Swap with Carollyn

I had just [posted my swap with Virginia Retro. I had a couple comments and one was from Carollyn (Carollyns Tatting Blog). She had thought I was posting to join a swap, and I messaged her to say that no I had just received my part of the swap. Well after a few messages we decided to swap, She really seemed to like my Mouse "Spoolie" I had made. We decided to do a casual swap.

No real deadlines, although I believe the end of the month (February) was what we had agreed upon, not sure maybe March? Needless to say I have a lot going on. I am going to be a "Grand-Mother" for the first time This year and I had to get this done and out. Need to start the plans for baby shower, and such.

I decorated a large cigar box to place the mouse/pincushion in. Carollyn didn't specify a particular color but mentioned she liked Victorian. Well so do I, which for me meant I could embellish to my hearts content. Break out the dark red glitter, the velvet, the sparkles...

The box slides open and she can use it later to store some treasures.....

Here is her most royal majesty, the Queen. Upon her velvet throne/pincushion.

 Next to little gift boxes that hold some tatting treasures...

I made her a "Tat-alaine", a take on a Victorian Chatelaine. Her instead of sewing items I made her one that will hold one of the picot gauges (I made those from allan wrenches that I soldered onto rings), a crochet hook pendant (I made by adding it to a lovely natural stone), and a large clasp on one end for a pair of small scissors.

I soldered a charm with her name on one side and a small tatted motif on the other. She just drapes it across her neck and it will keep her tatting tools right at her fingertips.

Here you see what I mean. I am sure she isn't as fumble-fingered as I can be. I am forever dropping my gauges, or looking for my hook. Look no more they will all be there at your fingertips (even when you have to get up in a hurry to answer the phone, LOL). I hope she likes these gifts as much as I enjoyed making them.

 P.S.This is a "beaded" Shuttle bag I tatted. I had seen one made by Joelle' on her Youtube channel. I decided to try it. It was my first attempt using beads in tatting.

Yummy Goodness Swap!!!!!

Okay so Sandy @ 521 Lake St Blog hosted a Valentine box swap. My partner was Lynne at http://www.cottagegalstyle.com/. Let me start off with WOW! You blew me away Lynne.  First the box arrived late Thursday night late. Steven found it on the porch at 4 am as he was leaving for work. I was concerned as well we have not had nice weather and it was cold out here.

I was so surprised to see it was filled to the brim.....

 Look at this...

 Here are the Yummy goodies...I adore junior mints, and the tea :)

My "box" was this lovely tin (this will be so handy to place my tatting thread in :)!!

 Chuck full of crafty goodness in all the shabby colors I love.

 So much fun to be had.....

  Two pieces of jewelry a necklace and a bracelet!

 It just kept coming, bits of handmade goodness and vintage fun

 Okay this is by far one of my fav's. A vintage baby planter (we are expecting out first grand baby this year!!!)

 Gorgeous seam binding, ribbons glitter a  "crown stamp" and more...

 Look at this lovely Tea cup!

 Lynne you made my week! It was better than Christmas. Thank You!

Wonderful, Wonderful!!!!!

Valentine Spoolie Swap

Here it is my "Spoolie" from Pam (Virginia Retro). Wow what a generous package. So many things, it was like Christmas (and we have the snow and ice to prove it, here in Michigan).The Spoolie is bright and quite tall,just look at all the flowers......

 This was what I opened....

A sweet little box of goodness....

 Trims and teas....

Yummy candy, a candle,  and handmade tags....

Here is the card she made for me....

Thank you Pam for the thought and care you took. Thank you Sue (Its A Very Cherry World) for hosting!