Better late than never!

ITS FINALLY HERE!

And boy was it worth the wait!

Crystal did a perfect job picking aprons (TWO OF THEM!) and putting together lovely tuck-ins.

First let me model the aprons. I want to get that out of the way because my wonderful boyfriend decided not to tell me my hair was standing straight up!! And by the time I got around to looking at them I didn't have the energy to retake it. So please excuse my crazy look.

 First, this pretty green number has some lovely pockets. It reminds of poinsettias.

 AGHHH! Good thing this SNOWFLAKE apron deters the eye from that hideous hairdo. So pretty. Also with some fun pockets. I love pockets!

Then there's the tuck-ins. The word was SNOW:

 S: Sweets

N: Nicities 

A beautiful snowflake inspired necklace, a gorgeous silver bracelet, and fantastic handmade earrings to match!

 

O: Ornaments

W:  Washers!

 These are sooo fabulous! They are handmade washers for my muffin pan. HOW CLEVER!

Oh and of course, how could I forget this, all of these goodies came in... drum roll...

... a muffin pan! OF COURSE!

Each of the gifts came in the cups. And the letter strips were on top. SO FRICKIN' CUTE!

She is so clever. All together these gifts made a fantastic package. Also, I really liked the card. It was also homemade and very beautiful.

THANKS CRYSTAL!!! It was a perfect package. I really adore it!

p.s. that makes 3 aprons in my first swap! Don't hate! hehe 

Thank You Nadine!!

My sweet partner was Nadine and she made me the most amazing package!! I had to call her and express my gratitude. SNOWFLAKE was my word:

I adore how she labeled everything and put in so much thought and creativity (so much better than I). Sbe used my favorite colors, red and white.

I need to get a good shot of the apron ... it matches the gift bag perfectly with its creamy white zig-zag. Nadine has a great tutorial link on her blog on how to get those perfect zig-zags.

THANKS for a wonderful swap, dear Nadine!

WINNER of the D-Lux 57 Apron

We have been so blessed with sponsors this swap -- our latest, Cynthia from D-Lux 57 is giving THIS Snowmen Baking Apron to one of you who mailed on time!

Don't forget her Added Extra Special Bonus Offer

Cynthia has generously offered a 25% discount AND Free Shipping at D-Lux 57 for all orders placed by December 20, 2010! Just use the coupon code FAS251220 at checkout!!

So, who is the lucky gal ...... ????

One of our brand new swappers, Amy F from Do You Know the Muffin Pan!

Congratulate her, gals!

Aprons Sent and Received

The apron I made was sent on Saturday. I fell in love with the fabric the first time I saw it and I hope my partner likes it too. Here is my daughter in the apron:

I did not take pictures of the tuck-ins but here are some hints. I chose "NOEL"
N - Napkins
O - Ornament-shaped
E - Elf
L - Lavender

I also received my package. Here is me in the apron that Susan sent:

and the goodies she sent:

And Susan is such a Sweetheart. My daughter's birthday is December 25th. She will be 15 this year. Susan made her a Birthday Apron. Here is a closeup so you can see the fabric:

And do you think she likes her birthday apron?

I'd say so. THANK YOU SUSAN!

"How To" Reminder

Hello sweet swappers,

This your Frosted Flurries Swap Mama, here to remind you how to complete your swap properly:

MAIL on time. Deadline to mail is this weekend, so get sewing super quick! Newbies deadline was last week and had to include forwarding postage. Don't forget to comment on the on-time giveaway post to be entered to win that amazing apron from D-Lux 57. If you are gong to be late, email me asap to keep your name off the Naughty List. I've already had one swapper had to drop out due to an injury -- praying for a quick recovery for Barbara M!!

EMAIL your tracking number to Shawneeh at yahoo.com; do not only post pictures here. Now, I LOVE the pictures; we just need to details, too.

EMAIL thanks to your partner and cc me; do not only post your thank you here. On the off-chance she doesn't visit this site every day, we don't want your swap sister disappointed. If you prefer to mail a hand-written thank you, still email me and let me know you've done that.

This is such a fun and busy time of year. Let's wrap up this swap strong and make it a merry season for all!!

Blessings,

Shawnee

"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!!

Heidi Devlin Design Giveaway Winner

A big THANK YOU to Heidi of

My sweet friend Heidi has the MOST delightful Etsy shop, and has provided, especially for one of YOU, these gorgeous Ragball Snowballs in keeping with our Frosted Flurries theme.

Our lucky winner, via Random.org, was commenter #1 .... JenW!

Jump over to Heidi's Blog and Jen's Blog and show them some love!

Frosted Flurries Tutorials

I don't know if you've noticed the links posted on the sidebar, but I've found a few tutorials around the web and want to be sure you've got lots of great ideas for tuck-ins and gifts.

This cutie is from Diary of a Quilter.

This baby is from Polka Dot Pineapple, Snowflakes in My Holly Tutorial.

Felted Wool Rose Wreath at Creative Passage

This sweet Snowflake Felt Garland is posted at Craftster and uses templates from My Cute Stamps.

Gratefulness Week Giveaway

Hey sweet swappers --

Well, we're coming toward the end of our swap and into a VERY busy, exciting time of year. I hope you're enjoying our weekly giveaways 'cause I've got a sweet one for ya!

Hello Ladies,... & Welcome to Shawnee's, Flirty Apron Christmas Swap,..... "Frosted Flurries"! ......My name is Heidi, from my etsy shop "Heidi Devlin Design". Like many of you I love to design, sew & create!....So I was thrilled when Shawnee asked me to be part of her "Frosted Flurries" giveaway!

Now we all know that swaps are so much fun to be part of any time of year!...but at Christmastime even more so!....So ladies get those sewing machines out & let's make this swap one to remember!

I wish you all a delightful holiday season!......& come visit me at Heidi Devlin Design!.....Your friend, Heidi XO

My sweet friend Heidi has the MOST delightful Etsy shop, amazing blog, and even a special "Living Little" online newsletter.

Sweet Heidi is providing, especially for one of YOU, these gorgeous Ragball Snowballs in keeping with our Frosted Flurries theme.

Aren't they to DIE for?!?

HOW TO ENTER (leave separate comments for each):

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Visit Heidi's Etsy Shop, browse around, and come back here listing your favorite item from her store

EXTRA ENTRIES:

One extra entry for commenting on what you are grateful for this year

One extra entry for sharing Heidi's Etsy shop on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter (max 1 tweet per day)

Two extra entries for sharing your favorite Thanksgiving recipe in the comments or linking to one you've posted on your blog

DEADLINE TO ENTER: midnight November 29, 2010

PS - My apron giveaway ends Monday night, November 29 - the same night of my Thirty-One Kick Off party. If you're looking for cute products with a purpose for gifts or to organize yourself, browse through my online catalog and give me a call - I'm happy to help!

CONGRATULATIONS - Cupcake Provocateur Winners

WE HAVE OUR WINNERS:

First, a big thank you to Cynthia for donating such wonderful prizes. Flirty Apron Swappers LOVE your products!!

Prize #1 - $25 Gift Certificate for anything on the Cupcake Provocateur site!
Lucky Winner: Tart Deco!! (send me your mailing info)

Prize #2 (for current swappers only): Cynthia's newest item, a special Tea Towel/Potholder Gift Set

Lucky Winner: Jen O!!!

(pictured above is the apron set and the special gift card/envelope)

Congratulations ladies!!

One More Participant??

Is there anyone who has been lurking that would like to join in the fun and receive an apron from an international partner? A swapper in AUSTRALIA somehow registered late and would really like to play.

If YOU are interested and willing to ship asap, email me today at shawneeh at yahoo dot com. Otherwise, I might have a second partner!

Thanks!!

Shawnee

Be sure to enter the giveaways!

Don't forget to enter the two current giveaways we have going, links on the right sidebar. I have a couple MORE planned but we need a good turnout. Share with your friends -- non-participants are welcome to enter these two.

I'll be posting a few more tuck-in ideas mosaics. Of course, I haven't decided on MY word yet. =)

Shawnee

Brand New Swapper Apron

Look at this adorable apron picture that new swapper Cheryl sent me. She was originally going with a half apron but was able to master this full-size pattern. BEAUTIFUL -- love those pockets. I'm so glad you joined in the fun this round!!

-Shawnee, posting for Cheryl

Cupcake Provocateur Giveaway

CONTEST IS CLOSED -- CONGRATULATIONS TART DECO AND JEN O!!

Wow, do I have a giveaway today! While I was searching for the perfect sponsors for this swap, I remembered the sweet and sexy aprons over at Cupcake Provocateur`: Fashionably Sweet Creations for the Haute Hostess!

Cynthia Lagudi created Cupcake Provocateur out of her love of baking, and as a self proclaimed baking addict and lover of all things vintage, she knew she had to combine the two and boy did she! Cupcake Provocateur specializes in offering unique cupcake flavors as well as a line of vintage and retro inspired aprons that look just as tasty as their cupcakes.

The Cupcake Provocateur woman is inspired by the June Cleaver type of wholesomeness combined with the the class and glamour of Donna Reed and the sexiness of Marilyn Monroe and Bettie Page. We figure why not look cute while you bake? Although our aprons are not always worn in the kitchen!

Cynthia's goal is to create chic and fabulous baked goods and accessories for that kind of gal as well. After all It's not just aprons and cupcakes... it's a fashion statement!

Here are a few of her current Christmas aprons:

#1104 Christmas Susie Homewrecker - Poinsettia Princess

Model Brenda Lee

Christmas Hedy Apron - Ice Princess

A Merry Elvis Christmas - Blue Christmas

Christmas Cindy Apron - Hello Kitty

Christmas Betty Half Apron - Christmas Vixen

Model: Cherry Lane - Photography: Lone Star Pin ups

Cynthia, the brains and sass behind Cupcake Provocateur, has generously provided TWO prizes for our swap - one for participants only, one for anyone who comments on this post (see How To Enter).

WHAT YOU CAN WIN:

$25 Gift Certificate for anything on the Cupcake Provocateur site!

2nd prize for swappers only: Cynthia's newest item, a special Tea Towel/Potholder Gift Set

(pictured above is the apron set and the special gift card/envelope)

HOW TO ENTER (leave separate comments for each):

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Visit Cynthia's Blog and Follow Publicly with Google Friend Connect (I will check before announcing winners)

EXTRA ENTRIES:

One extra entry for being a participant in this swap

One extra entry for sharing this giveaway on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter (max 1 tweet per day)

Two extra entries for adding Cupcake Provocateur and Flirty Apron Swap to your list of daily blog readings (blog link list)

For five extra entries into the drawing create a blog post about this giveaway, leaving your permalink in your comment. Be sure to mention this in your entry.

DEADLINE TO ENTER: midnight November 22, 2010

Okay, ladies -- let's show Cynthia that Flirty Apron Swappers are the best --- give her some bloggy love!!!

Santa & Snowflakes

I absolutely LOVE Christmastime.  I have been waiting for this swap all year (and partipating in most of Shawnee's swaps in between.).  I have had this fabric for quite a while....maybe 2 years. (There's nothing wrong with that, right?).  I love the print (it's definitely cutesy), and I hope my swap sister loves it too.  It sounds like her family is big into Christmas and traditions (and I might have to steal borrow some of her ideas).  Looks like I like parentheses too...

And, whew!  There is one big snowflake on there (and some next to the snowman too).   I'm going to probably use the gingham for the reverse side, and white dots on red for the straps.

LOVE & a sneak peak

UPDATED: I have trouble following Jen Sue's amazingly brave and heartfelt post as well as Jen O's equally touching comment. I have never experienced loss like that. I can't say I relate or "I know how you feel." But I have experienced sadness in my life. I have had my heart broken not by boys but by so called friends. It has made me weary of people. But with the help of true friends and family I'm working on it and starting to come back out of my shell. 

You never know what your heart can take until you've pushed it to it's limits. Losing a child must be like pushing the heart to its breaking point. And the only thing keeping a heart from cracking in two is Love.

So that's why I chose to the word LOVE for this Tuck In Idea. This apron swap is all about Love. You spend time and money on a project for some person you've probably never met. You go searching through their blogs, reading their comments, and find out all you can about a person so you can make them an apron that truly makes them happy. This is my first time doing this and I'm already having so much fun getting to know not only my swap sister but the rest of you.

So here it is - LOVE

L - Lollypops, Light-up ornaments, Lily, anything Little, Lights
O - Off white, Opener, Origami, Oven mitt (with tutorial!)
V - Votive, Vanilla scones, homemade Vanilla extract, Vintage ornament
E - Evergreen, Eclairs, Estrellas (stars ;0), Earrings, Envelope Pillow cover! (with tutorial)

(P.s. these are harder to come up with than you think, hence a few repeats on O)

PHEW!

And now for my sneak peak...

Look familiar? Hehe Joann's has some really adorable fabric right now. In the background there's a fabric you can't totally see, that's the secret fabric. The fabric that says "Hey, I listened/read and bought you something you'll really like!" Don't strain yourself though. It's still a surprise!

Love,
Swap sister

Tuck In Idea - JOY

Howdy all! I'm getting very excited for my FIRST apron swap. To really get in the spirit (and because I have LOADS of free time) I decided to think of some tuck in ideas for the word JOY.

enJOY!

J: Jelly beans, Jade green, Jewelry, cookies in a Jar (see below!)

O: Ornaments, Oatmeal, Office Supplies, Off-white, bottle Opener

Y: Yarn, Yummy, Yule

I know you're thinking to yourself "JAR! That's gonna break! Crazy girl!" I know, but I couldn't resist the J-ness of it. BUT if you dare to tuck one in, here's a link to a TON of cookie in a jar recipes by Razzle Dazzle Recipes. 

Are the not they not the cutest little Jar O' Yummy! hehe See what I did there? Oh man.