ding dong, ding dong

The postman rang twice, and just look at what he brought!

First, there were the goodies from Kirsten and her very talented kiddos for Miniswap no. 3. There were two almost identical packages, one for Jessie and one for Becca, but only Becca's photos turned out un-blurry.

There were embroidered and appliquéd thrifted tees,

beaded necklaces that all three kids helped make, Kool-Aid dyed playsilks, a book on color,

and my absolute favorites, these wooden dolls and embroidered angels. You can hop over to Kirsten's blog to see more about what she sent, and also see better and more complete photos of what I sent.

And then, I got my coaster swap package, which, to be honest, I'd completely forgotten about. I mean, I'd sent mine, but then forgot that I was supposed to be getting something, too! And just look at the amazing ones I received from Rashida, one spectacular seamstress! Love love love the tray, and the tidy little bundle it all makes. I've got to confess, I haven't untied the ribbon. I just think they look so wonderful like that, nestled snugly together, and since so little in my home could be described as "tidy," why not keep these that way? I'll probably break down and use them eventually, but... maybe not. I haven't used the gorgeous beaded ones that Regina gave me almost a year ago (yipes!), so what makes me think I'll use these? Ha, maybe I should use two from each set, and keep two of each pristine and untouched. By the way, at the time of this posting, Regina still has one set of beaded coasters available in her shop, for a ridiculously low price if you ask me (and she didn't, but I'm just saying)...

Ah, leave it to my internet friends and crafty swaps to elevate the ordinary, and allow the daily collection of junk-mail advertising and shockingly-high bills to be occasionally studded with some real gems and valuable parcels. Thanks so much.

September 2014