Liquid Paper

No, really. I want you to have it.

For the next few weeks I'm going through all of my stuff in the studio to get rid of the things I don't need anymore. I tell myself that it is to clear out the clutter, but deep down I know that I'm just making room for the new stuff I'll accumulate over the next how-ever-long. Some of these things I'll be putting in my etsy shop, but others I want to give away to people who can use them.

First up are these piles of fabric from my stash. I've used pieces from them and now it's your turn. The pieces are all good-sized. The smallest is about a quarter yard and they range in size up to two or three yards each. Maybe you can make fabric Valentines with them? Who knows!

If you'd like one of these piles, please leave me a comment and tell me which pile you like best and which pile you like least. It'd be great if you could list them in order with your favorite pile first, your second favorite next, and so on and so forth. (I sure hope that makes sense.) That way, I'll try my best to send you one of your favorite piles!

On Monday I'll draw six (6) names and email you to get your address.

Update: I forgot to say anything about where I'll ship to -- thanks those who asked in the comments -- I am happy to mail globally so everyone is welcome to join in!

Thanks!

holiday swap '07

Here's a peek at what I made for everyone in my Holiday Ornament Swap 2007 group:

going, going, gone

My Holiday Handmade Stocking Swap finally made it out the door yesterday.

Now I can get back to more pressing matters, like my gazillon-things-to-make-for-Christmas list. Which, I'm pretty sure, is longer than Santa's list this year! Does anyone else out there need a little motivation to keep making? Something in the non-panicky family of motivators would be nice. Oh, and something that doesn't make my efforts look quite so amateur -- even though they are -- wouldn't hurt either. At least they're for people who love me and are real good at loving everything I make. ♥

patchy in places

I totally forgot to show you pictures of the whole package I put together for my patchwork swap partner. Unfortunately, my camera hiccupped and I lost most of the photos. (The one shown below being the exception.) But, you can see everything in this lovely post.

p.s. Thanks so much for the studio love everyone! You appreciate folded, color-arranged fabric like nobody's business. You get me. ♥ This weekend I promise to take more shots of all my work stations + some of Mark's side and the library/sitting area. So stay tuned...

profusion of patchwork

In the midst of chaos (see the last two posts), I look for some peace and find it in the amazing patchwork swap package I received from Regina of creative kismet. Can you believe how generous she was?

Check out this adorable fabric basket, the buttons and matching gift tags!

And the fabrics -- such a delicious selection! Thank you again Regina. I couldn't be more thrilled.

THANK YOU
I wanted to thank ashley hogan over at the Momformation blog for mentioning liquid paper in her Handmade Holidays post a little while back. Thank you so much for the kind words and for including this little blog among what I consider to be the giants of the crafting bloggers (this gal + this gal). ♥

this is my favorite part

This weekend I finished up my patchwork swap package + a few little extras for my swap partner: Veronica of Walter + Veronica. I had been keeping my identity a secret, but, now that the end is drawing near and I'm a day late (ack!) mailing it off, I thought I'd offer a sneak peek + make first contact. I have to say that I was thrilled when I found out I'd gotten Veronica as my recipient. I recently discovered their blog + they run an adorable online shop! I really hope that she likes the patchwork item I made and the pile-o-scraps I collected for her. As soon as I know she's received everything, I'll post more revealing photos. But until then, you'll have to settle for these images:

gushing is certainly in order

Now I remember why I used to do so many swaps. I love it + it's deeply addicting. I'm on a mail-induced high from all of the goodies flooding into the apartment. Today I finally took the time to photograph them so that I could properly thank everyone. Dear readers, prepare yourselves for a whirlwind of swappy goodness!

First to arrive was this adorable card + a pile of lovely vintage fabrics. Thank you cathy!

Di's package was next to arrive. She spoiled me with fabrics + chocolate! Plus, these photos don't even include the amazing buttons I also received from her. Thank you so much!

Kim's package included these drool-worthy fabrics. Where in the world did you find that farm animal one? Ack! Thank you!

Paula's free-fabric-give-away package came next. Wow! Thank you so much dear girl! you sent more than I could have asked for + I love them all.

Brace yourselves friends, because here's the package of trims that Sarah sent me. So much cuteness! There's even some of her custom trim + those translucent glass pins I was looking for. Thank you Sarah!

Ahh, and last but definitely not least was this burst of color + pattern from Hillary. She even included a little magnetic decole mushroom -- my first decole! Thank you so much.

!

how did i get to be so lucky

Wow! Thank you all so much for your helpful comments yesterday. I think I'm well on my way to getting some of those pins that I was pining over. If anyone else is looking for them too, you can do a search for crystal glass headed pins. I did one this morning and easily found several options including: amazon.com | keepsake quilting.com | joann.com

I also really appreciate feedback I received about the pincushion. Carmen, you are so right about the version 1.0 vs. 2.0 delimma!

***

SHOP UPDATE
What's that you say, a shop update? Why, yes! I've decided to get started on a few stuffed items for the shop. I don't know about you, but I'm a little tired of the current selection over there and think it's high time that I added a some life back into the inventory with some new... puppies! I hope to have a couple in the shop by the end of this week. Here's a peek at the first work-in-progress:

MAIL UPDATE
I'm pleased as punch to say that all of the vintage fabric swaps + the paper swap + shop orders are finished and ready for the Post Office today. Whatever will I do with myself now!

p.s. I made the "SWAP" stickers and my mailing labels using InDesign (but you could use Word) and paper that is sticky on one side. An easy-peasy way to customize any packaging.

fabric for swap?

Here is the fabric that I found at the thrift store last week. It washed up great. I love the design, colors and the adorable folksy theme. It's a very light weight cotton material and would work great for a kid's room, tote bag, quilt, pillows or even in a kitchen. So, so cute. In its former life it was curtains (four panels + orange pompoms!). There are about eight yards total so I was thinking of keeping a yard for myself and offering up the rest for swap. I can cut them into 1, 1/2 or 1/4 yard-sized pieces. Any takers? If you're interested please send me an email to laurie at moddots dot com.

Also, if you think you're interested, I should let you know that I'm looking for some raw materials this time around - fabric, buttons, trim, etc. My stash is starved for some vintage and unique materials. Thanks!

cold day, warm heart

The post cards I made for a Valentine's Day swap went out yesterday... one day before the deadline. I can hardly believe I was a whole day early for something. Did you notice the stamps I used? They're my favorites.

Here's a fuzzy peek (bad lighting sorry):

Here's the original image that I used to make the front of the cards.

This is the cold day part.

And this is the warm heart part. ♥ These are photos taken of my Marie Claire Idees. (Mark gave me a subscription as a Christmas gift.)