Beauty in a box...and a few other things

 In my last post, I mentioned the "Paris Wall Pocket Swap" being hosted by my Marie Antoinette Mail Art group.  I also shared the gorgeous supplies my swap partner, Wanda, sent me.

 I've started working on my wall pocket and let me tell you, it was HARD deciding which supplies to use and where... they are all so beautiful; I have to be careful not to overdo things and make it look "junky."   My late mother-in-law, Bebe, and I would joke about both of us (or neither) never knowing when to just stop ("put the project down")... always wanting to add "one more pretty thing."  I've had to learn to edit - and that will always be a challenge for me, I think.

Today I'm sharing the supplies I sent Wanda for her wall pocket.

This recycled fabric box, tied with a vintage velvet ribbon and a handmade tag... contained fabrics and ribbons.

 Many of the supplies came from my stash of vintage fabrics and laces, but I did go on the hunt for some special pieces.

My search lead to me a wholesale fabric place about 32 miles from home...  a huge facility that caters to designs and crafters alike... their selection is incredible, and their pricing is competitive.

I was there for over two hours and still didn't see everything!

I have to admit that I was a bit derailed by the 50+ bins near the entrance.  They were labelled "European scaps."  And there I stayed for at least one full hour, digging through it all.  ((sigh))

 

Those of you who have swapped with me know that I love the presentation part of exchanging gifts....   I have been known to leave a pretty package unopened for a bit because I am reluctant to even undo a bow!   

 

 

A little vintage box filled with pink embellishments, silk ribbon and a handmade rosette.

 

 

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Some handmade ribbon and fabric flowers...  this was the most stressful part for me, as my very talented swap partner makes the MOST AMAZING silk flowers I've ever seen!  She sells them here...

I'm truly an amateur in this arena.  My flowers tend to be asymmetrical and not perfect; I love the scrunched and shabby look of them.

Ribbons and laces, both newer and vintage.

 

We were to include a couple of "Marie" images.

 These were printed on silk habotai.

 

Another peek inside the box... 

 

 I can't wait to see Wanda's Paris Wall Pocket; I know it will be extraordinaire!

 

(p.s. I'm sharing my pretty pink supplies with Beverly and her Pink Saturday party)

 

 

Comments

[Ann]

The supplies are gorgeous and inspiring. The colors are so pretty--all wrapped in beauty.
Ann

[Stephanie]

Wow. Someone is going to be so happy to open every little treasure. I just love all the details.

[Kandy]

Happy Pink Saturday!
It is always nice to see what each lovely lady is up to...and the creativity that flows...I pray that you all have a blessed week !
Please come by my blog anytime...I love having you!
God Bless......Kandy

[tabitha]

your goodies are amazing.....your stash must be to die for

[Marie Arden Pink Living]

All those bits and lace are so pretty. It is fun to wrap gifts--I love to add things to a package also.
Happy Pink Saturday

[monah]

Hi,

I am visiting you on Pink Saturday.

Your post brings back good memories of going thru boxes of sewing embellishments of which my Mom had a lot. We looked at them every so often & then put them back until the next time we looked. Yours are the beautiful type that you want to look at & admire & somehow they make you feel good inside.

Please visit me if you can.

monah

[Mrs. Tricia K.]

Happy March Mercedes!! Wow ~ How lucky is that Wanda!!!! Beautiful items and post..she is going to be pleased as punch!!!
You sooo have me laughing...as your mother in law states...knowing "when to put down the project" I completely have the same tendancies!!! Too Funny!!! Is that fabric store you headed out to named the Fabric Outlet store up on the North West End Of town on 169? If so... Ive been there too and it is a crazy place!!!

Thank you for the comment on my flickr page regarding my biridee box. Ive been into making some biride favors to send down to Karla Nathan for her Birdsong 2 event...so wish I could go!!! Big Old Bummer ...I'm not!!! But it sure looks like fun!
Also, just wanted to let you know I just found Cassandra's Easter swap using egg cartons...deadline to sign up is this coming Tuesday 3/6. Something to think about!!!

I hope you have a wonderful day Mercedes!!!
Very pretty post...what fun for you ...making something oh so pretty for someone else!!!
Take Care, Tricia

[Warm Heart Bears]

This looks like it was a very fun project. I love all of your laces! Happy Pink Saturday.

[Cathy Scalise]

What a great stash of goodies you sent. I'm sure her wall pocket will be outstanding. I absolutely know what you mean about "editing" and trying to stop "adding" pretties to a new creation.

I almost Never know when to quit, especially with a studio full of gorgeous trims and glitters. I just want to play all day. LOL

Have a great Pink Saturday,

Cathy

[marti]

Hi Mercedes: Yur supplies are lovely! I'm sure Wanda will be inspired to create you something lovely. And your presentation of the supplies is so sweet. Happy Pink Saturday. ~Marti

[Roselle]

Wow... Can I live in that box? It's all so delicious! I'm like you, sometimes I'd rather not even open the package. I think your fabric flowers are gorgeous.
Happy Pink Saturday.
Roselle