I haven't had to post pics of my own sent swap items before, but my partner messaged Monday and said she'd received on Saturday, since pics haven't been posted I guess I should...(?)  I didn't take any pictures showing the fully stuffed "jar" (a handmade bag) because I didn't think I'd need to have my own pics. I just took a few of the handcrafted items, which I'll post.

The "jar" (partner's likes include: lime green, black cats, faux bois) - the lime is not quite this bright, the 2nd photo is more accurate on color



Handmade stamps based on her Pinterest pins (fox, glasses):


Tiny bunny with pink felted ears based on bunny board:


and matchbox:



I packed a bunch of found/bought/thrifted whimsy into the bag along with the handcrafts.

[seriously]

W00T, I received an AMAZING Mug Rug from Linda (alwaysinmyroom) today!!!  I don't know how she knew that I was hoping for a slightly larger mug rug (I kept thinking I needed a bit longer real estate to accommodate my snacks!  Did I mention that in my Q? Hmmm I don't think so... She's PSYCHIC!).  It is so perfect, in so many ways!

I mentioned that I really loved LesliesHappyHeart's style of happy colors and techniques, so Linda did an homage to Leslie, which I think is spot on!! 

But, before I gush further, let me share...   Ta da!!!


I love, love, love it!  And oh my gosh, the sewing is so perfect... I am really jealous of Linda's amazing skills.  I had NO idea that the two sides were made up of scrappy pieces until I read it in her accompanying card - the seams were so perfect and flat.  I really love the spiral for where the mug goes too - I just love spiral designs in general, and the spiral thread is so perfect to mirror a round mug.  Oh wait, the last pic was the "action" shot, let me show you!!



And the back is gorgeous too - I <3 the fabrics, and the designs showing through, it is totally two-sided!


I particularly love the tiny teacups stamped throughout - it makes it so perfect for afternoon tea    It's a bit late in the evening, but I see I have some delicious Meyer Lemon tea that is caffeine free (YUM!)... Off for a relaxing sip, and maybe if I'm super careful I will set my mug down!!   

Thank you so much, Linda - my new mug rug is awesome.


P.S.  I am going to have to hit you up for some sewing tips.  I mean, look at those perfect bindings.  Seriously!!!!  No, seriously!!!!!   

I RECEIVED today from ollieorange, yay!  It was a lovely surprise after a very long day at work.

I was so excited that I totally forgot to get a picture before I 'unpacked' the jar, and of course you can never get the genie back in the bottle!! lol!

Here is the whole lot; you can see the jar and decorated lid in the background:  


Ah, here's a better shot of the jar, washi tapes, adorable Hello Kitty patch, and slew of fun stickers:


A closer shot of my favorites - a TON of adorable figures!!


A sweet felted heart to add to my heart collection (<3!!), desk diamond, mustache ring, and a funny shot of three tiny piggy butts  


More whimsy awesomeness...  LOVE TINY THINGS!!!!  SQUEEEEEE



Thank you so much, Cindy (ollieorange) - I am SUPER STOKED!  I love all the tinies, and the washi tape and stickers are AWESOME for my postcrossing cards and penpal letters and such!!  

Hmmmm.... Now I may need one of those Tim Holtz shadow box things to show off the cuteness...  !

Wow, the gallery exploded with awesomeness!!

I love, love, love the monsters so far!  I really want one of each.  Hmmm..  We may need more rounds !   

I wanted to introduce my little guy, who arrived just yesterday from all the way across the pond!  I haven't settled on a name yet.   Squinky?  What do you think?

He looked a bit bashful to be caught on camera - I think he's not used to being in the light:


He agreed to let me get one more with some postage stamps for scale, so that you'd be able to see how tiny he is:


Maria was inspired by my Pinterest board of monsters (oh, I need to go add several of ours!!), and was so kind as to grant my life-long wish to have my very own amigurumi!

Thank you so much, Maria!  Your monster is ready to prowl his way to you, but I missed catching the post office while they were open today, and I have to drop off to a person, with the customs form.  He will be on his way on Monday, assuming I can find a post office near my office in TX, where I'm traveling to for work on Monday morning!  He should have a fun ride with me in my suitcase on the flights from VA to TX and then over to the UK.   

After having my mind blown by the package from Kelly, I opened my second package, with my matchbook from Caitlin (RaraAvis).

I didn't think it was possible to be amazed twice in one day, but Caitlin managed to pull it off with her incredible creation!!


An amazing tree, with the cutest blue bird peeking at me!!!  


And a drawer-full of springtime (along with a parliament of owls) inside:


Thank you so much, Caitlin!  You managed to hit on several of my themes in one box, in a beautiful delivery!!

bluepaisan, I love that textile look, it makes me want to touch it!

 Oooh I totally agree!  It's got a great tactile look about it.

I love the fantastically clever Torchwood box, and the amazingly gorgeous Alice boxes - both the hatter's hat (wow!) and the one with the roses and other references.

And now, I finally get to share my goodies -- prepare to be amazed...  I'm going to split this into two posts, since I have a lot of pics to share.

First I received a very exciting package from Kelly (amnesia):


Inside three warriors were awaiting me, with key passages from Lao Tzu's Art of War:





And a fourth passage, with wrapped wooden beads:  

A map of Zhou dynasty era China:  

An official litter to transport something very important...



And inside, a gorgeous and important box:



It is the art of war!

Such a beautiful, detailed, and thoughtful package!!

Oh, I almost forgot!!  There was also a pack of goodies that came along with it (so as not to damage the important text   ):



Thank you so much, Kelly - You really channeled the Art of War into an amazing package!!!

Och, I had the hardest time getting my photos to cooperate!  I was finally able to get ONE to save...  Here are the lovely fabrics I received from scarlet_nights!



I really love the Easter dogs, and the pandas... too cute!!  

Hi everyone!  I am loving the spring-y aspects of all of the flags so far - I think we are all ready for the weather to warm up so that we can get back outside!!  

I got back from my conference to a package awaiting me from Abbeeroad - it is another amazing flag!!  She picked a great quote from my list - "It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live" - Albus Dumbledore (technically it is J.K. Rowling; it's from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - but I listed it as Dumbledore because to me it is *his* quote!).

I love the spiral beads - I can't believe how detailed and perfect they are - look at the variety and pattern!!!  They add an incredible depth.  I love the star details everywhere - they make my heart so happy (stars are a favorite!).

A detail pic of the beading

And the stars form a "fringe" at the bottom!!  

I love it!

Wow!  I always forget to look for the gallery at first - what gorgeous flags!!!

I lucked out and got one of mine today (from blupaisan), just before I left town to go to a conference.  It is so gorgeous and perfect for me in every possible way.  I really love the natural elements, as well as the color!

I'm sorry these pics aren't the best... took them in a hurry just before heading out the door...  I didn't want to hold up on sharing until I got back to town to get some better shots (Meg if you have some feel free to post!).



I tried to get a shot showing the 3-d elements (there are natural pieces at the top, middle and bottom) - I really like the way that the daisy looks like a rising sun, too!


My phone is not cooperating - hopefully the pics don't show up sideways.  I couldn't get the pic of the bottom part to upload.

Ah!  And it came packed in the cutest Disney princess folder!!  

Meg (blupaisan), thank you so much; I really love this flag!

Wow!  Those cards are amazing!  The artistry of this group puts me to shame.

Well, unfortunately one of my claim partners has gone MIA (hasn't posted picture or sent notice of receipt / hasn't posted on Feb ATC forums since 02/07 / hasn't replied to PM I sent 3/3), and I guess she hasn't received the card I sent so I will go ahead and post a pic here, and will be sending another per Jillybeans' instruction on how to resolve my open claim.  I guess I'll be paying the upcharge for a DC this time... 


Here's the card I sent previously: