Shoebox Swap Introduction

As part of my quest to stay continually busy with crafts and sewing throughout the year (in case I don't already commit to enough projects, lol), I decided to start a new project called "Shoebox Swap".  The goal of this swap is for each person involved to create a craft or handmade good of some sort that they are willing to give away.  In return, they will receive a box of handmade goods from another member.  The items made should be of approximate size to fit in a shoebox (should also limit the amount spent to a small amount).  On the first of the month, the names are given out and each person starts making their crafts themed to the appropriate month (Valentine's for February, St. Patrick's for March, etc). Then before the end of the month, you mail out your box to your designated recipient and patiently wait for your box to arrive.  

This is the first month we have done this.  There are eight participants this month (including myself) and everyone should be making things themed for Valentine's Day since the boxes will be received at the start of February.  If this month goes well, I will add a page to my website here where you can sign up to join us if you want.

I can't say whose name I drew - I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise in case she is reading my blog.  But I can post pictures of all my crafts so you can see what one lucky participant is going to get.  For each thing I made, I made one set for  me and one for my recipient - that way I get some Valentine's stuff for me as well :) Heehee, see how clever I am?

1) Yarn Wrapped Hearts: these are fairly easy but they aren't quick.  It took me about one hour per heart.  Simply draw a heart on cardboard and cut it out with a razor blade). You can print out a heart shape if you want it perfect, but I wanted it hand done and each unique so i just "winged it".  After you cut it out, take the yarn of your choice and tie it around the cardboard in a knot.  Then just wrap it around again and again until you have covered the whole heart.  Originally I went with a loose sloppy weave thinking it would come out neat looking but in the end I didn't like it so i undid it and started over, wrapping carefully and neatly.  I tied three together and hung them up on the wall but you could separate them and do anything you want with them.  I thought they would also be cute with a flower added but I didn't get that far.

2) Felt Coasters: I just got new tables in my living room so now we need coasters under each drink and we have none.  What's cuter than hand stitched coasters? :)  I used MS Word to draw a 4" circle, a 3.5" circle and a heart that would fit inside the 3.5" circle.  Then i used them as stencils and cut the shapes out of red, pink and white felt.

Next just layer them in whatever order you like and then either glue it or stitch it down.  I glued them at first but then decided to add decorative stitching so the glue was a waste of time (and made it harder to stitch through)

Now if only I had the laser cutter I want those circles would be perfect. Instead they are only as good as I can trace and cut them.

3) Valentine's Garland/Banner: this one is pretty simple but looks really cute.  Just cut out a bunch of hearts from felt of varying colors.  Cut a small slit on each side and use yarn to connect them with little bows.

4) Last but not least, two cheery heart shaped pot holders.  No tutorial here because i just winged it again and it takes longer to explain quilting projects (plus i didn't take in work photos).  If you want help making your own just comment below or message me and I'd be happy to explain.

Phew! That was a lot of Valentine's crafting.  I don't think I overspent (cost was $15 ish) but I underestimated how long some of them would take (especially the yarn hearts).  I only planned to make so much because of how quick I thought it would be.  If you want to join the shoebox swap, don't think you have to make numerous things.  You can make just one thing if you want - it's up to you to decide what, how much, how many, etc.

Like I said, if this goes well there will be a sign up form added here on my website for anyone that might want to join us :)  There's no cost to you other than the cost to make and ship your crafts and there's no required commitment for a certain number of months.  Each month I will confirm who wants to participate so you can start or stop at any time (names are given out on the 1st of the month so you have to sign up before the 1st or you will have to wait until the next month.

I can't wait to show you pictures of what everyone else made...I think this is going to be great...really great!