Charms Received...Amazing...

I was thinking of doing a swap as I follow quite a few blogs that participate in swaps and it always looks so fun to see what everyone makes and receives.  Well...I did participate in my very first swap that was for charms.  It was hosted and organized and completed by the very talented Roni of http://inkstainswithroni.blogspot.com/ I cannot express enough how thrilled I am with this swap.Thank you to Roni and everyone who participated.  Here is a group photo of the box I received.  I was like a child filled with wonder and excitement on Christmas morning when I opened this box of charms.  Each and every charm is lovingly handmade and so clever and precious.  Thank you to each artist I was lucky enough to get one of your charms.

 This is one of the three sets of charms I made and submitted.  I used black O-rings, copper wire and beads.  I attached a lobster clasp to each one for easy use.

 This charm is larger and I wanted it to represent the beautiful pine trees I live amongst.  I added beads, fancy yarns, some copper wire and a lobster clasp. 

Each set of charms (I made three sets) were five per set.  This set is double sided with truffle pictures and small beads for some bling.  So far I think this charm was very popular because who doesn't like chocolate...even if it is a photo of chocolate!
I will definitely be participating again early next year when Roni hosts this swap once more.  It truly was a delightful experience. 
Now I must get busy and thank each of my charm makers.  We did include our info and I have already received some emails thanking me for my charms. 
I spent my morning at my local Chamber helping visitors.  Our weather is just perfect.  Then Mr. C came along and took me to lunch at my favorite Beach Hut Deli for my California sandwich.  Life is good.
May your week progress with all the wonderful things that make you happy...

Charmed I'm Sure...

My little studio has been a very busy place of late and for that I am grateful. It is where I like to spend time and it makes me happy to create things.
I decided several weeks ago to participate in a charm swap that Roni is hosting. I am certain you all follow her escapades with ink and such. If not please visit her. http://inkstainswithroni.blogspot.com/
I actually made three sets of charms and sent them in for swapping. I am not showing them here as the swap is in the process stage and soon to be sent out to all participants and I certainly don't want to spoil any surprises.
This photo is of a single charm I did for Roni herself. Super simple using a chipboard letter (lower case r with glitter), jump rings with beads attached and a lobster clasp for attaching to anything desired.
I must say I am getting excited to see which charms I receive. Roni has been giving hints of the charms she is receiving and they all sound amazing.
What swaps have you participated in? Any favorites you have enjoyed?
I am thinking of some I might join in the future. I know time must be set aside just for each swap so that the items are the best possible. I think this would be a great way to expand my art and sharing is something I love to do. Hmmm...
Summer is marching along. Our local county fair is happening this week. I think I shall avoid all the traffic and crowds this year. If only I could attend just to see all the handmade items that people show. No, I will spend my precious time in my studio and sewing room making my very own handmade items.
Enjoy your days doing something that makes you happy...

Butterfly Bag Sewn...

Do you sew? Are you passionate about fabrics? Do you adore bags to put things in?
Oh Yeah! I do love to sew and I am passionate about fabrics and yes, I love bags to put things in. This is a fabric called Fairy Frost and has a silvery shimmer to it.

This is one of my favorite butterfly fabrics. I have owned this fabric for a long time.

Being part of this amazing blogging community is one of my greatest joys. So many talented and generous people all sharing like-minded hobbies.

While reading one of my daily blogs I check http://lacelovinlibrarian.blogspot.com I found this little bag Diane had sewn. Instantly I knew I just had to make one. Luckily Diane gave the link to a tutorial. http://quiltsalott.blogspot.com/2009/01/origami-pouch-tutorial.html

Thank you so much to these kind and generous people who love to create wonderful things.

Here is my sewn pouch with a beaded charm detail. I love butterflies and use them whenever I am able to. Butterflies represent 10,000 happinesses.

This little bag is also referred to as origami pouch as it has a wonderful way of sewing and folding to create it. This photo shows the inside lining fabric and the outside pocket. Both sides of the bag are this way.

Here is the completed bag with the flaps down over the outside pockets. Drawstring cords pull the top tight and close in the contents.

I am so thrilled to have sewn this little bag. Now I am planning on sewing many more as I can think of lots of gifts I can give.

Fabric choices are endless. Embellishing is endless. Diane used buttons on her flaps and that is very cute. I already have a lot of fabrics which will be excellent choices for these wonderful little bags.

Thank you once again to the generous sharing of knowledge and information and talents that blogging affords all of us.

May you have a wonderful week of creativity and enjoy these waning days of summer...

Farewell July...

Farewell July as we end another wonderful Summer month of perfect weather and lots of outdoor activities. Time spent with family and friends enjoying good conversation, fun and food.

This is probably the last thing I made in July. My friend Cindy lost her cell phone and had to get a new one. She was sad because along with her phone she lost her charm I had made for her. So without hesitation I have made her a new one for her new phone. I know it isn't exactly like the previous one but I do think she will like this one even better.

This time I incorporated her favorite...a dragonfly bead. I still had to add a heart charm as that speaks to how dear she is. I shall give it to her this week when we see one another.

As for July...I didn't experience Christmas in July like others celebrated with handmade gifts. I have been thinking ahead to gift making and am always preparing. Maybe I shall celebrate Christmas in August...we shall see.

Mr. C and I have been working in the yard...still cleaning up and repairing from last winter's devastation and of course preparing for this upcoming winter. I shall take some photos and share with you our progress.

May each of you have a fantastic amazing August. I know I will...

Lace Envelopes...

Here are more of my little kraft envelopes. They are merely 2 1/4" x 3 1/4" so much too small for ATCs. I managed to sew some of my favorite lace around them. Then I took my heart punch and made some tags. They are colored on one side and plain on the other so I could write a thank you note.

Then I created some charms and attached them to the heart tags. This tassel is made of beads strung on beading thread. I sent this to a special follower as a surprise.

This charm is made from an old costume earring. I love the pearls effect and how it dangles.

This charm is a special mix of beads I bought in Rome Italy on holiday.

Each of these charms is attached to a lobster clasp and can be used for zippers, charm pins, decoration on curtains or pillows or anything else you can think of.

I just love the look of lace on the tiny little envelopes. The photos do not show that the lace continues on the flap to complete the look. Therefore instead of sealing the flap I chose to tie ribbon around the envelope to close it.

A little beaded surprise wrapped in tissue enclosed in a tiny lace covered envelope. Yum!

I still have a lot of these tiny envelopes so I shall be putting on my creative thinking cap.

Please share any ideas you might have for using them. I think I have a balance of at least 400.

I am still weeding, trimming and cleaning house in preparation of company arriving. The hours and days are passing so quickly. I must adopt the attitude that whatever I do get done will be far more than nothing. Got to get back to my duties as "daylight's a burning" so Mr. C says.

Happy Summer Creating...

Quick Gift & Wrapping...

Here is a very quick and easy gift from my studio today. A lanyard charm with a lacey metal heart bead and top and bottom Swarovski crystals to add some bling. Where would you use one of these? A cell phone? Zipper pull? Notebook/Journal? Scissors fob? Keys? Hmmm...

And here I am again with the fabric serged to make a small bag. Then I wrapped the charm in tissue paper and placed it inside the little fabric bag. Next I stitched a button with cotton thread to close the top and tied a bow.

In very little time I had made and wrapped and completed another gift for giving.

My list is in really good shape. Lots of things are getting checked off.

I am so excited for Santa to come and visit.

Happy Holidays to all...

Pink Wishes...

In keeping with Colette and wishing her pink and recovery from cancer I made and sent this small charm that can be attached to anything. I like to put one on my scissors just for fun. Some use them on cell phones. Others attach them to their keys. You can imagine the many ways in which you can enjoy one of these.
The pink owl bead is for wisdom.
A pink heart bead for caring.
The butterfly for 10,000 happinesses and new beginnings.
And of course the heart charm that says it all...Made with Love.
Colette please know I am thinking of you and wishing you pink.
Smiles,

Lucky Charm...

Here is a perfect chance to follow a wonderful blog...

http://gatherings100.blogspot.com

I have been following this lady and her most interesting blog for quite some time now.

Well, Pat is very generous and offering a beautiful giveaway that I secretly want to win and therefore really shouldn't share with anyone but I feel it only fair to share not only this opportunity to win but for everyone to begin following her amazing blog journey.

Pat actually offered some of these beautiful bird nest charms for sale and I missed them due to being gone. Maybe some more will appear again one day. Until then I really love this one with the little "sprout" charm attached.

I found Pat Winter through her Comfort Doll blog which you should also check out and donate to.

http://www.comfortdolls.blogspot.com

Happy bird nest lucky charm giveaway to all...

Thank you Pat.