HO! HO! HO! - The Clock is Ticking…..

Calling all Elves!  Calling all Elves!!

Please don't forget to sign up for the Christmas in July Exchange. (See my post from May 1st).

The signup closes end of day tomorrow.

A Give Away from Cenefas de Flores and Surprise Mail

My sweet friend, Pilar, is celebrating her Sixth Bolgaversary and having a give away.
Pop on over to her blog, Flower Borders - and say "Hello".  She's an amazing stitcher, a gifted cook and chef.
Good luck!!

I received the loveliest surprise in the mail from June. June was the lucky recipient of the Friends Swapaway hosted by Stitching Sister Kaye and myself. We each stitched seven gifts - each gift represented one letter in the word "Friends" - so June received 14 items.  June sent a marvelous package full of things I ADORE to thank me - which she didn't have to do - June, you are such a sweet friend!

A lovely card and a little stitched pillow/pin cushion

Sweet cards, a notebook, French vanilla sachet, a bookmark and coaster - all in my favorite color - blue!

And laces, trims, gorgeous pearl head pins and buttons and beads

again - all in blue!

What a treat!

Vintage Embroidery Monday and Stitchery Link Party

Here it is - MONDAY - and time for the Vintage Embroidery Monday and Stitchery Link Party hosted by Super Mon - No Cape!.

I'm on a mission to complete as many of the tapestries I can find from the Lady and the Unicorn series, inspired by the Cluny Tapestries. In case you missed my earlier post that featured "Smell", the tapestries  tell the story of the lady and the unicorn. Each represent the five senses: Smell, Taste, Sight, Sound and Touch. There's a sixth called "To My One Desire"because of the words woven into it.

Here is "Sound".  It's from a Dimensions kit and measures 16x20 inches.

"The lady plays a portitive organ  on top of a table covered with an Oriental rug. Her maidservant stands to the opposite side and operates the bellows. The lion and unicorn once again frame the scene holding up the pennants. Just as on all the other tapestries, the unicorn is to the lady's left and the lion to her right - a common denominator to all the tapestries." - Wikipedia

One Photo, One Story #5 - "Love's Messenger"

Love's Messenger

Watercolor by Marie Spartalli Stillman

32 x 26 inches

I love the paintings influenced by the Pre-Raphaelite and Italian Renaissance eras. This painting, "Love's Messenger", is a watercolor painted by Marie Spartalli Stillman in 1885. It now hangs in the Delaware Art Museum. I have a reproduction of it hanging in our home. I absolutely love it.

You can find out more about the painting here and more about Marie Spartalli Stillman here.

One Photo, One Story #4 - Ronin & Christmas In July Swap

My darling grandson is fast becoming more, shall we say, animated. 6 1/2 months old, he is starting to beat things - his chest, the couch, whatever - and makes these happy squeals as he flails his arms.

Unfortunately, he got ahold of his new straw hat.  Need I say more?

Don't forget! The Christmas in July Swap is now open - worldwide. Please let me know if you'd like to participate - see my previous post for details. The sign up closes May 7th.

One Photo, One Story - #3 - Emma & Christmas in July Swap Open!

Our little teacup Schnauzer, Emma, is a whopping five pounds. She's full of personality. If you look up the word "adorable" in the dictionary, you'll see her picture (not really ;0)).

I knitted this sweater for her - there are ruffles on the top back (that goes across her caboose) and faux pearls sewn around the neckline…because every little girl needs a black dress and pearls. (Yes, I love our pups!!).

Tomorrow, another photo, another story.

Don't forget! The Christmas in July Swap is now open - worldwide. Please let me know if you'd like to participate - see my previous post fore details. The sign up closes May 7th.

Christmas in July Swap Opens Today - HO! HO! HO!

Once again, I'm teaming up with the lovely Cheryll from Gone Stitchin' for a Christmas in July Swap.

Christmas in July will consist of swapping 3 (three) handmade items with a SECRET partner... sshhh.
Yes ~ a secret... at Christmas (in July)... well I never....
Cheryll composed a list from which to choose the 3 items.
I think it's varied enough for everyone to find something.
Remember it can be ANY 3 items from the list... but they have to be ON the list. What you do with them is up to YOU... but ALL 3 must be handmade and NOT purchased!
For example... a candle mat with holly on it... OR... a mouse on a bag... OR... an angel tree ornie... you get the idea I'm sure...

C...  Candy Cane OR Candle OR Christ (nativity)
H...  Holly OR Heart OR Helpers (Elves)
R...  Reindeer
I...    Inspirational word/s
S...  Santa OR Stocking OR Snow Flake/s
T...  Tree OR Three wise men
M... Mouse OR Mistletoe OR Mrs.Claus
A...  Angel OR Acorn
S...  Snowman OR Star

All 3 (three) gifts MUST be mailed ON JULY 10th ...
however for those mailing across the oceans...allow more time by mailing ON JULY 5th.
Gifts should remain unopened UNTIL JULY 25th... this will test us I'm sure…

MAILING:
Please just put a return address on the outside...with NO NAME showing... keeping us guessing until the very end... but remember to put your name & email address inside.

Registration Opens... MAY 1st . ...
by leaving a comment on this Christmas in July blog May post ONLY. 
Registration Closes on... MAY 07  

This swap is  open to everyone world-wide... & you must be prepared to send across the oceans, if needed.
There will have a link up party on July 26th so we can show off our gifts.

THIS SHOULD BE FUN don't you think?

In 2014 we had 10 elves…..

In 2015 we had…..????