Contemporary Vintage Wings

Just one more set of ATCs to go before I can send out this swap. I got two more sets today- although one of them nearly didn't make it as the envelope was badly ripped and it arrived in one of those 'your package was damaged' bags. Luckily I think it was all there.
Funnily enough both of these sets look quite similar, with a kind of contemporary or 'jazzed-up' vintage feel. Quite a lot of paper cards in this swap.

So then, from Carol:

From Sue:

Alphabet S & T

I have had back some lovely (I need another word for lovely, feels like I use it too much) alphabet ATCs from Sue H and Paula.

(By Sue H)                                               (By Paula)

I'd better get cracking with the next two!!

Zig Zag Stitch

Some exciting post today- my zig zag stitch returns!

This is possibly one of my favourite swaps so far, mainly because of the gorgeous cards I got back, they are all lovely and textured and right up my street!

                                      (By Annie)                                                   (By Sue H)

(By Wendy)

January Accordion Book Swap

Yesterday I had my first page for my rainbow accordion book through the post. One of the most interesting things was to see how the fabric paper had been made- it's quite funny how different they all turn out even though everyone is using more or less the same technique. Something to do with the glue I am reliably told.
Anyway, a really lovely first page from Alison!

Red Rainbow Accordion Book Page

I have finally completed my red page for the accordion book swap, and I have to say I am kind of proud of it. It uses lots of techniques, several of which I hadn't done before (like the fabric paper and the yo-yos), and some old favourites like couching, colonial knots and whip stitch.
I am a little nervous of sending it off though because I have never done this before and am not sure if I've done it right. Plus I haven't got anything to compare it too because my page hasn't been sent to me yet.
Still, if it is not right, at least I will know for the next one!!

These are some close up details- the camera went a little funny with the colours.

Vintage Doors to my Secret Garden

One of the swaps I have joined up is called Windows and Doors, and is supposed to be done in a kind of vintage style. I immediately thought for this swap that it would work well being a triptych swap, with doors opening onto some kind of scene. In this case I have opened my doors onto a kind of English country garden scene.
This is a drawn ATC- something that is a little out of my comfort zone as I like to add textures and am not overly keen on drawings, but for this swap I felt it was the right thing to do. The whole ATC was drawn on brown card to help give that kind of sepia, aged feel.

My Wings

I have finally gotten around to making my own wing ATCs. I used my leftover fabric paper to make the wings and then worked into them with stitching and embellishments. The background was painted and then covered in some lovely multicoloured organza with sparkly bits in it.
I would have added some silver sparkle to the wings however I left my silver paint at home (highly annoying!!).

Wings

This month I am hosting a Wing ATC swap, and today my first load of entries arrived! All very exciting (especially as I had nearly forgotten about it if I'm honest, and I still have made my contributions!! Tut tut I hear you cry!). Anyway, two lovely ladies who are very on the ball, Wendy and Alison have both made sterling efforts and fantastic cards!

First up, from Alison:

And from Wendy:

I love the butterfly at the bottom and really want to know how she made it! (Unless she did a slight cheat and bought it...in which case I want to know which shop!! If you have any suggestions, feel free to comment!)