Friends 'til Christmas Part III

I got Elf Mail!!!! So yesterday when we were on our way home from the pizza place with some movies to watch while we munched I asked that we stop by the mailboxes on the way home. I got a box!! I wasn't expecting anything really. I had a great mail week, only one bill a much needed check and lots of great swap goodies. Anything received today was a bonus and boy was this day a bonus!!

I waited until after we ate, it took me every fiber of my being not to stuff that giant NY sized slice of pizza into my mouth and deal with the consequences later. As soon as I opened it, I could smell cinnamon! Just lovely! Inside of the box was an adorably wrapped box with the cutest ornament on it! Check out the pink and green jingle bells!!

And look what was inside!! I am really getting into trying out different mediums for altering things. I really feel like only so much can be done with paper and glue, not to mention the amount of money I spend on paper and glue. I have a hard time justifying spending $40 on paper to the other half, but if I can throw in some art supplies and paint brushes it makes both of us feel better! LOL, must be a mind thing, because it all equals more time in the craft space for me!

Glass Bead Gel and some fantastic artists brushes!

Gesso!!! I really love this stuff, there is much that can be done with it and I am so ready to put on my smock/DF's old t-shirt and get down and dirty with my new toys! But breakfast awaits me and I need to finish up some gift wrapping and ornaments for others before I can indulge in artist joy!!

And these craft sticks! They are for the application of these wonderful mediums! So cute and I can't wait to use them!!

I am very thankful to have such an awesome elf! She has truly spoiled me with things that I love and and really going to enjoy using to make gifts for others. This year will truly be a handmade Christmas! I am too excited to get started on my gift making!! Thank you elfie/friend!!

Altered Composition Notebook Swap

This is a swap from the Cricut Messageboard. It was a secret sister swap. This is the journal I made for my pal. I chose to do a holiday vintagey theme. She likes vintage looking things, so it was quite fun making this for her. I hope she liked it.

Front cover:

Inside front cover:

Inside back cover:

Back cover:

This is the one my secret sister, Renee, made for me! I love it!! It's Halloween themed and so very cute!! I have already started using it to list my Halloween projects and my storage places for Halloween decorations and cookbooks. I tend to lose track of these things!!

Thanks, Renee!!

Front cover:

Inside front cover:

Inside back cover:

Back cover:

I love it!! Thanks, again!!

Friends 'Til Christmas

I joined an awesome swap over on the Cricut Messageboard. It's a partner swap where you are assigned a secret elf who sends you items from your wish list. I have a wisher who I'm "elfing" for and I've got and elf! Well this is my first gift from her and oh my it is gorgeous!!! I am so in love with everything she got me! And upon further investigation of the beautiful ornament...I see that she has long blonde hair...hmm! Who could she be?? Here's some photos of my goodies!!

This is how it was wrapped! So pretty!!!

The ornament that has my little clue on it! I love it, it's my favorite colors! Pink and Green!! *see the blonde hair?* My wheels are turning!! But not too much, I love the element of surprise!!*

The gorgeous faux book! I really do love this, I've never seen one like this before! I can't wait to display it during the holidays! *so sorry about the flash reflection, I took these photos with my phone, I need to charge up my big girl camera!*

It's Sculpey clay and German Glass Glitter! In so many colors!!! I love it all!

Sculpey Clay! Yay!

German Glass Glitter!! It is so fantastically beautiful!! SO many colors!!!

Thank you so much to my elf, whoever you may be! I truly am so happy! And I can't wait to see who you are!!

Themed Tag Swap

I am super swap happy! I'm going to attempt to post pictures of most of the things that I've made and/or received in swaps. My first post is highlighting a themed tag swap that I'm in on the Cricut message board. There were seven categories...I joined all of them...because clearly I'm an addict and someone needs to stop me!! :-)

Here's the first:

Christmas: I used Tim Holtz Grungeboard, Clear Stamps, Distress Inks, Cardtsock, Fiber and Hem Tape

Autumn Blessings: Cardstock, Clear Stamps, Various Inks, Fibers, Heat embossing

Halloween: Cardstock, Glimmer Mists, K and Company Die Cuts, Clear Stamp, Distress Ink, Ribbon

Rustic: Cardstock, Fabric, Distress Ink, Mod Podge, Cording, Butterflies cut out of designed paper, fibers

Happy Birthday: Cardstock, Shimmer Spritz, Die Cuts, Ribbon, Clear Stamps, Various Inks

Vintage: Cardstock, Distress Ink, Rubber Stamp, Prima Flowers, Beads, Trims, Fiber

Thank You: Cardstock, Fabric, Acrylic Paint, Buttons, Hem Tape, Sentiments