Vintage Valentine Swap

I was soooo excited when I got home from work yesterday and saw that there was not one, but two packages addressed to me and Rachel from our Vintage Valentine Swap partners, Jayme and Chloe. We did a mother/daughter swap and it was such fun!!! Rachel and I had never done a swap before so we were worried about "getting it right". We had a great time. I don't have all the photo's now because the battery on my camera died (ugh!), so I'll share some now and the rest tomorrow.

Look at this tussy!!!

I love it!!! I've been seeing these around blogland and have been wanting to try this myself and I was just so thrilled to receive one of my own. Jayme filled it with a vintage handkerchief and little bags so lovingly filled with the cutest things, swarovski crystals, findings, beaded trim and other things packaged so nicely with handmade labels. I was very impressed with the time, effort, creativity and care that Jayme and Chloe packed into everything they gave us.

Look at this little box and the flower cart pin. This is so precious! I love pins and I wear them often. This is a wonderful addition!!

Here's a better picture of the heart box, without the pin.

There were so many more things, but my battery died in my camera. I must say the battery lasted a long time, because I only gave it the initial charge when I got it for Christmas and that charge held until February!!!

We have to photograph Rachel's goodies (and the rest of mine), but here is a picture of Rachel excited to open her treasures. She was thrilled!!

We were so impressed with all of the beautiful handmade items. I'll share more photo's tomorrow, but so many truly beautiful, thoughtful treasures - it brought tears to my eyes.

I will leave you with a cute little plaque I made for my friend, Karen's, surprise 50th birthday party today. I saw this on someone else's blog, and I should really keep track where I see things, because I would love to give credit, but I don't remember where I saw it. Came out cute, didn't it?

I have been having such a great time crafting lately. I have seen so many cute ideas on your blogs. It is such fun to try my own hand at some of these pretties. Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. I'm anxious to see the contenders in the Mind Wide Open challenge tomorrow.

Happy 50th Karen!!!