Monday, June 28, 2010

Exchanges and a bit of decorating ...

The mailman has been very busy delivery sweet exchanges to my house again. I participated in an exchange on the Pals BB. The exchange was to stitch and finish either a pinkeep or a pincushion. My partner, Abbie (no blog), stitched Lizzie*Kate's Land That I Love and finished it into a pinkeep/scissor holder for me. This was Abbie's first pinkeep! She did a lovely job ...


here's the back .. love the scissor pocket .. oh and she made the scissor fob too. Abbie included the scissors, some fabric, needles and a few patterns in the exchange package.

Karen and I have been friends for a long time and participate on a lot of the same exchange blogs. For the frist time were finally paired up as partners. We were paired in the Fair and Square Exchange. We decided to "finish" each other's pieces instead of sending them "un-finished" like what we normally do in the exchange. Karen stitched Patriotic Bouquet by BBD and finished it into a pinkeep ... I love it!

and look how she "signed" the back ... how cute and clever is that! I love these two exchanges because one is from a new friend online friend (Abbie) and one is from a dear friend I've know for a few years now. Now every 4th of July, when I bring out all my decorations, have these two lovely pieces to remind me of two lovely ladies ... aren't exchanges great!

Now to share some 4th of July decorating with you ... this is our kitchen table ...

my only new decoration this year was this wood wheel barrow that I found at JoAnne's when they first put out their 4th decorations ... it's so cute!

And here's my mantle this year ... I'm still playing around with it a bit ... I think it still needs some red, white and blue flowers ...

Waving Hi to all of you ... thanks for visiting and leaving me comments .. I love them :)

I hope you find your Joy in your stitches ...

I'm grateful for friends ...

20 comments:

Kathy A. said...

Gorgeous exchanges. They are finished so beautifully.
Love your July 4th decorating. Colors are lovely

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

What super cute and festive your exchanges are! LOVE them :)
And I seriously and absolutely adore your mantle! Your seasonal displays always leave me hankering for a more seasonal stitches for my own!

staci said...

Those exchanges are fabulous and perfect for you! Love your mantle, it looks so festive...and well, patriotic, LOL!

Have a Super Happy 4th Michele!

Nancy said...

Both of your exchangew gifts are wonderful, and both are stitched and finished beautifully!

I love your 4th of July decorations, and I think red, white and blue flowers would be just the right touch. Your blog header is gorgeous!

Unknown said...

Two more great exchanges!! I am not sure I could decide which one I liked best - they are both so different and charming. Well, I have said this before, but I have a serious case of Mantel envy going on. Yours always looks fantastic!!

BrendaS said...

Love your Patriotic Exchanges!

Your displays are beautiful too!

Have a great 4th of July!

Tracey said...

Lovely exchanges! You know I was at Michael's today and they already have their 4th of July stuff marked down! If you have one nearby you should check it out- I think they had the red, white, and blue flowers too. :)

Natasha said...

Beautiful exchanges. Abbie did a nice job on her finish, and to think that was her first time You Go Girl!!

I love you seasonal mantle I need to get a seasonal table going, Maybe a halloween one gives me enough time to stitch a new halloween design.

I hope you are doing good have not talked to you in awhile
(((hugs)))

Karen said...

Two cute exchanges. Love both and love the BBD design. Too cute the way she finished it for you.

Love all of your Americana stitching....too cute. Happy 4th and happy stitching...

Meadows08 said...

Wonderful exchanges and decorating. Your 4th of July table looks very festive.

Sherry said...

Wonderful exchanges! I love your mantle! Just beautiful!

natalysneedle said...

Great patriotic display!

Lauralee @ The Eclectic Stitcher said...

Love your decorating! Very patriotic!!! I especially love the scissor pocket. The exchange gifts are beautiful, too.

Carolyn NC said...

Great exchanges and decorating!

Siobhán said...

Wow, what fantastic exchanges! Super super cute. I love your mantle... I really need to get with the seasonal stitching program. Have a fantastic 4th!

Nancy said...

LOVE your red white and blue stitching! Great exchange piece too....Nancy

Sally said...

Beautiful exchanges Michele! Your 4th July decorating looks wonderful! Have a safe and happy weekend!

Linda said...

Wonderful exchange peices...I love the little keep with the pocket on the back...

I love, love all your patriotic pieces...they just make me smile. Your mantle looks so pretty and I adore your little wagon...Happy 4th to you Michele...hugs, Linda

stitcherw said...

What great exchange pieces, they both look wonderful.
Sue

Sherry :o) said...

What cute exchanges...love the basket too, on your mantle which I believe is your banner on the blog. So sweet!