Laurie Bertrand (Liquid Paper blog)

crowding house

I went to the thrift store yesterday and found five great 100% cotton plaid tops for a couple bucks a pop (pics later maybe). Why so many? I did this so that I wouldn't spend the cash it would take to get this shirt -- which I love but just can't justify right now. Plus, if I'd gotten that shirt, I wouldn't have splurged and gotten this amazingly soft scarf from ellybeth's shop green olives design. And oh, did you notice the pine cone? You may recognize it because it's from Stephanie's Holiday Collection 2009. Of all that she's done, this collection with it's silks and plaids is probably my all-time favorite. And that's saying something. 

i wandered away for a bit

Thank you, thank you, thank you. These were a gift from the wonderful and thoughtful Leslie, who probably thinks that I disappeared -- which I did -- but now I'm back! I didn't expect to be gone so long, just over a month, but after a two week battle with influenza my 365 in 2009 was a bust (so sad) and I needed a break. It was nice. I got so much more done every day than I used to when I was obsessively checking flickr for new photos, comments, people, things, etc. 

I also discovered that when I am offline more than on I ...

• am more organized
• get more work done
• have a cleaner house (only slightly, it's not a miracle cure)
• try new recipes
• desire to spend face time with friends
• am more creative (less comparing myself to others and more doing)
• miss my online friends (which is why I need to find a balance!)   

Traci, Avert Your Eyes

Here it is... a sneak peek at Gold (something sparkly), Frankincense (something that smells nice) and Myrrh (something extra special), also known as the back-tack 4 package I put together for my swap partner Traci of little messes. As soon as we got our swap partner info, Traci and I knew we were a great match. I can't wait to get my package from her and for her to get all of these goodies! 

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.

!