Swap Commitments, Antiquing - and Tailgating

I suppose time just gets in the way and the best intentions remain nothing but notes and sketches in one of my notebooks. I have lots of good ideas for this personal blog of mine. This is to be my own space - not related to my shop and it's blog and social media (which is hard enough to keep up with). StitchCraft and it's blog focus on quilting and sewing and what is new and related to the business. When not working I very often stray from fabric and delve into art journaling, junk journaling, mixed media jewelry and any other craft that sparks my interest. I can't help myself and I KNOW you relate!

Sometimes I like to join swaps and groups, as I work well on a deadline. I recently did a mini junk journal swap through a FB group. Long have I recycled found papers and leftovers to make journals and other paper crafts - the popularity has spread and there are now groups dedicated to it. I created the above journal - approximately 3"x4" - for a gal in Alabama. I had a fun time creating it and received a great little journal from her in exchange. Next up is a the iHanna Postcard swap. I participated in this last year and it was lots of fun. I create 10 art postcards and mail them to the recipients. In turn I receive 10 from others, many who are from other countries. I was so pleased with the amazing little works of art that arrived in my mailbox. I have to get cracking and finish my postcards, as they are due to be mailed at the end of this month. It is not too late to sign up - just click the button on the side for information. I squeezed in a quick 2 day trip to Mt. Dora for a bit of antique retail therapy. It's always fun to peruse the many offerings at the Renningers Antique Extravaganza - I think you can find just about anything here. It is both a relief and a frustration that I don't have a bigger car so I can't take home as much as I would like to. I did find lots of inspiration - and lots of laughs - at some of the finds at the show. Besides the usual miscellaneous pieces of jewelry for crafting, there were some surprises…

A goat made out of scrap metal. An embalming table and the undertakers embalming kit (ewwww) Friday night we have a tailgate party. Thirty three women participating in a surprisingly sumptuous meal served from themed tables. My friend and I did a little Mediterranean themed offering, with pesto salmon, salad, hummus and pita. Others had a Tex Mex theme with quesadillas and chicken tortilla soup, a Southern Biscuit table and a Thanksgiving table with turkey and pumpkin soup. Decorated tables and a fire pit really set the tone for a super fun time!

Thats all for now - I will try and promise not to wait to long to return!