Summer 2012 Handmade Gift Exchange

I love gift exchanges! I have participated in Craftaholics Anonymous Handmade Gift Exchange a couple of times now and have really enjoyed it! This year's exchange is no different. My gifter is a lovely young lady whose blog has beautiful photography. I have to say that her gifts are the best I've received in any of the exchanges!

 I received a tangerine rice pack (smells wonderful!), 3 beautiful bead balls, & 6 embellished bobby pins. I've already worn the green bead ball a few days & used the rice pack - THANK YOU TAYLOR!

Now I am the gifter for a crafty lady that was very good about giving me all the helpful information I could use to make her some things that, I hope, she will like & be able to use.

First I made a covered notebook with a notebook that I picked up at Target.
Then knowing that she likes lavendar I dug through my stash and found a lovely placemat that I was able to make into a small purse/bag. I just added a couple lengths of grosgrain ribbon for handles and attached a snap for a closure.

Lastly I of course had to use my Silhouette so, using a recent free file, I made a spring banner for her since it is her favorite season. With the extra pieces I am going to have to make one for myself too - I really like this plus I've been incorporating more banners into my decorating - easy additions, I think.

These exchanges are always so much fun and help me to not be too fixated on a what I am making for someone - it doesn't matter how well I know someone I can make something that they will like when I put the right thought into it and remember the essence of giving is to give from the heart.

Plus it was all good stash busting!

Happy Crafting & Blessed Be,

Alyssa