Saturday, May 4, 2013

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.

Mail Art

Mail Art to Annie

Mail Art to Annie

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.

Mail art to 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):

Arty envelope to my nephew's wife

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:

"The Birds"

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!)

For the Pretty Little Pouch Swap

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

Buttons galore pouch

The inside

Embroidery and buttons pouch

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





22 comments:

Ellyn said...

all of it is wonderful but that zipper pouch - OH MY! Love it to pieces. I need to email you and fix your lady dry spell...

AmandaK@whatthebobbin said...

Super cute zip bags.

Annie said...

I love it all! There just is NO better mail than envelope art...well, maybe a really large check, or any check for that matter, would be better, but other than that...nothing! Thank you so much! And I'm glad others get to share in my joy as well. All those birds on wires is just really fun. There's someone lucky out there about to receive that! The rainbow pouches are VERY you. And the usual adorable as well.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

That envelope art has me intrigued - I've been watching Annie's too! Your zipper pouches are just smashing Carol. And I give you first place with your Birds! Such a fun post - thanks for sharing.

ellen gets crafty said...

I've been following all of the envelope art on Annie's blog - you two are an inspiration!! How fun to receive happy mail!

Unknown said...

Well not at all... I enjoyed your post..the cards look awesome as so does your bird quilt...and your little bags are just too cute...i think it is good to break away. Just what I needed to see on our wet soggy weekend...enjoy your day.

Christine M said...

I just love your zippered pouches. The colours are amazing! Great envelopes too.

Cindy Sharp said...

Fantastic!!

Susan said...

Its all so fantastic - lucky envelope receivers - I do wonder what the postmen think?? Such a clever lady you are.

Outback Crafter - Debra said...

Wow Carol.
Regardless of what you create it is inspiring.

I love your birds. Very happy and your rainbow pouches are divine.
Well done and enjoy your branching out.

Lesley said...

Love your envelope art...your use of bright colors makes me smile. And your clutches are fabulous...a breath of fresh air!

Nicole said...

Is it wrong of me to want one of those pouches as much as I do? They are fantastic.

Sheila said...

I would love to have a go at the envelope art but would be scared it didn't arrive in the post, maybe I will try with nothing important inside.......
Adore the wee bird quilt and your pouches are fresh and breathtaking.
Such style.

Valspierssews said...

Lots of lovely projects but I think the pouches are tops.

Carol said...

The envelopes are awesome. You don't have any trouble mailing them? I'm surprised as picky as the post office has gotten here.

Leanne said...

This is all so beautiful as always. You use the most cheerful and fun colours. I guess we need to figure out how to add this kind of art to emails too, it is great fun.

Leanne

sheila 77 said...

What a surprise, here! I'll be waiting behind the door for Mr. Postie, and that envelope should give Royal Mail something new to think about. Love your birdies, and your pouches as always. Thanks in advance, Carol (but you'll get another big thanks on receipt too).

Michelle said...

Not boring at all - I can't wait to see more of it!

Anonymous said...

I am so in awe of your talent, and love all of your work. I am deliriously in love with the birdies, and wish you had a pattern for them. I, too, would have given you first place for them.

xo Linda

jean wilson said...

hi carol....
what fun to see all the envelopes you mailed ... so creative...many ideas for me to steal. and thank you for the one that arrived today !!

i do have a suggestion on the addressing. you might want to keep the address level with the bottom of the envelope. the postal regulations indicate that they can add a surcharge if the address is not parallel with the long edge of the envelope. or more specifically, if it is parallel with the short edge. and it is good to stay away from the bottom 1/2 inch because the mail travels along a little track and if the machines can't read the address, it is routed to a person who gets to read it and type in the bar code. i'm sure they enjoy seeing pretty mail and finding the address, in a straight line
right in front of their nose....

KaHolly said...

Your work, and your attitude, is very inspiring.

Cindy~ HeartandSewInspirations.com said...

What a beautiful post full of color and fun things! I am a new follower, fellow blogger, although have been AWOL for a couple of months. Found you on Pinterest and shared your Birdy quilt on my FB page with your link. Looking forward to reading your other posts. :)