Musings of a Designer on Jewelry, Crochet, Crochet Patterns, Knitting, Running a Crafty Business, Movie Costumes, Books, Art, Design, Steampunk & the Geek Girl Life

Friday, November 09, 2007

Who Can Never Remember to Photograph Their Swaps? Me!

What is it about swaps??? I simply cannot remember to photograph them before wrapping everything up. Take this for example, my Secret Santa gift for a fellow creative soul:Sooooo prettily wrapped, ready to go to it's new happy home....but wait! I forgot to take a picture again. Gak! So, several minutes later I'm unwrapping it, taking pictures and then .... you guessed it, breaking out the roll of Christmas wrapping paper and rewrapping everything just as prettily as the first time. Actually, I think the wrapping turned out much better the second time :)

This is what was inside: A little knitted and crocheted purse!knitted and crocheted purse with bamboo handlesWith a flower embellishment sporting a vintage button at the center and handstitched leaves.knitted and crocheted purse with bamboo handlesBamboo handles.
And what else was in her package? A cute little matching brooch! [I also included a book on jewelry making since her profile said she crafted jewelry - but I didn't make that :)] It takes about 8 hours to design and plan each of these one-of-a-kind purses, so I'm *really* hoping she likes this.
After all that work [times 2 since I had to do the wrapping twice!] I thought I'd take a nap in the warm autumn afternoon sun. Oh rats! Looks like I didn't get to that sunbeam fast enough .. somebody is already there :) And looking very comfortable indeed! Looks like she even pawed that blanket into a little bed before snuggling in.
You may have noticed the new banner on my right sidebar. I've always been a great advocate of handcrafted gifts. After all, what has more meaning: A mass produced product, probably made with unsafe Chinese parts, that 10,000 other people have? OR .. something carefully selected and crafted with love, care and diligence that fits the recipient perfectly and shows that you really care? Handcrafted gifts, whether they be yummy baked goodies, a knitted sweater, or even just a beautifully crafted card epitomize the true holiday spirit of giving and sharing more than any obligatory random store purchase ever could. By buying handmade, you are also choosing to support independent artists who work very hard to turn beautiful visions into reality while still earning enough to support their families. So.... I invite you all to take the handmade pledge with me and buy handmade this holiday season!
And finally...thank you everybody so very, VERY, VERY much for all your congratulations on my holiday press! Makes my heart all warm and fuzzy to read the sweet things you say! Truly it does!

23 comments:

Heather said...

That purse didn't take you as much time as I would have guessed! I would have thought days and days! It looks very intricate and the colours are so fun and bright!

Alison Gibbs said...

Your purse is beautiful. the colours are devine.
Alison

Lori said...

oh my! that purse is just wonderful!!! what great colors! and the brooch is very sweet! and i DID take the handmade pledge!!! hooray handmade!!!

Natasha Burns said...

oh wow i love that bag you made, it's so beautiful! and the brooch too of course!

Kingswood Food and Craft Market said...

ok i am so relieved to know im not the only one who forgets to photograph their swaps. I do it all the time! But you are a legend for opening it and re-wrapping!
Love the bag, its sooo pretty and sweet.

Oh and look at miss pussy catt all snuggly there...how could you possibly move her...awww.

xo Shann

bluemuf said...

Love the bag and the pin. They are beautiful. I'm with you and love handmade.

Karen

Anonymous said...

It's beautiful! The colors and detail make it a standout. How could she not love it!?!!?

Congrats on your recent press!!!! Very well deserved!!!

Anonymous said...

Love how you matched the purse and paper!!
D.

roseroomnz.com said...

Gorgeous purse:) In my next life I want to be a cat:)

Anonymous said...

ohhh lovely lovely purse and brooch!

just found you through the switchboards, :)

WendyB said...

The little purse is adorable.

kari and kijsa said...

Fabulous! We love it- what a lucky swapper who will receive this!! Love that little brooch so much as well- so many ways that sweet item could be worn!!

blessings,
kari & kijsa

Anonymous said...

Oh what gorgeous things!! We're with Kari & Kijsa, how lucky to receive this!! Love the crochet purse, gorgeous colours!! Oh and adore the brooch, so so sweet! Thank you for your lovely comments on our Blog, we'll be back to yours for sure :)
Jenn and Jacqui :)

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

Big agreements on the hand made philosophy! and I wish I could give that kitty a good tummy scratchin!

Mary Timme said...

Oh it is pretty, and know she'll love the purse and button. I really like the homemade thing, except I buy my hand soap at -- dare I say Bath and Body. The rest I buy from artist's.

Give that kitty a pat,pat for me.

Anonymous said...

Ok so if she doesn't like it that means you can give it to me doesnt it.... hehehehe

Beautiful work as usual girl and the kitty is a kutie!!

Thank you for stopping by to visit my blog!!


HUGS BLESSINGS LOVE

JO

www.Neereandearcreations.com

Southern Lady's Vintage said...

The little purse and brooch is darling! Love them!
Barbara

Ele at abitofpinkheaven said...

Sweet purse, just divine!

Felicia said...

What a darlin' purse!

Funky Finds said...

I hate when I forget to photograph my swap goodies! UGH
Thanks for stopping by Funky Finds & entering the swag bag giveaway!

Gracie said...

Ohh great bag! You really have so many talents Heather =) I love the little flower embellishment. Too sweet.

And buying handmade is such a great idea. I like it a lot. And swaps can be so much fun. I try not to forget to take photos before sending them off xox

Anonymous said...

Oh the colors! It's a candy colored explosion. Your brooch is so cute; I'm sure she'll like it. I see it on a winter hat....and gosh I wanna pet that kittie's tummy.

Anonymous said...

No, I haven't seen the Rio catalog since I left the jewelry store biz. I'd love it you could e-mail the photo. Thank you so much for the heads up!
yvettedesignsit@yahoo.com