Hand-made gift exchange

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.