It's All About The Swaps!

I feel like I'm behind on posting about my recent swaps, but until they're received on my partner's end, I can't spoil the surprise with blogging about them.  So, here we go!  These are pictures of the International Travel Swap for June that I participated in with my 2011 Monthly Mini-Matchbox Swap group.

sent this to Kath...I chose Arizona for a destination since she lives in Canada...contents included lapis and turquoise stones, cowgirl ribbon, silver fetish charms wrapped in part of a cowboy bandana

I added these copper earrings as a tribute to Arizona's nickname

I received these treasures came from Lesley...she chose China

isn't the box amazing?!!

back of the box said "sometimes travel to new places leads to great transformations"

July's theme for this group was "My Faves."  Christine was my recipient and her faves were gothic,

vampires, bats, black, white, grey... Here is what I sent to her.

I haven't received my box yet, from Jan, but it's on its way...so I'll post pix later.

Patricia and I participated in Jeanie's Door Hanger Swap.  Here's the lovelies Patricia created for me....

tag front and the lovely fabrics she included

tag back with a fabulous message!

Here's what I created for Patricia...

card front

card back with a little inspiration pocket

Tee at The Altered Paper holds a bi-monthly swap that's SO much fun...you fill a small envelope with materials and the recipient not only has to create a piece of art with said materials, but must use 75% of them!!  What fun and what a great challenge!  Tee was my partner and here's what she sent me and what I created...I added a few of my own things, as well

the wonderful, inspiring goodies

the tag book I made - front cover is on your right

page 1

page 2

page 3

page 4

back cover

what was left that I didn't use!!

I now have the most beautiful tag book...perhaps for a future giveaway!!  Thank you, Tee!

I have some more to share that I've sent, but will wait until I receive mine...

Excited to say that my little Tucson Swap Group is off and running with our second....2 ATC's with a "Nature" theme.  We'll exchange at the end of August with a potluck at my house, so I'll be sure to post about it.  

Thought I'd share a few things I've been busy making for MMU...and a friend's birthday.  The images are from Debrina Pratt at Land of Enchantment.

these are my newest domino pendants - front

and backs

front

back

wrapped up

 ready to give

I will be on vacation next Monday, dear friends, and will try to post from my destination... I'm so new to this blogging and hope I'm able to stay in touch with you.  If anyone has suggestions that might help, please let me know....can I post through Google Reader?  from an iPad?  I'm clueless, but hate not visiting with you each Monday!!  Ah well, it will work itself out, I'm sure.

In the meantime, have a glorious week as we begin a brand-new month...summer will be ending and hopefully so will the oppressive heat...kiddies will be returning to school...and we'll be falling into a familiar groove as the holidays loom ahead!

xoxo
Karen