic patterns and colors. I had some old red file folders that are the perfect weight for the base of my tags. The rest of the supplies are things I have on hand...rick rack and lace trim, buttons and bingo markers, paper doilies and old labels. We'll see what ends up on the tags!



Thank goodness I had some helpers to keep me company!

I knew I wanted to do something vintage that included children but I had a little trouble narrowing down my theme. I dearly love vintage childhood illustration and have several precious old magazines from the 30s, 40s and 50s. So, I decided my theme would be "As Seen in the Magazines."

For my first tag I've chosen a funny illustration of a young girl learning to knit. My take on this illustration is that it's January, she received her own set of knitting needles for Christmas and she's determined to teach herself to knit. Can't you see that determination in her face?

I love old sewing notions so I couldn't resist adding an old button, some rickrack and a few black snaps. I may add some glitter here and there yet but for now I haven't...we'll see! So, here's my tag for January.
Be sure to stop by Bluebird Papercrafts to say hello to Elizabeth and see the rest of January tags. See you in February!

Red Lead A Stitch in Time Tag swap

The latest swap at Red Lead is called A Stitch in Time and we're swapping large tags. The base of the tags are made with these wonderful Alteration Tags...you can get them as a set online at the Red Lead site. They're fun to work with and I can already dream up so many things to do with them! I colored my tags with distress ink then stamped a Red Lead Polka Dot stamp at the top. Then I covered the entire tag with old dress pattern paper, resized and collaged some old patterns I had, stamped the Dressmaking Trimmings stamp and raised her up on foam tape, added some lace and rick rack, an old button and a safety pin trimmed ribbon and voila...there it is!.. There's still time to join the swap...just check out the Red Lead group and play along!

Alteration Tags

Green Paper January Collage Challenge

Well, it's the first of the month and Mary at Green Paper has a new challenge posted. She's given us a beautiful collage sheet to work with again this month. Her challenge is to use at least a piece of each image in the collage sheet to create a new piece. I've used the sheet in my vintage Gluebook. My Gluebook is getting so fat it won't lay right on my scanner any longer so I have to take photos of it on my desk. I made a two page spread with the images Mary gave us and some other paper bits. The piece at the bottom that looks like a gate is actually cut from some Christmas wrapping paper from one of my presents. I thought it was so pretty and saved it hoping to use it in something and here it is! If you'd like to see the collage sheet Mary is offering and play along be sure to visit Green Paper to take a look!

Happy New Year!

Peace, health and happiness to all of you in the New Year!

Alpha Stamps Giveaway

I love all the stamps, collage sheets and mixed media supplies offered by Alpha Stamps. They have such beautiful things! Now until January 2nd they're having a daily giveaway...so head on over and have a look around. All it takes to enter is a comment on their blog...good luck!

Vintage Gluebook - Christmas

I haven't posted any of my Vintage Gluebook pages recently. This is one of my favorite go-to projects when I just want to have a little quiet fun for myself. Here are my Christmas pages I made while everyone was resting after our big Christmas dinner. What have you been working on this week?

Merry Christmas!

Lights please...."And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men.'"

"......That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

Today's beautiful beyond belief matchbox was made by Linda our gracious swap hostess. It has a gorgeous Nativity scene on the cover trimmed in gold foil. Inside, lying in the hay, snug under a small blanket adorned with the tiniest gold cross is Baby Jesus peacefully sleeping. I couldn't have hoped for a lovelier end to this wonderful month long joy fest! Thank you dear friend. I hope you know how much pleasure you've brought to all of us. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

Oh my...how did it get here so fast? Well, there are only two remaining matchboxes...this swap has been such fun. I've enjoyed visiting everyone's blogs, peeking inside your homes, listening to your stories and sharing the joys of the season. Thanks again go to sweet Linda for dreaming this up and making it possible for all of us to share this happy time. Today's matchbox is a sweet gem from Michelle of Wood and Fabric. She has transformed a matchbox into a small book with a vintage image and silver snowflake on the cover...so charming! Inside she's tucked a beautiful pair of pearl earrings. I love the vintage look of them. Thank you Michelle...this is such a special box!

Countdown to Christmas Day 23

Today's match box comes from Erica of Zunky Chic and it's just the cutest thing! There's a red polka dot background and the sweetest image of an angel with her arms around a dear little sheep! How did she know I'm a lambie lover? Isn't it fun to think that however random the process you still may receive the one thing that's perfect for you? From the polka dots to the little sheep...this box was made for me! Thank you Erica...I love it! Oops...I almost forgot to mention the wonderful little JOY ornament tucked inside...it's very cute and perfect for my tree. Just two more days...can you believe it!?

Countdown to Christmas Day 22

We have blue skies today in the Pacific Northwest. The weather changes quickly here so I don't know how long this will last but it's always a pleasant surprise this time of year. I hope you're enjoying blue skies today too. My matchbox today is from Michele of Something Special and it's truly something special! Outside there's a vintage Santa trimmed in gold with a small white rose. And inside is the sweetest little scene with a small fawn walking on a cloud and looking up at a bright red star...it's magical! Thank you Michele for making me something special! Only a few more days to go...be sure to stop by A Swap for All Seasons to see the rest of today's matchboxes.

Countdown to Christmas Day 21

Today's lovely matchbox traveled all the way from England. Jan has dressed it up with patterned paper, a Christmas dove, some sweet yarn trim and a little red button. Inside is the prettiest pair of angel earrings. Thank you Jan...I love it! Be sure to visit Jan's blog and see all the snow she's having and stop by A Swap for All Seasons to see the rest of today's matchboxes. Linda's already sending out teasers for the next swap...sign-ups start in January...you won't want to miss it!

Countdown to Christmas Day 20

Today's matchbox was made by Peace of The Art of Peace and it's just beautiful! It's covered with gold holly paper and has a lovely Madonna and Child image on the front. Inside is a button dangle...I love it! The sentiment on the matchbox is "blessings" and what a perfect reminder for me to think of all the blessings that have come my way this year...my family, my good health, a steady job and all of you, my wonderful art friends! I am truly blessed...I don't stop to realize and be thankful for that often enough. Thank you Peace for the gorgeous matchbox today. Have a wonderful day today!

Countdown to Christmas Day 19

Today's gorgeous matchbox is from Valarie of Glittery Daze and Nights. I love the old sheet music, vintage Santa and tiny ivy vine she used around the bottom...so pretty. Tucked inside is another Santa...this time a shiny little ornament for my tree. Thank you Valarie...I love it! I hope you're enjoying this final Sunday before Christmas. We're heading to Tacoma today to see the Christmas Revels. This has been a tradition in our family for years dating back to when we used to live on the east coast and would go up to New York City to see it. The Christmas Revels is performed in many cities across the country each year and every year there's a different theme and location. This year it's a 19th century English celebration. The Revels celebrate the Christmas season in song, stories and dancing. It's a wonderful time...if you get the chance you should go experience it yourself! Whatever you're doing today...enjoy yourself!

Countdown to Christmas Day 18

December 18th...one week until Christmas! I'm sure there will be lots of people out shopping today...me, I'm on my way to work! I work at our local blood center....if you have a few minutes this Christmas season and you're able, think about donating blood. Our blood supply is very short right now and it's a relatively simple way to give a life-saving gift! Today's matchbox comes from Christine of A Work in Progress and it's so cute! On the cover is a vintage spun cotton snowman wearing a jaunty top hat, a big red bow tie and carrying a chenille candy cane. Inside is another snowman...this time in the form of a sweet resin pendant necklace. I think I'll just wear this to work today...it will keep me smiling for sure! Thank you Christine...I love it! Be sure to stop in at A Swap for All Seasons to see all the rest of today's matchboxes. Have fun today!

Countdown to Christmas Day 17

Today's matchbox comes from Freda in Chicago. That's just one of the things I love about this swap...these little match boxes have come from places near and far. I've had one come from my own state and another come from as far away as the UK. Isn't it an amazing thing how the internet and our shared love for creating these little treasures has brought all of us together? I've really enjoyed visiting everyone's blogs and reading your stories, sharing in your holiday preparations and learning a little about you. Thank you Linda for bringing all this about for us...it's more of a gift then you might know! Now, Freda's made such a pretty matchbox...it's covered in music paper with a Christmas greeting written on it. It's trimmed in sparkly silver tinsel and decorated with a silver star and ornament...so pretty! Inside is the sweetest shiny snowman ornament...perfect for my little tree. Thank you Freda...I love it! Be sure to check out the rest of the matchboxes at A Swap for All Seasons.