New address reminder

 Greetings to all you ornament swappers!

Just a reminder to send the ornaments and return shipping fee to my new home address.

Email me at:

valpowery(at)yahoo(dot)com

if you haven’t updated it yet.

Thanks! Val

WhoVille ideas!

 So I watched the movie for inspiration!

Here are things I saw and heard the names of between the movie and the book!  I hope this helps you all decide on what to make!

Whoville village 

Grinch

Cindy Lou Who

Whoville cottages

Whoville toys :

Bingle balls 

Whofloo fluff

Jingtinglers 

Tringlers 

(Blow) floofloovers

(Bang) gardookas

(Spin) trumtookas 

(Slam) slooslunkas 

Tree

Max

Sleigh

Jingle bells

Who-Plums

Checkerboards

Pampoogas 

Pantookas

Bizlebigs 

Who-pudding

Who mouses 

A Slice of Awesomeness

 

Oh my goodness… she is a slice of awesomeness!!! Her little sneakers are darling - I love absolutely everything about her!!!

Thank you SO much Clare for this “beauty” … she is phenomenal. Baking is one of my most favorite things to do so she will find a home in my kitchen decor.

Thank you also for my fun tuck ins - you made my day and I felt very spoilt.

Have a SPOOKTACULAR Halloween!!!!

Looong overdue thanks to Kerry

I had thanked Kerry via email for the wonderful doll she sent me for the summer of '22 vacation zombie swap, but life blew up -- preventing me from participating in the annual swap that fall, and I never got around to posting in here to share this darling Legless Lizzie. 

Kerry just happened to be visiting the Texas Gulf Coast,  which holds a fond place in my childhood memories, so Lizzie has touches of the area, including part of her outfit being made from the scraps of a souvenir tee which Kerry made into a totebag. 

Many of the tuck-ins have been distributed throughout my house, so not pictured, but look at this little lady! That zombie shark attacking her leg is hilarious, and I just love the little details, like her shark's tooth necklace and her beachcomber's bucket.

Thanks again, Kerry. I promise I'm trying to get better at getting on top of things. 

A surprise!

 So my family went to Vermont to enjoy the change of the leaves. It was a VERY quick trip but Jill came up so we could finally meet! After 17 years of being blog buddies!!!

She made me this cute little gnome

Thank you for coming to meet me Jill and thank you for my sweet gnome and yarn (pic to come soon!)

WHO-VILLE

 It's that time of year!  Once the zombies are flying to their new homes, I announce the Annual Handmade Ornament swap theme!

         "Christmas in WHO-VILLE!"

Now...don't be hung up on the Grinch or Cindy Loo-Who...

If you read the book or watch the movie, you'll see there is SO much more than just those two famous characters.  Plus, you can always make something up...just give it a Who-ish name!

Think of trees and Max and toys and food and snow and candy and ornaments and houses...oh my!  The list could go on and on...just don't forget to use WHO-VILLE colors and patterns in creating your whimsical creations!

The info:

Once again, We are doing a "5 for 5"  swap.

What this means is that you will be sending me 5 handmade ornaments and receiving a variety of 5 ornaments back. You may use ANY MEDIUM you want to create these little pieces of art!

You do not have to have a blog to join.  
There is no deadline to sign up.  That being said, I am allowing no more than 20 participants this year so if you know you want to join, do it now.  I reserve the right to close the swap at any time.

To sign up, send me an email at valpowery(at)yahoo(dot)com with your name so I can put it on the sidebar.  I will send you instructions when I get your sign up email.

This will be a USA only swap due to shipping.

Please create something you would love to receive and be sure to package your ornaments in a nice, re-usable box so I can mail your new ornaments back to you in it.   Be sure to include a self addressed return label for me.  It saves me a lot of time!

Try to keep your ornaments light in weight and please take care when wrapping to make sure they are cushioned, etc.  We want all our ornaments to arrive in pristine condition!  

All ornaments must be either in a clear treat bag or some other "holiday" type wrap with a tag from you.   It doesn't have to be fancy, but do take some time to do a good job, no throwing all the ornaments in a box with no gift tags, wrapping or tissue.  Remember, these ornaments represent hard work and all participants want to OPEN them as they would a Christmas gift.  

If ANY of your ornaments reach me broken, they will be returned to you.  That being said, if 2 break, you will get 2 of your own back along with 3 different ones for a total of 5.

*New Rule:  Many of us have become dear friends and I even have family members joining now too.  Please understand that in shuffling these ornaments around, your friend or family member may get an ornament you planned on giving them privately.   I ended up giving away my own ornaments from the swap to make sure everyone received a unique assortment.   I am no longer doing this.

May I suggest you either send in extra ornaments to keep this from happening or refrain from giving the ornaments privately until AFTER everyone receives their box.  (Some of you already do that, thank you!)

Return Shipping:  $10.00 is sufficient to cover the cost of sending ornaments back to you unless they are oversized or heavy.  In that case, please send in a little extra.  Again, please include a return address label already filled out.  

Ship in time for me to receive them by mid November...no later than Thanksgiving.  That way, I can get them in time to mail them out by the first week of December.  Sadly, I can't guarantee you getting an exchange box if your ornaments do not reach me in time.  (If that happens, I'll gladly return your own ornaments to you using the money you sent for shipping.)  
Shipping funds are important!  If you forget to include shipping, your ornaments can't be sent/returned until you have sent me the funds to send/return them to you.

If you finish your ornaments early, PLEASE send them to me early so I can start organizing them.  The earlier the better!

If time gets away from you and you need to back out, no big deal, just drop me an email at 

valpowery (at) yahoo(dot) com and I'll remove you from the list.  

Invite your artsy/craftsy friends and family!  

Thank you Jill!

I have always been tickled by the line, "There's a leek in the boat!" and Jill created the cutest little guy. 

My package came in almost two weeks ago, but, as I'm sure many of you know by now, I tend to run late. I have a personal rule that I won't treat myself to opening my package until mine is ready to send out. I really do appreciate the patience my fellow swappers have with me.

I love the detail of the ladybug on the back. I also love the extra goodies, especially that hand-painted fabric ribbon. I can't wait to use it in card making. 

Thank you Jill, and thanks to Val for hosting this swap, which has become such a tradition for me. 

-iara

Meet Barry!!

 I received the absolute best Zombie from Val!! This has to be one of the cutest strawberries I have seen! He is now sitting proudly with all my other zombies and I smile as I walk past my collection of zombies every day. We have some of the best creators in this group! 💕

I also received some pretty cool fill-ins in my box! Cool spiders, a tea towel that is now hanging in my kitchen, some cool ear rings that I proudly wore on October 1st, and the best fill in was a hand made cocktail book full of wonderful recipes. I can't wait to try them!!

Thank you Val so, so much for my zombie and goodies! I loved it all!!

EEK the Leek!!!

 Stacey sent me the cutest little zombie leek ever!!!  

Then to top it all off, she sent me a big box o’ goodies (and coooookies)  that are AMAZING!!

This skeleton sits a top my boooffffet  menu

And a big picture of all the goodies!

Thank you so much for my amazing swap Stacey!!!

Zombie Burger . . .

This zombie burger is incredible!!!!!

I walked by him yesterday morning and 

laughed.  How can something so weird 

looking be so cute!

Thank you Kerry!  I love it!

Opening this package was half the fun!

I only wish my granddaughter Avery had been here - she loves

opening my zombie packages.

So many fun tuck-ins!

I love our zombie doll swaps!

Happy Halloween!

 

Thank you Jill!

Thank you Jill. The ornament swap package arrived safely and it is wonderful.

Your books are so beautiful. I love them both. Now I want to take a class on bookbinding :0) The detail is fantastic and they are just so darn cute!!

Seriously cool! Wow. Such detail and a perfect size for an ornament. 

Again,,,, OMG amazing and that pin cushion. That will be on my desk all year long! 

Thank you, this swap has been so much fun.

Now... off to start on my Zombie 


 

Yarnigras' Annual Handmade Zombie Doll swap!

This year our theme is:

   "CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS!" (aka Food That Fights Back!)

This book was both of my kiddos favs....and then they upped the game by turning it into one of the CUTEST movies imaginable...and even the sequel is good!  What are the chances of that happening!?  So...read the book and watch the movie.  It'll be soooo worth it!

Here is what we are swapping: 

1.)You will create one Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs themed zombie doll from your partner's choice list and then add 3 tuck ins (goodies) to round out the package.  

2.)The tuck ins can be handmade, purchased, thrifted, re-gifted, etc. as long as they are clean and undamaged. 

*Please check out the answers to your partner's list to help you out before getting the tuck ins!

3.)The doll needs to be handmade and at LEAST 6 inches in height/length.   I have approved premade blank doll forms which are available to use as a base but you must hand make all the details and elements that make it into a zombie.  I found some at Joann's and Hobby Lobby.  One swapper asked if she could alter a regular doll and again, I'm okay with it...but it must be unrecognizable as it's "former self."  (If you have questions, ask!)

This is a USA swap only.
The sign up by date is August 12th so I can announce partners the following weekend.  (I retain the right to close the swap early if I choose so please don't wait to join up.)

Ship date is September 23rd so the dolls can arrive to their new homes in time for people put out their Halloween decorations!  Feel free to ship earlier but PLEASE ship no later than 9/23/23.

Please note if an "angel" swap is needed for any reason other than crisis, that swapper will not be invited back.  An "angel" is someone other than the original partner who graciously steps in to fulfill the swap. 

If you want to join, leave a comment here and then email me at valpowery(at) yahoo(dot)com with the answers to these questions:

1. Name and address. Include phone if you would like text updates. 

2. List of 3 favorite characters for your partner to choose 1 character from.   With this theme, you can choose an actual character or food character.  Or you can make a person zombie holding "zombiefied" food.  LOL

3. Choose either "creepy" or "cute" style.

4. Small list of things you collect for Halloween and Fall.

5. Colors you decorate with for Halloween and Fall.

Please note:

My swaps are made to encourage creativity, not bust the bank.  That being said, your package should equate to a minimum of $30.00 before shipping.  

Please create a zombie doll that you feel certain your partner will adore and wrap it up in tissue. 

Also, be careful when wrapping items for shipping so they don't get damaged.  No one wants a busted up Zombie package. 
When shipping, I suggest using tracking and make note of the date mailed.  If the doll does not arrive within 10 business days of shipping, you will be responsible for making and sending a NEW zombie doll package.  

As always, thanks for participating and feel free to use the badge to help spread the word!

Thank you Kerry!

 

I am so sorry this is late! I received this amazing swap package from Kerry a couple weeks ago and I really thought I had posted about it :( Its amazing. This sweet little ornament is so fun. The beaded spider is adorable and currently in my office at work. 

Thank you Kerry, please accept my apologies for taking so long to share the amazing things you sent. I'm not normally such a flake! 

Debbie

Perfection!

 Jill went way over and above for this swap!  

I’m in the middle of a move and this swap box was just what I needed to get creative juices flowing again.  It’s hard creating when everything is in boxes!

Here is what Jill sent me.  I adore everything so much. She also sent a lovely note regarding me hosting which made me a bit misty eyed. 

I named the zombie airhead plant holder “Spike.”

The spiders are precious and she made the journal!!!

She even strung a special garland for my tree!

THANK YOU JILL!!!

Val created an amazing package full of creeping, crawling and slithering goodness. The ornament is a crocheted spider with an eyeball body and black head/legs. She also included a Halloween themed dish, glass and napkins.

Val is so creative and included this decorated spider complete with his history.  The Blue Toed Penny Back Spider now lives in my Halloween tree. 

 My favorite part of the package is this pair of slithering snakes that Val knit and added wire to. I don't like snakes much in real life but, I am in love with these little guys. I put them front and center on my Halloween tree. 

Thank you so much Val, I love my package! I look forward to this swap each month. It’s so fun to create ornaments and tucks ins based on the theme. Thank you for hosting this!

 

Toad ally Amazing

Thank you Debbie for my TOADALLY awesome ornie!!!

This little toad just makes me smile … his expression makes me want to know what he is thinking!!!

She also included this cute butterfly skeleton and this awesome color changing coffin !!! 

This year long swap is SO much fun … and as always the talent in our group is something to be admired.

Thank you Pat

 

Thank you Pat for the cute swap package! Sorry for the delay in posting. I was out of town when this arrived on Wednesday. 

Thank You Jeanne

 

Thank you Jeanne, the eye ornaments are awesome! I saw these last month and was in love with them, now I have one!  :) She also included a trick or treat hoop ornament, an eye on a stand(it's under my Halloween tree,) and a skeleton in a hot tub/cauldron(he's also under the tree.) Thank you so much, I love everything! 

Thank you Clare!

 Clare knocked the theme outta the park!!!

Spare Parts

THANK YOU Kerry!!!

I’m late posting, but Kerry sent the most amazing body parts package! Check out these zombie lungs….they are AMAZING! I can’t say enough, how much I love these crocheted lungs! She also included fabric and diamond art ornaments for me to try. 

 

 

Kerry also sent skull button ornaments which immediately were added to my Halloween tree. Yes, my Halloween tree is up for this whole year so I can add all the swap ornaments I receive. Thank You Kerry for an AMAZING package. You are sooo creative!

May's theme!!!

 I have been waiting for this month!!!

                                     "SOMETHING IN A WITCH'S CUPBOARD!"

I hosted a Witch's Cupboard swap the first year I had a blog.  IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!

This will be a mini version of that.  

Just imagine, you are looking for a jar of Troll boogers and grab a hairy spider just hanging out in your cupboard!   Or maybe, you need that jar of  "Love potion #900"  (cuz you are an ugly, OLD hag and plain old #9 won't work on you anymore) but all you have is Ursella's old spell that turns lover's into sea-worms.  SUCH DRAMA!  Or....maybe you really DO have a chocolate covered finger of a man named "Clark"  (nod to Hocus Pocus)

Ok, enough of that....you get the idea.  Have fun with this!  Ship date is the 3rd Saturday of the month!

We have an odd number of players this month so we will NOT have partners this time.  Check your in box for your "send to" information today.

Thank you Debbie . . .

I keep looking at this head . . . and coming up with all kinds of stories

about who he is and how he lost his head.

I love it and all the other goodies

Thank you Debbie!