Terry/Terri July Swap

As I've said here before, I tend to be an introvert. Most of my closest friends were met through work, and I consider myself fortunate to have them. Some I see a lot, most I see only occasionally now, but they are all so dear to me.  When I retired, I did consider whether I would make more friends without work as a source to meet people.

Enter the world of creating and blogging. I've "met" so many people in the last year and a half.  Most are just acquaintances but with art in common and if we lived nearer, there are several I know could easily become close friends.  One that I consider a true friend in spite of distance is Terry.  We were paired on a swap almost a year ago, and have continued swapping over the months.  She has certainly sent me lots of beautiful things that I love, but the best thing is her sweet personality and her friendship. Through lots of e-mails, texts, and even one very long phone conversation, we've gotten to know each other better.  Hopefully we'll have an opportunity to meet in person someday. 

Now to the goodies!  For our July swap, she sent me so many amazing things that I almost cried when I opened them.  She always manages to find things I love and then puts everything together so nicely that it's a treat just to open the packages.  If she sent just a fraction of what she does I'd be thrilled, but she especially outdid herself this time. 

Everything was packed amidst blue crepe paper streamers and red, silver and blue glittery stars.  There were two little packages tied with red and white ribbon that contained the most amazing bracelet and necklace.  I absolutely love them!  I so wish my camera was better so you could see exactly how lovely they are.

There's a package with pieces of blue and red velvet, vintage red rick rack and blue check bias tape, and white daisy trim, all tied with striped ribbon and a George Washington chenille figure; a big fat package of red and blue fringed crepe paper tied with a checked ribbon and a tiny flag; and a package of red, white and blue crinkled seam binding.  There's a party hat, a cone, and a giant tag that are all SO cute.  There are tons of craft supplies in red, white and blue, including chipboard and die cut shapes and letters, gem brads, a crepe paper banner, a red rosette, and so much more.

What I sent looks a little sparse this month, but I did try to include vintage trims and unique things that she can use in her art. My package for her included this banner and tag that I made. 

I also sent a few things from the gorgeous Webster's Pages "Ladies & Gents" line, including paper, fabric ribbon and embellishments.

 
I made a tassel from an old salt shaker in her favorite colors of black and white, and added one of the new Tim Holtz stamps, a notepad/mousepad, and a gray fabric rose.

I included a vintage cigar box full of little goodies, and made a prize ribbon to decorate the gift bag. I debated long and hard whether or not to cover and embellish the cigar box, but I loved its vintagey cuteness and decided I would leave it plain and let her decide if she wanted to use it for a project. She immediately put it to use as a stand for a little 4th of July figurine she has, so I'm glad I decided to leave it as it was.

 Hope you enjoy looking at all the fun things we swapped.