27 February 2006
I've been in a bit of a funk today. There's no real reason why, but I think I had such a nice time this weekend, tidying up my craftspace and then enjoying it, that I just didn't want to go back to work. Also, I took the wrong antihistamine last night -- one that had decongestant (like Sudafed) in as well -- and I spent all night either restless and awake or restless and asleep, having tedious dreams about stamp carving. I know -- it's fun enough in the waking world, but it somehow becomes such a chore in my sleep. And TFL (er, Transport for London) was utterly crap this morning. So maybe that's three good reasons.
But there were two VERY good reasons to be happy today, in package form:
Number One, my order from Sarah at The Small Object, plus some treats. I adore Sarah's style, and I've been wanting her crafty recipe cards for some time. I'm continually ripping corners off pieces of paper or even grabbing scraps out of the trash to write things on (actual recipes, most of the time!), so after the billionth time doing that, I realized I needed these cards in my home. I'm so happy to finally have them, along with a pack of her collector cards and some stickers she packed in as well. And aren't her business cards just too cute? That peep looks like me after a hard day crafting.
Second package, the much anticipated swap with Cally:
Cally had asked about my bird clips a while back, so when Rob found some still on sale (on clearance!), a swap seemed like fate. I had some fun sending her things I haven't shown the rest of the world (like Good Morning note cards), but I had even more fun pouring over the goodies she sent to me! Cally's blog isn't quite yet up and running, but she makes the most lovely collages, and her tastes seem to run along the same tracks as mine -- birds and more birds! She enclosed wonderful swatches of fabric, a little 'Fly' card with mini bookmarks, several amazing mini collages, a postcard, and -- my favourite -- a teeny tiny little pouch that's actually a brooch. It snaps shut, and inside she tucked a shiny piece of shell. And what's more, it matches my new bag perfectly!
I have to say, I really like gathering things together for swaps, and I love seeing people post about the treats I've sent on their blogs. Getting amazing things in return seems like more than a person could ask for! A big thank you to Cally! Once she goes 'public' with her blog, I'll be sure to post a link here.
Speaking of swaps and blogs and, you know, birds, I was thinking about the mini-swap that's currently taking place with the children of bloggers. But some of us don't have children -- we have pets whom we must spoil and treat as though they were our progeny. I wondered how clever a 'companion animal' swap would be; obviously our little cats and dogs and birds and bunnies are less aware of what arrives in the post (I just had a staring contest with Frankie, and I'm not sure much at all goes on in that head), but surely they still appreciate a new toy, etc. And it would be fun for the bloggers involved, naturally.
There could be a small shop-bought half (with a limit of $5-10) and a homemade half. Who wouldn't want to recieve a package with little catnip toys for their cats or a softie for their dog or. . . a bag of fluff for their birds (my birds only like fluff. And seeds. And whatever that is in your hand right there. What is it? Can they have it?)? Anyway, I'd be up for arranging a group swap for a reasonable number of people (10?), if anybody is interested. Just holler. And if there's absolute silence, I'll take that as an 'Eh. Dumb animals. That reminds me, I haven't fed the cat this week.'
Pick me! oh, please, please pick me! **waving hand wildly in the back of the room*
I have been dying to try a swap..it would be my first one! And, i was just commenting the other day that i don't have anyone to swap with b/c we don't have kids! But, i do have the Infamous Three Dog Posse! Two barking beagles and one red-headed basset hound! They love stuff..all kinds of stuff..like empty water bottles, sticks, food! anything reall!
Please count me in for a Good Time Animal Swap!
loves!!
stephanie
posted by stephanie at February 27, 2006 05:44 PM
Stephanie -- Hee! Even if nobody else wants in, you and I can definitely have a Good Time Animal Swap. That might have to be the official name of it, in fact.
posted by Anna at February 27, 2006 06:46 PM
Great idea, Anna. Count me in. I don't have any kids yet, just my puppy, Napoleon. He loves softies! I buy him all kinds of toys, but he seems to only really like softies. I guess he just likes soft things.
posted by Angela at February 27, 2006 06:56 PM
Yeah!!! This is going to be so much fun! And..a puppy named Napoleon!! My favorite movie..we can have some fun with that!
The First Annual Good Time Animal Swap...GTAS..cute!
loves!
posted by stephanie at February 27, 2006 07:10 PM
I also have a three dog posse and we would all love to be a part of your 1st Annual Good Time Animal Swap! Sending dog kisses your way... :)
posted by Tracey at February 27, 2006 08:14 PM
I love this idea! I have two dogs - Rudy & Chachi the bitsa jack russells, but I also have a child...does that disqualify me? (Damn kid, always knew she'd be a be a hindrance...!!!!) If not allowed, Id love to do an animal inspired craft swap of some sort, although Im more of a drawer than crafter.....but I have been told I have "long crafty fingers" (whatever the hell that means??)
posted by Shannon at February 28, 2006 12:19 AM
what a great idea! you can count me in for the swap if you do it.
posted by mary at February 28, 2006 01:44 AM
anna...this is looking promising. The Three Dog Posse is drooling with excitment! I just finished my first apron for Tie One on...and now my first swap! The crafting gods have smiled upon me this week! yeah!
posted by stephanie at February 28, 2006 03:21 AM
Ooh, so exciting to see
a)your small object goodies, I just LOVE the peg people
b)my stuff, I feel legitimate now, someone has put me on their blog - cool! So glad you liked it, esp the wee brooch as it was so fidgety to make it nearly ended up in the trash a few times. I knew it would be perfect companion for your green bag so fate decided it must be for you.
c) your pet swap suggestion, not that I even have a pet, but I treat my neighbours cat as my own.
posted by cally at March 1, 2006 12:24 AM
A swap! for pets! Sounds like fun for me and my kitty. I'd love to join my first swap hosted by you, Anna!
posted by Robin at March 1, 2006 01:17 AM