Handmade Joy Exchange 2017

Anne from My Giant Strawberry hosted the Handmade Joy Exchange 2017.  The aim of the exchange was to make something with love and send it in the post and to receive something handmade by another participant in return.  I got out my Indian wood blocks and fabric paint and hand stamped a pre-made bag for Danielle in Ohio.  I also made a zip tassel and included one of my frog bookmarks and small hand stamped card.  I  had previously stamped a similar bag for myself to store my pencils and sketchbook in.  You can see the bag here.

  This is what it looks like from behind!

 

Inside the bag I stamped a little green frog walking down!

The beautiful string of freshwater pearls was my exchange gift from Bella.  She hand knotted between each pearl and added a silver clasp.  She knew I liked multi-coloured pearls as I had commented on one of her blog posts previously.  Thanks to Anne for hosting such a joyful event even if it did mean putting my thinking cap on to know what to make!

Busy Beading

I have been busy with beads enjoying the slow motion of pulling the thread in and out of the fabric.  The above picture is a work in progress.  I am not too sure where  I am going with it yet or if it will even end up being a completed piece, but for now I am just enjoying the process of creating.  I have not bought anything extra to do this but have been consolidating the things I already have in the craft room.

If you are in a creating and crafting frame of mind you may wish to join Anne of My Giant Strawberry in her Handmade Joy Exchange.  I will be joining in this year, making and sending a little handmade joy made with love.  Please do go along to Anne's blog and join in if you wish to do so.

Despite the cold and grey days I have been a little bit hyper with excitement this week as I have been jolted into a realisation of what I want to do with my life and where I want to be.  I dare not share it with you all yet as my dream is in the early stages and may only ever be a dream but at least I have hope in moving forward and not being stuck at the crossroads!

Wishing you all a weekend full of wonder!