Hi there...so I finished the project I've been working on for the 12 Days of Christmas Swap that Michelle is hosting. The dear Lord only knows why I would choose to take on a project while I knew I'd be away from home. Guess I really wanted to challenge myself in a big way. Can you say overachiever? :-)
All that said, I am REALLY happy with what I created for this swap!!!! Each participant in the swap was assigned a "day." You know how the song goes..."On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me..." Anywho, I was assigned day"4" so I was "Four Calling Birds." Okay...so picture me scrambling with what to do for this. I brought my inspiration book to work on, Christmas cards making supplies, my soldering iron just in case I got motivated to work on charms for a Valentine's Day swap I'm in, my stash of fabric scraps, ribbon and my sewing machine but that's it. BTW - this stash of "that's it" supplies completely filled the back of my station wagon! LOL! Anywho, so with the supplies at hand, I decided to make four calling birds out of fabric. And now that I'm done, I think having limited supplies actually turned out to be a good thing...it pushed me to be more creative and not to over think things.
I made a bird template and started cutting fabric.
Then I sewed the little wings on to the bodies and then sewed that to a length of ribbon.
Next I glued on beads for little eyeballs. At first I started sewing the eyes on but then I remembered, hey! I have to be back to work next Wednesday! :-)
I've seen pictures from other 12 Days of Christmas Swaps and I saw how lovely the packages were wrapped, with a little tag indicating the day number. That set before me a challenge since I didn't have any stamps and the usual assortment paints or inks. Thankfully, my Mom did have potatoes and a few acrylic paints she bought for craft time with the grandchildren. So I carved a "4" in a potato and stamped on some cut cardstock to make some tags.
So here are all the little birdies wrapped up and ready to send off today, totally meeting the deadline for mailing! Whoo-hoo!!!
So just a couple more days here at Casa Hip. Tonight my sister is coming over and we're going to hang out and partake in one or two of those lucsious grapefruit martinis. Sigh. I hate this part...when things start winding down and I have to start thinking of packing and the journey home. The good news is that Sunday when I leave my Mom's, I'll be going to San Francisco to spend a day with my sister Renee and while I'm there, I'm going to Britex Fabrics AND I'm going to get a chance to meet sweet Malou! She is one of my VERY FIRST blogging buddies. I met her the same time I met my BFF Lilli. And then...when I continue on my trip heading home on Monday, the plan is to stop and have a visit with dear Tricia! (I've decided to just count on the weather cooperating so this can happen, Tricia!!!) I'm just so tickled with the thought of meeting IN PERSON these very special people that I already consider friends! I also wanted to visit with Jana along the way but she lives just a few hours from me and so there really is no reason why we can't get together to hang out without me being on my way to somewhere...it's just a matter of planning!!!
Take care and hope you have a lovely weekend!!!
WOW these birdies turned out great! The potatoe stamp is way cool! Your packaging rocks! Have so more fun and a safe and fun trip home!
Posted by: Kim | December 14, 2007 at 01:03 PM
i love those little calling birds--they're so sweet! can't wait until monday! yay!
Posted by: tricia | December 15, 2007 at 10:24 AM
How cute! What a great project!
Posted by: Julie | December 15, 2007 at 11:05 AM
Hi Michelle, Thanks for your comment on my blog. Those birdies came out great. What a creative idea! Your journey sounds like fun.
Posted by: Monica Yvette | December 15, 2007 at 08:58 PM
So, so pretty, your birds that come a'calling. And the packaging too! Enjoy your journeying!
xo
Posted by: Leslie M | December 16, 2007 at 07:03 PM
Michelle and Renee thank you so much and it was such a pleasure meeting the both of you! That was so much fun! The birds are so DARN cute!!!
Posted by: Malou | December 16, 2007 at 09:30 PM
you did *great* the "limited supplies" that filled up your car, heehee. that was so cool to use a potatoe! i would have never thought of that. simple and fabulous, love it! glad your Mom is doing well and...grapefruit martinis? delish!
Posted by: andrea | December 17, 2007 at 12:37 PM
OK- on my New Years Resolution, # 2 (right behind loose 10 pounds) is be more creative, like MICHELLE!!!
These turned out so cute...I often think I would like to join a swap like this but you guys are too good for me. I'll settle for looking at all of the dreamy pictures of the goodies! I hope you and your family have a great Christmas!
Posted by: Wendy Updegraff | December 21, 2007 at 04:50 AM
OK- I cheated, I opened your up package today- and I love the swap gift!! It's hanging up on my wall. I hope you received mine and enjoy it.
Posted by: Lee W. | December 21, 2007 at 06:19 AM
Merry Christmas!
Posted by: ANke | December 24, 2007 at 03:48 AM