Santa Sack Swap

I want to thank Cheryll@ http://santasackswap.blogspot.com/ for the work of  having the Santa swap.  This is the only thing that kept me sewing (though sporadically) this summer. Selina@http://selinaquilts.blogspot.com.au/2016/12/swaps-big-and-swaps-small.html made a fantastic swap partner.  She has become a friend which is even better, we converse on the phone occasionally and did so while opening our presents.  That added to the enjoyment of opening my lovely  gifts as each item was wrapped separately making it it a guessing game too.  I was being a good girl and hadn't even opened the box when Selina called, in fact I was in bed reading.  So I did not get photos of the wrapped items.

The pretty tin with chocolates was a huge  temptation to me.  I ate the two caramels and gave the rest to my DH.  He was a little jealous of all my pretties anyway.

I want to show that what I thought was some sort of netting at first is actually window screening. What a great idea, much sturdier.

There is also screening on the bottom giving it more uses than an regular tote.  I'm thinking veggies and fruits when shopping at the haymarket. Or even for the day at the beach for the wet swimsuits to get more air and sand goes right through so you won't be carting it in the house.

The Red work is so sweet on the little pillow and bird ornament below.  These both went on my shelf over my bed.

I enjoyed my festive placemats with matching coasters.  Selina also gave me a set of the templates she used so I can make other goodies. 

The placemats and coasters were reversible giving them double the use. 

I also received hand embossed all occasion cards.  I like sending notes and card so these will be used.

To me snowmen are not necessarily Christmas, so these will be sent this winter too.

I'm slowly switching to  fabric gift bags and this lovely zippered pouch will be gratefully added to my collection.  I figure if all the paper waste can be left to be gotten rid of by me, that they can also leave the reusable fabric bags. 

And last but not least, Selina also designed  me a personal Christmas Card.  It even has some hand stitching on it as well.  She is one talented lady with a large

 giving heart, who went above and beyond to see that I had a fantastic Santa swap.

Salina, I'm truly thankful we were matched up and have become friends.  Thank you 

May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.

                                                          NUMBERS 6:26

                                                                                                                 

I'm praying everyone reading this has a safe and blessed new year.