Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Silver Bella 2009: Swaps!!!

Oh...this was the night everyone had been waiting for...Thursday night Swap Fun! Right after the wonderful Welcome Dinner and group project, the Silver Bella beauty started coming out from all over the woodwork. I participated in only three swaps but I think there were 20 something swaps to choose from! There were crown swaps, ornament swaps, holiday swaps, charm swaps, apron swaps, banner swaps, ...you name it, they had it!

The three swaps that I participated in were the Holiday Fat Book Swap hosted by Michelle Geller; the Saint Tag Swap hosted by Gina Grable; and the Mini Art Quilt hosted by Sheila Rumney. All were just beautiful!

LOTS AND LOTS OF PHOTOS AHEAD!!!

Take your time and enjoy all of the little details!!!

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Let's start with the Mini Art Quilt...

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Sheila made this tag above, one for each of us, thanking us for participating in her swap. She attached the cutest little pin to wear in memory of the art quilt!!! Soooo sentimental, she's so sweet. I was glad to finally meet her in person.

To give you a little idea of how this swap was put together, each of the 16 participants had to make 4 mini art quilts and mail them to Sheila. There were no rules, no color scheme...just do what was on the top of your head and mail them to her. She then sewed the background and placed 4 mini art quilts onto each one. In return, each participant received one mini art quilt showcasing their work plus three other participants.

Here is my Mini Art Quilt...isn't it just fabulous? 

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It's amazing how everyone's art and tastes just came together so beautifully...

In the photo below, this one was my contribution...

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This beauty was made by Wendy Hue Robrecht...

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This one below was made by Joanna Lewis...

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And last but not least, this one was made by Kim Hesson...

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I cannot wait to hang this in my studio. Cannot wait I tell ya!!!! ;) First I need to find some wall space...I need a major renovation in there. Never mind...let's get back to the beautiful swaps!

Now...I hope you are still with me here and you are ready for some more mouth watering creations...

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Let me show you the Holiday Fat Book...

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First, let me tell you how this swap was put together. Each of the participants had to make (12) 6x6 fabric pages in a holiday theme of any color or style, as long as it was fabric and decorated on the front and the back. Once finished, we mailed them to the hostess. In return, she made the cover and bound 10 fabric pages together to make the Holiday Fat book, which each of us receiving a completed one.

I saw these last year and jumped at the chance to be included this year...they are simply amazing!!!!

Inside the front cover...

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The first page was made by Janet Doherty

front...

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back...

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The second page was made by Cynthia Flores

front...

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back...

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The third page was made by the hostess herself, Michelle Geller

front...

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back...

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The fourth page was made by Valerie Jones

front...

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back...

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The fifth page was made by Pamela Keravuori

front...

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back...

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The sixth page was made by yours truly...ME! :)

front...

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back...

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The seventh page was made by Sandra Marotti

front...

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back...

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The eighth page was made by Sandy Navarro

front...

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back...

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The ninth page was made by Cheryl Stoneham

front...

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back...

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And last but not least, the tenth page was made by Cherie Wilson

front...

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I must not have photographed the back...sorry Cherie :(

Michelle added this page in the inside rear cover...

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And she added this on the backside of the rear cover...too cute!

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I told you that you would have lots of eye candy here...I am known to tell the truth and nothing BUT the truth ;)

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Let's continue to my last swap, the Saint Tag Swap...

The same with the other two swaps, each participant was to make 13 tags of their favorite Saint, decorated front and back and mail them to the hostess. She in return put made tag books with each one of the participant's tags.

I loved being in these three swaps because I didn't have to worry about packing swap items in my suitcase and hoping they wouldn't get lost or broken. Having them mailed in was easy and I received them in completed form, ready for me to get my hands on them and enjoy the details! It's the only way to go but it is a LOT of work for the hostesses to complete all of these projects and bring them to Silver Bella. They deserve a lot of credit!!! ;)

Back to the Saint Tag Swap...

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All the beautiful tags were gathered on a key ring...

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Cynthia Flores...The Holy Child of Atocha

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Me...Saint Vincent de Paul

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Julie Baxley...Saint Clare of Assisi

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Sabrina Sane...Saint Peter

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Sandra Marotti...Saint Joseph

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Betsy Begens...Saint Francois

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Molly Quigley...Saint Anthony of Padua

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Wanda Clark...Saint Michael

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Wanda Clark...Saint Mark

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Pam Kern...Saint Bernadette

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Gina Grable...Jeanne d' Arc

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Peggy Lucas...Saint Therese

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Marlene...The Child Jesus

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And, that's it for my "real" Silver Bella swaps. Aren't they just beautiful? The best part about all of them is I just love having a piece of art from each and every one of these talented women. Every time I flip though the tags or the fat book or look at my mini art quilt, I see more little details that I missed the first time. These women are truly amazing. I'm so honored to be in the "mix" of them :)  I tried to link every one to their blog but some do not have a blog which makes it hard to keep in touch :(

Everyone should have a blog...what do you think?

32 comments:

Sandi said...

Whoa, I am the first to comment. Shock, where is everyone.

Great stuff. I am so happy you had such a great time.

Sandi
impatientcajun.blogspot.com

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

What a wonderful array of beautiful artworks.
Thanks for sharing.

icandy... said...

Hello, Jodie!
Everything is simply stunning... the Holy card tags are what I'm really drooling over~ they are exquisite! I love spiritual, iconic works and they are so wonderful!
Happy December 1ST!
Love and hugs,
Christina
ox

Inspired Comblogulations said...

So beautiful, these are heirlooms, and beautiful stories that tell of your life and those who created them.
Jodie, what a treasure. Just so pretty and chic.

Jodie vintage plus history is beautiful.

Lee

trash talk said...

For a minute I thought you were Bubba from "Forest Gump"...crown swaps, banner swaps, charm swaps...! That's a lot of swapping going on there. You weren't swapping anything you don't want to tell us about were you?
How lucky you were to be among all this talent (course I think you are the best...did I tell you you're my favorite?). I would never fit in...I can't even cut straight! I'm a little jealous. I've missed getting to meet Joanna by this much here in Dallas. I think she is so cute and I just love her blog!
Everything is just beautiful and you girls just knock me out with your talent and patience.
Debbie

Jane said...

Wow...that's all I can say!!! Beautiful art created by so many talented women and beautiful photography documenting the event. I thoroughly enjoyed every photo! Thanks for sharing your swap items.
Jane

Anonymous said...

Absolutely beautiful. The holy cards really impressed me.
QMM

Alison Gibbs said...

Jodie thanks for still sharing your Silver Bella treasures with us. Keep them coming
Alison

NicNacManiac said...

WOW...all of you ladies are so so talented!! The fat book is my favorite...all of that exquisite needle work!! Your mini quilt pieces are so lovely!! The tags are so inspirational and creative!!
Thanks for sharing these Jodie...I really want to be a Bella!!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Wow oh wow! Beautiful, wonderful, inspirational, just fabulous! I imagine you could sit down with these treasures every day and never tire of them. They will bring you such joy every time you look at them and certainly, each time will bring some little detail to the eye that you missed. Just love every single thing. I am gonna have to try to visit the blogs of as many of these talented ladies as I can. Blessings to you Jodie! Best wishes, :) Tammy

Anonymous said...

Hey chickadee!
I LOVE LUV you hear me LUV the fat book. As far as the renovation of the studio. I was bored the other day and was thinking bout your studio and came up with some ideas!! hehe I will have to show you the blue prints. Well its 1 something so off to bed I go. Went to see New Moon! loved it. ohhhh edward. hehe shhhh dont tell John. Big hugs
toodles-
Sarah

LiLi M. said...

Hey great to see you up here again! And what a great post! I love seeing all the detailing, what amazing swaps, you lucky girls!

Geralyn Gray said...

I believe...............in blogs and yes, Virginia you should have a blog.

GwendolynKay said...

There certainly is a lot of eye candy here. Everything is lovely! Have a blessed day!
Gwen

Debra@CommonGround said...

Hi Jodie dear, oh how I've missed you! and I'm so glad your feeling ready to get back to us. I just adore all of your swaps, but the saint tags are just breathtaking. Love them all.
Big hugs,
Debra

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

Jodie!! This is ALL gorgeous!!! I LOVE the fact book!! And the things you made are just AWESOME!
I can only imagine what a great experience that was!

You are one talented lady!!!

I will come greenery your house anytime girlfriend!!!

Have a great week!

Lou Cinda :)

zandra said...

Awesome! You gals are so talented! Love, love, love that fat book! It's a good thing we live so far apart! ;o) I'd have to sneek that baby home. LOL
Hugz, Z

Julie Ann said...

omg- There is so much eye candy in this post!! Swaps are soo wonderful, aren't they?! Each of these pieces is just so gorgeous! And I totally agree with you about being sad not everyone you want to keep in touch with having a blog... I'm glad you do!!!

Hope Ellington said...

Oh my mercy!!! These swaps are just beautiful. It is so neat to see all the different ones. I miss you and so wish that we could have spent more time together. It was fun just knowing we were together at a beautiful event. Have a wonderful holiday season, experiencing all the joys of CHRISTmas!!
Blessings~Hope

Caleen said...

wow.. such lovely swaps. They are really originals and so beautiful. Great artwork. So glad you had an amazing time.. Thanks for sharing your lovelies.. It would be a dream if I could attend silver bella.. So glad you were inspired.

Tara said...

My goodness! All the effort, thought and love that went into these projects is amazing! Everything is so beautifully put together. Eye candy is right! It looks like you Bellas certainly have a marvelous time and I bet you are already anticipating next time!

Cindy said...

Everything is just gorgeous! But I especially love the saint swap...everyone did just such a pretty job! Wonderful, wonderful!

-c
yapping cat

Joanna {sweet finds} said...

Hi Jodie,

Your pics are beautiful. I am glad you commented on my blog. I have been wondering who received my swap contributions. I got one of my own too... which I am happy about. :) I forgot to make myself one.

hugs, Joanna

Cheryl said...

Hi Jodie!
It's your Silver Bella airport buddy! :) I was so pleased that we got to chat at the airport and then, when I found out your page was in my fatbook...wow! I just wish we had more time to spend together, but, I'm sure we'll meet up at another event or Silver Bella next year. I am so sorry about your Dad....I lost mine about 7 years ago and still miss him. Just hang on to all those fun memories you have of your time together. I'll be talking with you again real soon, I'm sure.
Hugs,
Cheryl

A Fanciful Life said...

Oh, Miss Jodie! Silver Bella just goes on! What beautiful items you received in your swaps. It's so interesting to see the different versions, my holiday fabric fat book is different from yours so it's so fun to see the pages the other participants made. All of yours are just gorgeous. Just seeing the photos and reading yoru post makes me feel like we are right back there again. I just wish I could see your smiling face (hey, maybe you could post a photo!). It was such a wonderful event and I'm so glad for the opportunity to meet you in person. When did you say you were coming out to California? ;-)
Love you girl,
Sharon and Miss Gracie

Cassandra said...

WOW, How wonderful! Everything is so beautiful. Sounds like such an exciting time!

Thanks so much for sharing, and thanks for all the lovely comments you left me on my blog! Robin is such a sweet heart to mention me. I will be sure to come over and visit your beautiful blog again soon.

:) Cassandra

kana said...

Jodie,

Such beautiful photos of your swaps. I really love your fabric book and your page is great! The mini quilt is lovely as well!!

Tea said...

The little details are lovely and I enjoyed spending time looking at them all. Thanks for sharing.

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Jodie,

What an amazing lot of beautiful swaps you entered into.
Love all of your treasures.
I would want to look at the quilts and fat book and cards all day long.
Thank you so much for showing us all the incredible work.

Have a lovely weekend
Hugs
Carolyn

Stephanie O. said...

Just came over from visiting Pam this afternoon. How fun is to just blog hop and check in on everyone?

Hope you are having a good day. Love seeing your swaps. You were in some killer ones.

Pam @ Frippery said...

Gorgeous photos as usual. I think I will just send everyone here to see the Saint tag swap, you did such an excellent job of showing all the beautiful tags! Sorry I have been a bad blog bud lately. Trying to do better. I am glad to see you back. Hugs, Pam

Karen said...

How did I miss this post? I must be in LaLa land.
I sat next to Gina last Sat night at Kims. And Cynthia Flores was there too! Isn't Gina a kick? I just love her.
OK, need to take in the GORGEOUS! gorgeous things. My goodness, everyone did such a beautiful job. Joy told me this year's SIlver Bella swaps were the best ever - everything she got was just stunning! Looks to me like you experienced the same thing! Wow!
SO cool. Love each and every thing.
Lucky duck!