swapping with mia, part 2

You can read about what I sent Mia here on her blog, but I wanted to add a few more details. (You can also read her hilarious account of mailing my stuff here... really, it's so funny! You gotta love four-year-olds.) Go ahead. I'll wait. :)

I wanted to make Mia something from every crafty category I dabble in: sewing, crochet, and scrapbooking; plus my first foray into plastic canvas since I was 10 years old.

The first thing I made was the amigurumi turtle, using this pattern. Problem was, with the natural cotton yarn I used, his head was MASSIVE. Made the little thing topple over like nobody's business. Here's the prototype:

His head is on the left, body on the right. Because they ended up basically the same size, he wouldn't stay upright. I didn't bother to add legs or eyes... he just went right into the Dark Bin of Unfinished or Ugly Projects. You know you have one.

I redid him with a soft acrylic yarn and used a smaller hook (I think? I don't remember if I actually did, but I meant to!) for the head. He stays upright on his four little legs and I gave him beads for eyes. Much better!

Next, I made coasters. I found a woven tea towel at a local thrift store with Colorado-themed pictures on it, and used this pattern. Technically the pattern is for cocktail napkins but I thought they were too small. Coasters it is! I made a set of six.

The one above is one of my favorites. We actually live near Big Thompson Canyon and I just love the flower. The one below is my other favorite.

Next, I made a mini sewing box. I used plastic canvas and this pattern. Inside the box, I made dividers for three spaces: a mini pincushion, buttons and thread/safety pins/needle threader.

I made a set of scrapbook cards, using some of my favorite papers and embellishments. I liked them so much I *almost* kept them for myself and made a different set for Mia. Lucky for her, I decided to send them on!

The last one is my favorite. I love how the curves in the paper and the flap of the card create a moon and stars effect. (Not sure why the "thanks" one is so blue, I took all the pictures in the same light. Oh well. Never said I was a great photographer!)

Tippy the Turtle came from Hobby Lobby. I thought Mia's Boys would get a kick out of it. Apparently he grew pretty big!

The apron was one of my favorites. I'm so glad she liked it! I was out thrifting (I don't think I told you this, Mia!) and saw this awesome sheet set with retro flower/tree looking things. I snagged it immediately, and a minute later saw the tiny flower print sheet set that matches it so nicely. I am developing a serious love of thrift stores. I used these two fabrics and this pattern to make Mia's apron.

Last, I made a post-it holder. I also made one for myself. :) I've seen instructions all over the web... just use an acrylic frame from Wal Mart or a similar store and go to town with scrapbook paper and embellishments. I hot glued the post-it pad because it was to heavy to hang by the sticky stuff alone. Hopefully it'll easily peel off when Mia needs a new set of sticky notes! We teachers have a serious love of office supplies!

Yay! This was the most crafty fun I've had in a long time. Mia is a lovely person to have as a bloggy friend! Go to her blog and show some bloggy love!