I was inspired by this cake a long time ago and didn't have an excuse to make it until now. Thought I'd share the results. Funny enough, we ended up running out of letters to spell what we originally conceived and actually used the this poster's fab wording (all the way down to the 'eva'....they really just don't give you enough e's to work with). Thanks so much! Hope you don't mind your brilliance was recreated here in Austin!

-BTW, Pyrex bowls work like a charm to create the boobs.-

Okay, okay, I know Mardi Gras was last week but we're already planning for next year. I have a friend who wants to decorate her bar for next year's festivities and came up with the idea to have extra large beads hanging down from the roof, swagging over the front and facing the street. I have included a crappy sketch. We're having a hard time deciding on material and I was hoping you could help. We discussed styrofoam but a) you can't spray paint it and b) it's too light and will probably blow around too much. We also discussed beach balls but can't figure out how to attach them to each other. Anybody have any brilliant ideas? We sure woudl appreciate it. Thanks in advance!

whoo-hoo! I got my January card. My sender said it got sent to the wrong person the first time and they didn't post it so here it be...It's a really beautifully done card. Thank you sender. I've had the SAME feeling about someone for the past 3 years so I completely understand your card.
(Sorry it too ME so long to post it. I just got it in the mail last night. I JUST moved and all my mail has been rerouted.)



TEXT: I really want him to want me
         <don't>
         I just want him to want me

(full size version - which should be readable)

The sender of this card asked that I post this response:

"I just wanted to thank you all for the kind words about my secret. It was the one that was really long about hating what I have become. I actually froze when I saw it for the first time, just staring at me in the face like that. I wanted it to go away, and not be on there. I was at work, trying to hold back my tears. I really appriciate knowing that I am not the only one who feels this way. I'm not sure I'm quite ready to take that step to fixing the situation...it's not a terrible situation, just a boring one...and NOT who I am. It will definitely be easier to fix, knowing that I am not alone, though. Thank you! "

I got my package from Stifflersmom last night and absolutely love it! She's a great post stalker and discovered my love for everything Dia de los Muertos.



Here you can better see the gold skeleton she painted on..it defnitely has a hologram-like affect. Very cool.




Her package is going out this weekend and I hope it lives up to my sweet One Tiny Thing.

Here's the December card sent to Dithmer. She wasn't able to post becasue of moving hell.





I also have to add my $.02 to let the sender know that I've also felt this way...it's tapered off in the last couple of years but when it's happening it's completely overwhelming. Know how I shake it? I call my parents. Somehow just talking to them and being reassured all is right with the world (and that I haven't done anything wrong) makes it go away. I think it goes back to when I was CONSTANTLY feeling guilty in high school because I was always doing something to warrant
 the guilt.

Here's a card that never got posted by it's recipient but whose creator was smart enough to scan before mailing.

Okay, so I wrote this whole damn message a few days ago and the meltdown ate it so here it goes again, albeit a lot less poetic and verbose.


To all the frustrated swappers, I feel your pain, I really do (believe me, it's no joy chasing down and nagging 10-15 people every month). It sucks when you've done your part and then your partner fails to come through. We've seen quite a few touching, creative, sad, funny, relateable cards but I know there are more out there that we haven't seen. But instead of just being frustrated and throwing up our hands let's try to find a solution. I think we can all agree that we want to see more.

This is how I think we should approach the next couple of send outs. Before you mail, scan your card or take a picture. If your partner neglects to post your work, send the image to me and I will post it anonymously (I already know who is supposed to be sending to who so it's not as if sending me your card image would be a huge violation of privacy). That way, at least, your work will be shared.

To all the people who aren't posting cards. I understand not having a scanner, broken computer/cameras, finals, etc. but make a genuine effort to post your partner's work in a reasonable amount of time. You owe it to the swap as it was part of the agreement of signing up. Plain and simple.

And last but not least, we ain't knitting sweaters here folks. Even if it has to be simple SEND YOUR CARD OUT ON TIME.

Oh and I will be leaving negative feedback today for all the flakers and notifying people not to send to you. It's a real pain in the ass so know that it sucks for everyone that you flaked.
(If this dicussion must continue do so on this thread: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=47174.140)

As to not end this on the above sour note here is my beautiful December card. Thank you sender it is gorgeous and I've felt the way you do...it's difficult to deeply miss home.



The text: I am ridiculously homesick. I still regret leaving.

And on the back: Everyone thinks I am so much happier here. Only Craftster knows the truth.

Got my November card!



Text: I have (naturally) big boobs & no ass.
        But it's nowhere near as great as everyone thinks it is!! Actually, sometimes it outright sucks!

Text in Bra: everyone thinks they're fake & you're superficial. no shirts that fit, button down shirts are a myth

Text on around legs and butt: forget finding pants that fit. No ass = loose underwear, weird bags in your pant seat.

-----------------------------------------------------------

I love this card; I have a feeling a whole bunch of us can relate to this one. I have the exact opposite problem, yeah, you got it, small boobs and a big ol' booty. I have a hard time finding pants because I get them halfway up and then literally have to tuck and squeeze my ass in...or I get pants that slip right up and over the cheeks and then the waist gapes. Silly. But I feel your pain, I really do (one word = bikini) . I've always wished I was more proportional and it's just been of late that I've actually tried to start embracing what I do have and stop wishing for what I don't.

You said historical home and I thought of your bridesmaids standing there with hand fans, what's the connection? Who the hell knows but I think it would be pretty. You could even incorporate feathers if you are liking that idea. I like the velevet bags but think that the guests may spend the ceremony pondering either, 'what's in those bags?' or 'why did the bridesmaids all bring their purses to the wedding?'Just my opinion though.

Maybe something liket this without all that black fluffy stuff. (you could buy cheap paper fans and attach the feathers yourself...)


This website also has tons of inspiration. http://www.ideco.com/fans/classic2.htm