Bloggy updates

So what do you think of the new digs? I thought it was time for a little update. I still really need to get at a custom header. One of these days.....
I think this background is nice and springy - anything to get spring to come a little sooner and faster!!!

Come on spring!!! We're ready for the Tulips, Narcissus and Hyacinths!

Swap goodies from me!

Remember the lovely things I received all the way from Australia? I posted about them here. I made some things for my swap partner in North Carolina, USA, but couldn't post about them until I was sure she received them. It's actually been a while since she replied, but, you know, life gets busy..... and finally here I am, blogging about it.
I had the name and address of my swap partner, but no e-mail or blog address, so I really didn't know much about her. I thought if I created something child-friendly, but she had no younger kids, it would go unused. So, without any clues as to what I should make, I set to creating:


I LOVE aprons, they are so cute (and so needed, in my case!). I had seen many variations of the ruffled apron, so I thought I'd try it out. This black and white fabric has been used and used (perhaps over used?) for so many projects, but I just love the combination!



I continued the theme with a set of coasters, and included one of my "famous" cup cozies (ina patriotic red, white and blue with stars for the American).

And the card i created from my scrap bin:



It turns out that she lives 30 minutes away from where we will be vacationing this August. What a small world.

Here's her reply to me after she received my package:

Sonya Thank you so much for your gift. It was a wonderful suprise. I have already been reading your blog. Guess my delight to find out I was the one who was matched with you. You have spoiled me beyond belief. It's hard to tell which one is my favorite. The apron is sooo cute. I have already put the coasters to use and will use the cup cozy soon.
Please let me know when you head down my way. I would love to meet you. You will only be about 30 miles from me.
thanks again
Pam

I'm so glad she enjoyed what I sent her! I'd like to sign up for another swap again, but not until I've got the craft fair stock and displays up and running. I just love receiving creations from people all over the world. It's a nice change to see other people's work and see other fabrics than what's in my own stash!

Off to create more craft show stock..... stay tuned for pics and listings of my new creations!

More randomness about me....

Woo hoo! 2 posts in 2 days.... not like me at all! I really should be at my sewing machine getting some craft show items made. Tomorrow's another day....

This is a list of 98 things that you may or may not have done. The ones that are in bold are the ones that I have done.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars -
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a Praying Mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a thunder and lightning storm
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Run a Marathon
27. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
28. Seen a total eclipse
29. Watched a sunrise or sunset-
30. Hit a home run
31. Been on a cruise
32. Seen Niagara Falls in person
33. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
34. Seen an Amish community
35. Taught yourself a new language
36. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
37. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
38. Gone rock climbing
39. Seen Michelangelo’s David
40. Sung karaoke
41. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
42. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
43. Visited Africa
44. Walked on a beach by moonlight
45. Been transported in an ambulance
46. Had your portrait painted
47. Gone deep sea fishing
48. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
49. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
50. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
51. Kissed in the rain
52. Played in the mud
53. Gone to a drive-in theater
54. Been in a movie
55. Visited the Great Wall of China
56. Started a business
57. Taken a martial arts class
58. Visited Russia
59. Served at a soup kitchen
60. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
61. Gone whale watching
62. Got flowers for no reason
63. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
64. Gone sky diving
65. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
66. Bounced a check
67. Flown in a helicopter
68. Saved a favorite childhood toy
69. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
70. Eaten caviar
71. Pieced a quilt
72. Stood in Times Square
73. Toured the Everglades
74. Been fired from a job
75. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
76. Broken a bone
77. Been a passenger on a motorcycle
78. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
79. Published a book
80. Visited the Vatican
81. Bought a brand new car
82. Walked in Jerusalem
83. Had your picture in the newspaper
84. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve
85. Visited the White House
86. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
87. Had chickenpox
88. Saved someone’s life
89. Sat on a jury
90. Met someone famous
91. Joined a book club
92. Got a tattoo
93. Had a baby
94. Seen the Alamo in person
95. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
96. Been involved in a law suit
97. Owned a cell phone
98. Been stung by a bee


Have a great spring day (in the Northern Hemisphere!) In the Southern Hemisphere - enjoy your fall day! :)

Guess what came in the mail today?!?

My package from my swap partner on the Mother Huddle Handmade Exchange! I went to the post office before I picked up the kids from school. All I wanted to do was rip it open in the van, just dying to see what was inside! I have read enough blogs to know that I had to wait until I got home so I could take pictures of the whole process.

And it came all the way from Australia!!!

I decided to take the pictures outside on my deck because it was a beautiful, clear day, and I thought it would be funny to show just how much snow we still have here! (I am not trying to further the preconceived notions that Canadians live in igloos and have snow year-round!) It was 12 degrees (celcius) here today, so the snow is melting steadily, and should be gone in the next 2-3 days. Anyways, back to the current subject...

For those of you who have never heard of or participated in a swap: Crafters are proud of their creations, and love to share them with others who are like-minded. So, on the 5,000,000 blogs I read (I swear it seems like it!), there are usually a swap or two on the go. You sign up to send some of your crafty goodness to someone else who has signed up, and either they will reciprocate, or another person is "assigned" to send their creations to you. A great lady named Natalie was given my name and address, and I was given the name and address of a crafter in North Carolina, USA.

I wanted to share with you all what Natalie sent!
First of all, a note written on this beautiful paper. It is that really cool marblized paper, done on a great textured, thick cardstock. It is so beautiful, I may just frame it! I'll have to ask Natalie if she made the paper herself, or if she bought it from another crafter.
Inside, she wrote: Dear Sonya, I'm your swap parter on the Handmade Exchange on the 'Mother Huddle' site. I live in a regional town in Victoria, Australia. Am a wife to a wonderful husband and we have an 11 month old son. I've really enjoyed making these gifts for you, hope you like them. The colouring wallet is handy to pop into your handbag and easy to pull out to keep kids entertained. I'm also loving your blog. I am following as (her username). Hope you check out my blog www.eissua.blogspot.com. Wishing you happiness all the way from Australia! Natalie

After reading the note, it was finally time to see what was in the package!
The first was the cutest little colouring wallet. Look at that fabric.... how did she know that I.LOVE.GREEN?!? It's gorgeous!

It has an equally gorgeous fabric on the inside (I think Natalie and I should have a fabric swap too!) Sweetie was just tickled that it even had crayons already packed in it! I love it so much that it will reside in my purse, and will only be dispensed to them when they PROMISE they will be good to it!!! :)

The next package was a tad bigger. I ripped into it to discover more beautiful GREEN fabric!!!

Inside, it held a notepad and pen for me!!! There is a pocket to hold important things like notes, receipts, whatever I deem necessary to keep in this beauty!
I'm thinking I'll keep it with my craft fair "toolkit", and use it during craft fairs to take important notes, write down the names of boutiques that want to carry my stock, etc.... ;) (I wish!)
I'm honoured to have received such carefully made and thoughtfully selected items.

Here's the final pic of all three items ( I count the notecard as an item because it is so beautiful too!)

Thank you Natalie! And thank you Destri from the Mother Huddle for setting up this swap!

Now go show Natalie some love by visiting her blog and tell her I sent you!

Meet Jack

Everyone, I'd like to introduce you to a really cool guy.

This is Jack. I know, I know, a bit of a blank look on his face, but deep down, he's fun, interesting, and a good companion.


A little awkward that he's naked though, no?
Let's get him dressed now.
Good old black shoes. Can't go wrong with a classic pair of black shoes. Shows he's a dependable guy.


Classic blue jeans. Who doesn't love a comfy, worn in pair of jeans...


White t-shirt. Doesn't he remind you of that great guy next door? You know, he'd do anything for you, help you move, unclog your sink, collect your mail and newspapers when you're on vacation....



But he also loves him a good Hawaiian shirt!!! Just to mix it up a little.... :)



I also love his Hawaiian shirt. Just thought all of you would like a little close-up action.


Jack is a fabric "paper" doll who will bring hours of enjoyment to little girls and boys. He and his clothes won't tear and ruin all the fun. Great for sharing with friends, or even being a little selfish on their own in their room.
Jack's wardrobe is soon to expand, with a pair of cargo shorts in the works!
And just so he doesn't get lonely, I'll be making him a little friend. (suddenly I'm feeling a little Adam and Eve story coming on....)
She is yet to be named, nothing has really come to me yet. Maybe I should have a little contest, eh?
Jack and ___?_____ will soon be featured at upcoming craft shows. They'll come with a change of clothes, and other outfits will be available for purchase seperately. (think: ballerina dresses, perhaps some halloween costumes?)

So, what do you think "Eve's" name should be?