GROUP 1 -DAY 12

It goes without saying that I `lost' the plot with Day 12 - sincere apologies Mary,  but trying to get to the computer in hot Cairns with a house full of people has been difficult.
Your Bauble,  Mary is incredible ,  a plain gold Xmas bauble has this amazing beaded embellishment attached, the detail from the top and then the beaded FRINGE  is fabulous - I confess the children have put it on the tree.
I too would like to thank every single participant - each year brings new people, and in turn new ideas,  new craft and new talents,   as Julie said it is humbling when you think of the logistics,  12  `things' to make,  12 items dispatched, and then our `box' arrives with 12 beautifully made gifts from 12 awesome women who are prepared to share and give..... very special.
Thank you Wendy, Miranda and Hazel for once again organizing  and coordinating  2012 swap,  I know it is not easy ,  but you three do an amazing job.

Luv from Liz

Thank You

Hi Ladies
A huge thank you to everybody from Group 1 who has created the most amazing gifts. Have really enjoyed the anticipation each morning as I have opened each one. You are all very talented.
And also a big thank you to Liz & Julie who have been adding all the information to the Blog. I don't comment very much but do have a look & enjoy seeing what everybody is receiving.
All the best to everyone for 2013.
Karen (Auckland)

Last Gifts From Group 2

 Hi Fellow Craft Swappers
 Wow Christmas Day has come and gone and if you are like Allan and I you will be having a very quiet day today. Nelson is living up to it's name and we are having some very, very warm days and nights.

I need to say a very BIG sorry to Jamie, Rachel, Lisa and Alison for not posting their gifts on the appropriate days but with an unexpected trip to Christchurch for a funeral and a couple of other hiccups I just couldn't get to the camera and computer.

Jamies gift was on Day 9 and a beautiful decoration in the prettiest green, mauve and bright pink felt. A little silver heart ties the green scarf on. Just lovely and a big thankyou Jamie.

Day 10 was an incredible looking santa made from  a tube. He was red and had big black boots. Inside were three cute little bee faces, two with bows and one with a santa hat!!!!! They are attached to metal sticks and already have a place in the big tub where our lime tree grows. Thankyou so much Rachel they really are very cute and you are very clever.

Lisa made our gift for Day 10 and it is a canvas panel which she has framed with a lovely blue paper. The top can be opened at the back and has velcro dot fasteners. There are also two pegs attached to the back so it can be hung. Such clever ideas!!  On the front is a blank outline of a ladies body and on the opposite side Lisa has drawn on clothes and hair. Very "cool".
Thanks Lisa for your gift.

Our last gift for this year was from Alison and another "wow".
Alison wows us every year with her amazing talents.
This face mask sitting on a wee stand must have taken the patience of a saint.
It is tiny with teeny weeny beads for detail.
The red feathers have shaped pieces of paper
attached and these have small red bead on the ends.
The mask is tied on with a small black ribbon.
A real wow Alison and thankyou very much for your great gift.


Well that's it for another year and again thankyou to all of you for my amazing gifts. It is always very humbling to get gifts from people that I haven't met and that have spent precious moments making them.
 I hope that the new year will be a very happy and safe one for you all.  Luv from Julie  xoxo                                                                         

                                                                                 

Happy Xmas Everyone

Hi , A big thank you to everyone for all the lovely gifts I have received this year.  There sure is some talent out there !!!:) :)  Rod (husband) and I have been camping and have really enjoyed having a treat every day to open.   Thanks again and hope every one has a great xmas and an unforgetable new year.Alison in Tauranga.

Merry Christmas

Hi everyone

For the first time since I was a child, I have helped my little boy put some goodies out for Santa and his reindeer to eat - in the hope that he's behaved well enough for Santa to stop by and leave a surprise!  He and I have thoroughly enjoyed the last couple of weeks, opening a gift carefully made by one of you, after our breakfast.  Thank you so much, all your gifts are just delightful.  Some Isaac has carefully hung on our Christmas tree for us to admire, other I will make full use of or admire somewhere else in our home.  Through your time, creativity and generosity he's been able to learn the value of making things with your own hands and giving to others.

From me and my family, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas.  (Debbie in Tauranga)

GROUP 1 - DAY 11

Fabulous wrapping in corrugated cardboard , beautiful ribbon and tag - we have all sat around the table as I opened our gift - there is a lot of interest from the family

My daughter-in-law has examined this beautiful gift with avid interest,  she immediately said Wendy has made the larger  beads with `paper' and when you look closely you can see the tiny twirled strips .
This awesome  scissor keeper  is from Wendy - another very talented `crafter' - ,  but the interesting thing about this gift is Wendy has cleverly made this as a necklace as the little part that holds the scissors is detachable. A duel purpose gift .
She has also included a pair of scissors !

 Thank you so much - this is just fabulous

GROUP 1 -DAY 10

Two Days to go - hard to believe - I am sitting here typing in the heat - you will all know that today's gift was from me- something quite different for me to make .
I have to be honest and tell you that my `friend' spent many hours cutting up the cardboard  and shapes  - I hope you like them

GROUP 1 - DAY 9

Posting from the Tropical Cairns - hence this is one day late
Karen - I had no idea that machine sewing was just one of your many talents -- Karen is a work colleague of mine and hails from Auckland
Nicely wrapped with a `home made gift tag' - another small, soft parcel.
Wow!!   I have never seen one of these - and my `bling' was immediately  taken out of the travel plastic bag I had a huge audience this morning,  everyone fascinated with the entire concept,   my DIL actually opened this.


Anyway - this beautifully made little drawstring bag is no ordinary bag, inside are all these little compartments for rings etc  - simply fabulous Karen and thank you so much

Hi Fellow Swappers especially those in Group 2.     Just a quick note to say that I'm unable to put up a post for the next couple of days as sadly Allan's cousin has passed away and we are off to Christchurch early tomorrow morning for some time with the family. I will do a catch up on Sunday unless someone out there would like to put up a couple of photos and a comment on day 9 and 10. Not that hard to do!!!!
Luv Julie.

Group 2 Day 8

 Well the day has come when I have to apologise a thousand times over to our next three swappers. We have an adorable spoodle, Tess, well she was adorable but not so sure now!!!!!!l I excitedly put my christmas swap parcels under the tree when they arrived and then went off to do some chores. I came back into the living area to see a very happy Tess unwrapping some of them. I yelled, waved my arms and growled and couldn't believe what she had just done. Paula I'm sooooo sorry and I know Tess is to because I've left the parcels under the tree and she now just sits and looks but doesn't touch.
Paula's parcel was wrapped in silver crepe paper and tied with a silver ribbon.  Inside was a little cannister all wrapped up in green felt and embellished with white stitching. So lovely and so beautifully made.  The card has a wee message on it; 
 "This wee container can be used to store those pesky things you have in your handbag- mints, antacids, tic tacs, parking meter money or take it with you when you visit fellow crafters to put your waste threads."
So useful and so lovely.  Thankyou Paula.
Cheers Julie.

GROUP 1 -DAY 8

Our `Miranda' is full of surprises,  in fact she never ceases to amaze me with her versatility

I used to work with Miranda,  who constantly proclaims that she  isn't crafty - well Miranda - I didn't know you could sew on a machine:)

From Nelson today we have this soft, squishy parcel, tastefully wrapped with a pretty tag .
Inside reveals this lovely Summery Bag ,  beautifully sewn - mine is a floral design on a white background , lined with a  contrasting fabric.
I am delighted with this as it is going to Cairns with me tomorrow.

I see my gift to be so useful - it is light and easy to pack.
Talking of Cairns,  I have the remaining parcels packed and will hopefully `post' from my tropical holiday home - tomorrow will be much later as we have to be at the airport at 5am!!!!!

Group 2 Day 7

 I'm not sure where yesterday went and just didn't get anywhere near the computer, sorry.

 Our day 7 gift was from Linda and so christmassy with green and gold paper and red ribbon. Inside was a stunning decoration in hues of pink, mauve, blues and pearl. Linda has designed a fish from the different coloured sequins and he has a silver bead eye.  Very lovely, thankyou Linda.

GROUP 1 - DAY 7

Good things come in small parcels - and again we had another tiny package to open - small flat parcels are in this year - today our gift is from clever Debbie in Tauranga.
My camera hasn't done justice to the wrapping, pretty red paper and a stunning card and the cream ribbon compliments the gift card.
Wow ,  this is just so delightful, Debbie has beautifully hand stitched this gorgeous outline of Santa  - red thread on a cream fabric , highlighted with two pretty Xmas buttons. This is attached to green felt.  and ready to hang on the tree.

Debbie has been in our swap for many years, and is a very talented lady - I have been the recipient many times and Debbie always comes up with something different.

Thank you - this is an awesome example of your many talents

Wow tatting is something I have always wanting to do and had inherited some bits from my Mum so to open my gift this morning was just wonderful. Thank you very much. And just on word of the kids Christmas swap, their creations have been just great with everyone loving their parcels.Sorry not clever enough to put pictures on this blog. Half way now so keep enjoying.

Wendy

Group 2 Day 6

This mornings gift has a "WOW" factor and made by Michelle.   It felt like a book or box of chocs wrapped in lovely Christmas paper.  It is a book but one with a difference!!. The cover has been covered with blue then green paper and one half has been hole punched. A pretty green and blue ribbon for embellishment.  I opened my book and "wow" the pages have been kept closed with the same ribbon and then the middle cut out to form a box. This is divided into partitions and the dividers covered with some of the pages. It is incredible and just the right place to store those little crafty things.
Thankyou so much Michelle for this clever and useful gift.    Luv Julie.





GROUP 1 - DAY 6

A craft from bygone years - did you all hear me gasp?  I remember my Mother and Nana sitting tatting - in fact I still have my Mothers `shuttle'.

Ann is from Wellington and has made us the most exquisite, most delicate, most beautiful Christmas decoration

Hopefully you can all see the detail - two little tatted circles  - Ann has then gone on and embellished them with tiny little seed beads, and larger blue beads - when I look at it again,  I feel that it isn't necessarily a Christmas decoration ,   I am going to hang in somewhere special in my home.

Stunning Ann - I so wish I could do it - tried once and ended up with  a mess

Oh - I haven't even mentioned the wrapping -  this tiny `featherweight'  Christmas wrapped parcel, with a greeting card inside  - simply beautiful -
Thank you Ann  - 

Group 2 Day 5

Our pressie today is from Eileen.  A silver handmade envelope with a glittery star to seal it and a cute snow boot on the front. The name tag has a candy cane and three christmas trees with stars on the top drawn free hand. You are so clever.  Inside is a beautiful butterfly brooch made from felt and embellished with sequins and beads. Just gorgeous. Thankyou Eileen.      Cheers   Julie

This is so much funand gifts are great. Am having trouble getting to post something so heres hoping.

Wendy

GROUP 1 -DAY 5

Denise - I so have to touch base with you - Denise hails from Keri Keri in the beautiful Bay Of Islands .
So ... what can be in this little soft parcel?   with such a pretty gift tag.
Wow! - I have never seen such a exquisitely made little Christmas bear - the detail is perfect  - imagine how fiddly she was to make,  but it doesn't end there,  my `girl' has a soft green crocheted dress, and even a wee pair of knickers- her wings and halo are silver - Denise she is simply gorgeous and you made 12 of these!!!!!!!
As I am sitting here typing - I am thinking to myself,  she is not going to be put away until next Christmas - I have a basket of small dolls and bears displayed ,  she is going to join them .

Thank you Denise,  I am often up your way and will email you

Group 2 Day 4

 Sorry a bit later today with my blog. We had a "Christmas Dinner" with some of the family as they are away on holiday on Thursday.  A lot of fun and of course tooooo much food!!!!!!   

A lovely parcel to unwrap this morning with red ribbon and bow and pretty wee card.  Inside  a beautiful black apron with bright pink butterfly embellishment on one side. So beautifully made by Anita who lives in Nelson. Thankyou Anita for your lovely gift and as I am a "pinny" girl it will get well used. 

Luv Julie

GROUP 1 - DAY 4

Where do I start?
Today's gift is from my dear friend Hazel, (from Nelson) .

 I am impressed , pretty wrapping paper with MATCHING RAFFIA!

Attached to the raffia is a pretty wooden star with a tiny little wooden clothes peg - (this is now on my tree)

I am blown away,  and of course for those that know me,  will understand why this gift is sooooooooooooo me:):)
A   canvas hand painted in Paua colors,  my camera hasn't picked up the colours very well ,  but trust me Hazel has captured the Paua theme  with  greens, blues  and  pinky hues -  but wait - there is more - a little KETE is attached - this is fabulous   and such a New Zealand gift.
Hazel -you have done so well, given the fact that this year has not been easy for you .
Tena Koe mo to Tounga - Thank you for your Gift
Mere Kirihimete - Merry Christmas

Days 1, 2 and 3 - Thanks

Hi everyone

Debbie from Tauranga here.  My box arrived on the 12th and I was excited to open up the box and see the variety of packages.  This year my wee boy (3 in Feb) is right into helping me unwrap a gift each morning.

Love the bird made of copper wire, wreath incorporating beads and tiny wee felt shoes (Xmas elf shoes Isaac and I have decided!!).  Lots of different ideas and materials used in the first 3 days!  Thanks so much ladies for spending time on these.

Looking forward to tomorrow morning!

GROUP 1 -DAY 3

EDNA - or I know her as Amah -

AMAAAAAAAAAAAAZING, --------- AWESSSSSSSSSOME

Truly beautiful - for those of you who are new to the swap - Amah has been part of our group since it's conception,  plus  she is in her very late eighties  - check out her perfect stitching 

I digress - actually I have a `wee headache' - a very late night :):)

What can be in this perfectly made box with the pretty tag??

 Oh my goodness,  nestled in tissue paper with a sprinkling of glitter is these delicate little shoes - beautifully hand-stitched with a wee star sewn on the front, and a chocolate inside -
These are stunning, everything colour co-ordinated  and matching '
Amah (Edna) lives in Auckland and I shall be seeing her tomorrow night for dinner -
Thank you - these are truly so sweet - I am very impressed

Group 2 Day 3

Good morning all.  Lovely morning here in Nelson and I think it will be another warm one.  A cute wee box made by Marion was waiting to be opened this morning. White and gold striped ribbon and 2 very cute reindeer decorated the box. Inside was the most exquisite little pyramid shaped Christmas decoration. I think it is made from the plastic mesh and Marion has embroidered with green and red cross stitches and in between these are gold sequin stars. All joined together with blanket stitch and finished off with a lovely gold braid handle. Just beautiful and must have been very fiddly to make. Thankyou so much Marion, you have so much talent.   Till tomorrow .  Luv Julie

Group 2 Day 2

My gifts to you are todays surprises. I did enjoy making these small decorations and hope you will enjoy them during the Christmas festive season. I have sewn them by hand and filled with dacron.       I realize I should have introduced myself to you all as we have new people taking part in this special group. This is my fourth year and I just love being part of the Christmas swap idea.  Miranda who is part of the team that co-alate all the presents is my beautiful daughter and she asked me to take part all those years ago. I am so pleased I said yes!!!

Do put in a comment on the blog as it is a great way to get to know one another and also to be able to say 'Thankyou'  

DAY 2 - GROUP 1

CLEVER JO

Stunning and very difficult to do - I have always wanted to `play' with this medium

Pretty wrapping paper- and the tiniest of parcels - my first guess was jewellery - WRONG

Check this out girls - the most gorgeous Christmas bird (Robin) maybe

Beautifully crafted , I hope you can see the detail of how Jo has twirled his features .

Finished with a little ribbon with beads and a black ribbon

This is so pretty ,  I did try a long time ago and my bird looked like a possum:)

Thank you Jo - stunning

hi Eileen here

Forgot to open mine this morning Mum reminded me tonight

I will put a photo in it and put it on my Fridge

Looking forward to tomorrow

Group 2 Day 1

Add caption

Hi fellow Christmas Craft Swappers

 Can't believe that it is time again for our Christmas swap and it  is so exciting.  Our first gift is from Bridget

with some help from Isabelle and Abigail.  The wrapping has a cute verse that I'm hopeing you are able to read as I have had some trouble downloading the photos. Inside was a lovely little photo frame made from ice block sticks that are glittery. On the back are magnets so you can 'stick' it some place safe. Mine is now on the fridge. The photo is able to be changed if needed.  Thankyou girls for your lovely Christmas gift.

Cheers Fom Julie.