Mailing Time

Just a quick reminder, swappers, that this is the week to finish off and mail your Aloha packages. Please include some inexpensive summer goodies to make a fun package (minimum of $10 in value in the tuck-ins).  Then, head to the post office and ship it with 2-day priority, get a tracking number for delivery confirmation, and send me messages when it's gone.  Pictures are nice, too.  


I gotta get to work to finish MY sweet package now!

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

"On Time Mailing" D-Lux 57 Apron Giveaway

Well, ladies, it's coming on time to wrap up this FUN swap. Love, love, LOVE all the cute aprons I'm seeing so far. If you haven't yet, be sure to post YOUR fabric, pattern selections, and/or completed packages before you mail. We are now in the mailing window - already!!! Apron packages MUST be mailed by the end of this weekend. One of the most luxurious apron shops online, D-Lux 57, is interested in helping you make your deadline.

I first heard of D-Lux 57 a couple of years ago when I won one of Cynthia's fresh aprons over at The Apronista. I LOVE how each apron comes with its own matching keepsake fabric envelope/pouch. It's a little touch that is SO sweet!

I asked Cynthia to share a little about herself with us:

When Cynthia Berman created D-Lux 57 3 years ago, she was looking to design a product that had a longer shelf life than the fashion industry she had been designing in for many years. Her grandmother had been a quilter and the fabrics Cynthia chooses for her aprons remind her of her childhood days spent rummaging through her grandmother’s quilting attic. D-Lux 57 is really a “comfort food” of sorts for design. Aprons remind us of our past and create new memories for the future.

Cynthia is a big supporter of American made products. D-Lux 57 aprons are sewn in southern California and shipped around the world. The aprons are packaged in an original matching keepsake envelope, perfect for gifting, storage or heirlooming. The lined aprons are available in women’s, tween and little cooks sizes. For the children sizes, she encourages the customer to take lots of photos of the children cooking in their apron with mom, grandma or siblings. When they outgrow the apron, fold it up and store it in the keepsake envelope with the photos and their favorite recipes. It will be the perfect heirloom to share when the little ones are grown.

One of the best things about D-Lux 57 is all the people and stories Cynthia has had the opportunity to meet and hear. Also, she supports some of her favorite charities through her sales such as the Junior League and the National Charity League. She also found a way to put her scrap fabrics to good use . She donates bags of fabric pieces to Maryvale Orphage for Girls in the Los Angeles area. The girls put the fabrics to good use in their sewing programs for quilting , doll making and other crafts.

Aprons are more than a piece of fabric. Their ties connect our generations and memories together.

THIS Snowmen Baking Apron (valued at $57) could be yours!!

I know - I can't believe it either!! So, HOW can you be entered into the drawing for this baby??

First, MANDATORY, is you must mail your package before the 12/5 deadline, email your package tracking number to shawneeh at yahoo dot com, AND leave your name in the comments below.

2nd Mandatory item: Visit D-Lux 57, look around Cynthia's cute shop, and comment back on here on your favorite item she makes.

BONUS ENTRIES:

Tell your friends about D-Lux 57 in a blog post (http://www.dlux57.com), facebook status update, or Twitter update with the #fas hashtag AND post the link in the comments below. (Once per day maximum)

Write a blog post with your favorite decorating tip for this time of year and link back here, then leave a comment telling me you did. If you don't have a personal blog/facebook page, leave the tip in the comments, too. (One extra entry)

DEADLINE TO ENTER: Midnight, December 6, 2010

Winner will selected via random.org

.... WAIT, there's More!!

Added Extra Special Bonus Offer

Cynthia has generously offered a 25% discount AND Free Shipping for all orders placed by December 20, 2010! Just use the coupon code FAS251220 at checkout!! So, if you can't finish sewing your apron on time, consider purchasing it from D-Lux 57!

Share THAT news on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter for another entry!!

Last Chance

Hey ladies,

I haven't heard from a few of you regarding the mailing status of your aprons. IF I DO NOT GET A TRACKING NUMBER BY 10 AM TUESDAY, you will not be allowed participate in future swaps and I will hustle to find a sweet angel for your disappointed partner.

Don't let that happen to you ... send me trackable information asap! Thanks for meeting your commitment.

Shawnee

PS - Others, don't forget to let me know when you RECEIVE your precious box and cc me on your thank you email. Danke!

"On Time Mailing" Turkey Apron Giveaway

Hi Ladies --- Love, love, LOVE all the cute aprons I'm seeing so far. If you haven't yet, be sure to post YOUR fabric, pattern selections, and/or completed packages before you mail. We are now in the mailing window - already!!!

One of our lovely sponsors AND participants, Lana of Sassy Aprons, has donated the cutest apron E-VER just for one of you. It's the cute Turkey Apron in our swap badge!!

I know - I can't believe it either!! So, HOW can you be entered into the drawing for this baby??

First, MANDATORY, is you must mail your package before the 10/20 deadline AND email your package tracking number to shawneeh at yahoo dot com. Then, leave your name in the comments below.

BONUS ENTRIES:

Tell your friends about Lana's Sassy Apron Shop on Etsy in a blog post (http://www.etsy.com/shop/sassyapron), facebook status update, or Twitter update with the #fas hashtag AND post the link in the comments below. (Once per day maximum)

Visit Lana's Sassy Apron Shop on Etsy (http://www.etsy.com/shop/sassyapron), look around her cute shop, and comment back on here on your favorite item she makes. (One extra entry)

Write a blog post with your favorite recipe for this time of year and link back here, then leave a comment telling me you did. If you don't have a personal blog/facebook page, leave the recipe in the comments, too. (One extra entry)

DEADLINE TO ENTER: Midnight, October 20, 2010

Winner will selected via random.org

AND

Sweet Amy from my last swap sent me some handmade dishclothes and I forgot to announce the winner: Sarah R! CONGRATULATIONS Sarah and THANK YOU Amy!!! If you get a second, pop over to Amy's Blog, and thank her for being so sweet.

Great Scott, It's Time!!

So ladies, the time has come to send off your packages!

Please email me your tracking numbers. THEN, once you receive your box, please cc me your thank you email to your sweet partner.

Let's wrap this up nice and quick. With lots of pictures. The sooner all boxes are in their new homes, the sooner our next swap will begin ... this time with a Halloween/Autumn theme!!

Deadline and WINNERS!

Deadline has passed and the holiday is over, ladies!! I need to hear from 27 swappers today - update me! Please send me your tracking numbers in an email (or the status) .... posting here that you've sent it out doesn't meet the requirement. =) Thanks for your help.

Now, for some winners!!

The publishers of Mary Engelbreit's newest cookbook, Fan Fare Cookbook: 120 Family Favorites Recipes, are sending a copy to one lucky reader!

#13 Jennifer W!!

And our Aussie friends from the eco kitty etsy shop have selected a winner for their AMAZING pattern/organic fabric package:

Congrats Crazy Amy!!

Only THREE Days Left!

image by Compound Eye

Have you registered yet?? Only THREE more days to be part of the most exciting, cutest apron swap in ALL of blogland! Who doesn't love cupcakes?

Who hates cherries?

Who can resist Mary Engelbreit?

NOT ME!! Hopefully, not YOU either!

Do it!

Maybe you'll receive an apron like this ...

or this ...

Or maybe your partner will make or buy you one of these cool cupcake bracelets

Deadline to Register: May 30

Mail After: June 19

Mail Before: July 4

Create a handmade apron package that includes all three elements ... something cupcake-y, something with cherries, and something from (or that looks like it's from) Mary Engelbreit (aka M.E.). See the list on the swap side-bar for "tuck-in" suggestions and include at least three. Items must be new or be in "good as new" condition if they are thrifted or re-gifted. As always, make your package pretty … wrap it in tissue, tie it up with a cute bow, and include a personal little note card please.

REGISTER TODAY!!

It's TIME!!!

Hi ladies -- TODAY's the final day to get your apron creations into the mail and email me your tracking number. What a FUN swap this has been and I LOVE all the wow-y beautiful aprons I'm seeing.

MY box came day before yesterday and LOOK ... Kat made me the most amazing creation! She used an Apron-ology apron for inspiration and created a masterpiece. Plus, her lovebirds fabric looks JUST like my Facebook Icon ... isn't that so cool???

THANK YOU KAT. I feel so very special!!

Did you know that I always find it hard to assign someone to be my partner? I don't want anyone to feel pressure and it's been harder and harder for me; I've been tempted to sit out and just do the admin part. BUT, Miss Kat was so sweet and asked to be my partner in her registration. I jumped on that request. I had no idea how wonderfully talented she is, in addition to being a great swapper, so great about regularly commenting and posting, plus she's a talented florist and wonderful friend. Thanks again, sweetie. =)

I made the Lilly Apron for my partner. She wanted an aqua/brown combo. I love a little red, so decided to modify the pattern to be reversible, and added some red to the reverse. Side two reminds me of my gal's family. Both sides are accented with big polka dot pockets, and there's a huge polka dot bow in the back!




LASTLY, don't forget to show some love to our giveaway sponsor, Ms Bev. She has donated THREE of these adorable rock-a-billy little headbands. COMMENT on the original post (CLICK HERE) for entries!!

Mailing Day and GIVEAWAY

Hey there Polka Dot Pretties Swappers!!! TODAY is the day that everyone can start mailing. Newbies have their packages in my hot little hands or they need to email me TODAY. Everyone else has one week to finish up and last day to mail is next Saturday.

EVERYONE who mails this week and sends me tracking number is a lucky lady. That's because you have a chance to win one of these adorable headbands from Bev E!!
(Look how beautiful she is!!!)

Throw this easy, stylish and sassy head band/ hair tie on in a flash.....perfect for those days when your up-do is arguing and you still want to look stunning!

*Perfect for you rockabilly and pin~up kittens!*

Simply throw your locks up, wrap your tie around your head, and then tie with a simple 3~2~1 groovy granny knot! No slippage, to irritate us. No elastic to pull on us, and no pins to keep it positioned the way we want!

♥And these bad boys are REVERSIBLE! ♥

These cuties are made of either 100% cotton (or a mix therof), in a smoke free home! They measure approximately 33"L x 3.5"W, and are sewn by me! I am an experienced seamstress with 20yrs under my needle, and will only send you quality work!

Check out my store for other saucy designs!

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Buxom-Bevies

If you've mailed your box and sent me a tracking number, leave a comment below for an entry.

Check out Bev's Shop, add her a Favorite Seller, and leave a comment below for an extra entry.

Leave a comment below about which is your favorite headband in Bev' s Shop for an extra entry.

It's Shipping Time!

Time to send off your beautiful apron packages!! Please remember to send me your tracking number so I check you off my list. And, post pictures - both before you send and after you receive. I LOVE seeing what everyone makes. You are a creative bunch!!

I'm compiling all the entries for the red White Christmas apron and will announce the winner soon.

-Shawnee

PS - Come on over to my personal blog and join in my December 09 Pantry Challenge. I'm feeling the need to slash my food budget to nothing; waste not want not, maybe I overspent during Black Friday/Cyber Monday and such. Hugs!!

White Christmas Apron Giveaway!!

My darling friend, Jan, has offered to be a sponsor for this year's holiday swap. LOOK what she's created just for us!!

Isn't this the most PERFECT apron for our "White Christmas" flirty apron swap?!? I own several of Jan's aprons and the quality is amazing. THANK YOU JAN. Here's a little about the designer, Jan:

Hello everyone! My name is Jan and I am happy to be a sponsor for the White Christmas Apron Swap. I have always loved to sew, from the time I was a teenager until now and I am fifty years old this year. I love to make aprons and I sell them on my Etsy site at www.jcarrelloriginals.etsy.com and on my own website www.jcarrelloriginals. I also have a blog called Maple Lane. I would love you to visit.

I have made this Red frilly apron to giveaway for the swap and have machine embroidered the front of it with an I am Dreaming of a White Christmas design. I thought it was very appropriate for the swap. I hope you like it.

Like it? I think I love it!! Wouldn't you just LOVE this festive remembrance of our fun together? Or, are you thinking of gifting this beauty to the special chef in your life??? Well, you might be the lucky gal to win this! Even if you don't win, you may want one for yourself. And, if you find that you've run out of time to sew your own aprons, Jan has a nice selection at her Etsy store and website.


HOW DO YOU WIN THIS BEAUTY?? Well, I feel like the fun of the Flirty Apron Swap blog is seeing what everyone else is creating and what they're thinking. I know you don't come here to read my ramblings! So, in order to be entered, you need to ACCEPT MY AUTHOR INVITATION. These emails were sent out a few days ago. If you didn't get yours, please let me and I'll re-invite you. Now, if you are not a blogger, consider this the nudge you needed to start your own blog. If you really are blog-phobic, you can leave a comment to that effect and I'll enter your name anyway.

PUBLISH A POST here with your apron ideas and sneak peek of the fabrics you've chosen. Five entries if you do that. Limited to one post for the contest, please, so give us details and pictures!!

The other fun part about this blog is reading the comments. So, every time you COMMENT on a Flirty Apron Swap blog post, you're entered again! One entry per comment, unlimited possible.

And, I really appreciate it when you share your joy about being a swapper. So, POST THE FLIRTY APRON SWAP BADGE on your own blog, linked back here, and leave me a comment that it's there for one more entry.

LAST DAY FOR ENTRIES: November 30. That's the deadline for newbies' aprons to arrive to me and the day before everyone else can send off their goodies.

Here's a few more pictures of our darling prize:

Good Luck to All!

Mailing Deadline Extended to 8/15

Hi ladies! I love seeing all your cute pictures and reading the fun comments!!! I am still bogged down with moving households and haven't been as active as I like to be.

Just a reminder that the mailing deadline has been extended to August 15. Please send me an email with your delivery confirmation tracking number when you mail out your package, and copy me on your thank you email when you receive your goodies.


We have one more adorable giveaway this swap! Check out this goodie from Queen Beed. She's giving us "I Love Lucy" bottlecap earrings!!!

About our Sponsor: "I have been creating jewelry for over 20 years. I love anything funky and kitsch! I can put any image on a bottle cap for earrings, a pendant, magnets, cellphone charm, whatever your heart desires! I also make bubble charms and I am commissionable for any custom beading work. Thanks so much for visiting my store!"

EVERYONE who mails before the deadline of August 15 and sends me their tracking information is entered to win these beauts. FOR EXTRA ENTRIES, please leave comments below as to your favorite item from Queen Beed. Don't you think your partner would love some of her goodies in her swap package. LEAVE A COMMENT if you purchase anything from Queen Beed and receive an extra FIVE (5) entries. LAST DAY TO COMMENT/ENTER is Sunday, August 16.

Deadline Has Passed

Hi ladies -- Just a quick reminder that you need to get your aprons into the mail lickety-split if you haven't already!!! I've heard from several people that are running behind for a variety of reasons, and have also received several confirmations and thank yous -- not 100 though. I'm trying to update the spreadsheet and website but that still leaves A LOT of people who haven't checked in yet.

PLEASE remember to send me a note when you mail, and copy me on your thank you note when you receive. PICTURES are great, too. =)

And, you all still have time to enter your creations in EllynAnne Geisel's Giveaway-Not-A-Contest, details HERE, for some fabulous prize packages.

This little swap has been so much fun. I'm so humbled to have you all participate in my brain-child.


IF you're interested in another apron swap, Lucy and I are teaming up again with a Club Swap. Details HERE, deadline to register is May 6.

The next Flirty Apron Swap will be for summertime, so keep an eye here!

24 Hours To Register

We have just about 24 hours left until registration is closed for this newest round of the Flirty Apron Swap. I'm getting all excited!

I hope you have founds loads of gorgeous linens that you can pick and choose from to create a wonderful apron just for your partner.

Be on the lookout for an email from me in the next 48 hours or so. I will send an email to everyone who is registered and you will need to reply for confirm that you're still playing. Also, I will ask you to let me know if you are willing to have an international partner - postage can be more expensive, so feel free to decline if you need to in your response.

Until then,
Shawnee