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Friday, December 10, 2010

Summertime Season Exchange

A month or so ago I joined in a season table swap ~ I love to make things and I loved the idea of recieving something made for me by someone who doesn't know me, just for the fun of it ~
On December 1st I sent off my little summer parcel ~

 I made up a new mermaid pattern from the mermaid tutorial I posted a wee while ago. This one is a little slimmer and I made her tail more of a fin by not stuffing it at all and quilting and beading it. My big girl loved her (even tried to hide her...) and was quite sad to see her go. So yesterday I made some shimmery green felt to make her one in time for a Christmas surprise.
 I also dyed some fine muslin in summer beach colours and the big girl picked out a pretty shell from her holiday collection. We made a pretty little wet on wet watercolour card and wrote out some words from Alison Lesters book Magic Beach

Into the kingdom of fishes we go,
riding on sea dragons' tails,
Angelfish ferry a cargo of pearls
past creeping convoys of snails.


The day before yesterday we recieved our gifts...
"Mother summer and her little gnome bring flowers and bright colours to delight the land" 
 Isn't she lovely? and her little gnome so sweet. Their colours remind me of summer sunsets.
Thank you Kris, you are right, it was fun!

11 comments:

Seaside Siblings said...

They are both stunning, beautiful and very inspiring.

Southern Season Exchange said...

Oh Yeah! They are both such beautiful creations!I can't tell you how lovely it has been to hear back from people who have participated, and the anticipation of sending a parcel and receiving one! Thanks so much for participating!

m. bloom said...

I had fun participating, too, and it was lovely to see the surprises contained in the package you received! Here's a link to my blog post re: the exchange http://webloomhere.blogspot.com/2010/12/southern-hemisphere-seasonal-exchange.html

Cheers!
MB

m. bloom said...

Hello again -- I left a note for you over on my blog as a follow up to your comment... I wanted to continue the conversation via email but cannot find an email link on your profile. Please email me! I have a fun idea to share...

xo
P.

Natalie @ the little gnomes home said...

Your mermaid is gorgeous! - I love the colour and the beaded tail. Inspired by your earlier tutorial I also made a mermaid for the swap (will upload pictures of her once I receive my parcel so as not to spoil the surprise)
Thanks for the inspiration - I really enjoy your blog

Anonymous said...

She is beautiful Shannon! I don't blame your daughter for trying to hide her :) She will be so happy at Christmas when she realizes she has her own!

Natalie @ the little gnomes home said...

Hi Shannon, Could you please let me know where I may find seagrass cord - similar to what you used to make your gorgeous little basket? Also, I have posted a picture of my mermaid (thanks for your inspiration!) however have sadly just heard that it has been confiscated by NZ customs :(
Many thanks, Natalie

softearthart said...

Oh so lovely, cheers Marie

S said...

I get the 4mm seagrass cord from Oxlades School Art Supplies. I have also seen it in pet shops and on ebay - apparently birds like to eat it.

anna said...

What an amazing swap! I love your beautiful mermaid and it's so nice to hear about something going on in my own hemisphere (I found you over at the magic onions). A mermaid is just perfect for the summer. You've definitely inspired me to try making one of my own. Thank you!

Cheryl said...

What a sweet mermaid. Absolutely beautiful. I'm not surprised that your daughter wanted to keep her. We have the same problem in our household! Mother Summer is beautiful. Lucky you!