Finishing and Exchanges ...

I've spent last week and the weekend doing some finishing and I'm pretty pleased with how everything came out. Three of my finishes I can't show you until the arrived at their new homes. But here are a few finishes I did for me ... first is Peep ... this silly design makes me smile every time I look at it. The fabric he's laying on is the backing fabric. I found it at Joann's and thought it was perfect!

I don't know if you can see very well, but I used this sweet daisy ribbon for the trim around Peep ... I just love the whimsy of this piece ...

Next up for finishing was my March ornament ...

Windows of Faith, Hope and Peace by Primrose Needleworks

Stitched on 32 ct. Amber linen

with GAST Cranberry and Roasted Marshmellow

I was more happy with stitching this design than I was with how the finishing turned out ... I think I'm burning out on finishing like this. Next month I need to try and new finishing technique. I am excited though that I have 6 ornaments all ready for my tree this coming Christmas, and a few presents too :)

In keeping with an idea I stole from Staci , I finished another ornament that was sitting around in my drawer. These sweet squares were stitched for me by Jill through the Fair and Square Exchange Blog. I was excited to get them finished ... can't believe they've been waiting to be finished for almost 2 years!

had to show you a picture of the back square ... I love how Jill personalized it :)

In February I asked if anyone wanted to do a private Spring/Easter exchange with me. Three of my blogging friends spoke up that yes they'd like to do an exchange. My three exchanges went in the mail on Monday. This week I've received two of the three exchanges! Color me surprised they arrived that quickly! My third one is coming from Scotland, so there will be a bit of a delay in showing you that one.

I was so excited when Beth emailed to say she'd like to do the exchange with me. I've know Beth for over 5 years. I met her at a PALS Fall Fling in Myrtle Beach and we've been great friends every since. Beth is a doll and has the biggest kindest heart you will ever meet. This was also Beth's first exchange! I don't know why she's waited so long but I'm pleased as punch to have been her first cause look at the goodies she sent me ...

The stuff bunny is adorable, the blue bunny's are stuffed with chocolate and the pink large egg has sunflower buttons and Beth's new favorite took, a needle threader. Everything is sitting on a wonderful piece of PTP fabric called Monster Mash. The best thing of all was packaged in the purple egg ... here's a close up of the pillow Beth stitched and finished for me ... The design is by Lizzie Kate. I love how she finished the pillow ... look at the sweet bunny buttons along the bottom ... way cute! Thanks for everything Beth ... I just love doing this exchange with you!

The next exchange to arrive was from Nataly. Nataly emailed me and said she'd like to participate in an exchange with me too ... I was thrilled to meet a new to me stitcher/blogger. Go check out her blog if you haven't visited before. I've really enjoyed getting to know Nataly through this exchange and hope we continue to stay in touch. Nataly delighted me with an Easter pail full of JellyBelly's, chocolate eggs, Springy colored socks and a sweet little note pad and a Spring pillow! The design is a freebie by The Stitcherhood. I just love the colors in the pillow and the fabric is perfect! See the trim around the pillow, it's a felt like trim that look like little eggs ... just adorable! Thank you Nataly for doing this exchange with me. I had lots of fun and it was so nice to meet you.

Looks like I'm all ready for some Spring decorating this weekend. Thanks for hanging in reading this post ... kinda long wasn't it :)

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

I'm grateful for Spring Exchanges...