Saturday 28 December 2013

Christmas & Swaps...

Festive Fingernail Fun
Today my heart is still smiling very widely for the enjoyment of the last few days... & as I am not one to hurry through & tidy up the Christmas clutter of boxes/packaging/wrapping etc, it's still looking very Festive in my home. The Christmas Season is so short, so why not enjoy it to the maximum!
(Could also be something to do with the cricket being on, LOL)

And isn't it great to open the fridge after Christmas, & see lots of bits & pieces that are just ready to pull out & eat?!

Santa must have had me on his NICE list, because I received some great gifts, including some fabrics & a voucher to buy a new big cutting mat... now I just need someone to clean & cook while I sew, ha!
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This Christmas was the 2nd time I took part in the famous & fabulous Secret Santa Christmas Swap, hosted by Chookyblue & her assistant Googy Girl... Thank you girls so much for such a wonderful swap!
I really enjoyed planning, stitching & sewing for Raewyn (Stitching Farm Girl, New Zealand)... & had a bit of fun keeping my identity secret until she opened my gift on Christmas Day!

I made Raewyn two decorations, aren't they so cute?! They are from 'Stitch It For Christmas'...

 The table topper/quilt was a bit of an experiment that just happened to turn out quite well... these are my first ever 'scrappy trip' blocks... I got Raewyn to open this one on the 18th, so she could use it before Christmas if she wanted to...

As the main gift, I made Raewyn a Gail Pan bag...
Raewyn I am so glad that you like the items I sent you!

SSCS has become one of my favourite swaps - Isn't it a wonderful concept - making gifts for someone around the other side of the world, while someone else is making for you?! Brilliant, methinks!!
My SSCS gifts came all the way from Norway; this is the first time that Frederika has joined in the fun of SSCS...


To say I was blown away when I opened my own SSCS gifts is quite correct!
Frederika has sent me a gorgeous parcel of goodies I am so pleased to show you... some very cute little Christmas-themed magnets... a package of delicious choccy's... some darling little clogs... & a totally amazing purse!!
Frederika your sewing is so neat & the fabrics are so beautiful, THANK YOU!


I also did a swap with my blogging buddy Leanne...
Leanne has sent me a fabulous wall hanging featuring some of my crafty faves: a Red Brolly stitchery & pretty Fig Tree fabrics... beautifully stitched & sewn... & even with a hanger!
Leanne also included some very pretty Tilda fabrics... I will have to keep them for a special project...




This is what I sent Leanne...
A decoration for her tree... a simple table runner... & a bag from The Birdhouse designs...










I enjoyed making my all gifts & am so glad that they have been well-received!
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As for my stitching, well I am just enjoying a really slow time of it at the moment... so nothing exciting to show... but on Sunday I am going to start on my new quilty project... plus I have a lot of blog-reading to catch up on!

25 comments:

Unknown said...

Lovely gifts received and sent Anthea. Unique nail art too. Sharyn:)

Rosie said...

Lots of lovely goodies sent and received. Love the nails.

Kate said...

Such lovely goodies that were exchanged!!

Wendy said...

Wonderful gifts both sent and received...

Helen said...

Wow so many beautiful gifts sent and received enjoy your break !!!!!

Christine M said...

So many beautiful gifts, both received and sent, Anthea.

Shari said...

Beautiful gifts given and received. Such wonderful stitcheries...Red Brolly is sew much fun!

Susan said...

Lots of loveliness there Anthea.
A new quilty project ...sounds like fun...

Michelle Ridgway said...

Very envious of your lovely nails. Beautiful gifts Anthea. Enjoy your quiet time xx

marina said...

what gorgeous gifts!
love your festive nails too.
Enjoy your quiet time.

Maria said...

Oh I do love your Festive Nails......

Sew many amazing gifts you made and received ....
The little clogs bring back memories of my family.. Sew cute.

Fiona said...

Sounds like a lovely Christmas and lots of fantabulous presses sent and received.......
Hugz

Valspierssews said...

Everything is gorgeous but I really love those bags you made. Looks like a great couple of swaps.

Susan said...

You made and received some really lovely gifts. The SSCS really is amazing, the international element makes it extra special.

debbie said...

Very lovely gifts both sent and received. I'm with you, it's time to relax and just enjoy a few quiet days now. No cricket here though LOL...xx debbie

FloS said...

Waow ! you have been spoiled by Frederika !!
Lovely gifts sent and received !!
How wonderful is Christmas, isn't it !!!
Best wishes from France !
Florence
PS : I LOVE your nails !!

Cheryll said...

Your correct Anthea when you say you had a wonderful Christmas! WOW what a fantastic array of gifts both sent and received.
HappY NeW YeaR now! :)

Anita said...

Hi Anthea,
Oh so many wonderful things to see on your blog. Lots of very busy little crafters there!! lol Have a wonderful New Year as well.
Cheers, Anita.

Unknown said...

such gorgeous stitchery, and yes, we are eating all the left over goodies still too.

Lin said...

Lovely gifts both sent and received - I love that purse! Ah - the cricket! Enjoy!! Wishing you a very Happy New Year. xx

Katherine said...

Happy New Year ANthea. Seem to have missed Christmas lol. Lots of beautiful things you have made and received on your blog. Ihave enjoyed catching up a bit.

Jindi's Cottage said...

Beautiful swap presents sent and received...keep enjoying the festive season as long as you can (I went back to work Friday so whoosh! that was it for me!)...Have a Happy New Year and may 2014 be full of fabric, fun and fabulous times...

Nicky said...

Your SSCS gifts are wonderful Anthea, Raewyn is a lucky girl! Doesn't Leanne always make such gorgeous swap gifts, and your things for her are lovely too...
Happy New Year, and enjoy your new sewing project....

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

Cute nails.....amazing gifs...

Chookyblue...... said...

gorgeous swap presents both sent and received.........thanks for being part of the SSCS 2013........

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