Five Things Swap Completion


This is it! The final project for the 5 Things Swap. These were for the "In the Forest" group. I actually started out making owl scissor cases, but they didn't turn out quite as cute as they were in my mind! That happens to me quite often.

Happy Saturday



Almost the last item for the 5 Things Swap. These were for the "houses" group. They are just felt covered mini composition books. I really stressed over what to make for this group! I thought I would never come up with a suitable idea. I'm glad I settled on these, they turned out better than I expected.

Polka Dot Flower Pins


Just simple polka dot fabric flowers which I should have thrown in the washer/dryer to make the edges a little shaggy. This one was another for the (you guessed it) 5 Things Swap.

Strawberry Needle Book



One more of my contributions to the 5 Things Swap. This one is for the fruit group. Just a needle book with two felt pages. I decided to use bugle beads as the strawberry seeds.




The front and back covers are two layers of felt reinforced with cardboard. The two layers also helped to hide the stitching of the bugle beads, as well.

Fabric Covered Tape Measure



Still more from the 5 Things Swap. These were for the robot group. Each one has a robot on one side and coordinating fabric on the other side.

Ladybug Bookmarks
Sitting around waiting on the phone to ring is frustrating. So I'll post some more sewing/swapping items.



These were for the "5 Things Felt/Fabric Swap" I hosted on TwoPeas recently. Who's tired of bookmarks? Not me.

Bird Key Tags


These little bird key tags went out last week as part of a larger swap package. They were fun and easy to make.

More Swap Items

These were for the "leaf" category of a swap on TwoPeas. They are constructed of wool felt and I had to make twelve of them. They can be used as ornaments or gift tags.


I was in three spots in an owl swap a while ago and I'm just now getting around to posting this picture. I made these journal spots for one of my three items. I suppose they could also be used as cards, if you don't scrapbook (like me). One of my other contributions can be found here.

Felt Mushrooms

These are for another swap on TwoPeas. I'm not sure if they look as cute as the strawberries in a bowl, but they're still darling!


I found the simple directions over on Posh Plushies.

More Sewing!



Another project from the sewing swap. Cute chicken wallets with red lining. These were for another thirty minute group and were fun to put together! I have to say the worst part about any of the sewing projects was the cutting of the fabric. I have a love/hate relationship with the rotary cutter, though. It is much easier when you are making 5 or 6 pieces at a time. It just seems to go faster than making one.

I used this fantastic tutorial over on Craftster. She also has a related tutorial on setting snaps without the $20 tool you can purchase at the store. Since I didn't have that tool, I used her snap setting tutorial and it worked like a charm.

Kidlet Tote




My second one hour spot for the sewing swap. These took longer than one hour each to construct. I think I used a little stiffer interfacing than the tutorial, as mine are a little crinkly, but they do hold their shape well. The one above needs ironing again, so don't look too closely! ;)

I used JCasa Handmade's tutorial for this Kidlet Wall/Pocket Tote. It only has one handle for hanging on a doorknob or peg, but could easily be adapted as a little purse or bag.

Mine went a little faster since I still had some pieced fabric from Owen's first birthday quilt, I was able to use those pieces for the top of each pocket. I'm very pleased with how they turned out and the tutorial is very detailed with lots of pictures!

Penguin Charms


I had to make forty of these little guys for a charm swap on TwoPeas. Well technically, I didn't have to make them since no one twisted my arm to sign up for the swap.

This picture isn't the greatest since I was in a hurry to get these out to the swap hostess and it was about two in the morning when I finished the last one.


All forty of the little buggers packed up and ready to go.

Another project I made for one of the thirty minute groups in the sewing swap. I love the way the lining is used as a faux trim at the opening.

I used this tutorial from Polka Dot Pineapple. She has some other great tutorials on her blog, as well.

I'm trying to get ready for Jack's birthday party which is this Sunday. I can't believe my baby will be three! He wants a "Cars Cake" and that's all he cares about, as far as the party is concerned. We've decided to have the party at one of the local indoor jumping places because it's just too hot to be outside anywhere around here.

I've been finishing up a lot of projects around here when I can carve out some time. I still have a lot on the "to do" list, though.


Here is a picture of the wrist pincushions I made for one of the thirty minute groups in the sewing swap. They were really simple to sew and put together. I used this tutorial.

Casserole Cover

Here is one of my other contributions to the sewing swap. This casserole cover was for one of the "One Hour" groups.

A while back, I went to a church craft sale and picked up a Christmas print casserole cover for a very cheap price. I won't lie, when I first picked it up off the table, I was a little clueless as to its intended purpose. It's basically just a 20x20 square two rings on opposite corners and a diagonal 2 1/2" strap through the center.


I really like the way it draws close, though! Cute.

I hosted an "Anything Goes Mixed Media Fabric Charm Swap" on TwoPeas recently and all the charms went back out to the participants. I need to post a picture of all of them! It was a fantastic swap!




My contribution to the swap--handmade felt strawberries. I was very pleased with how they turned out. They were pretty simple to construct, as well.

As I was sorting the charms for the swap to get them ready to send out, I noticed the boys were mighty quiet. They came down the hall to see me, so I present to you--

How Boys Play Dress-Up



Notice both of them have thier shoes on the wrong feet. Usually Owen is pretty good about getting his on the correct feet. Those boots must have confused him. The toy gun and that visor? I didn't know what to say, so I just grabbed the camera and laughed.

I have finally finished all of my projects for the sewing swap. I'm really pleased with how everything came out. Above are the small gift bags for one of the thirty minute groups. This project really did take about thirty minutes, unlike some of the others I completed.

I was in four "thirty minute" groups and two "one hour" groups. Needless to say, it took me many more hours than that! I had to make five of each item for each group. But, I went ahead and made six of each so I could have one for myself and I'm really glad I did that.

Tommy is pleased, since I've actually used the sewing machine more in the past two weeks than I have used it in five years! I have to say that the Bernina was worth every penny.

Miscellaneous Pictures

They really aren't as sweet as they look!


My contribution to the "Bees & Honey Swap" on TwoPeas


Awwww...

This seems like a good idea, if you're four.

It's a learning process.

Wow. How long can I possibly stay gone from this poor blog? It's been crazy around here lately. I've been sorting buttons for the Handmade Button Swap for the last two days and they are mailing out tomorrow. I'll be glad to get them out of the house and off my counter! :)

Here's my newest bookmark!


I actually have been doing something around here other than laundry. I made these owl cards for an owl swap on TwoPeas. I actually made three items, but need to still photograph the other two. I got the idea for these from Cards magazine.

Still Kicking
I know it's been a long time when my family is complaining about my lack of blog posts.

I finally have something interesting to talk about and show now, though!


These are the charms from the Mixed Media Fabric Charm Swap I hosted on twopeasinabucket. I've labeled the charms with each participants pea name over on flickr. :)

Beautiful charms and great participants!