Sweet Lil' Apron

Finished the apron!

I had created a pocket on the front but decided I didn't like it and had to start over. I am glad I did. I think it turned out much better than I expected! I LOVE the lace scalloped trim. So sweet.

 

It's a refurbished apron, so it started out as a skirt and involved into this apron. I got the idea from Jen Sue. It allowed me to spend more time on the details and have a sturdier, better quality apron! 

 

I hope my partner enjoys it. I get the vibe she wanted something girlie. I wasn't able to respond to all of her requests (mostly because I'm not the best seamstress) but I'm hoping some of my extra additions and wrapping make up for what might be missing. 

Oh and I made the pot holder!

It really did take no time at all! I did my best to make it match the apron. Next time, I will add the tag before I sew!

There it is! The potholder, apron, and cookie cutter. Now I'm just waiting on those cutie pie cards and a spark of creativity for the vintage tuck-in. Still can't figure out what to do with pretty paper... but it'll come to me!

How to make a pot holder in minutes

This is very cool and EASY! My Mom sent me this link and I'm going to be making one of these pot holders for my partner.

Time to Mail!! On Time Giveaway

This is the week for mailing packages!! I'm so excited to see all these cute packages -- post peeks here, and BE SURE to send me tracking number (required).

As an extra incentive, everyone who mails on time will be entered into a drawing for this sweet baby:

CUTIE PIE - A BUTTON DOLLZ ART DOLL BROOCH

Kati Brown Designs are original jewelry and accessories handmade in Helensville, Auckland - just for you.

Collage and vintage buttons make up an original pin from my "Button Dollz" collection for you to wear. Each of my Button Dollz is different so you can find one to express your personality. These are a real talking point whenever they are worn.

Cutie Pie is made from buttons, card collage with diamond glaze for durability, lucite leaves and art wire with a tiny sparkling sequin heart eye-brow piercing. There is a simple gunmetal brooch pin on the back.

Measures about 8cm/3.1" x 10cm/4" in the photo but you can gently bend it to a shape you like.

Each button doll is a handmade, unique artistic decoration for you to wear on your clothing, bag or hat - or they are great as a decoration on a lampshade, cushion or curtains. They come on a presentation card so they make a great gift.

Kati Brown Designs jewelry and One Day's Grace prayer beads are the work of two sisters - Kati and Debbie. In our workshop in lovely rural Helensville in New Zealand, we have been making jewelry and prayer beads for many years.

You can also see us here:

www.katibrown.felt.co.nz

www.onedaysgrace.felt.co.nz

http://www.etsy.com/shop/KatiBrownDesigns

HOW TO ENTER

MANDATORY: Mail ON TIME and EMAIL shawnee your tracking number - post below when you're done

BONUS:

Visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/KatiBrownDesigns, come back here and tell us your favorite item - 3 EXTRA ENTRIES

Be My Valentine

I just packaged up my swap package but I snapped a few quick photos before wrapping it all up. I hope my swap partner likes it. I ended up using a pattern from the early 1950's which the instructions that went with patterns back then leave something to be desired so it took me a little time reading each step to try to figure out what the heck they were telling me to do. But, I finally figured it all out and really enjoyed making this pattern and I love the H back.

I hope my partner also enjoys the tuck-ins that I chose. The vintage/retro tuck-in are some adorable retro recipe cards and a recipe card box. I seriously wanted to keep these for myself but that wouldn't have been very nice. All of the other tuck-ins are both Valentine and kitchen related - heart shaped measuring spoons with measurements like "A Dash of Kindness", heart shaped cookie cutters, and pink chocolate chip pancake mix.

Apron Love

I love, love this apron I made for the swap, Hoping it makes some lady happy! I may need to make a twin to wear for Valentines.

Packed Up Ready to Mail

Tomorrow is mailing day and I thought I would post one more picture (plus get another chance @ that Cutie Pie Necklace) before I sealed up my package. Hope my partner loves all her Cutie Pie Goodies.

Finished Apron

Yay!!!!  I finally finished my apron.  After a week of illness here at the Fratto household, I am finally feeling well enough to sit and sew.  Overall, I am really happy with how it came out.  Now on to the tuck-ins.  Maybe, I'll be able to finish them tonight!

Here's a picture of the apron.

It's only the 2nd apron I've made so I hope my partner likes it!

Amy

Cutie Pie Bottlecap Earrings Giveaway

Look at these adorable earrings! Who wants to win these? ME, Me, me!!

A little about our sponsor:

Hi my name is Regina. I am a 50 year old who comes from Illinois. I live in Illinois with my daughter and 3 wonderful grandsons. I have been crafting since i was 18 years old. I got into craftig when I was in school and it has stuck with me ever since. Over the years I have tried many crafts from crochet,loom knitting,candlemaking to jewlery making. Finally after several years of tring different crafts I have settled on making bottlecap items. I just love how my creations come out after I finish making them. Bottlecaps are very neat cause there is so much you can make with them. Like Necklaces,earrings,rings,bracelets and the list goes on. Once I started making them I just couldn't stop. My online lady friends told me I shoud start an etsy shop with my cool creations. So I went online and opened an etsy shop and since my most favorite thing to make are my bottlecap earrings. I decided to name my shop The Bottlecap Earring Shop. My shop is still a work in progress. I am still working on pictures and adding lots of my cool creations. Besides selling single items I also accept wholesale orders. also If there is something you would like and I can do it I will also accept custom orders. So stop by my shop and check out all the neat bottlecap items I have for sale.

Oh and If you have any questions feel free to send me a convo. I love to chat and answer questions.

I am sending a picture of me and my best friend who do craft shows together. I am the one in the gray jacket with the dark hair. I am really camera shy so I don't have any single pictures of me LOL

Miss Regina has been so gracious and is sharing these perfect "Cutie Pie" earrings with one of you. AND, for everyone else, you can save on every purchase in her shop through the end of this swap, February 5. Use the Coupon Code of BOTTLECAP for 20% off purchase through 2/5

HOW TO ENTER

be sure to leave your name in the comment since I can't always correlate your blogger name to your real name

Mandatory Entry: Visit the Bottlecap Earring Shop, browse around, then come back here and comment on your favorite item in the store - she's got so much, tell her everything you adore!!

Bonus Entries:

Email your Tracking Number to me and then comment below; that means you're mailing before the final deadline, woo hoo!!

Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway and link to this post and/or Regina's site. Tweet with the #FAS tag, Facebook with the @Flirty Apron Swappers tag

Link to this blog

DEADLINE TO ENTER: 12 Noon on Wednesday, February 2

Sneak Peak at the Finished Apron

So I went with the ticket stub fabric. I decided to go with my new Jamie Christina Cupcake Apron pattern. Let me just say, that pattern was so easy to work with! And the directions were so easy to follow! I love well-written patterns. After my last few tuck-ins are finished, this baby will be on it's way to my swap sister.

Flirty Apron Swap Fillers

Good Saturday morning to you all!

I am so excited about this beautiful day. It means Spring is on it's way here in the South. YAY!!!

I just wanted to share a little sneak peak of the fillers for my apron swap partner.  Of course I want to keep the apron and some other treats a secret for now but here is a little teaser.

I am enjoying seeing all the pretty aprons and fillers that everyone else is putting together.  You girls are awesome and so creative.

Have a Blessed Weekend!!!

Love the Cookie Girl

QTpi Brass and Copper Necklace GIVEAWAY

CONGRATULATIONS CONNIE!!

FIRST - important reminder that BRAND NEW SWAPPERS should have mailed their aprons to me by now (I've received one so far). If you are partnered with a BRAND NEW swapper as identified on the sidebar, please do not mail your package without contacting me first.

Now, our current giveaway - I've been so excited to offer this necklace to you gals. Enter, enter, enter .... and feel free to send to me if you win! ;) Just kidding. A little.

You may not know this, but I'm a real geek at heart. (Shocking!) So, when I was searching for Cutie Pie goodies and found this "Q T pi" necklace, I was hooked and zapped an email to the owner of Nikha Jewelry on Etsy. Here's a little about her:

Hello! My name is Niranjan (Pronounced "Ner-In-Jun"), and I have been making jewelry for almost 12 years! I love to invent new and interesting styles of jewelry and am constantly learning new techniques. A bit about me: I was born to an American Sikh family, which is why I have an Indian name, although I am Scots-Irish by ancenstry! I went to boarding school in India when I was 9 for 7.5 years, joined the US Army as a truck mechanic when I was 19, got married when I was 22, had a child when I was 26, got divorced when I was 29 and have lived in New Mexico for about 7 years now. My daughter is almost 10 now, and has her own Etsy shop too, you can check it out here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/zrpdesigns

My inspiration comes from nature, geology, science, art, other jewelry artists like Eni Oken, Iza Malczyk, Emily Gray and Lisa Barth, music, jewelry makers catalogs, traveling, being a mom and the ocean. I have even designed some of my most unique pieces after being inspired by a wallpaper pattern,crop circle images, wrought iron fencing or someones tatoo! I am a full-time geology student with a special love and interest in volcanology (the study of active volcanoes). A lot of the pieces I make are geology related, combining two of my most enduring passions since I was a child...jewelry and the earth! My special medium that I love more than any other in jewelry is wire working and I'm constantly trying to learn new techniques to add to my design capabilities. I have been designing and making jewelry since 1998!

It's important to me to give back to my community when possible, so a portion of all sales is donated to various causes here in New Mexico; womens shelters, animal rescue missions and our local wildlife center.

Thanks again for your interest, and don't hesitate to contact me with a special request...I thrive on custom work! If you see something you like, but would prefer another color, please let me know and a similar item can be created just for you!

Also, don't hesitate to contact me about reserving a piece for you, or to make a layaway plan!

~Niranjan Khalsa

http://www.etsy.com/shop/nikhajewelry

QTpi - Cutie Pie Handstamped Brass and Copper Necklace

A brass disc has been stamped with "QTpi" and a flower and a swirl symbol. Underlying the brass disc is a larger copper disc stamped randomly with a floral design and then oxidized to show detail. This is a cute, geeky piece perfect for the brainiac or nerd in your life!

~ Brass and copper discs

~ 16.75" copper ball chain

~ Unique design - stand out from the crowd!!

Please click here to view her other geeky items!

HOW TO ENTER

be sure to leave your name in the comment since I can't always correlate your blogger name to your real name

Mandatory Entry: Visit Nikha Jewelry, browse around, then come back here and comment on your favorite item in the store - she's got so much, tell her everything you adore!!

Bonus Entries:

Post a sneak peek this week on the Flirty Apron Swap site! We need more pictures!!

Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway and link to this post and/or Niranjan's site. Tweet with the #FAS tag, Facebook with the @Flirty Apron Swappers tag

DEADLINE TO ENTER: 12 Noon on Monday, January 31

One Baker's Apron....ready to go!

Are there any bakers in the crowd who could use a "Cutie Pie" apron? I just happen to have one ready to go to it's new home :)

Mary Sets the Bar HIGH!

Thank you so much Mary! I received the cutest apron EVER! The colors are awesome. The gifts that came were so darn adorable. I especially loved the strawberry slicer, huller and recipe book! I feel so blessed to be a part of Flirty Apron Swaps. I have so much fun participating. It feels like Christmas each time I receive one of these boxes full of all sorts of sweet stuff. XOXO

Amy K.

Hugs to JEN!

Thank you so much for the tablecloth and napkins! I'm totally a fan! The napkins are so adorable! I think we'll be having Valentines dinners for a long time thanks to these cuties! I'm sending lots of hugs and thanks!!! You did an awesome job!

Vintage Valentine ready to mail!

I found this vintage print and new it was exactly what I needed! I also used a real vintage pattern my mother-in-law found in her mothers stash! I hope my partner loves the simpleness of the apron, I really just wanted to showcase the cute vintage valentines, and I think it turned out way better than I hoped! (Thanks Jannae for modeling.) By the way... anyone else have kids that love aprons? Jannae (she's 8) has been dying to do an apron swap with someone her age..ish. We've made lots together, but that doesn't get the excitement of getting a package in the mail. If there is anyone out there in the same boat, lets talk!

Cutie Pie Cards WINNER

Drumroll please ...... Yeah Amy (DYKTMP)!!!

Thank you Diana!

Hop over to Not Your Everyday Cards next time you need a cute card!!!

Done with my Apron Project

I'm really enjoying all the great pictures that everyone is posting. I have more on my blog. Hope you all had as much fun as I did.

A Sneaky Peeky!

My apron is ready, just getting the tuck in’s ready to go..waiting on a couple to come in the mail, la de dah!

So, who wants this awesome apron, girls??? huh huh..

It’s so cute I might have to get more fabric and make me one!

Carry on!

Snow Day...Finished Apron!

My son has a snow day today, he's out playing. I got to finish the apron. I hope my partner likes it!

Cutie Pie Fabric!

Here are my two fabric choices!

Gotta get bizzy on my Apron now...

Sneaky Peeky!

Okay, while I am totally finished, and have my apron and incredibly cute (if I must say so myself!!!) tuck-ins all boxed and ready to go in a cute little cupcake box, I just wanted to show a little peek of the apron I made for my apron sister! It is cute valentine fabric with vintage lace on the "flounce" and cranberry ric-rack! (I also did the top and the pocket this way...I couldn't help it, I loved the lace I found!!!) I had SO much fun putting this together!!!

Decisions, Decisions

I went a little crazy when purchasing Valentine's fabrics. I needed fabric for 2 aprons...now I can't decide which fabrics to use for which swap... Here's a little peak:

Sneak Peek

Thought I'd post a sneak peek of my apron for my valentine. I kinda went the girly way and added lace and flowers. I need to add more flowers yet and the apron strings then I'm done. Yay!

My apron is finished!

My Cutie Pie Apron is all done---I chose the yellow button--what do you think???
When I received my partner information she listed a few things that she loved. the 1st thing reminded me of somethings I bought many years ago but had not seen in forever---so after some searching and a trip to the attic Whala (another tuck-in) I went to my local antique shop in search of the 2nd item on her list and Lucky Me there it was all red and sparklie and 50% off (I am lovin' this swap). Finally the 3rd item was easy as pie--Hershey Kisses! I will be mailing your package soon--hope you love all your Cutie Pie Goodies!

Finally!

With all the crazy, snowy weather we have had here in Boston, it's been tough to get out with 3 little ones. Finally, I was able to get to the store and get my fabric and some of my tuck-ins.  I still have to figure out my pattern, but I have some ideas.  I can't wait to get working on it and the tuck-ins and get it off to my partner!

I love the fabric I found!

Just some ideas that I still need to put together for tuck-ins!

Amy

Finished my apron!

Finished up my apron for my swap sister...it's reversible. I went with the Valentine theme...hearts of course! So....I'm actually off to the post office as soon as I post this!

Roses are red... or pink!

I finally decided on a fabric. There were lots of cute Valentine's fabrics out there but I just wanted something different. Flowers, specifically roses, are always a staple to woo your Valentine's sweetie. While this fabric is lovely for the holiday, I think it will be just as stylish any time of year. I also picked a solid fabric in the same pink color for a contrast. Now I just need to pick my pattern.

In progress...

There are still some big details to be added but this is what I have so far. I really like it. It has a country cottage shabby chic appeal. My partner had some interesting requests so I hope it pleases her. If she doesn't I'll take it for myself haha.

The hearts on the end of the ties are MY FAV!

More pictures coming soon!

Fabric Sneak Peek :)

Yippie!!!! My fabric arrived today! Now I can get started! My partner wanted a baking apron...so here goes! (and every great apron needs some polka dots IMHO :)

Sneek Peeks

I'm not quite done with my apron, but for one of the tuck-ins I've been weaving a basket that I plan to fill with some goodies from Wisconsin.

Like this Berres Brothers Coffee

Giveaway - Cutie Pie Greeting Cards

I love this sweet beautiful "Cutie Pie" greeting card! Diana of Not Your Everyday Cards hand crafts every card in her shop, and she is crafting a sweet set just for us.

ABOUT OUR SPONSOR
Hi, my name is Diana and I am the owner and designer for the Etsy shop Not Your Everyday Cards. My shop started almost 3 years ago when, on a whim, I decided to start selling some handmade cards that I had made after my sister gave me some card making supplies for Christmas. I have never looked back! When I'm not at my desk creating new items to sell, you can find me playing with my 2 little boys - Jack and Ethan, watching movies with my husband or working out. Thank you in advance to everyone who enters this contest! As a way to express my gratitude, I am giving everyone who reads this blog, a 10% discount off their order! Just enter "10%" in the notes to seller and I will send you a refund through Paypal. This discount is only good until the 26th so come visit me in my Etsy store as soon as you can!

I love these cards!! She's put together a special 4-pack of Cutie Pie cards; this set is valued at $8 and a one-of-a-kind Original!!

HOW TO ENTER

be sure to leave your name in the comment

Mandatory Entry: Visit Not Your Everyday Cards, browse around, then come back here and comment on your favorite item in the store - let's show her LOTS of love!!!

Bonus Entries:

Post a sneak peek this week on the Flirty Apron Swap site! We need pictures!!

Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway and link to this post and/or Diana's site. Tweet with the #FAS tag, Facebook with the @Flirty Apron Swappers tag

Blog about Diana's Etsy shop

DEADLINE TO ENTER: 12 Noon on Wednesday, January 26

Sneak Peeks...

Here are some tuck-ins for my valentine. I need to make her a valentine yet and finish up the apron...I'm excited about the apron, I printed the valentine queen on a large sheet of fabric and that's going to be the focal point...more photos to come! xo

Monster Cutie Pie Pendant WINNER!

I'm excited to share the winner with you all of this adorable Monster "Cutie Pie" pendant .....

comment #2 Barb B!

Thanks again, Dawn and Rhonda's of the Etsy Store, Giggles and Grins!! We love your adorable designs!

Yippee!

I got my Jamie Christina pattern in the mail yesterday! My husband looked at me like I was an alien as I jumped up and down squealing when my son brought the mail in. Thanks for the fun giveaways, Shawnee!! I'm almost caught up with my project list, so I'll be ready to get started on my partner's apron this afternoon!!

One Tuck-in done!

Turns out that my partner is one of the many fans out there of owls. So I made this "Cutie Pie" owl key chain from a free pattern you can find here. I added the heart to go along with the theme of our swap :) I also want to thank Shawnee for all the fabulous give-aways! I received my Jamie Christina pattern in the mail today! I'm a happy girl :) I can't wait to get started on my apron, but the fabric hasn't arrived yet.....so I wait.....:)