Monday, January 5, 2015

decisions decisions






We left off where I a had decided upon whites and creams for my sampler. I selected a nice assortment(both large and small) from my project box.

I had to choose a base fabric/fabrics first. I opted to cut a full piece from a vintage linen towel as opposed to piecing together several fabrics to make the sampler. After I cut a 5" x 7" piece from the towel, I ironed the wrinkles and a 1/2" hem on the sides, and 1" at the top so the edges would be finished.

Instead of a straight top stitch, I decided to use a decorative stitch from my machine for the edges. Problem: I've never used a decorative stitch on my machine before! This was a first. I am neither a seamstress nor a quilter. I have done a little of both, but never enough to be proficient. Most of my recent sewing experience has been curtains. I learned from the Mary Ann Moss SEWN class that I took, that it doesn't matter! You just sit down at the sewing machine and start sewing! She calls it kamikaze sewing. I chose my stitched, punched in the number on my machine, and started sewing. I had to learn not to push the fabric through, but to gently hold it and let the machine do it's thing creating the stitch.

When I was finished, I had one side that was embarrassingly wonky. Solution? Sew some trim over it!

Which brings us to the layout. Let's save that for another day...

Tomorrow? technique tuesday!

Sunday, January 4, 2015

sleep tight





This gorgeous pillow was a birthday present from a dear friend. I photographed the pillow to put on Instagram. (Which is something I didn't do until today. I've never been very satisfied with the quality of these pic- they don't do the pillow justice!) I realized that this would be a great thing to share with all of you as well, as it really is like a fabric sampler pillow- very much like what we are making. It is a great inspiration piece for this swap.

She pieced together bits of vintage linens, embroidery, fabrics and trims, to which she added what I like to call her "Heidi magic". I took a closeup of one side of the pillow so you can see the brilliant assortment of fabric "tags" she added.

Heidi creates the most beautiful things! Many of you have swapped with her and have experienced her talent firsthand. She no longer actively blogs, but you can find her on Instagram at #heidisuewallace. Talk about inspiring!

Tomorrow- back to my mini sampler in progress.

Saturday, January 3, 2015

A Valentine Giveaway! Open to All~ Comment on this Post to Enter



One lucky comment will be selected by random number generator on January 30th and will win a tin filled with Valentine craft supplies and trinkets! I will mail it right away so the winner has time to create some Valentine goodies.

Please leave your email address with your comment so I can contact you (and get your mailing address) if you win!

Feel free to share this picture/badge on your blog (with a link to this post) to help spread the word!

Good Luck!

Friday, January 2, 2015

where to begin?








I created a "Project Box" for making my mini fabric samplers. I just love the 12 x 12 clear boxes from Michaels. I purchased several when they were on sale and I use them for various crafting projects.

I began by going through my vintage linens. I chose the ones I would be willing to cut- stained, torn, etc. I especially like the ones with embroidery. I went through my fabric scraps and lace containers and pulled out little snippets that I love. I gathered some embroidery floss and a few basic sewing supplies (pin cushion, thread, scissors, ruler).

I received the most beautiful handmade zippered pouch as a hostess thank you gift from May last year. I gathered some sweet little things that I might want to use as embellishments on my samplers and placed them in the pouch.

This box gave me a starting place. I sat and went through it until inspiration set in. I found myself pulling out whites and creams and the idea was born. I pulled out everything that matched, and then put the bin aside. I further hunted through my studio to find another goodie or two that I knew would match (and of course my ivory button jars, as I knew I'd be using buttons!). And I was on my way...

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Happy New Swap!




The 2015 Mini Fabric Sampler Swap is something I've been looking forward to for months! I hope that the participants have fun creating and receiving their samplers each month, and that all of our ASFAS friends find fun and inspiration in following along! You can also follow the swap on Instagram at #aswapforallseasons, where all of the participants can post as well.

This picture shows some beautiful "stitched bits" made by the very talented Pam Garrison. These were my inspiration for the swap that we did a few years back, and is my inspiration once again for this swap. The idea to make it a year long swap was inspired by my love of handmade garlands, such as in the 2nd picture, which is from this wonderful blog. At the end of 2015, I will have 12 mini samplers for my garland. The participants can play as many months as they'd like, so the garlands created will all be different, and of different lengths. Such an exciting endeavor! And it's time to get started!

This first month there are 16 participants, and I am making a sampler for Pam. I will be posting the making of her sampler from beginning to end throughout the month. Tune in tomorrow to see the humble beginnings! And a special thank you (apology?) to Pam for being my 1st month guinea pig!

Happy New Year!


Happy New Year, friends! I really like this quote about January. Such a positive (constructive,hopeful) way of looking at a new year. Wishing you all a year filled with good health, love and wonderful things!

Friday, December 26, 2014

A Swap For All Seasons is now on Instagram!




If you would like to follow along or to add pictures of your Mini Fabric Samplers, we are at #aswapforallseasons
If you would like to follow me personally, I am at #lindaperrysmith
Yay! You'll know you're in the right place when you see this picture of me.

Did you know that you can follow Instagram on your desktop computer? You can view the photos, but you cannot add any photos from your desktop- that must be done from the app. Just go to www.instagram.com/aswapforallseasons (insert the person's user name after the /)

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

It's getting closer...

Time keeps racing on... Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and before you know it, the New Year will be here! I hope you get everything done, and can sit back and enjoy this next week! Merry Christmas! I'll see you in 2015!

Friday, December 12, 2014

A 2015 Preview


A wonderful group of crafters will be swapping 4 x 6" Mini Fabric Samplers each month of 2015. Although the swap is not open for all to join, please feel free to follow along as there will be lots of inspiration, creative ideas, and giveaways open to all beginning January 1st!

Friday, August 29, 2014

Can You Believe A Year Has Passed?


I've had such fun with this year-long swap! I hope you have too! There will not be an open swap to follow this one. I have a different type of swap project that I'm working on for next year. Thanks for card and tag swapping along with me these last 12 months. I sure have enjoyed it!

This will be the last post on A Swap For All Seasons for awhile... have a safe and happy Fall! xox Linda

Thursday, August 28, 2014

one last time...


If you haven't already, it's mailing time! Please post pictures of what you receive on your blog so we can all see! The blog links for the September Swap are listed in the right column>>>>>>>>>

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

witchy wednesday


But don't be scared... this little witch is a sweetie! I just love the background...and her hat! This little gem originated here

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

another prima doll Halloween tag...


...because, well, I can't help myself! This one was part of a Prima Doll Blog-a-long that our own Joyce was a part of. I was so inspired by the blog-a-long that I had to get a couple of my own Prima Doll Stamps. And well, you know the rest.
I just love this witch! I especially love the little stamped silouette characters at the bottom. Great tag that came from this talented blogger.

Monday, August 25, 2014

mason jar monday






I'll bet most of have a mason jar stamp or die-cut. But oh dear, what do I put in it? Well, candy corn, eyeballs, spooky pops or witchy things, to name a few. One good tip I read is to adhere a piece of acrylic the size of the jar on top to make it look like glass. So cute!

Sunday, August 24, 2014

another Sweet Sunday



Halloween Chex Mix

Ingredients

8 oz white chocolate baking bars, coarsely chopped
4 cups Corn Chex™ or Rice Chex™ cereal
2 cups bite-size pretzel twists
1/2 cup raisins
1 cup candy corn
1/4 cup Betty Crocker™ orange and black candy decors

Directions

1. In large microwavable bowl, microwave chopped baking bars uncovered on High 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes 30 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted and smooth.

2. Gently stir in cereal, pretzels and raisins until evenly coated. Stir in candy corn and decors.

3. Spread on waxed paper or foil until cool and chocolate is set, about 30 minutes. Break into chunks. Store loosely covered.

Saturday, August 23, 2014

vintage image saturday





trick or treat!

Friday, August 22, 2014

an oldie but goodie


My friend Heidi made this for me a few years ago and it is one of my favorites. She never liked any of the scary elements of Halloween so she made some "unscary" Halloween tags. I've shown this before, but it's because I love it so!

Thursday, August 21, 2014

how cute is this packaging?


It would be such fun to receive a swap package all dolled up like this! I found this on Pinterest, but I can't find the source. I love it!

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

washi wednesday




Not sure where to start with your card? Start with washi and build from there? No washi? Use paper strips!
These inspiration cards came from here, here, and here- all great sites with lots of card inspiration!

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Two for Tuesday



I couldn't decide which one of these to share today, so I'm sharing them both. The one with the wonderful curry colored dress is from here. The one with the black hair and polka dot tights (which I think is my favorite of the two) came from this great blog.

Now I have two more reasons to try out my Prima doll stamps! Someday...

Monday, August 18, 2014

a sweet idea to start the week


I love this! So cute to add a Halloween treat to your card or tag! These cute tags originated here.

Saturday, August 16, 2014

we have a winner!


The random number generator at mathgoodies.com chose comment #9. That means...Sarah is the winner of the Orange Giveaway! Sarah, if you would please email your mailing address to me at aswapforallseasons@gmail.com, I will send your package of orange fun asap! Thanks for playing, everyone!

Friday, August 15, 2014

TODAY is the ORANGE GIVEAWAY...Leave a comment TODAY ONLY to enter


Leave a comment on this post, TODAY ONLY, (anytime between midnight and midnight on August 15th) to enter the ORANGE GIVEAWAY.

One lucky person will win this prize package including: a small orange tote (begging to be decorated), a variety of orange paint chips, Halloween cupcake liners, a Halloween rubber stamp, and one of my handmade Halloween cards and tag, 2 juicy orange fabric quarters, a package of orangey gemstones, paper flowers, pom poms, buttons, feathers, thread, washy tape, and a vintage orange clothespin.

The winner will be chosen and announced tomorrow by random number generator. Good luck!

Thursday, August 14, 2014

whoooo's going to win tomorrow's GIVEAWAY?



Don't forget to visit the blog tomorrow to sign up for the ORANGE GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment on the blog post anytime from midnight to midnight on August 15th. It's that easy! I have a delicious assortment of orangy goodness for the lucky winner...including this card and tag that I made just for YOU!

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

location location location


I just love this photo. I found it on Pinterest (of course!), but it originated here. First of all, the cards are stellar. Very well made. And what brilliant photography! The old typewriter is the perfect showcase for these very professional cards. An inspiring, artistic gem!

Monday, August 11, 2014

mummy monday


This fella is from the archives of Archivers! This would be a fun card to make. So cute- he looks too scared himself to be able to scare anybody!

Sunday, August 10, 2014

So Sweet Sunday!



Are these not amazing? They are inspiring just to look at! If you are having a Halloween party, a few girlfriends over for a fun Halloween lunch, take a treat in for your co-workers, or want to create a special Halloween treat for your family- what could be more fun? I'd say they'd be as much fun to shop for & make as they would be to eat...well, almost! I think I'd have to make one of each just for myself!

Saturday, August 9, 2014

Vintage Image Saturday...trick or treating!




Feel free to save and use. Delightful!