Better late than never ... Christmas swaps

I know I know...

Were well into January and I'm only now posting about Christmas.

I have been meaning to share these swap goodies with you.

Like I said ... better late than never.

Firstly, A little Christmas swap with my friend Lynda...

From Lynda:

Goodies Include: Lovely books and magazines, socks, sweet treats, sticky notes, some Cath Kidston goodies, a Hope and Greenwood advent calendar, an awesome Christmassy tea towel, some lovely stitched gifts made by Lynda and lots of bath treats.

All of which were wrapped beautifully in Christmas papers.

(I know, spoilt rotten again, aren't I!?)

This is what I sent to Lynda:

 I made: a little hexie stocking, some felt star decorations, reindeer cake toppers, a toadstool sewing set (scissor fob, needle case and pin cushion), some Christmas spice sugar scrub and a beaded heart decoration.

I also sent: some Yankee candles, a birdy scarf, diary, magazines, mug, labels and tape, Christmas socks, napkins, sweeties, a knitting pattern and ladybird book.

I really enjoyed this swap with Lynda, shes so kind and sweet.

Stocking Swap

Before Christmas I entered a Stocking swap hosted by The Undomesticated Scientist.

This was another great swap. I was paired up with Lisa Wiggins. At the moment, Lisa doesn't have a blog for me to link too (but I'm going to work on that!).

Lisa really is so talented, she makes the most beautiful things, you all really deserve to see the goodies she creates.

This is what I received from Lisa:

She made me: The most wonderful personalised stocking, a cute owl, an awesome card, bath bombs and soap, a russian doll key ring, a brooch, a tree decoration, a drawstring bag and pencil case (in this great Russian doll fabric!) and some homemade brownies and fudges!!!! The best I've ever tasted in fact.

I have asked Lisa to write us a little post with here recipes, so watch this space.

(Like I said, she's very talented isn't she!? And she had been very busy too, making all these wonderful goodies. I am so lucky!) 

I also received: a personalised tree decoration, some Yankee candles and votive, gingerbread men, mulled wine spices, fabrics and buttons, some Cath Kidston and a chocolate orange!

I'm sorry the fudge and brownies did not survive long enough to make it to the photo shoot!

But luckily for you, I did manage to take this picture (before they got scoffed!)

I sent Lisa:

A crocheted stocking, pig, owl and robin tree decoration (all made by me).

Some nuts and chocolates, candles, glitter pens, a Cath Kidston makeup purse, button soaps, an owl hand warmer, handmade card, a dried fruit hanging decoration and some crafting goodies.

I was so disorganised before sending this swap, that I forgot to take a picture.

Thank you Lisa very much for taking this photo and sending it to me!

last but by no means least...

The Advent Swap

This wonderful swap was hosted by Lynda at Hookin with Laalaa.

(unfortunately I can't link to Lynda at this time)

As you may know, this swap included 24 little presents (one for each day of Advent) and one larger present to be opened on Christmas morning).

I had intended to add pictures of the goodies to Flickr. I think I managed to do the first few days, before finding myself "snowed under" with Christmas preparations.

So instead I thought I would do a quick round-up.

I was paired up with the wonderful Judith. Judith is also not a blogger, but with out this swap we never would have met and I'm so glad I have. She also makes the most wonderful things.

To Judith:

I shan't list all the goodies I sent and received, we would be here all week!

I thought I would just give you a little detail about the handmade items I sent.

These Included: Some star decorated (like the ones I sent Lynda), A heart garland and beaded heart decoration, handmade reindeer cake toppers in a handmade envelope and a crocheted lavendar owl.

Whilst thinking about how I would number the parcels (and rummaging about in my "fit to burst" craftroom) I came across some tiny envelopes with matching cards. Just what I needed! I stamped numbers 1 - 25 on the mini envelopes and stamped a different Chrsitmassy image on the inside of each little card and coloured them in. These really remind me of a picture advent calendar we had as kids, I was so pleased with them.

From Judith:

Lucky Lucky me.

Each day I opened a parcel, I was just blown away by Judith's generosity and talent.

Amongst the items I received was:

A magazine, painted dolly pegs, drawer liners, a tea towel, yarns, soap, bath products, candles, diary, a mug.

I also was lucky enough to receive a hand knitted washcloth (by Judith), some of her lovely cross stitch, a wonderful handmade card and (perhaps my favourite thing ever!) a hook roll, made by Judith to hold all my crochet hooks.

All in all, three wonderful swaps. I can't thank Lynda, Lisa and Judith enough for their kindness.

Thank you for reading and well done if you made it to the end!!!

Happy new year.

Love Katie

xxxx

The Travelling Craft Box

Hello everyone.

I hope you're all very well and getting into the Christmas swing?!?

I've been meaning to show you this one for a while.

Better late then never hay?

Anyway, earlier this year I joined in with Laalaa's Travelling craft box.

I'm sure most of you are familiar with this swap, if not pop over to Lynda's and have a peek.

My time arrived to receive the box (it was a pleasant surprise, I had forgotten all about it!)

This is what I chose.

The box has now been sent on to Faye.

***************************

Before I go I just want to welcome all me lovely new followers.

Nice to "meet" you!

As soon as I can i will pay you all a visit.

There's lots of Christmas crafting happening here, I intend to show you all in due course.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Love

Katie

xxx

Goodies from a friend ...

A few weeks back I received a wonderful parcel in the post.

It was goodies from a sweet friend, Helen.

This is her blog. Visit, read and follow!! - Because It's well worth it. I love her.

We were both feeling a little "down in the dumps" and needed cheering up.

 Helen is so generous and kind. She wanted to send me a gift, but I wanted to send her a gift too. So it turned into a little "just because" swap.

Above are the wonderful treats I received from Helen.

They came beautifully wrapped (but I tore them open in excitement before taking a snap!)

There was a wonderful collection of handmade goodies (don't you love Helen's Christmas makes?!)

She'd made a lovely bag, which was full of gorgeous decorative treats, as well as smellies, candles, bunting, magazines, cake stands, craft kits and embroidery patterns!

Jealous?!?! I thought so.

This is what I sent to Helen.

I made crocheted goodies, a candle, cupcake flags, fridge magnets, brooches and a necklace with a presentation box for the jewellery.

I also sent a mug, umbrella, Cath Kidston notes and badges, a giant pincushion, cross stitch kit and handmade card (not pictured).

Thanks again Helen for my wonderful treats.

I adore each and every little thing.

Have a great week, Ladies and thanks for reading.

Love Katie

xxx

Jar of Love swap goodies.

Hello Ladies.

Just a quick one today. Lots of pictures I'm aware and not a lot of words.

I should have posted this before now so sorry about the delay.

Anyway ...

Because of the odd number of entrants to the swap I had two partners.

Marina at Evelyn-May and Beki @ Ramblings of an Everyday Mummy

Here is what I sent Marina ....

I tried to make both jars equal, so each had 26 items inside. I had read that Marina liked toadstools so had made her these little toadstool earrings and bag charm. There was a few Cath Kidston goodies in there: a keyring, soap, buttons. I made a tiny heart hanger with birdie embroidery and crocheted a pot cover to decorate the jar.

This is Beki's jar ...

Again a little more Cath Kidston. I made some button earrings and a ring too. The little cupcake charm I made out of Fimo. I notice she liked Hello Kitty so when I saw these magnets I thought they would be perfect. Again I crocheted her a pot cover for the jar.

This is what I received from Marina.

A pretty jar, wonderfully wrapped and finished with a pretty bow.

There was cupcake cases, fabric, perfume, hankies, teddy, socks, necklace, cookie cutter, lace, glitter, beads and chocolate inside (the choccy didn't live long enough to make it in the photo) !!!

Thank you Marina!!!

I am yet to receive a parcel from Beki, but if I do. I will be sure to share it with you.

Have a great weekend.

Love Katie

xxx

Jar of Love Competition winner ...

Firstly let me say a huge "Thank You!" to every one that entered the competition.

I have had great fun reading all your lists and marveling at your pictures.

Every one has tried so hard and has done a great job.

If I could, I would send you all a prize!!!

Any way, In no particular order here are the entrants.

Faye @ Cartwheels & Bubbles - 19

Estelle @ Twinkles, Tutorials and Twirls - 14

Amanda @ Callaway's Creations - 46

Shelley @ All4MeggyMoo - 16

Haylie @ Rubie Magpie - 14

Eileen @ In My Playroom - 21

Gill @ Dosie Rosie - 16

Victoria @ Tangled Sweetpea - 9

Sandi @ SandiArt - 25

I'm sure you can see for yourself who the winner is!

Amanda @ Callaway's Creations!

Well done Amanda, I will get your prize in the post!

Love Katie xxx

All Things British swap goodies

A little while back I join in The All Things British swap hosted by lovely Laalaa.

I was really excited about this swap, I loved the theme and had lots of fun thinking of ideas for the swap parcel.

I was paired up with the equally lovely Sue at The Krafty Cupcake.

I have admired Sue's blog for a long time, so was really thrilled to be her partner. 

She makes the most gorgeous cupcakes and goodies. You will always find something wonderful to read there!

Any way, here are the goodies I sent to Sue.

An embroidered London Bus heart

A little Beach hut bag charm and "Poppyland" box

Tower of London cup candle (I'll tell you more about this one, another time)

Embossed crown gift card

(all made by me)

and

A "British Pride" mug

Mini Cath Kidston "royal stanley" tote bag

London socks

£50 note tissues

Champions sweeties and Tunnock's Teacakes

*****************************************************

I was spoilt rotten by Sue.

She had put so much time, thought and effort in to all my lovely gifts and I can't thank her enough.

Every little parcel was wrapped beautifully with red, white and blue tissue paper and adorned with oddles of coordinating organza ribbon.

This is what I received...

A Gorgeous handmade card

cross-stitched needle case

wonderful patchwork pincushion

Union Jack socks

sea and sand Yankie candle (this made the whole parcel smell heavenly!)

the sweetest little egg cup

Union Jack mug

London Bus necklace

London themed fabric

British icon stampers

London biscuit tin filled with shortbread (no longer exists! was gorgeous!)

Sherbet Lemons

Union Jack cupcake cases and coordinating sprinkles!

Beautiful papers and British themed die-cuts.

You see?!? I was totally spoilt!

Every time I thought I'd reached the bottom of the box there was another little parcel hidden inside.

It made my day.

At the end of the month, my little sister and I are going visiting in London. My sister-in-law has kindly agreed to put us up and we're really excited about seeing the sights.

I have never really been to London (only on a school trip to the Science museum and with college to a beauty show at Excel) so I will need her to look after me and ensure I don't get lost.

So ... to receive all these lovely London themed gifts from Sue, has made it even more exciting!

Thank you all for reading and Thank you Sue and Laalaa.

Lots of Love

Katie

xxx

Calling all "Jar of Love" Swappers !!!

Good evening Ladies.

Just a quick post to remind anyone taking part in the Jar of Love swap that the post date is a few weeks away.

I hope you're all getting on well, can't wait to see your pictures.

If you would like to enter the Competition linked to the swap, please remember to email me before 1st August. You just need to let me know how many DIFFERENT items you have squeezed in your jar. there will be a prize for the person with the most goodies sent!

If I don't receive an email from you, you won't be entered.

I will post with a list of entrants after 1st August and announce the winner. 

My email address is:

katiepeck-x@hotmail.com

So if you haven't already, contact your partner, get their address details and get counting your goodies!!!

I also want to apologise for my lack of blogging activity this last few weeks. Life is a bit hectic, but I promise I've not forgotten about you!!! I'll be back on top soon.

Lots of Love

Katie

xxxx

Jar of Love Swap partners!!!

Two post in one day!!

I know that's not like me at all... but I couldn't contain my excitement!

Any way, I know the Jar of Love swap was to be open until the end of the month, but I have closed it early. This will give you all a little longer to get your goodies ready to send to your partners.

As you know this is my first time hosting a swap and I'm gobsmacked that 30 people entered!!

So thanks you all so much for joining in and I'm sure well have lots of fun!

With no further ado, the partners are as follows:

Rainbow Vintage Home & Rubie Magpie

Amanda (crafting in the Med.) & Sandiart international

Marina & Me

Crafty-mum & Crafty Helen

Melanie Moore & Rosa Lily

Twinkle Star & Dinoprincesschar

Charlotte & Tracy

Jille & Chloe

Thriftwood & Madison

Amanda (Callaway's Creations) & Suzanne

Tangled Sweetpea & All4MeggyMoo

Jenny & Felt by Rae

Dosie Rosie & Eileen

Lexie & Faye

Maria & Ali

Beki & Me

Phew that was a lot of linking!!!

I hope I haven't missed anyone or made a booboo somewhere.

So ladies, off you go to "meet" your partners.

Parcels are to be sent by end July/Beginning August.

Don't forget to count the number of DIFFERENT items you put in, there will a little surprise for the person who crams in the most different goodies. (so for example, if you put in a bag of buttons that's one, each button does not count! If you put in two pairs of ear rings that's just one too! etc etc etc.)

Please email or comment on this post with your total if you wish to be entered for the surprise.

If I don't hear from you by 1st August your total won't count sorry.

Please check out the original Swap post for more details.

Thanks again Ladies and Enjoy.

Love Katie xxxx

Huge swap parcel round up...

As you probably have noticed by now, I love swaps. I love gathering together and making goodies that I think my partners will like, and must also be said that there is nothing  more exciting than receiving a special parcel full of  surprises! Every time it feels like Christmas.

I have been busy lately with lots of lovely swaps and have received lots of beautiful things.

Here goes ...



The God Save the Queen Swap hosted by Lynda at Hookin' With Laalaa

I was partnered with the lovely Heather at The Patchwork Heart.
Heather is extremely talented, she makes such beautiful gifts and goodies, pop over and say Hi if you've not met Heather before, she's well worth a visit!

Here is what I received ...

... All beautifully wrapped in shining red and blue wrap, with ribbons and bows.
Heather's handmade bunting, rag wreath and a pretty flower pin badge.
Some yummy chocs (they didn't even make the picture..oops), a union jack memo pad, pack of bunting/UJ themed cards, UJ napkins (which we used for our jubilee picnic) and Official emblem teatowels!!!

I was utterly spoilt by Heather and am extremely grateful. She put in so much effort. I can't thank her enough.

I sent ....

A handmade (although I confess not by me!) blue and white apron, my handmade notelets and gift tags, a tea party brooch (made by me), a tin of red/white/blue straws, bunting socks, jubilee stamp, UJ notebooks, some sweeties and a UJ card I made.

I really enjoyed this swap and Heather was such a lovely partner.

***************************************************************************

Next up was the Pincushion swap hosted by Rach at House of Pinheiro

I was partnered with Jenny at The String Empire

Both Rach and Jenny have really inspiring blogs, go on... say Hello!

Here's what I sent ...

A crocheted strawberry pincushion (by me), colourful pins, a sewn card and a mini sewing set.

Wrapped in pink candy stripes.

And I received the cutest Watermelon pincushion from Jenny and a really lovely letter.

It's funny how we both decided to go for a fruity theme! Great minds think alike!

Thanks Jenny for being a lovely partner for this swap.

***************************************************************************

And finally last but not least. I joined the "Free for all" Swap hosted by Beki.

I was partnered with sweet Rae at Felt By Rae.

Rae's is one of my favourite blogs and I have been lucky enough to be partnered with her before in a Afternoon Tea swap.

I thought I would have a good idea of what she liked. I hope I got it right!

I sent...

...

A cupcake recipe book and bun cases, some of my handmade notelets and gift tags, a crocheted lavender heart and handmade knitted brooch, a "mousey" sewing kit, iron on embroidered patches, a wind chime for Rae to decorate, some button earrings and ring I made, a Laura Ashley teddy and some sweeties.

All wrapped with a bit of a pink theme. 

Here is what I received ...

... I had mentioned to Rae that I had a wedding to go to soon and I knew she made awesome fasinators! Now I have one of my own! It's totally gorgeous, with feathers, netting, silver roses with pearls inside. I really love it , my photos don't do it justice, perhaps I'll have to model it for you!

I also received lots of bright, colourful yarn, some handy storage boxes for the craft room, bun cases, magnetic picture frames (what a great idea!), sweet treats, and a  Britian badge and snap cards (for my little monster!) 

How lucky am I?!?!?

Thank you Rae. xx

***************************************************************************

Phew that was a biggy!

Be back soon.

P.S I will be closing the Jar Of Love Swap early, so if your interested, join up now before you miss out!

Love Katie xxxx

Baking mad...

Just lately I've spent an awful lot of time in the kitchen.

I've made Regal carrot cake for the Jubilee celebrations,

Queen of Puddings using a National Trust recipe,

Chocolate cake for my Sister's 21st birthday,

Vanilla cookies for the Jubilee picnic

and I made attempted a Lego brick cake for my Brother's 26th birthday!

Phew ... 

.... all are long gone now!

I little reminder about the Jar of Love swap, there is still plenty of time to enter.

The more the merrier!

Have a lovely weekend,

Love Katie 

xxx

Jar of Love Swap

THIS SWAP IS NOW CLOSED!!!

As a child I remember entering a "matchbox" competition (I even think I won said competition, but my memory fails me.) Anyway the idea was to fill a matchbox with as may different items as possible and the winner was the matchbox with the most items inside.

This is the inspiration for my very first swap!

I am approaching 100 followers so wanted to celebrate ...

So here it is...

The Jar of Love Swap

The ins and outs:

You start with a jar (the size, shape, colour, material is completely up to you.)

All goodies you want to send, must fit and be inside your chosen jar.

You can decorate your jar if you wish.

Choose items you think your partner will like.

(have a "nosey" around their blog to get to know them better.)

There must be a minimum of 5 items inside.

One must be handmade.

If you would like to join in all you need do is be a follower and leave a comment on this post.

Please add the button and link to your sidebar and spread the word.

You must have a blog to enter.

The swap is open to UK bloggers only, due to rising postage costs.

The final day for entry will be 30th June 2012 and partners will be announced in the week that follows.

Parcels are to be posted by 1st August 2012.

PS. There will be a surprise gift from me for the person who sends the jars with the most goodies inside. So be sure to count as you go!

PPS. 2/06/12 ANYONE FROM OVERSEAS THAT WOULD LIKE TO JOIN IN? PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOUR INTERESTED AND IF IT'S POSSIBLE TO PARTNER YOU WITH SOMEONE FROM THE SAME COUNTRY OR CLOSE BY I WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO TAKE PART. SANDI FROM AUSTRALIA WOULD LIKE A PARTNER ...

Love Katie xxx

Vintage Easter Swap

Earlier this year I took part in LissyLou's Vintage Easter Swap.

I was Partnered up with Madison of Madison Makes.

Both these lovely ladies have great blogs. Do pop over and "visit" them.

Anyway, I'm sure you can imagine my reaction when I opened my parcel to see little presents all wrapped in this gorgeous print paper. They was also two gifts wrapped in stripy paper for Charlie. Which was really sweet of Madison.

Here's my loot. The colouring book and sweet knitted chick was for Charlie. (He loved them!)

I had some beautiful pink plates, with a pretty gold trim, a tin full of Easter choccies, a pretty floral coin purse, a vintage egg cup, a hanging slate and a beautiful lavender sachet...

The dear little chick for Charlie, had a little surprise inside... a creme egg.

Isn't it the cutest? I wonder if Madison knows of my pearly beady addiction?! It must have taken ages to sew all these beads on, I love it.

This is what I sent...

I know Madison collects Vintage tableware, so I thought these little painted glasses might suit her collection. 

 I crocheted some bunting and covered a egg with fabric and embellished it with sequins.

She also had some Cath Kidston smellies, fluffy chicks, a Vintage inspired sewing kit and gift wrap set.

I really enjoyed getting the bits and bobs together for this swap. I loved the vintage theme. Thanks again to LissyLou for organising the swap and Madison for my lovely gifts.

Happy Easter!

Love Katie xxx

P.S Some of you may have noticed my blog address and name has changed. I had a few confused emails to start with, but I think everything should now be in order. So welcome everyone to Booty-Full Things!