Kids Swap

To Apryl, thank you for the parcel. It had a lot of things that I like. Thank you for the parcel. I'm the luckiest girl in the world - Charlotte. (All done by Charlotte, typing included, it took a little while)

As Charlotte has said she received a wonderful parcel today as part of this kid swap. Our swap partner was the lovely Apyrl from Meridian Ariel. We got home from school today and Charlotte nearly burst at the seams when she saw she had mail. This is what was inside the package (excuse thee hastily taken photos, I had to snap them before she scooped everything up and ran into her bedroom)

These 2 gorgeous tank tops with drawings on them

Two vintage books which Charlotte is going to read tonight. I have told her they go on the special book shelf out of Lucy's reach.

A letter writing set

A moleskin with illustrated front and back cover

These great altered vintage book pages that we are going to frame

Some great peg dolls with painted features, 2 bracelets and also some strawberry and white chocolate buttons (which the kids have just had some of for dessert - yum)

Apryl was also kind enough to include something for me. This wonderful bracelet which fits perfectly. Thanks again both to Apryl and Chole for organising this swap.

Sneak Peek

Here's a sneak peek at some gifts on their way tonight to these two ladies

Don't worry Tanya yours is coming I just need to get one of these gadgets to finish it off.

Tree of Happiness

I have been tagged by Ingrid for the Tree of Happiness Award. So now I get to share six things that make me happy and then tag six more people for the award who will do the same.

So here goes

1. Hugs and kisses from my girls. I've got one who gives them all the time and one who is a bit more selective.
2. All the new friends I have made since I started sewing 2 years ago. The support and friendship from people across the country and even around the world is incredible.
3. Books, books and more books. I love reading and I have to read every night before I go to sleep no matter how tired I am. Even if I've had a big night I still have to read (although this doesn't happen very often any more)
4. Making things for people. I love gift giving.
5. I love desserts and sweet things. I even check out the dessert menu first at a restaurant to see how much room I should leave.
6. My wonderful partner. I never thought 7 years ago we would be in a relationship together let alone have two wonderful daughters.

I tag these great ladies

Adds - a great quilter and a great friend
Jodie a fantastic doll maker and a lovely blogger
Apryl - a new blog for me, found via a Kid Swap (that's something for the kids not swapping our kids)
Novy - one of my sewing friends who makes gorgeous outfits for both her kids
Natalie - I had to include Natalie because she made a wonderful bracelet my family gave me for my birthday
Hollie - because I just had to give her another plug for the great wallets she makes, check them out

No pressure girls reply if you feel like it

I had a very exciting afternoon today as I popped over to visit Corrie and the twins in hospital. They are even more gorgeous in real life and I even got to have a little cuddle with the beautiful Miss Tilly. Corrie is looking fantastic and the twins are being good little bubbas for her.

I also delivered some gifts for the twins which I can now finally show. I made them both play quilts and a rabbit each, the same but different.

George and Posy the rabbits. This time made with my new favourite fabric - wool flannel

A play quilt for Miss Tilly

A play quilt for Mr Finn

I used the same fabrics except in the corners of Finn's I had to use the backing fabric as I was short 4 squares.

I had to retake the quilt photos the other day because the first time I took the photos Lucy decided to get in on the action and of course the next time I took them it was overcast.

I have to apologise too for my lack of comments on blogs recently. I usually do a blog lines check at work but lately my work computer has been ultra slow and hasn't been letting me get into individual blogs. So I am still reading them I just can't get in to comment, sorry.

Kids Swap

It's been swap city here at Snailblazer lately. Along with the Cupcake Swap I mentioned yesterday I also participated in a Kids Swap over at Mee Crafty and my partner was Apryl, well actually Harrison Apryl's son. I always find boy things difficult to make having two girls so it was a bit of a challenge. My swap package has now been received so I can reveal what I made.

Skippy the bush kangaroo

Soccer satchel bag - kid size

Train pencil case and recycled vintage book notepad

Superhero cape

For Apryl a reversible "Grab It & Go" bag

Cupcake and Tea Swap

I recently participated in a Cupcake and Tea Swap over at Rachel Rabbit and I got home from work today to find a HUGE parcel from the UK waiting for me. My swap partner Emma from Jellybelly-Jellybrain totally spoilt me, there were so many packages to open I didn't know where to start.

Cupcake cushion (claimed by Lucy)

A lovely tea cup

Two pin cushions (although Charlotte is claiming them as pretend food)

A Cupcake candle

A time for tea hanger

A great apron which I am already planning to wear at the Pink Ribbon market

A cute little bag tag (claimed by Charlotte for her school bag)

An iron-on patch, a hairclip (already in Charlotte's hair) and a brooch Charlotte is planning to wear to a party this weekend

A framed cupcake

A lavendar satchet and a cute little cupcake for my crocs

There was also a lovely crockery cupcake holder but unfortunately it didn't make the trip but I think I can rescue it with some super glue.

Thanks again Emma!

And the winner is..................

drum roll ....................................................................... Tanya. Congratulations a lovely package will be heading your way soon. I already have your address from the box swap. A special little something will also be heading to Curlypops and Cosy for their links to my giveaway, thanks girls (Cosy can you drop me an email with your address please).

Thanks to everyone for dropping by and saying hi, I have some new blogs to add to my growing bloglines list now.

I had a lovely package arrive in the mail today. I purchased a new wallet from Hollie of Hokey fame. I needed a smaller size for when I used my "grab it and go bag" and after checking out a few on etsy I contacted Hollie and she made a smaller size for me.


She also included one of her beautiful bird brooches which Charlotte has now nabbed so not sure if I will get it back. You don't get this kind of service with a large chain and that's why I love buying handmade.

If you need a new wallet make sure you check Hollie's things out.

Recently one of my on-line friends Karen had a baby. I completed this play quilt a while ago and now it has been received I can finally show it. I was praying it would be a girl and if you head over to Karen's blog you can see some lovely pictures of little Georgia.


I also made Lilac the rabbit from some chenille and vintage fabric.

Don't forget to comment to go in the draw for my little prize

Giveaway

I'm still here but I've been sick again, I really wish winter was over. We have had so much sickness in this family over winter. This time it was a head cold so I have been in bed early every night.

I received a lovely package from Adds this week with some great Amy Butler fabric, some pink flowery fabric and some smaller bits and pieces. Thanks heaps Adds, sorry it has taken me a while to update my blog.
I've been very lucky recently winning things on other people's blogs so I though a giveaway would be in order. So leave a comment on this post before midnight Sunday (that's Australian time) and I will get the random number generator thingy to pick a winner on Monday. So come out of lurkdom and let me know what you think of my blog or just say hi. The winner will receive a package of goodies tailored specifically for them.

To finish up here's Lucy pretending to be Elton John

Lucky Me

I had a wonderful surprise waiting for me when I got home tonight (after freezing my butt of at Charlotte's soccer training). I was lucky enough to win a prize over on Betty Jo's blog. Well Liz totally spoilt me not only did I receive this wonderful bird brooch

but she also included all this -
some wonderful vintage fabric
some great vintage magazines and a pattern
some knitting needles that Charlotte has stolen
some vintage ric rac, buttons, self covering buttons and a purse frame
All in a great bag.
Thank you so much Liz.

Brilliante Weblog Award

My gorgeous quilting friend Helen nominated me for this award the other day. I was lucky enough to meet Helen (and her wonderful sister Adds) in March and I consider myself very fortunate to have them as friends. Helen makes the most beautiful quilts and I am lucky to own one (ok technically I don't own it, Lucy does)

Here's the rules:
Put the logo on your blog.
Add a link to the person who awarded you.
Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
Add links to those blogs on yours.
Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.

And the winners are....... (I tried to nominate people who haven't already received and award)

Erin from House on Hill Rd
I love Erin's stuff and she recently made a wonderful quilt using vintage sheets.

Corrie from Retro Mummy
I can't believe Corrie is about to give birth to twins she has been doing so much. She also stocks great fabric in her Retro Mummy shop

Bianca from Sadieandlance
Would you believe we knew each on another life! I love Bianca's work with The Toy Society

I'll have to come back with the others as Lucy has just woken up.