SUMMER SWAG FROM VINTAGE NAPKINS

Thought it was about time I said hello!  Lost my mojo for crafting the last few months, have spent most of my time just figuring out life :)  Hope all of you are having a fab summer, it's not over yet!  But doesn't it pass quickly?

I made this swag from vintage linen napkins, a Pinterest idea that I have actually used!  It's on my Nesting board I think if you are looking. It was easy and I love the summery look.  I think when fall comes another one is likely coming.

MERRY MITTENS AND SNOWMAN BANNER

Credit to Linda Albrecht for the design, published in the 2010 ``Sommerset Holidays & Celebrations``.  I absolutely fell in love with this and actually did it after Christmas last year.  I actually like crafting Christmas after the holiday, it gives me quite a good feeling to think I have a leg up on the next year.

Spied in my craft studio by Ms Snoopy, she has been hinting for quite sometime HA!  Still going to her house but for McLean`s 7th bday party...he has decided on a ``winter wonderland`` theme.

This was a trial project and several of the snowmen heads are looking to the side, I didn`t guide the dh quite enough for the drilling of said heads!  A character giving feature, surely.  Base pps and many of the chipboard embellishments are from Cosmo Cricket.  A sweet line which gave me a retro 50s vibe.

 By now you know I have NO photography skills and I am not likely to gain any!

SHABBY CHIC VINTAGE CHRISTMAS GARLAND SWAP

Did you know that "hangie things" are my absolute favourite!  Banners, bunting, drops, flags,  garlands, pennants, swags - by any name!  Of course I was going to be in on another of the fabulous swaps hosted by JoAnne of the Vintage Dragonfly. 

JoAnne supplied the pattern (choice of two) and we are required to create 6 pieces to swap.  We were to use white, cream and/or  ivory and perhaps the barest touch of other colour along with vintage images. 

I have made all of mine the same; background pps are Graphic 45, the holly border along the top is a MS punch which I embossed in clear for a bit more shine,  the rest is bordered with Opal Liquid Pearls which pick up a bit of the Evergreen Bough Distress Ink which I did the edges in, my vintage image (I'm sorry source forgotten!  Still haven't recovered brain cells lost from anesthetic!) is layered on cream cardstock which is edged with Platinum Stickles, the image is covered with Sugar Beads (translucent microbeads), at the bottom I have used a Prima ivory flower, some ivory stamens from my stash, glittered leaves from a floral pick and a coil of gold bullion wire (both Michael's) and finally a cream tassle.   

JoAnne will put six of our contributions together and mail us back a completed garland!  I can hardly wait!