Kleas

Late night posting

is never really a good idea.  This seems to be my one opportunity though, so here I am.  I came to beautiful San Fran last Thursday and have been buried in work these past five days.  My, how I miss this community when I away from it.  Lucky girl that I am though, I mentioned to a new buddy in craft blog land where I was traveling and she happens to live right here...not even too far from my hotel.  Lucky me.  Sonya and I got to meet yesterday.  Lucky me.  To spend an evening with this new friend, this creative soul who is every bit as charming, funny, beautiful and interesting as I had imagined her to be from reading her blog.  Oh, but she says it all so much better here.  Lucky me.  She not only gave me the beautiful gift of her friendship, but she also brought me a present.  Gorgeous vintage fruit buttons from Czechoslovakia.   

There is nothing in the world like making this kind of connection.  We both agreed that Mimi really says it best here when talking about how easy it is to meet fellow bloggers.  It was wonderful to meet you!!  Thank you for a great time Sonya!

In my down time from work, I like to work on projects up in my hotel room and managed to finish my ATCs for Amy's Valentine ATC Swap.

What fun I had playing with embroidery, felting, beading...I used remnants of old sweaters and leftover pieces of trim and lace, beads and silk ribbon.  We are to trade in five and I made eight since I was having such a good time experimenting with different combinations.

There is another project keeping me busy.  Hope to have something to show before too long.  Good night.

Embroidered Patches

The very talented Faun from The Red Button Tree hosted an embroidered patch swap and I was thrilled and delighted when my package arrived from her over the weekend.  Look at the beauties she sent me.

   

         

     (With a little help taking these photos from my assistant).  The top patch from Rose, the cupcake from Raesha and the flower from Stephanie.  I love them all so much and feel so lucky to have received such beautiful work from such a talented pool of women.  Here are the patches I made.

I was not familiar with Faun and her amazing work until I "met" her through her swap.  I immediately fell in love with her artwork and bought two gorgeous pieces from her.  Acrylic and ink on card stock.  I LOVE these.  and FINALLY framed them.

She is not only a talented painter, but she spins her own yarn that is so yummy looking that I can't wait to order some (I'm just waiting until I finish the twenty knitting projects sitting on my needles).  Check out the wonderful things she has in her shop.

Not only did she host the swap, but she sent one of her darling prints as a "thank you".

Thanks to US?  No Faun...THANK YOU!!!  What a sweet gift.  And she always includes lovely cards with her shipments and sent some with the swap...I have quite a nice little collection.

What a great swap this was.  Hope Faun will run it again! 

From Ireland

Rebecca of An Irish Craftworker's Good Life and I arranged to do a swap.  Something handmade.  And whatever else we felt like sending.  WOW!!  I was not prepared for the amazing package she sent.  Rebecca makes her own felt, something I would love to try sometime.  She even posted a tutorial here.  These three amazing gifts are made with her handmade felt.  The book is so lovely with the beautiful mixture of textiles and colors.  I love the little bits of shimmering threads running throughout the piece.

This photograph does not do justice to her gorgeous work-the orchid pin and sweet star ornament are so perfectly made, and the colors are much more brilliant.  Check out her photos here and here.  She also included a darling felted ladybug (my photo of her just won't work), a sweet stitched rose on linen...

...I would love to know how to do this...wonderful chocolate (dark, my favorite), some interesting clothespins that have a base, so they stand up (I've got some ideas for what I will do with these), fabric remnants and a sweet handmade card.  Thank you so much Rebecca!!  I really treasure all these gifts from Ireland.

Swapping is so much fun!  It motivates me to create, I love to "meet" new people and who doesn't love to get a little surprise in the mailbox?  I've just joined three more swaps that haven't closed yet, so if you're looking for a motivation to get creative...check these out.

• Claire is hosting a brooch swap...hurry if you're interested, the deadline to sign up is today. 
• Dorie is hosting a redwork swap...Dorie's stitchwork is amazing, I love the piece here.
• And Amy is going to host a Valentine ATC swap, that she hasn't officially posted about, but will fill up fast I'm quite sure.

Have a great weekend!!!

I forgot

what 10 degrees felt like.  After eight days in Mexico's 80+ degree climate, I returned very late last night to freezing cold and new snow.  It's hard to believe that less than 24 hours ago, I was walking on the beach.  But it is SO good to be home with my sweet boy again. 

Here are a few photos from my trip:

More photos starting here.

Thanks for all the wonderful comments about my tree ATCs.  Looks like another ATC swap would be a good idea.  I have to think about organizing another swap very soon. 

 

ATCs for trade and a book

One thing I cherish when working away from home is on my down time I can do things for myself I don't always have an opportunity to do while at home.  For one, I actually started and finished a book!  This book a gift from a friend of mine over a year ago and I finally had the opportunity to read it.  It's a wonderful story about being a mom, I laughed and cried and completely related to the joys (and fears) of motherhood. 

Waiting for Birdy by Catherine Newman.

This book is up for grabs.  If you're interested in reading it, I will send this to the first person to comment saying they would like it.

I've also found a little time to make some ATCs.  Anyone interested in a swap?  These are felt and embroidered trees are up for trade.  Just let me know if you're interested.

Congratulations to Jenna-you will get the book.  And Jen-thanks for swapping ATCs.

Happy New Year!!!

Are we really almost into day ten of 2007?  The year started off on such a good high, enjoying time with family over the holidays and the company of friends from out of town.  It was a great New Year's Eve Celebration. To not break tradition, I woke the next morning and went for a run.  Something I've managed to do for as long as I can remember.  I love New Year traditions.  Some interesting traditions I have taken part in over the years are:

• in Colombia-twelve grapes are eaten at midnight to signify health for each month in the new year.
• also in Colombia-at midnight those who wish to travel in the up-coming year grab an empty suitcase and run around the block before the clock bells ring twelve times
• in France-I once celebrated with friends on a boat where all the guests wore white and at midnight, white flower petals were thrown into the water while saying a wish for the year
• in Spain-women who are looking for love wear red underwear

Well, I haven't done the red underwear thing, but I sure got a kick out of all my girlfriends who insisted on showing me thiers.  Do you have any interesting traditions you're willing to share?  I would of course love to hear them.

The holidays have officially ended for me and I'm back to work.  I came to Mexico yesterday morning and will be here for a week.  It's not too bad...I have this nice view from my balcony. 

Well, it's good to be back here and see what my bloggy pals have been up to. 

Happy New Years wishes!