When I read that Heidi, of Foxgloves, Fabric and Folly, was hosting a Very Vintage Halloween Swap, I decided to see what the excitement was all about! You see, I had never participated in such an event and the more I read about it the more fun it sounded like it would be.
I knew right away I would love whatever my partner Viv, of Viv Lyn Designs, decided to send to me because I could tell we were pretty much on the same page from our e-mail conversations! The swap, in by book, had already been a great experience---even before I received my "loot"---, because I had the pleasure of "meeting" Viv through our e-mails.
My goodness, was I in for a number of wonderful surprises when my gift arrived!
This is what I saw when I first opened the box Viv sent to me! What a fun way to start!
Next to the "secret envelope" was a plastic sheath which contained a vintage Halloween"tally"card (I think that was used for a bridge game) AND a vintage "J & P Coats" advertising card with the cutest little witch and black cat on it!! Both items are amazing!
Under the packing peanuts were ALL of thess gifts!!!! Viv had wrapped them in black tissue and wonderful vintage seam binding and orange ribbons. She also attached darling handmade tags!
This beautiful Glitter Crow was the first surprise to be unwrapped. I LOVE the turn of his head!!!
I love him!
These black candles are PERFECT for a vintage Halloween look!
And they look divine with these!!!!
Wooooo-Hooooooo! Aren't these just the NEATEST mercury glass candlesticks--ever!!! She made them even better by attaching coffee-dyed cheesecloth (which she did herself) and the most wonderful sparkly spider pin!!! I will find many uses for these amazing candlesticks---long after Halloween is gone.
I just gasped when I opened this beautiful beaded length with a gorgeous tassel on each end! It will be wonderful incorporated into so many spots! Viv thought they would look good on one of my hammered aluminum trays---she is so right!!
This sweet little vintage kitty print looks very similar to my black cat, Frankie! It's just precious and the frame is a perfect "vintagey" touch.
I just love these beaded garlands! They will be draped on my black feather tree (well, it's an imitation feather tree, but it's still pretty neat). It will be even neater when decked out with these beads!
Frankie LOVED looking at his "image" on the beaded garland packages and playing in some of the orange ribbons!
Frankie LOVES Halloween!
Twiggy enjoyed the tissue paper!!!
This is Twiggy's first Halloween, and so far, she seems to like all of the decorations!
LOOK at this wonderful card Viv made! She knows how much I love rabbits and cats! Viv is so great with card design and construction---you should check out some of her work on her blog!!
She even sent THE STONE RABBIT and me wonderful Halloween collars!!! They are made out of strips of shear ribbons, with shiny Jack-o-lanterns attached to the ends!
I do believe we look very festive!!!!
Whoa! And speaking of FESTIVE!!!
How beautiful does this all look together!
Viv, do you see who is wearing the other little collar?
I think Glitter Crow looks fabulous in orange glitz!
Thank you, Viv, for the wonderful swap gifts---I am crazy about everything and so grateful that I met you through this fun event!!! Viv shared the items I gave to her earlier---you can see them by going to her post (here)!
If you visit Heidi at her blog, Foxgloves, Fabric and Folly, you will find links to all of those who participated in the Very Vintage Halloween Swap. Everyone is showing off their terrific treasures, too!
DANA
PS I can tell you thought I forgot to mention the contents of the "secret envelope". Nope, I didn't forget, but it's a secret! ;-)
WOW! What a fabulous swap! The Stone Rabbit looks great with his new collar.
Can I borrow those candlesticks? They are to die for!
Posted by: Donna | October 07, 2008 at 10:07 PM
Hi Dana,
Looks like you had a great swap! I may have to join in on something like this in the future!
You and the stone rabbit are very photogenic!
diane
Posted by: Diane@A Picture is worth.... | October 08, 2008 at 04:17 AM
What a beautiful treasure chest of Halloween goodies. Yes, they do look great all together too. I like Stone Rabbit's collar. Happy Halloween. Karen
Posted by: karen | October 08, 2008 at 05:05 AM
Hi Dana, Great Loot! I LOVE the candlesticks!!! ...especially adorned with the spider and cheesecloth bows! The collars were cute and unique too! Great swap! ~Rhonda :)
Posted by: Rhonda | October 08, 2008 at 05:41 AM
Dana, you even received some 'vintage' candlestick holders. Yeh! I tried to find something vintage and failed. I believe your card that is framed may be vintage too. It is clear that your partner was thinking of you and the stone rabbit when she made the collars. How cute.
You did good girl!
However, I may not visit you again unless you tell me what is in the envelope NOW!
Hugs..Jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | October 08, 2008 at 05:58 AM
Hi Dana, Your first swap was a doozey. Love all your items. ~ Lynn
Posted by: Lynn@thevintagenest | October 08, 2008 at 06:45 AM
What an awesome swap box of goodies! You certainly will have fun this Halloween. I assume the open last envelope will stay a secret?
Posted by: Tamy ~ 3 Sides of Crazy | October 08, 2008 at 06:58 AM
Wow Dana!
What a stash! I love it all. I'm VERY curious about the secret envelope though. wink!
I saw what you sent to her too. You did good girl!
Happy Halloween.
Hugs!
Kat
Posted by: Kat | October 08, 2008 at 07:06 AM
Oh-h-h-h, you got such sweet goodies! I love them all. Those candlesticks are TO DIE FOR! Love those fun collars, too!
Kitty
Posted by: Kitty | October 08, 2008 at 07:11 AM
My goodness, it looks like Christmas at Halloween!
What a sweetie for sending you such warm and thoughtful gifts.
Jill xoo
Posted by: jill | October 08, 2008 at 07:25 AM
OMG Dana, you had the best-est swap partner...LOOK at all your goodies!!! She did a fabulous job and I LOVE all of it. The stone rabbit and the crow look especially wonderful in their bling collars...cute, CUTE!!
Posted by: Darlene | October 08, 2008 at 07:34 AM
Hello,
Love the real cat, Frankie and the glitter crow!
~ Gabriela ~
Posted by: Gabriela Delworth | October 08, 2008 at 08:00 AM
What a fabulous swap! You girls really did it up right. The collars are so clever and I love the black cat glittery cone you made for Viv.
Posted by: Holley | October 08, 2008 at 08:16 AM
What a totally awesome swap! Love all the loot :)
Posted by: MrPuffy | October 08, 2008 at 08:49 AM
I think the mercury glass candle holders are my favorite....lucky you!!
Posted by: Sheri Ingrande | October 08, 2008 at 09:00 AM
Boo! Boo! Boo!
I love all of your spooky goodies.
And, you and The Stone Rabbit are both spooky and special in your collars.
Posted by: Beverly | October 08, 2008 at 09:07 AM
Wow, some spooktacular gifts you received there :)
Blessings,
Sher
Posted by: Sher's Creative Expressions | October 08, 2008 at 09:32 AM
This is an awesome swap box! WOW! Such wonderful goodies! Enjoy!
Posted by: Kim V | October 08, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Me again Dana, I covet those mercury glass pieces you got. :)
Dana when you have a minute can you email me at:
[email protected]
Posted by: Lynn@thevintagenest | October 08, 2008 at 01:32 PM
You got some wonderfully cute things my dear! And anything that makes kitties happy, well, even better!
: D
c
Posted by: Cindy | October 08, 2008 at 01:57 PM
The collars look great on "Glitter Crow" and "The Stone Rabbit"!! I am so glad you liked everything and thank you for linking my blog with your goodies to me! This was a really fun swap and ready to do it again!
Posted by: Viv (VivLyn) | October 08, 2008 at 05:08 PM
Love all the goodies you got, and the stone rabbit is looking oh so cute in his new costume : )
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | October 08, 2008 at 06:03 PM
Hi Dana. Hope you're doing good. I just love the black cat card. :)
Posted by: Alexandra | October 08, 2008 at 07:01 PM
Wow...what a haul! Viv is creative and VERY generous too! And I think the stone rabbit looked very dapper decked out for Halloween!
Posted by: nikki | October 08, 2008 at 09:52 PM
Hi Dana, looks like you got some great gifts from your swap partner. I just love the matching collars she made for you and the Stone Rabbit. Too cute!
Love, Ann
Posted by: Anne Fannie | October 08, 2008 at 10:58 PM
Great swap Dana! Wonderful packages filled with delightful hallowe'en goodies!
Posted by: Pat | October 09, 2008 at 04:42 AM
Hi Dana,
What a fabulous bounty you have there, and Stone Rabbit is looking very festive :)
I'm going to have to stain a batch of cheesecloth now! Wow!
Hugs,
Dena
Posted by: Dena | October 09, 2008 at 07:02 AM
OMGosh....this is the most wonderful Halloween gifts! I am totally loving every single thing she sent to you. And,knowing you and your fabulous decorating talents, you will have it all looking soooo spiffy!!
I am leaving town Sat. morn. for a WHOLE week and YOU WON'T TELL ME WHAT's IN THE ENVELOPE!! :O(
Posted by: bj | October 09, 2008 at 08:31 AM
Hello again Dana!
I also wanted to thank you so much for your sweet comments while I was away celebrating my anniversary! I appreciate them and your friendship!
This looks like such a wonderful swap! Viv really outdid herself on finding perfect goodies! I love the crow the best.
Hugs, Pat
Posted by: Pat | October 09, 2008 at 09:42 AM
Wowee, Kazoweee, you hit the jackpot. What a wonderful and generous box of gifts. Woohooo, I am loving all this halloween/fall excitement. It is fun to see your presents.
Blessings,
Debbie
Posted by: Debbie Booth | October 09, 2008 at 12:32 PM
What an amazingly huge haul! I'm loving the halloween collars ;-)
Posted by: Rachael Rabbit | October 09, 2008 at 04:35 PM
Hi Dana :)
I just finished catching up with you too! Everything from the rally to the pink posts and I had a ball reading them :)
Heidi asked me to do this swap and I should have, but I'm a chicken LOL I love your gifts and the stone rabbit looks smashing!
Hugs for you sweet friend :)
rue
Posted by: rue | October 10, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Wow! What beautiful gifts! I love each item:)
Posted by: Stacey Newton | October 10, 2008 at 05:28 PM
What spooky treasures! I just love it all!
And those pink snowballs...Too much fun!
I always have such a great time when I drop in!
Becky
Posted by: Wonders Never Cease | October 10, 2008 at 06:20 PM
What spooky treasures! I just love it all!
And those pink snowballs...Too much fun!
I always have such a great time when I drop in!
Becky
Posted by: Wonders Never Cease | October 10, 2008 at 06:20 PM
What spooky treasures! I just love it all!
And those pink snowballs...Too much fun!
I always have such a great time when I drop in!
Becky
Posted by: Wonders Never Cease | October 10, 2008 at 06:20 PM
What a wonderful box full of goodies. My favorites are those awesome candlesticks, and The Stone Rabbit's collar!
Shannon
Posted by: Shannon | October 10, 2008 at 06:37 PM