For the last three years I’ve attended creative events hosted by one of the sweetest people in the whole world, Kim Caldwell. Her art events are beyond belief. From the talented teachers, to the whimsical decorations, to the love and care that goes into every detail, Kim’s events are incredible! This years fanciful event was called Enchanted Affaire and it was based on a Snow White and Fairy Tales theme.

I’ll be posting pics from my amazing weekend soon but for today I’ll be sharing some of the beautiful projects that I made for the table gifts and swaps that I used Lovebug Creations Rumple Ribbon on.

Being new to the world of creative retreats, three years ago I didn’t know what a table gift was, much less that I should bring a gift for each of the girls at my table. This year I was ON IT and stitched up some cute apple pincushions since the theme was Snow White. I found the most adorable Seven Dwarfs fabric, and using a pattern from Mollie Makes, I created these apples that are finished off with a vintage button, a hand stitched wool felt leaf and added some beautiful Lovebug Creations Rumple Ribbon in “George”, from the “Oh Cecilia” collection.

The OTHER Grumpy Cat, Miss Charlotte Lucas

I like how these dwarfs are looking at each other

This is Miss Bella

Love these!

These fabric apple pincushions make me happy!

The other important thing I learned from going to creative events is that swaps are so much fun to make and even better to receive!  I joined two swaps this time, the Fairest Reflections Mirror swap and an Enchanted Memories Photo Album swap.

I started with a vintage brass filigree vanity mirror and embellished it.

I tucked in some gorgeous flourishes of Lovebug Creations Rumple Ribbon in “Gentleman’s Jacket“.

It’s blooming with hand-dyed silk flowers, velvet flowers, vintage gold leaves, a rhinestone broach, gold dresden, petite vintage mushrooms, bridal lace, gold jewelry pieces, and paper flowers.

This is my friend, Michelle Duke, who made all of my hard work worthwhile. She was so happy to get my mirror and I was so relieved. There’s a lot of pressure when you go to an event with women of this creative caliber and especially when the swap hostess will be receiving your handmade item! I worry that my swap won’t be worthy and that the recipient will feel let down. Thankfully Michelle said that she loved my mirror and I was over the moon happy!

The other swap that I was in was the Enchanted Memories Photo Album swap hosted by  Cheryl Stoneham.

I started with a leather-covered photo album from Target. Then I just started going crazy. The rule of thumb when making a swap gift is that if you don’t want to part with it, you’ve done a good job! I used a gold colored rub-on to make the album look like it came from the castle where Snow White used to live.

I added some blue Lovebug Creations Rumple Ribbon in “Ocean View“, along with some gold satin ribbon, velvet ribbon and some vintage-style embroidered ribbon. I absolutely adore petite vintage mushrooms, so they made an appearance.

I had so much fun decorating this photo album! I’m very lucky that I live where I do because we have a fabulous shop, called Gilding the Lily, that is full of the most beautiful vintage ribbons, trims, millinery and gorgeous jewelry findings that were perfect for this project. It took two visits for me to find just the right details.

My swap partner’s name was Stacy, so I had to use an S, and the locket was just perfect!

Tucked in there is a lace doily, vintage silk leaves, gold dresden, silk flowers, tulle, brass stars, wired pearls, vintage gold paper leaves, and a Czech glass button. I was very sad to give this album away, but I did receive a gorgeous album from my swap partner, Nora.

Thank you so much for visiting!  I’ll be posting pictures and details from my lovely weekend at Enchanted Affaire soon.

And, if you’re wondering who won the Jenni Bowlin Border Punch in the National Scrapbooking Day Blog Hop, Congratulations goes to:

MIGDALIA!  

I’ll be contacting you via email to find out what your address is!

The winner of the $15 Gift Certificate to Lovebug Creations has been announced! Is it you? Check it out here http://lovebugcreations3.blogspot.com/ to find out!!!

xo,

Christine Barker