It feels good to be done with the swap, but I've got that after the holiday let down now. There is still the pile of goodies that came as gifts to play with tho, that sure helps.
And I can take my own book down to enjoy and flip through whenever I want. That is if I can lift it… its HUGE! Over 40 artists gifted me with an extra tag for my swap book.
Its a book that is so big, it can practically bury a Dorkie.
Poor dog. She sure is patient with me. Yes, she is wearing the book around her neck.
Here it is in its full magnificence.
That is a whole heap-o-tags.
And I have the BEST display for it! Debra G. sent me this birdie-shaped iron hook, and I sprayed it white, then beat it around in the gravel a bit to distress it. I added a bird nest charm that was a gift also.
Of course, between my bad hand writing and the fact that I got a couple of different kinds of nests, I'm not sure who this one is from.
And its such a sweet little nest, I just love it and the way it looks on this hook.
Here is a peek at my pitiful list. Its all color coded, and I am rigorous about marking items off as I go. The typed names are just fine, its my hand written notes that screw me up. I have hand writing that is almost as bad as my singing voice. And you DO NOT want to hear that. It compares with my dance moves. Only Sugarwings can appreciate my dancing and singing skills. She even thinks my notes are fine, but then she can't read. She likes me to make notes for her to tape to things around the house.
I need to keep better lists when I do a swap. Another problem I have is that I scratch things off the list after I've contacted the person, then I can't go back and read what I'd contacted them about.
How embarrassing.
The grand, globs of gifts are extreme! Its always a surprise to see that someone has packed up such nice, thoughtful things for me (and my fairy baby too)
These metal birdies were from Chloe Rose.
I did the same thing with these as I did the bird hook from Debra, painted it white and beat it up in the gravel. Then, I hung the whole flock from the chandy above my desk.
The pink twine they are suspended with was from Jennifer Phillips.
One other problem that I have with some names in swaps, is that people go by lots and lots of names, between their full, given name, a nick name, a blog name, email address, or the return address label that might even be their husband's name, or just an initial along with a last name I've never heard.
I try to keep it all straight, but sometimes people contact me with one name, sign the note with another, or have a different one on their return address. I can't always figure out who is who or match up names with email addresses or blog names.
All I know for sure is, that EACH SET OF TAGS GETS A BOOK MAILED TO THE ADDRESS THAT CAME WITH IT!!
And that is what is the most important thing to keep track of.
I am deeply appreciative of all the thought and care that goes into the gifts. Thanks, everyone!
Kathy made the Dorothy charm for me, and the rosette is from JoAnne.
Becky made this for my budding little artist.
And I got one too!
The sparkly locket, I'm afraid, is on the list of bad handwriting mistakes. I don't know who its from at this point, but I'm wearing it and enjoying it right now. Thanks so much for thinking of me, kind swapper!!
I hope I don't get my crown taken away because I'm not linking with everyone who was so generous and thoughtful to send things…
But hopefully, everyone will enjoy their books and this public THANK YOU will suffice!
And I will share some of it with you. I've scanned some of the great ephemera I was given, and all you need to do is click on it to open in a larger window, save, and print from your saved file.
I'll leave you with some eye candy, a few of the yummy treats that I was lucky enough to get from my swappin buds.
Karla ~
Those are just amazing!! I am cracking
up at you talking about keeping it
all organized ~ Oh my goodness there is
no way that I would be able to do all
of that because I am totally not organized
at all ~
Your puppy looks darling!
xoxo
Lori
Oh Karla, you are so funny. I knew you would paint the bird hook white, but drag it through the gravel,never.
So happy you liked it. I am always amazed by the generosity of bloggers. I have cried and laughed over this and the stories everyone shares. And such inspiration. Lovely, lovely gifts and creations. You deserve it.
Thank you,
Debra Ganas
Oh my goodness! What wonderful things to behold in this blog, Karla! My very fav is that dress form pin or charm! I love that! Thanks so much for sharing all these wonderful gems!
Hi Karla! I received my tag book yesterday and opened it last night once I was all comfy in bed. What a treat! You did an amazing job and I thank you for taking so much time to bring such happiness to each participant. You really attract the kindest swappers. I received an email today from someone thanking me for my tag and with such sweet compliments. What an added bonus! I can only imagine the pride you must feel! The cover you made is just perfect! Thank you so much, Karla!!
Oh Karla, thank you! I enjoyed this swap very much, and love my book. Thank you to the women to participated too! Everyone’s efforts made this a wonderful swap, but if it wasn’t for you Karla, it wouldn’t have happened. You’re a magic maker, for sure!
such a beautiful tag book, Karla! Sorry I didn’t sign up for the tag book…don’t remember why I didn’t to be honest. Can’t wait to see you again in October!
Oh, I am just kicking myself for not sending an extra tag for your book!! Sometimes I just get so caught up in following directions that I don’t think hard enough. Darn darn darn! What a bevy of beautiful things you received!
So many beautiful treats!! I am so sorry I didn’t think of adding something extra for you! I know, I know… that’s not at all why you did the swap… but still I should have thought of it. I’m slapping myself on the wrist right now. I’m glad so many other gracious swappers did think of it, though! All those beautiful, beautiful goodies!!
I received my wonderful tag book this past week and am overjoyed with it. It’s an absolute delight to go through each one and I intend to post about it very soon. I’ll let you know when I do! I am very happy to have joined in and you are an amazing swap hostess!
This appears to be so much work I cannot imagine the time and effort you put forth. The tags are spectacular. How very sweet to receive all the goodies you have shown. I have not participated in any swaps…as of yet. I am going to be doing a charm swap so I am excited about that. If you ever do another tag or ??? swap I hope to participate as I never want to miss out again. Sunday Smiles…
Hi Karla, Your tag book is so wonderful. I have hosted swaps before but never this size, I don’t know how you do it. I would be so confused. You did such a wonderful job. Thank you again for hosting this wonderful swap. I really enjoyed it. Have a wonderful week. Hugs, Terri
Aloha Karla,
I love your tag book! It must be fun to just flip through the pages and soak in all the art. Wonderful charm, rosette and pendants you have, how lucky.
TFS
Me again, I forgot to tell you how I love your Dorkie, so cute!
I have a king charles cavelier and she follows me in and out of my studio. I don’t think she’ll sit still and let me put a tag book on her; she may end up gnawing it to death.
I received my tag book this weekend. It was so much fun to open it and look through the artwork. So many talented ladies :).
This was my second tag swap that I signed up with you. I LOVE and treasure both of the books that I received. I look forward to participating in your future swaps!
Blessings!
Christa
Chloe Rose
Hi Karla,
You received some wonderful treasures…I love the metal birdies from Chloe Rose. The little silver nest with eggs is from me. I’m so glad you like it. It’s looks sweet hanging on the hook.
Thanks again for hosting this swap. I got my tag book and I love it!!
Such beautiful tag gorgeousness and pretty gifts too!! I can’t sing either (but I do anyway, when I am alone of course or to torture my beloved). When my first child was an infant I used to sing him show tunes and commercials because I had not learned lullabys at the time. No wonder that kid loves “Kung Fu Fighting” now, lol. xxoo Heidi