Christmas swapsies

I think I signed up for a record number of swaps over the festive period. I really enjoyed putting them together and it gave me the opportunity to make some lovely decorations.

You may remember last year I signed up for an Advent Swap and I enjoyed it so much I did it again this year. The idea was to send 25 small items and I loved choosing the little items and wrapping them. Of course I was equally happy to open a small gift every day through Advent! I was paired with Melanie, aka The Patchwork Robin, who sent me a lovely selection of items. I hung her gifts from a coat hanger to stop my children from opening them all.

Again like last year I also joined in with Faith, Hope and Charity Shopping vintage Christmas swap. We had to send our partners a mixture of items: something second hand, something handmade and something relating to a Christmas carol or song. I made my partner three felt decorations and received a brilliant parcel from Tracey who blogs at Single Married Mum. She used a vintage box as packaging which is a great idea. I also love the knitted donkey which looks perfect on our tree.

Craftaholics Anonymous organise two swaps a year and I’ve previously signed up to the Summer Handmade Gift Exchange. My partner for the 2012 Handmade Gift Exchange Holiday 2012 was Jenn who knitted me a gorgeous washcloth as well as a knitted sleeve for my takeaway hot chocolates!

Finally, I signed up for the 2012 Secret Santa Bloggers Gift Exchange. It was a secret exchange so I can’t tell you what I sent my partner but I received the perfect package from my Secret Santa. Gingerbread cutters, chocolate, a gingerbread man ornament and a lovely tin.