Friday, December 31, 2010

My Last Swap of 2010






I have been so busy since I started my new job I haven't had time to post on my Blog. The last swap I participated in on Craftster was The Chocolate Swap. For this swap we were required to craft one medium and two small projects and send at least $10 worth of chocolate. I think it is fun to get chocolate from another country. And while not mandatory it was encouraged to be open to sending to another country. Since I was unemployed when I joined this swap I thought I would have plenty of time to craft. I got my job shortly after partners were posted and I actually had to send a few days late. I was in such a rush to get my package in the mail that I forgot to take any pictures. This is the picture my partner posted in the gallery.

I sewed her a pair of flannel lounge pants. They are the turquoise with the cookies and milk. I trimmed them with brown flannel and white ric-rac. I made her a scarf that is the sort of stripey thing on top. I crocheted two washcloths and rolled them up to look like a jelly roll. And I wish I had taken some pictures of the Hershey Kiss shopping bag I made. I was really proud of this. My daughter gave me the idea for it and I patterned it after a purchased shopping bag I had that resembled a strawberry. The brown shopping bag folds up inside the Hershey Kiss. I used a silver sequined fabric for the kiss and a piece of white twill tape for the little paper label. I do plan to make another so maybe I can show some better pictures. I also put together a kit for making chocolate pretzels. And I send her some chocolate from a local candy store. Since my partner lived in Canada I thought she probably had access to many of the same chocolates that I do. So I tried to find some that she may not have tried before. She said she had never heard of any of the ones I sent.

For this swap I happened to be in a round robin with three partners. So I sent to a different person that who I received from. However I did receive a great package too. I got a really adorable chocolate cake box that is crocheted. A cute and well made cupcake pot holder and a cute cupcake tote bag. I can always use another tote bag. And inside the cake box was a delightful assortment of chocolate candy and cookies.

I Hope I will have time to join some more swaps in 2011. I have participated in almost 40 swaps since I learned about them on a blog I was reading. They are so much fun and they challenge me to craft things that I wouldn't normally make. I love coming up with ideas to fit my partners personality and the theme of the swap. I have had a chance to be creative in the mediums I am skilled at and I have even tried a few new crafts. And the best thing is I have met many new crafting friends.