Between all the decorating madness and holiday preparations, I was pleasantly surprised when the always lovely, Carrie, invited some of her crafty friends to join in a holiday stocking swap. As you know, I am not much of a "sewer" so when Carrie said we could embellish an already made stocking, I was in! I LOVE to embellish!
Once our lists of favorite things were completed, Carrie randomly matched us up. My partner was Deirdre, who just happened to be my wonderful ride all around Dallas last year. It's great being partnered with someone you know, if only a bit. Turns out that Deirdre likes creams, taupe's, vintage, lace and is not a huge fan of jewel tones. I couldn't have gotten a better match.
I used all my best bits and pieces of lace and had the best time turning this sweet velvet stocking from Pottery Barn into a vintage lovely. We filled the stockings with pretties as well ~ of course, right?
I jumped on the "sleigh" of Mason Jar craze this year and made Deirdre my version of a shaker inspired by Anthropologie's darling snow globes. With a few tree dying tips from my friend, Karla, I was a bleaching maniac. I actually dyed this little pink tree using packets of Crystal Light Pink Lemonade. I had so much fun that I made them to use as place cards for an upcoming holiday party.
I wanted to include a piece of handmade jewelry for Deirdre as well. I made her a bracelet using my talented friend, Jamie's, wonderful layered bracelet technique that she taught us at a recent get together.
and a collection of treasures is ready to go with some holiday cheer. Thank you Carrie for including me in such a great idea! Crossing my fingers she likes it!



































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I LOVE the tiny tree in the shaker..... great idea!! You did a great job, Kim but wouldn't have expected anything differently from you. Your partner will die when she sees it.... lucky girl!
Posted by: kadee | December 09, 2011 at 01:06 PM
It's just STUNNING and she's going to love each and everything in it! I'm SO thrilled that I live right next door to Deirdre so I'll get to see the yumminess in person!!!! Merry Christmas Sweetie. XOXO
Posted by: Jana Perenchio | December 09, 2011 at 01:57 PM
This stocking is sooooooo dreamy.....L-U-V it :) Hugs!
Posted by: Erin Barraza | December 10, 2011 at 07:48 AM
Oh my lord she will love it....so lacey, and cream and gor-geous!
Posted by: Linda L | December 10, 2011 at 03:38 PM
I love that little salt shaker too! Neat idea! I'm sure your swap partner will be thrilled with all the pretty Christmas things. Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Angela | December 11, 2011 at 12:10 PM
lovely.....so wish i had a creative group of ladies near me who wanted to participate in a swap. can't wait to see the stocking you received from her!
Cheers
Rochelle
Posted by: Rochelle | December 11, 2011 at 05:04 PM
What's NOT TO LOVE???? What a great job in creating both the stocking & all the goodies. She will be over the moon! Can't wait to see what you get in return! Merry Christmas! HUGS!
Charlene
Posted by: Charlene | December 13, 2011 at 10:07 PM
Beauty all around!!!
Posted by: Maija Lepore | December 17, 2011 at 08:45 PM
Thanks for the tip on transforming a bottle brush tree with Crystal Light pink lemonade. It worked perfectly!
Posted by: Marian | December 20, 2011 at 06:15 AM
Lucky girl!! Everything you made is gorgeous!! The little salt shaker tree is just darling. Sending Happy New Year wishes ~ xxoo Heidi
Posted by: Heidi Meyer | December 29, 2011 at 08:09 PM