Silver Bella Vintage Trim Swap

I just realized I never posted about my third swap - the Vintage Trim Swap hosted by Heather Buhaj.  I didn't meet Heather until I arrived in Omaha, but I just love her.  She's bubbly and sweet and lots of fun.  I was amazed at everything I received from the swap.  Everyone was so creative with their packaging and obviously shared some of their very best treasures.  You can see what I contributed here.

Silver Bella Projects

Silver Bella is over a month in the past and I'm still working on class projects but wanted to share a few that I've completed.

The two classes I took with Lisa Kaus were basically my first experience using water soluble crayons. We colored on wood as a base for collage.  You can read about Lisa's work and the class info here. I really enjoyed both classes.  For the first, Joy Within, I chose to make something for my parents who have always been supportive no matter what I did - or didn't - do.  This was meant as a simple thank you and was given to them on Thanksgiving Day.  My mom probably appreciated the finished product more than my dad, but hopefully the message was meaningful for both. 

The second class was The Secret Inside the Bottle.  I felt a little more comfortable using the crayons in this class and was pretty pleased with my finished project, which now hangs at the entrance to our studio/office.

My third completed project was from the Oh Tannenbaum class taught by Kerry Lynn Yeary.  Using jello molds, old wooden bobbins and silver pipe cleaners, we created a tinsel tree and decorated it with ribbon, buttons, yo-yos and more.  There were as many different trees as there were participants - each one charming.  This was probably my most relaxing class at Silver Bella as everyone was just having fun and not concentrating quite as much as some classes required.  I decided on a turquoise and red theme for my little tree.

Only three more projects to finish!

Silver Bella Junque Journal Swap

I posted earlier about what I contributed for the Junque Journal swap at Silver Bella.  Now you get to see what I received!  I was blown away by all the creative ideas and fun papers and embellishments.  First up, swap hostess Sheila made a journal cover for each participant.  Here's my cover with all the papers and goodies she included:

Gretchen made beautiful tote bags for each of us - uniquely decorated on each side - and filled them up with so many things to add to our journals!

Denise added the lovely items below.  I'm crazy for that floral wallpaper!

Robin, another Okie Bella, made sweet muslin pockets trimmed with ribbon and one of her famous knitted flowers.  Check out the spoon in one of the pockets.  Love, love, love.

Okie Bella Sheryl made a little art piece on corrugated cardboard.  That will be going on my wall.

Okie Bella Teresa created art on old LP covers and stashed the goodies inside. This, too, will be going on the wall.

Jennifer used vintage pillowcases to deliver her papers and embellishments.  So cute!

Lisa O. included lots of fun items, including a small porcelain leg and some beautiful papers.

And last but certainly not least, Lisa P. provided all these wonderful treasures.

I feel so privileged to have been a part of this swap with all these amazing ladies, and hope they enjoyed it as much as I did.  I'll be using all these items for years to come.