December 21, 2006

Secret Santa

I came home from a friends yesterday to this wonderful surprise from Caroline. I am so chuffed to have received one of her wonderful hand printed cards and her carefully crafted sparkly star decorations - which I have been secretly coveting! Thank you so much Caroline, it was so such a lovely surprise and was very thoughtful of you, it really did make my day.

A few of my friends and I also managed to fit in a last minute Secret Santa this year too. We set a £5 budget (or thereabouts) and just meet up, drink mulled wine and randomly exchange gifts. Two people are not even in this country so we have to send on the gifts later. I am really pleased with my secret santa which was a copy of Mrs Beetons Christmas and a lovely choccy santa! Every year we talk about doing a midsummer secret santa cause we love it so much and its so much fun!

If I don't get blogging in the next couple of days I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Eat, drink, be merry and above all take it easy! x

Posted by Maxine at 12:46 PM | Comments (0)

August 11, 2006

Book Swap Parcel

Do you know I think I am spending more time posting about what wonderful things Mr Postman brings me than actually doing anything creative! I received this beautifully parcel from Caroline over at dolliedaydream (isn't that such a great blog name?!). Even the outside of the parcel was so neat and well packaged I was very impressed. If there is one thing I love its great packaging and attention to detail and Caroline you sure do have the knack!

The book she sent looks very interesting. Its not something that I would probably pick myself, but on reading the cover it sounds exactly like the type of thing I would enjoy, so I have bumped it up my reading list! Just to let you in on the story:

'When painter Roderic Kennedy meets Julia Fitzpatrick, twenty years younger and also an artist, it seems as if the crises that have troubled his life are finally over. But when Julia meets William Armstrong, a middle-aged lawyer, it sets in motion a chain of events which has dramatic consequences for all three of them.'

Sounds intriguing doesn't it?! She also sent lovely Charlie & Lola notebook and Clarice Bean stickers for Emily and This wonderful embroidery book for me too. I haven't done any proper embroidery before but I bought a hoop for 10p at a car boot sale a while back and have been meaning to give it a try so this is just perfect - and with floss too. Look at this lovely detail. It also has advice on stitches too, which is just what i need. Another project to add to my list!

Thank you so much Caroline! Yours will be in the post soon! Thanks to everyone taking part in the swap too! I don't have a pro Flickr account and can't fit any more photos on at the mo, otherwise I would setup a group set for our swap. So please let me know when you all get your swaps, I can't wait to see how it turned out. :)

Posted by Maxine at 03:58 PM | Comments (2)

Parcel from a Panda

Emily and I had a lovely surprise the other day with a HUGE parcel from my friend Tamara, who lives in Canada. I don't know who was more excited, me or Emily! She sent the most wonderful cushion which she had woven herself - as you can see from the pics Em took a liking to it straight away and any photo I took of it doesn't do it justice, it really is amazing. Also in the parcel were so many goodies, books for Em, choccies, zoo animals and even some mounty socks!!

In case you are wondering about the title of this post, Tamara and I, for many years have had kind of pet names for each other. Its really quite funny and not as sad as it sounds! We met years ago, when she was travelling and we worked at the same place. Neither of us fitted in and so we kind of bonded as allies and then became very good friends. One day, at work we were extremely bored and spent most of the time playing the game 'if they were an animal, what animal would they be?' This caused us endless amusement and satisfaction with pairing each member of staff with their animal counterpart. Suffice to say Tamara became Panda and I became Bunny. I can't quite explain it but it was funny at the time and somehow it stuck!

So thank you so much Panda - you spoiled us! Can't wait to see you in September x

Posted by Maxine at 03:48 PM | Comments (0)

August 04, 2006

Magazine Swap

I just received my mag swap package this week and just look how generous Vicki was, not just one but three mags! It puts my package to shame thats for sure. Unfortunately Vicki doesn't have a blog so I can't direct you there, but she is really into journalling so I sent her a scrapbooking mag which had lots of projects and printed papers to use for things.

These are all wonderful magazines. America just beats us hands down on magazine production. I have already read Adorn (a crafty mag) which has given me lots of ideas and I have read Everyday with Rachel Ray which is a wonderful foody mag, with lots of simple to follow recipes and ideas, which is perfect for the Supper Club (which I am way behind posting about, so I need to pull my finger out there!). As for 'Wonder TIme', this is such a wonderful magazine about parenting and childhood experience. I still have to get through this but I am quite tempted to subscribe!

Thanks so much Vicki, you got it just right.

Posted by Maxine at 11:27 AM | Comments (4)

August 03, 2006

Let The Book Swapping Begin

Ok, well I think I have left a reasonable amount of time to see who's interested in taking part in the Book Swap. There turned out to be an odd number of people so I will swap with two people to make it even and if anyone else is interested in the meantime, it means there is a spare swap partner!

I will send everyone taking part an email with your relevant swap partners email address and then you can contact them to get their address. Also if there is a genre of book that you absolutely hate then don't be afraid to mention it - better to get that sorted at this stage! Apart from that I think we should it leave it free and easy.

The only rules I would say would be to make sure there is at least one book in the swap (I know thats pretty obvious but hey, this organising is new to me!!) but if you want to add more or anything else that is entirely up to you - the object after all is to get rid of an old book for something we haven't read. If you and your swap partner feel happier choosing one of each others books via email first then do that, otherwise leave it as a surprise - I just love surprises!

Other than that, I think we should have a deadline of the end of August to get things in the mail. I know this is a long time, but the summer holidays are busy, with people being away and entertaining children, so at least it takes any pressure off.

If you have any questions let me know but otherwise happy swapping! :)

Posted by Maxine at 09:42 AM | Comments (1)

August 02, 2006

Button Bounty

Look at this fabulous package of buttons that I received today from Donna today! Thank you so much for picking me such a wonderful and generous selection, I am so pleased. My favourite has to be the green wooden knobbly one, there peaking out from the other ones. I swapped Donna one of my monkey purses for being such a sport and agreeing to give me some of her precious buttons. I am going to have so much fun with these...

Posted by Maxine at 08:01 PM | Comments (4)

July 23, 2006

Look What I Got!

Look what I got in the mail yesterday - how exciting is that!? I missed the first round of pattern books but as soon as Hillary reprinted them I placed my order. She makes such wonderful things and her design and presentation of everything is just lovely. It was her blog (and Loobylu) which inspired me in the first place to start a blog of my own and she has been an inspiration ever since.

I am not very good at following patterns or at making softies for that matter, but I sure am going to give these cuties a try - I just hope I don't botch them up! Even W said he is tempted to make one, which is just fantastic! I would love him to have a crafty night with me sometime, it would certainly be a change. I bet he would be great too heehee.

Posted by Maxine at 11:35 PM | Comments (5)

July 14, 2006

Monkeys are Lovely!

Just look at this totally amazing fabric that Sara sent me! This is only a snippet, I am almost too scared to use it until I find the perfect project. If there is one thing I can't resist its monkeys, especially sock monkeys! You just can't get fabric like that over here so I was so excited to receive it. Thanks Sara!

I am such a bad girl and I have had Sara's fabric sitting here all week (and more) to post, but with one thing and another, as well as the post being closed most of this week I still haven't managed it. I promise to get it mailed next week!

On a separate note I seem to be getting a bit behind with things. I realise that I haven't posted about a big fabric thrift score i got a few weeks ago, I still have late birthday gifts to send (plus swaps), I have a zillion projects that I want to do with no energy to do it, I spent two days this week spring cleaning my kitchen with the rest of the house falling apart (is this the start of the nesting kicking in? hmmm a bit early) and the following day laid up on the sofa because I did too much 'in my present condition'. Also, I am not kidding, one day last week, while I was in Dundee I got over 200 spam comments! 200!!!! W has now put a stop on new comments on really old posts to try and stop the spam, so if you have commented and it doesn't appear please let me know.

Posted by Maxine at 09:32 PM | Comments (1)

July 03, 2006

Is it My Birthday?

Seriously, I have been receiving so many packages lately that it really does feel like my birthday. It is so exciting receiving something in the mail, especially as the days of writing letters to friends are almost gone with email being so handy. There is nothing better than getting something more tangible and there is certainly nothing more thrilling than finding out what's in the surprise package!

I got this wonderful and very generous package from Jenn, as a swap for some of my fabric. Thank you so much Jenn, you really out did yourself! Just look at the wonderful fabric she sent and wow all that embroidery floss! Not to mention the fabulous little pins - the crochet bunny pin is so cute - you can check out her Etsy shop for more cuties.

This parcel was just so lovely to receive, Cynthia is such a sweetie and sent out a bunch of stuff to different people to celebrate her blog birthday. No return parcels required. I was one of the lucky ones to get more of her lovely goodies - just check out that cheeky card - I know who I'll be sending that too! I filled that pouch up with my spare change to go thrifting on the weekend, but I am sure it will get better use than that soon. Thank you so much Cynthia, it was a wonderful and thoughtful gesture to your readers!

Honestly I have so many new bits of fabric that I don't know how I am going to find time to make good use of them all!!

Oh and on a separate note, I managed to get one of my Etsy accounts fixed, so hopefully I will get organized and add a few things soon. But it really will be just a few things until I get myself in gear and start making more things!

Posted by Maxine at 11:11 AM | Comments (6)

June 27, 2006

The Postman is My Friend

Yet again the post man delivers more lovely goodies. Honestly, when Mr Posty comes with a parcel it is like he is delivering sunshine to my door. I am such a kid I get so excited at opening my surprise packages and so does Emily too!

This parcel of wonderfulness is from Ali. She was admiring my bunnypops a while ago so I sent her some with a couple of other things and this is what she sent in return. Thank you so much Ali, it is just such a wonderful package. The mini-moopy is just amazing and Emily grabbed her straight away! It has totally inspired me to try my moopy again and confirmed that I made mine too small and fiddley. The book is fantastic and I have read it many times already and it is sure to become a favourite, I would thoroughly recommend it - it has little duck that hides on each page which really made me laugh and which Emily loves to find! The mag was also a treat! Its really funny that I have just received two magazines in the post recently and I have signed up to Magswap.

Also look at the hilarious paper mask Ali sent us (or should I say sent Emily!). Suffice to say we all had lots of fun with this. Thanks again for all the treats Ali!

Posted by Maxine at 09:23 PM | Comments (6)

June 23, 2006

Wonderful Cards

I am so chuffed to have been sent these wonderful cards from Mav at Port2Port. My poor photographs don't really do them justice at all, but to be honest I think these are something you need to hold in your hand to truly appreciate them. They are all printed on Mav's letterpress and she prints a limited edition image monthly (this months is the trees above). You can also buy them from her Etsy shop so go and take a look.

These were a lovely surprise and something totally unexpected. I just contacted her for her address so that I could send this card, which is by Anne Anderson. Anne was one of my printmaking tutors. I came across these cards of her Linoprints a few weeks ago and I thought it might be something Mav would like so I got a few extra and sent her one.

Thanks again for my lovely letterpress surprise Mav!

Posted by Maxine at 12:48 PM | Comments (4)

June 13, 2006

More Swap Goodies

Look at the wonderful package I got in the post today! Thank you so much Laura. This was an absolute delight. The fabric squares are just lovely and folded so neatly into the little Kansas bread flour bag. It is great to get some colourful pieces. I will be thinking very carefully of what to do with them.

She also sent this great magazine and some extremely yummy chocolate sunflower seeds (which I am getting addicted to by the minute!). The mag is full of wonderful stories, advice and ideas for all aspects of the family. It is much better than any mag I have read here thats for sure. This and the great craft magazine that LiLi sent me a while ago has spurred me on to take part in the Mag swap over at Cotton Strudel (I just hope I got in on time).

Posted by Maxine at 08:21 PM | Comments (3)

June 04, 2006

Goodies in the Post!

Look at the lovely goodies I received in the mail yesterday. Donna from Crafty Old Thing agreed to swap some of my orange and brown flowery fabric and suggested we swap a few other bits as well, as she had only recently suggested fabric swaps herself too. It is such a great idea and a great way to get a few different bits and pieces.

Thank you so much for your lovely parcel Donna and also for the lovely little treats for Emily, plus the gorgeous little shell buttons for me (have to save these for something). Emily took a real liking to the strawberry polka dot and insisted on wearing it as a hair band! So I guess I will be making something for Emily with this!

Posted by Maxine at 09:18 PM | Comments (4)

March 10, 2006

Goodies in the Post!

Look what Emily and I received in the mail! Its our Mini-Swap partners box of treats. Toni and Noah (who is 4) sent over these wonderful things all the way from the USA. Noah is so sweet, he handpicked out a few of his toys to hand down to Emily; amongst them a little elephant and snake which Emily was getting to 'talk' straight away (this involves her showing me the animal and saying 'Talk Mommy!'). Toni made this totally adorable little felt bunny, complete with interchanging skirts, and a gorgeous little blanket and pillow, this totally made Emily's day, she adores it. She also get some learning cards(you can see her playing with them in the picture), she calls this game 'flip flop' which is what Charlie and Lola call it.

And look! I got goodies too! A lovely, summery laundry bag, a little tissue holder and super cute stitched notecards on that gorgeous polka dot background!

Thank you so much Toni, these things couldn't of been more perfect, and thanks again Molly, for organising the swap, I hope you do another one in the future because this one was so much fun!

Posted by Maxine at 03:37 PM | Comments (6)

February 24, 2006

Mini-Swap & Other Things

I finally mailed my mini-swap package today! I didn't think I was ever going to get it finished. But I did and Emily and I are so excited to see what comes in the post from our mini-swap partner. I will wait until the parcel has been received before I put up images of what we sent - don't want to spoil the surprise!

On a completely different note, I feel so yuck today, I doubt that I should even be using the computer. But I have a couple of things I need to get done and then its sleepy time for my Mac and rest for me. I have also been feeling the chaos that is my house lately and it is starting to fall slowly and surely into disarray. I need to be surrounded by calm and tranquility and that is not happening at the moment. I think its a combination of reading so many blogs that totally distract me and going out for too many coffees in the day with my mom friends. Its is so hard to get a balance. Staying in the house sends me crazy and it doesn't take very long at all for cabin fever to set in. Yet I need to stay in to even get anywhere near turning my house into a haven of peace and tranquility, which lets face it, is near impossible with a 2 year old running around.

Hmmm...well I need to muster up the energy, enthusiasm and desire to get sorted. A messy house is a messy mind and this is probably why I feel so yuck.

Posted by Maxine at 12:50 PM | Comments (1)

February 09, 2006

Mini-Swap Match Up

Last week we were matched up with our Mini-Swap partners. I am so excited about this project, although totally daunted at the same time. My swap partner, Toni, is so talented and creative with such a beautiful, talented and creative family that I am hoping that I can come up with something just as good!

I have a couple of ideas, which for obvious reasons I can't divulge just yet, but I am hoping that they will work just as I want them. I will have to get working very soon.

Posted by Maxine at 01:10 PM | Comments (1)

February 03, 2006

Stitched Postcards

I received two more postcards today and they are just wonderful. A combination of textures, patterns, hand-drawn and inked elements. I just love them. I would never think of stitching card in this way, its given me something to think about.

The top one is from Karyn , Australia and the bottom one is from Robyn, Illinois, USA. Thank you for two well crafted cards, and Robyn what a wonderful message you sent me. You really took the time to write something personal and its just lovely. I am originally from England but I totally agree with you that Ireland is a beautiful place, I suppose thats why I have put down roots here.

Posted by Maxine at 01:54 PM | Comments (0)

February 01, 2006

Mr Postman Delivers Again

More postcards arrived in the mail today. It is so amazing receiving things this way, how they come trickling in one by one. Thank you so much you four. Just so you know, starting with the pic of the 3 cards from left is from Bethiee in Seattle I think, the felt doggy on blue is from Sarah in Houston (Sarah for some reason I can't access your blog, so if you are reading this can you reconfirm the address) and the dog print with stars is from Reneé in the US somewhere! Thank you so much for all your kind and wonderful messages.

As for pink card & truly AMAZING felt doggy purse from Cynthia in Vancouver, Canada - what can I say? You have really gone the extra mile to wish us all a Happy New Year and honestly you have made my day. Your card and purse are both so adorable and I am so pleased to be your recipient! It was very thoughtful of you to go to that extra effort for 10 people!

I am having so much fun with this, thanks again Myra for such a wonderful idea.

Posted by Maxine at 02:50 PM | Comments (2)

January 30, 2006

Its arrived!

I was so excited to get this parcel in the post, even though I have bought it for someone else and it will only be staying with me for a short while. I can't believe how quickly it arrived, from New York. I am very impressed with the postal service!

What a great package it is too, so beautifully presented, even the envelope with the lovely illustration and cram cream tape (hmm I really must add this to the list of things I would like to purchase!). There was even a little packet of Timmie stickers too, which I am keeping all for myself! Emily loved bunny pouch too and after he had relaxed with a cup of tea and animal biscuit, gave him a big welcoming kiss! (I know bunny pouch is pink but for some reason all the softies in our house are called Mr something or other!).

Thank you Marilyn! You made the sun shine on an otherwise dull day. :)

Posted by Maxine at 01:30 PM | Comments (1)

January 26, 2006

My First Postcard

How exciting! I received my first Happy New Year postcard today from Maria in Sweden. Thanks Maria, its lovely.

I have discovered a new love for wallpaper, textures and patterns over the past year and have many ideas stored away in my bottomless pit of a head! Hopefully they will see the light of day sometime.

Posted by Maxine at 02:09 PM | Comments (1)

Swap Crazy!

Ok, I am going swap crazy. But I read about this over at mommycoddle and how could I possibly resist?! Its a swap between families all over the world with the theme "To brighten the winter(rainy day) Blues".

The idea is put together a swap for the children which is based around handmade or hand-me-down goodies. This is such a lovely idea and means that the kids get involved too. It also makes economic sense for me, because it doesn't involve spending money (which, lets face it, when you are a stay-at-home mom, this is necessary!). The only thing you need to spend money on is postage (and treats if you want to add treats). Just aim to keep your parcel small and nice and light and it won't break the bank at the post office.

I am quite excited about this one! Its just so nice corresponding with people around the world, who in the blogging commununity, just seem so close.

Posted by Maxine at 10:32 AM | Comments (2)

January 25, 2006

Postcard Swap

Well I have finally finished my postcards and mailed them out today. I hope they don't take too long to get to their destinations! Most of the 10 have gone to the US, but also to New Zealand, Australia and even Wandsworth, London!

I was going to do more than one, but this week has been tough. I have been sick since the weekend with one thing and another and haven't felt like getting out of bed let alone be creative.

But I am really pleased with these. In fact if I had any energy left at all I would send out more of them to my friends and even places like our local, much valued Chinese restaurant! I'm afraid I will just have to not go totally bonkers and have a good old rest!

So Happy New Year to everyone (a few days early but hey!). Hopefully I will get a chance to check out the blogs of my recipients soon.

Thanks for the project Myra!

Posted by Maxine at 01:10 PM | Comments (7)

January 12, 2006

Postcard Swap

I am so excited to be part of the Chinese New Year (29th Jan) postcard swap over at My Little Mochi.

"... I've always been interested in the Japanese New Years postcard tradition of nengajo. This custom is similar to the sending of Christmas cards except the Japanese postal system times it so that the postcards arrive exactly on New Years Day. It is also customary for nengajo to include a picture of the Asian zodiac and 2006 is the Year of the Dog..."

She has 100 participants and we each have to create 10 postcards each (but they can be 10 of the same design). She will then be emailing us each with 10 names and addresses to send our cards to, in time for the New Year.

I am quite excited at the prospect of receiving 10 postcards from other crafty bloggers from around the world! Thanks for the project Myra!

Posted by Maxine at 05:14 PM | Comments (3)

December 23, 2005

Swap Shop

Look at the lovely parcel I got in the post today from Esther at All Things Creative. I swapped one of my felt purses for two bars of her handmade soap. The soap smells yummy and look at all the extra goodies she sent. Especially that bunny soap - too cute!

I have hung a bag of lavender on my radiator but if you have any other tips or ideas for the use of the lavender and rose petals please let me know.

Swapping with other bloggers is so fantastic. I want to encourage all of you out there to do it and if anyone else is interested in swapping with me let me know!

Posted by Maxine at 03:46 PM | Comments (3)