Gifted

I'm so grateful for the people I have in my life.  They are sweet and thoughtful.

And on top of that, they know exactly what I like.

Both of these gems were recently given to me by two wonderful people.  Aren't they great?  Both of them are hanging above my crafting desk now.

I found the vintage cross-stitch piece on the desk, waiting for me when I arrived at work one night.  My co-worker Liz left it for me, she's the nicest lady.  Isn't it darling?!  Old needlework is one of my favorite things to collect.

The plaque on the right was a gift from my honey.  He brought it home for me in an attempt to cheer me up when I was under the weather.  Niagara Falls is where I grew up, so I love to collect all the old souvenirs.  Ironic how people always do that once they leave somewhere, huh?  Guess you don't what you got til it's gone.  I was so sick I couldn't do anything but lay on the couch or bundle up under a million blankets in bed...for a solid week.  When he gave it to me, I was so out of it that I don't even think I managed a smile.  However, I LOVE it.  He's such a great guy.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm such a lucky girl!

I Make Up Words.

Really, I do- all the time.  Apparently it's something I've always done.  I've been told that for the first four years of my life, I insisted on calling all beverages, ogendagens.  Despite knowing how to say milk, water, juice, etc.  I was just stubborn about it.  Me?  Stubborn?  Go figure.

Well, I've coined a new one, folks- Fabriganza.  Fabric + Extravaganza.  And that's what I had this past weekend, a super fabriganza!  I thrifted a bunch of vintage goodies, check 'em out.

I'm not exactly sure what kind of fabric this is.  It's got a bit of a sheen to it and it has some give to it.  Maybe rayon?  Well, whatever it is, it's fab!

 This one makes my eyes go a little crazy.  Not sure how well that's going to work out when I go to cut it and actually make something.  (It's a thick cotton, very sturdy.)

The one on the left is super crazy.  It appears to be dual-layered and woven together.  Check out the close up below, it's it great?  It makes me wish I knew how to make clothes.  I totally want a jacket made out of it! 

I'm a sucker for prints, can you tell?!  Especially that blue one.  I have something pretty similar in red, green and yellow!

I got these two pink things for 50 cents.  I can't tell if they are napkins or hankies, but what I do know is they are crazy.  They have little people on them!

 
See them?  These second photo is more true to the color too, not so bright.

I also found an unopened bag of stuffing.  Yay, I was getting low.  Phew.

I saved the best for last!  I was so excited about these last finds that I'm still grinning from ear to ear.

I can't believe I finally found one those ridiculously kitschy vintage sheets.  They're always on the top of my list when I go thrifting, but I've never had any luck until now.  As for the velvet, it was the first thing I picked up when we got to the store and I knew it was going to be a spectacular day.  Baby, I've got one word for you- PRINCE.  Oh, hell yeah.  Some royal embroideries coming at ya soon!

What's the best thing you've thrifted lately?

The Swap That Really Tied The Room Together. Part 1

HOLY GUACAMOLE!!!!!  I'm excited, can you tell?  I received my package from Sam for our private embroidery swap.  Of course, she spoiled me.  Check out her awesome piece.

There's painting...and about a gazillion French knots.

And The Jesus even has a real net on his hair.  This pretty much blew my mind.

She even sent me a toe!

I'm such a lucky duck!  Thank you so much, Sam.  You rocked my world.

Thanks for looking.  In Part 2 of this swap, I'll share my pieces with you.  For now it's still a secret.

P.S. Here's a little something to cheer up those of you who weren't lucky enough receive this greatness in your mailbox.  Enjoy. 

Swaptastic!

I'm not sure if I told you guys or not, but I joined Swap-bot.  As a crafty gal and a mail enthusiast, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to join a group of like-minded people.  Check it out, I would be willing to bet there is a swap or two that will catch your eye.

I signed up for my first swap too, an embroidery swap with a fairy tale theme.  And even though send-outs are over two weeks away, I already received my package from the talented Snifferooski in Ohio.

Isn't it darling?  I love the tassels she made by putting the knot on the front.  I'm going to paint a frame to go with it.  Can't wait to show you when it's up on the wall.

It's exciting to get a little something a person with a totally different style than your own.  I never would have interpreted it this way, which is why I love it so much.

Now for my piece, to show or not to show?? 
I'm 99% sure that my partner doesn't read my blog but I'm still torn as to what to do.  I've already decided I will not be showing personal swap stuff on here until after my partner has received it.  (Sorry, Sam.)  But what about Swap-bot stuff, is there a protocol?  Since you don't know who your partner is, does it matter?  What do you think?  Help!

Thanks for looking, I hope that you all have a creative day.  I'm off to be productive...hopefully.