Fun to branch off for a change......

First, let me tell you that my first love is sewing.  I have had it in my blood from little on and will love it always, but sometimes it's fun to branch off for awhile and do something different.  (Not to say that IF I got a "LADY" order tomorrow, that I wouldn't drop all this other stuff like a hot potato and get right to it!!!  I ADORE making you ladies......but it seems I am in a dry spell right now, although Lady #46 is flying off to her owner as I type and you will see her next time.)

Lately, I have had a passion for envelope art.  Years ago when my niece was teaching in Japan and it was the days before e-mail, I wrote to her once a week.  I was working in those days, not sewing much and had all the time in the world, so I would decorate the envelopes just for a little "plus".  Recently, I was reintroduced to envelope art by my friend, Annie.  Her blog is on my sideboard "Freezeframe".  She is quite the artist and dabbles in all sorts of fun things, envelope art being one of them.  It started out small, (I think I showed you a few envelopes last time) but lately I am doing more and more, it seems.  (Nothing like doing stuff in moderation, like my DH always says!!  I do have a bit of ADD I'm thinking, even at this late stage of my life!!!)  So, let's just say, I've been busy.







So then I thought, "Why should she be the only lucky recipient?", so I branched out.  First I sent one to a reader of Annie's blog who lives in the UK.



(Note the $1.10 world stamp inside the sun?  Her address is covered up, but is on the dogs long body.  I figured she wouldn't want the world to know where she lives.)

Then, I had to mail something to my nephew's wife.  (I could have brought it to her tonight when we are having a family get-together, but she is artsy-fartsy herself and I knew would appreciate fun mail):



I wonder if will have arrived by the time we get together today?  I'm sure I'll hear about it!

Hopefully, this stuff doesn't bore you to death because I have about 20 yet to show you.  Some is in transit and some is waiting for the right moment to mail to some lucky person.  BUT, I am having such fun with so little junk sitting about (as per usual in my life.)  I feel so uncluttered right now it's amazing!!!!  ('Course, if I cleaned off the dining room table fabric stash, I might even feel free-er, but I have to be ready for the sewing bug too, you know!!!)  Besides, I did join those two swaps, you know!!

Speaking of swaps, let me show you what I made for the Little Quilt Sew, Vote, Swap.  We just finished round 10 and my quilt was voted #2.  Next week I'll mail it off to it's new owner and get the one that I have coming.  Sooo exciting!  Since I was #2, I should get my first or 2nd pick!  Yeah!  I called my quilt, "The Birds"........for obvious reasons!  Duh!  It's 11x16 inches:



So there!!!  Now for one last thing......and bravo for you, it too is sewing related.   I think I told you that since I finally conquered the zipper thing a month or two back, I joined the Pretty Little Pouch Swap.   I always loved seeing the pretty pouches coming out of that swap and I couldn't wait to see what I could come up with that was never done.  So far, I did two..........(quite typical of my style too, I might add!)



Note that one has all buttons and the other embroidery.  Here are separate photos and one of the inside:







So, that's it, my friends!  My week in a nutshell!  I hope you had as much fun as me!  Until next time....