I recently participated in a Handmade Gift Exchange sponsored by
Craftaholics Anonymous. This is a twice yearly event. I always enjoy having an excuse to make something fun for someone and I get a fun package in return. I was paired with
Julia "Scrappy Jewels" for the exchange. This is the first time I haven't been able to peruse a blog to get an idea of personality, so instead I perused a few of her Pinterest boards. I found a
ruffled apron pattern and knew that was my gift to make since she loves pink frilly things. This is the apron I sent to Julia. I'm glad she loves it.
I wasn't super thrilled with how the waistband turned out and would probably do it a bit different in the future, but all in all, it was a quick, fun project to make.
I was thrilled with the gift Julia made for me. I told her that I didn't have much decor for my beautiful mantle. It is beautiful wood flanked by built-in bookcases on both sides and has wood paneling above. This is the focal point of my family room, and sadly it is a very overlooked part of my decor. Mostly it provides storage for whatever we decide to stash there. I have started hanging some printed banners for different holidays, but that's about the extent of my actual decorating, other than my nativity displays for Christmas.
Now I have no excuses, at least for the month of July. Julia sent me these beauties:
A stenciled burlap canvas and mini pennant banner. She says this is the first time she's worked with burlap. I think she did a great job. They look great to me! I love the canvas since I like to think the heart is stamped approximately on my Nebraska home. Over the past several years, this has truly become "home" to us. I'm not normally a fan of chevron, but I like it when it's positioned vertically rather than horizontally on the banner. Who knew?
If you'd like to participate in the next gift exchange, you can sign up
here for a reminder email.
