Valentines

The loveliest day of the year has arrived.

loveliest: having beauty that appeals to the emotions as well as to the eye

I participated in Cathy's Amour Valentine Swap and my partner was Janet, of Janet's Creative Pillows. 

Score! Agree?

She also sent a lot of other goodies; such as chocolates, candy, rose candles, and gorgeous paper flowers, but I was totally smitten with this pillow. It had me at the gorgeous bridal lace, or was it the tulle, or the roses? Anyway, I was smitten.  

This is the Valentine box I sent Janet, as well as cupcake supplies, and an array of hearts. 

I spent the afternoon making Valentine cookies with three teenage girls. 

Wishing you a great Valentines Day!  

Blessings, Ele

Sweet Tweet Swap Players

The Sweet Tweet Swap is full and partners have been assigned.

If you are in this swap, (players are listed at the bottom of this post), and did not receive an

e-mail PLEASE let me know.

These are the instructions for the swap players, (at the bottom of the post). I have had several questions from people who are not familiar with swaps, so I decided to post the instructions for all to read.

1. You have been assigned a swap partner. You will mail your partner a box of goodies, (bird, nest, Spring theme), and your partner will mail you a box of goodies! Boxes will be postmarked on or before May 20th.

• In some swaps, you will not have the same partner. I prefer to pair up people because if you receive a package from someone, you will be more apt to make sure you mail that person a package back!

2. E-mail you partner. If they have a blog, visit. Ask your partner any questions that might help you decide what to send. What is your favorite color? What is your favorite decorating color? Do you have a specific style? The great thing about this theme is that anything with a bird/nest goes with ANY style.

3. This swap has to contain one handmade item, and one "sweet" item. The handmade item does not have to be made by you. The sweet item is your interpretation. It can by candy (ask your partner her favorite candy), or "sweet" as in really special (again, ask what they collect, or if they are an artist/crafter their favorite crafting supply). The swap is to have at least a $20.00 value.

4. This swap has a bird, nest, Spring theme (Sweet Tweet). All items you send your partner need to fit into this category. You need to send your partner at least two items (handmade and sweet), but can send more. It seems that the swap boxes I receive usually have at least 5 items in them. It is fun to get a variety of items even if they are small. As I was browsing a local store, I found many items that would fit this theme; cards, rubber stamps, dish cloths, wall plaques, twig nests, scrapbook paper, magnets, bird nick nacks, picture frames, ribbon (bird's make nests with this!), wrapping paper, robin eggs, stickers, little crafting birds, bird recipe cards, bird houses, and bird feeders . I searched lollishops and etsy and found bird's nest earrings, egg shaped soap, bird tags, felted birds, nest art prints, pennants, bird teacups, bird bookmarks, a sweet memory box with a bird on top, bird notecards, bird/nest banners, and more!

5. Wrap up some or all of your items. They can be wrapped in tissue paper/wrapping paper and ribbons. It's fun to get wrapping supplies you can recycle! Unwrapping your gifts adds to the excitement. Please include a little note with your gifts.

Look at this wonderful bird kit: http://lollishops.com/node/29522 for someone who is a crafter.

Remember ladies, if you have any questions, or need help, please e-mail me!
Ele

Puppy Tag Love

The AMAZING Karla put together a Puppy Love Tag Swap, (in honor of her sweet puppies that were born last month). I love cooperative swaps because you receive a little art from more then one person. I sent Karla 6 tags. Karla put together tag books with tags from 6 different people, added a cover tag from herself, and the end result is a wonderful little book.

I am always amazed at the creativity that flows from bloggers when they participate in a project such as this. The first tag is from Karla Nathan, the hostess. The words "what means this thrill" under a fairly somber couple, just cracked me up!

This tag is just so pretty. Would you believe that the back is as pretty as the front. I wasn't surprised when I saw it was from Andrea at Vintage Bella Studio. Andera makes lovely things.
I wish the picture below showed the glittery details and the beauty of the rose a little clearer, but you'll have to take my word for it, very elegant. The back is as nice as the front. This pretty tag was made by Mahala at Simply Sage.

This tag is just like it says, "sweet". The background paper is from a children's story and fits in perfectly with the picture of the little girl and puppy. The background of the tag looks as if it is water colored. It's a wonderful look. The sweetest tag is made by Ali Gripp.

My heart did flutter when I saw this tag. It has everything I love, a little millinery flower, a heart with mica/glass glitter, ephemera text (page from a French book), and pink trim. This tag is made by Jen Kershner.

How cute is this tag made by Caitlin at Chaotic Creations? True puppy love complete with sweet puppy kisses. The back of this tag has a puppy paw print on it. I'm sure Karla has gotten lots of sweet puppy kisses lately! Caitlin even did a little hand work on the felt heart in the corner. Nice touch!

The last tag is from Kathy in Chicago. It is an elegant Victorian looking tag. Beautiful lush looking rose and pearl trims on the bottom. Stunning!

Thanks to all of you who tag appears in my tag book, and again to Karla.....the amazing Karla!
Below are some of the tags I made for the swap.

Blessings to you,

Ele