Spring Swap Pics

[jwilsie]

Am I really the first one to receive my swap? (yay Afterall!) If there's another thread for swap pics, someone let me know.

So without further ado, my spring swap:

What I thought was a lovely dishtowel, turned out to be a lovely lettuce bag. How cool! The set of notecards were not only handmade, but handmade with leftover scraps from Afterall's etsy shop designs - what a great idea. And last but not least, a very charming (and homemade, i assume) fabric pin. Thanks so much Afterall!

[WannaBHomemaker]

Wow... I've never seen a lettuce bag before! How neat! Looks like a great swap!!

[Lisa S]

You lucky girl! What a lovely package. That pin is adorable!

Maria ~ your package is going out today or tomorrow. I promise.

[gigiG]

Lettuce bag? Very cool- I have never seen one before either. I love this!

[RoseMary]

Love all of it! That pin is adorable.

[cheapdiva]

I'M BACK - did you all miss me???
Suzy your package will get out at the end of the week. Between trying to get projects done before we went on vacation and then playing catch up since Saturday night when we got home - ooooofffffff, I'm exhausted!!!

Here is just one photo of kids in the pool area on our trip.

[jwilsie]

Autumn - your package went out today! so be watching out for it sometime this week. better late than never :()

[SusiesQs]

Maria,

There is absolutely no hurry! Take your time and unwind from your trip :) Jenn and I were talking and saying we were glad we weren't the only ones who were behind with the swap this time around :rolleyes:

Suz

[Les B]

Ladybug,
I posted my swap pic on the spring swap details post. Sorry, I didn't know to start a new post for pics. Great gift!!!!! Thank you, again.
Les B

[Lisa S]

Maria ~ the grandkids look like they're having a blast. Sun!

[Chyna]

ChapterTwo

My package was waiting for me when I got home last night. See the post office wasn't pulling your leg. :() Now if they try to sell you express delivery to Hawaii, don't do it. The mail gets there the same time no matter what type you pay for. :mad:

My dd loves the S&M also, she kept getting into the jar. :lol: And she stole a couple of my post-its too. She did draw me a pic of my favorite dog so guess that makes it ok. And the tea towel I think we're going to use for our little tea time after school we've taken to doing. That's my next goal is to get us a set of tea cups and what-not to enjoy tea on the porch. Don't think there are many 6yr olds who drink actual tea. ;)

Took pics and now will see about getting them posted. Will have to beat my dh in order to get on ours at home. We all know how important it is to kill ogres and collect gold pieces and all.:rolleyes:

[Thrift Shop Romantic]

I saw this thread and am glad to see I'm not vastly behind everyone else on sending out. (PHEW!) I told ChapterTwo I'd mail next Monday-- I still need the weekend, though I am on my way with things.

Normally I'm on the ball and one of the first on these, and this time I'm bringing up the pack...Yikes!

That pool photo is so cute! And so nice to see the first swap package.

[WannaBHomemaker]

Hooray! My swap came today! :D I love it all! The cards are SOOOOO CUTE!! The dishtowel will come in very handy and I love how soft it is! Then the corks & placecards - how cute! They'll be perfect for my red & black dining room! And I will be trying out that Chocolate Ravioli very soon! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

[dedavis]

Oh boy, those packages are crisscrossing the country! Gigi, I mailed yours yesterday.

I have been trying to remind myself that this is about FUN, not deadlines. I was making something that was not turning out and feeling stressed. So I sent what I had, and feel better. Maybe it wasn't time to finish that project.

Do you think there was too much time between when the swap details were announced and when it was time to mail? I wanted the timeline to be generous, but maybe it was too long. Seems like the timing is kind of delicate. What do you all think?

As usual, lovely and thoughtful things are being swapped...nice work!

[ChapterTwo]

I'm glad the package arrived, Tanya! It took a while to find a towel that I thought suited what you described, and I think the saying is cute and true! I did some hunting through a couple shops to come up with a container that was "cottage-y", for your candies (which weighed a ton - Ha!) I hope you liked everything.

[RoseMary]

Oh, nice swaps for both of you!

Deb, it seems we've all been behind for the last swap or two~I think you're timing on it was fine--we're all just slow-pokes! I know I'm fine until I think I'm ready to send it, then I start worrying about the things I've picked out and re-do some of it and before I know it, I've passed the deadline!

R~Mary

[jwilsie]

WannaB - so glad everything arrived safely. I meant to write this in the card but ran out of room: the notecards were all handmade by my younger sister. She's got a whole "workshop" at my parents house and has made a bit of a business for herself making cards, invitations, etc. I wish I'd asked her to throw a business card in there. Glad you liked everything!

[Chyna]

I think the time was just right, was just unfortunate that it fell near a busy time for me at least. :o

[WannaBHomemaker]

jwilsie - your sister does a great job! I was wondering if you had done them yourself. I love them all - and I especially love the flower printed envelope!

[Ladybug]

I agree...I think the amount of time was fine, but life is just busy in general. I used to make excuses ("it was a busy time of year"), but now I think it's busy all year round!

And Deb, I understand what you mean...if I'm having to really fight through a project, it always helps to put it aside for awhile.

[Thrift Shop Romantic]

Deb, it was nothing to do with your deadlines-- anyway, when you have to make something, it does take longer. That's usually what holds me up. It's just been crazy busy I think for us all.

[gigiG]

I received a beautiful package from Deb today!!! The cards, the tea towel, the seeds, and especially the crochet special piece are just beautiful!!!! Thank you, I love everything. I also loved the way you tagged everything, so I knew where they came from~ special touch. I have to attach more pictures below....

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[gigiG]

Deb- I am trying to post the other pics, but I can't until I delete some pics I have in storage??? I am lost, I don't see a delete button, etc... Anyone help??? Thanks!!!

[afterall.designs]

Jwilsie,
So glad you liked the swap package!
Lettuce bags I learned about from Martha Stewart years ago...here's another tip for using yours - when it is mild outside, after you put your rinsed lettuce in the bag stand outside and circle your arm while holding the bag; the centrifical force drains the moisture off the greens and into the toweling, which in the refrigerator keeps the lettuce fresh even longer. Does the work of a salad spinner without taking up space, and holds the lettuce fresh as well.

Last year I finally learned to make "yo-yo's", the fabric pin is basically two large yo-yo's. I wear one on my coat in the springtime (which has finally, haltingly arrived in Vermont), and in the summer I move it over to wear on my sunhat, where it really looks smashing. One of these days when I get around to posting in my blog again I'll do a tutorial on making yo-yo's - when I was learning how to make them most of the instructions I found make it way too complicated when it is so, so simple. When I do get around to making the tutorial I'll post a link.

[gigiG]

Susan- Your package is on it's way! You should receive it beginning of next week....:)

[dedavis]

Gigi, I can't believe how fast your package got there! I'm glad you like everything.

Go to 'Manage Attachments' . You should be able to delete some by checking a box next to each one. I think there is a drop down menu near the bottom that asks you what you want to do.

Yep, we're all busy. But I really like making the time to find special things and send them off. So I guess that's something to know about doing these swaps. The delight in seeing what I sent at somebody else's house, and the excitement of opening my own package sort of makes up for the deadline anxiety.

Let's keep doing swaps.

[Memmey]

LES!!!! I love my package!:D This is the first swap for Les and look what a nice one she sent!
It coasters are so pretty and you can slip your wine glass into them like a little envelope, The note cards are so nice, lovely flowers in pastel. The writing pens have pastel flowers on them. LOL there is one missing from the picture:) it's in my wallet already...LOL. I forgot to put the labels she made me in the picture. They have my name, address and a cottage on them . AND my favoite candy in the world...lemon drops!!!

Thank you Les, what a sweet package, I'm very proud of it.:D

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o243/memmey/things068.jpg






Did I freak everyone out when I said maybe we were losing our momentum with the swaps.......I take it back. Am I allowed to take it back???? I would never want to skip being in one. I offically take it back.:o

[gigiG]

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Still working on deleting more attachments to finishing showing all the lovely things Deb sent.... Above is a beautiful crochet piece- that I believe her grandma made! Special indeed.

AND DEB---- Guess what, just as I was about to throw the box away, I saw some paper in the bottom of the box---it was some pussywillows....oh my gosh-they are just darling!!! Did they come from your property????

[Whidbey5]

Please don't lose momentum! I still want to be a part of the next one!

I hope everyone is doing well. We've been out of town on vacation, so I've not been around much.

[Les B]

Memmey,
So glad you liked your swap. I can't wait to start the next one . I had fun with yours. Hope you like the coasters, and everything. Any stemmed glass will slide into them or coffe cup on top of them. Do they match your kitchen? The lemon drops I found at the farm Market. Enjoy!
Les

[Thrift Shop Romantic]

Oh how pretty that package is. It's the embodiment of the "fresh" theme, isn't it? :)

[RoseMary]

I was gone all morning and just got home to find my swap from Tanya! She did such a great job! She embroidered the towels herself~and they are so pretty--just look at all that work! I'm so proud she did one with Rosemary on it:)! There is also 2 live blue flax plants from her garden, as well as seeds and also some sunflower seeds. To top it off are some really cute cards (Happiness Must Be Grown in One's Own Garden), and some Huckleberry tea and fudge from MT! Thank you, Tanya!!:D.

[Chyna]

The herb pots go with your kitchen right? I can't take all the credit on the towels, my 6yr old helped me pick out the colors on some of it. :) She also about had a heart attack when I pulled out the third towel to do during our tea time because it was supposed to be in the package. I ran out of time and well it was mint, sort of boring so I'll finish it later. ;) I got the pattern from Ben Franklin's, there are so many cool designs they have there and they are the only ones to carry it. Trust me, I looked all over Billings for the patterns. Oh and tea towels are a thing of the past too apparently. That is my new goal for garage sales. Good tea towels (preferrably without decoration) for me to embroider. Did I mention I picked up some other designs for myself?:lol:

[Thrift Shop Romantic]

You did such a beautiful job, Tanya!! What a nice package.

The "rosemary" inclusion made me smile. How appropriate!

[RoseMary]

Yes, Tanya, the herb pots go perfect with my kitchen! I am so jealous that you have a Ben Franklin~they were very big here when I was a kid, but now, I haven't seen one in years!

[Chyna]

Well the big one in Billings is going out of business here and the smaller one in my town is suffering a slow death so I don't see it living much longer either. They like to blame Wal-mart and Hobby Lobby but really the Wally world in my town doesn't have a craft dept beyond some sequined patches, trim and thread. Going to have to make sure I stock up on those iron on designs before they go and then I'm out of luck big time. I have some vintage ones from decades ago that are so sweet.


As for the Rosemary, I really couldn't pass that one up. :() I really wanted to do it in a red color but since the color of the kitchen was up in the air we just decided to go with the varigated yellow. maybe if I ever get RoseMary again I'll have to do the Rosemary series and do the same pattern over and over but in different colors. maybe one for Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall. **;:lol:

[afterall.designs]

Gigi's wonderful swap package for me arrived the other day but this morning was the first day I was home with a few minutes "breathing room" to sit and open it...I knew it would be something to enjoy and savor, but she really outdid herself! Gigi thanks so much! I'll try to get the pics and description posted later or tomorrow, now am running off with a carload of electronic recyling (we have one free day per year for this, so I have all of ours plus neighbor Dave's) then off to be with my toddling twin grandsons while their mother works.
Susan

[dedavis]

I got RoseMary's box a few days ago too, and just now got a photo taken.

She sent six little cards that she made. I like the size, just right for a thank you note or gift enclosure. A dishtowel with crochet edging. A book called Seeds of Kindness, full of thoughtful garden quotes. Note the beaded bookmark. I like that a lot too. And a cobbler apron printed with frogs--very funky. I love cobbler aprons, and will wear it while making bread. I never fail to get flour all over myself when I'm kneading.

Thank you, RoseMary. I'll be reminded of your friendship when I use these things. I wish we all lived close enough to stop by for tea and talk!

[gigiG]

Deb~ Looks like a wonderful package Rosemary sent! I LOVE the idea of tucking an apron~ wish I had thought of that! Lots of treasures to enjoy!

[Ladybug]

I came home to such a nice surprise today!! My swap package from Jenny (Rubyslippers) arrived today. The package included some beautiful mod notecards, some paper napkins printed with radishes (SO cute!!), some Ghirardelli brownie mix (going in the oven for dessert tonight!), some black eyed susan vine seeds and some colored pencils. Those pencils will be traveling with me to Italy...they're perfect for sketching in my journal! It's a lovely swap package. Each item is just perfect! Thank you so much Jenny!

Here are pics of the swap package and the black eyed susan vine (from the website). It's going to be such a beautiful plant in my new garden!

[rubyslippers]

I picked out the napkins b/c of Ladybug's "kitchen garden." Then of course, the pencils seemed like fun because of her artistic streak - - I personally have some "fancy" colored-pencils that blend with water-color and I do not EVER use them enough because I try to save them. On the other hand, Crayola and I are long-term friends. The brownie mix is very yummy - - I tend to "doctor-it" by adding a little vanilla and nutmeg. With that said, it will be decadent no matter what. I haven't even had a chance to read the boards and I kept putting off mailing my package because I hadn't "made anything" - - I was feeling like a bad swap partner Ladybug. I am so very sorry your package was so delayed. I didn't "forget" you! Then, this crazy idea struck me. You see, I believe we may live in approximately the same growing zone; so, I sent you a package of the black-eyed Susan vine I am going to plant. Double check your package, but you "might" have the blushing Susie that should look like this if it works!
http://www.parkseed.com/product_images/1902.jpg

However, it should grow in a similar fashion to the traditional yellow one you pictured. Anyway, I know I didn't make the flowers or anything, but I thought that if we both planted them we would kind of be "sharing" clippings from our yard.

Anyway, I'm thrilled your package arrived safely. Yippee!

[Thrift Shop Romantic]

Oh, it looks so nice. RubySlippers is a master of the swap package (I know firsthand- I'd gotten one from her last time!). She's also good at enabling an artistic streak. :)

[Ladybug]

I just love it all! I made the brownies and DH and I had some last night for dessert. Yummy!!! I'm going to have to buy that mix next time. It's delicious! I highly recommend it for a quick dessert or potluck.

[afterall.designs]

Finally, my homage to GigiG, who sent me a glorious swap package. Things have been nuts here, as I prep for a large craft show and have an unusual amount of errands to do.
Gigi must know me well, or have truly unique insights...her package included lavendar linen spray from her product line (I'd been trying to make sachets to use in my fabric and handcraft storage...in fact had driven two weeks ago to the local herb store to get lavendar, only to find it had moved!), Maryland Crab soap (can't wait to try!), Willow soap, and chocolate lip balms. A crocheted wash cloth (Gigi, did you peek inside my knitting basket and see the cotton wash cloth I started knitting two years ago and never finished?), and the gift of a soap dish. Collecting soap dishes is a favorite of mine, and a few years ago I had to discipline myself and say "no more", much to my disappointment as I love them and come across such beautiful ones. But in these past few years I've broken several, glued some back together, and just a couple of weeks ago was looking sadly at one which, through its chips and patches, just isn't holding up anymore. Gigi to the rescue!!
If you are envious, check out her website at www.underthewillowgifts.com (http://www.underthewillowgifts.com).

[afterall.designs]

PS...GigiG, I've blogged about your package at http://afteralldesigns.blogspot.com.

[Thrift Shop Romantic]

While I had a sec (it's been nutty again at work) I wanted to post a pic of the lovely package Susie sent me for the swap.

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In it is a marvelous ink bottle from the 1800s which has been changed to this gorgeous purple by the sun... A pretty Royal Albert cake plate (I just need to bake a cake that's good enough to serve on it!)... More excellent greenish-yellow linen than a girl could ever hope for... Some fresh smelling soaps and CHOCOLATE. Just for noshing. :)

It was an extremely thoughtful package all around, Susie-- thank you!

I've also blogged about it here:

http://thriftshopromantic.blogspot.com/2008/05/return-flight-of-round-robin.html

Just wanted you ladies to see how sweet and thoughtful Susie was!!

[WannaBHomemaker]

ThriftShop & Afterall - your swaps are wonderful!

jwilsie - I tried the chocolate ravioli with substituting a few ingredients for other things (i.e. pie crusts for puff pastry b/c they don't sell puff pastry in our regular grocery store!) and it was really yummy! I do think next time I'll try to find the puff pastry to use and a bigger cookie cutter!!

[Memmey]

Everyone has sent the nicest things!!!
I miss everyone.:{
When are we all gonna be back here??? Maybe when it is hot and we stay inside??? Please don't tell me we are only gonna get together when it is cold winter?
I checking in everyday from now on.:)

[Chyna]

I was wondering the same thing about you cherie! ( don't know how to put that ` in the right place:o). You scare me every blasted year at this time, get to thinking we'll see you on tv floating down a river or something. At least you'll have the fish to hold onto. :lol:

Do think that everyone is outside pulling weeds so being patient but know how you feel. It is a lonely ghost town in here as of late.:{ Is that a pathetic enough looking smilie? :()

[SusiesQs]

Jenn,

I'm glad you like the swap gifts. I had so much fun hitting the antique stores for them :D

Susie

[Thrift Shop Romantic]

I don't know where everyone is, either, Tanya and Memmey. Both of my blogs have been uncharacteristically quiet, as have some of the sites for my clients' at my real job.

I'm guessing everyone is just enjoying the nice weather instead of sitting in front of their computers. I can't really blame them!

[Chyna]

Those are quiet? I've been going in there just for the action!:)

[Thrift Shop Romantic]

Heh- And I've been happy to have you visit! (Your comments crack me up, actually... I probably should hire you to guest post. :) )

[Lisa S]

Memmy's swap gift came to me about 2 weeks ago. I've been too sick to get out of bed, but my first order of business now that I'm better is to thank her profusely and to show off the stuff!

I received a beautiful pitcher that will go with my transferware in the dining room. It's a perfect addition. She also sent some great sounding cajun seasoning that my husband can't wait to get his hands on. I'll tell you ~ if you've inspired my husband to cook, you're a saint in my book! Mem also send some beautiful note cards, an antique bottle and great dish towels.

Thank you, thank you!

P.S. Maria ~ you should have your package any day.

[Thrift Shop Romantic]

I'm sorry you haven't been well, Lisa. Here's hoping you'll be back to yourself soon.

[RoseMary]

So glad you are feeling better, Lisa! Great swap gifts, too:)!

[Memmey]

Hello Rooose Marrrrry and Jennnn :) :) ;) what ya'll been doing? We are slowly coming back here...lol....yea!!!!!!

[WannaBHomemaker]

Hey gals!! I've been thinking about yall - I've just been so swamped at work and then on top of that.... my sister is getting married July 5! I've been creating her invitations, thank yous, and programs!

Memmy - my husband just sat down and saw the pic of the swap you sent Lisa and announced that the creole seasoning is soooo good and that I must buy some!

I have little leaves sprouting on the flower seeds I planted!! I'm so excited! Also, turns out there's a hydrangea bush (i think) on the side of my house and a rose bush in the front yard!! There's another big bush/tree that bloomed that I don't know what it is, but it was pretty!
My husband and I also planted some watermelon seeds. We can't wait to have our own watermelon!

Hope you all are doing well! I miss our conversations!

[Lisa S]

Hi Autumn! Speaking of the Creole seasoning, we sprinkled it on top of pork chops and baked them last night. Delicious!

[jwilsie]

I wasn't sure what I'd find everyone up to since I haven't visited is such a long time, but it seems like everyone else has been a little absent as well. So at least I'm not the only one. I feel better now.

Autumn, I'm just now reading that you tried out the recipe - so glad you liked it! I don't know if this will help or not, but I got my puff pastry at Wal-Mart - it's Pepperidge Farm, so maybe your Wal-Mart carries it as well and it was just hiding from you.

Glad to hear that spring is finally coming to everyone. I'll finally be getting around to planting some pretty (and some edible) things this weekend and I'm very excited. Happy Friday everyone

[WannaBHomemaker]

hi jwilsie! I'm sure they have the puff pastry at the Wal-Marts in Lubbock, but I only get there about once a month or so. My little town only has 1 grocery store and it's pretty small! The next time I'm in a big grocery store, I'm going to look for them. I've also seen a similar recipe using crescent rolls and instead of rolling them up you fold them over to make like chocolate turnovers. I haven't tried that yet. our little grocery store doesn't carry crescent rolls either. :eek: but anyway, have you been busy working outside like the rest of us?