Today is the final day of this week's birthday celebration blog candy posts. Happy Birthday to me! *grin* Thank you to everyone who has participated, and sent along birthday wishes! I hope you've enjoyed the celebration as much as I have.
Birthday Celebration: Day 5
Today's packet includes 36 sheets of 6x6 paper (Melissa Frances and Provo), a "29 Again" cling set (Whipper Snapper), two journaling clear stamps (Heather Bailey for Autumn Leaves), a Little Dancer clear set (Crafty Secrets), a set of butterfly cards (Memory Box), a set of large deckled edge nestabilities (Spellbinders), and a paper distresser (Tim Holtz for Tonic).
If you would like to be entered into the drawing for this set of goodies, please leave a comment on this post. I'd like to know, what's your favorite handmade item to give as a gift?
I'll be choosing one name from the comments on Friday, October 8th at 9:00AM! Central -- be sure you leave your name!
Birthday Celebration: Day 4
Yesterday, I asked you about your favorite crafting tool. It's fun to read through the posts -- lots of die cutting machines mentioned, adhesive, scoring boards, and even coloring mediums! My favorite tool is simple, and if you've been seeing my crafty projects long enough, you probably have a pretty good guess what it is ...
This little tool is my favorite crafting tool. It's a tracing wheel used by seamstresses. I just happen to use mine on paper and wood! When rolled across paper and soft woods, it leaves marvelous faux stitching lines which I adore!
I love this little tool so much that I have collected a handful of vintage varieties! My favorite of the vintage wheels is the one in the lower left. It leaves little dashes, rather than little round dots. And imagine my delight when I found the double-wheel'd tool! Oooooh, fun! The one at the top is more of a weapon than anything else - those points are SHARP!! But it's fun to have it in the collection.
One name has been selected from yesterday's blog candy drawing. The winner of the Birthday Celebration: Day 4 package of goodies is Kelly Schirmer!!
Kelly says:
"EEK, I love when you get your crafty on!! That owl card is amazing! I have to say my favorite tool is the sponge dauber, hee! Pair one with Tim Holtz Distress Inks, and I can almost fake coloring! I love the ones that you buy that have the little plastic handles...big, small, medium, I don't care, those things are great!"
Get in touch with me Kelly, and I'll get your package of goodies out right away!
Ok I've fallen behind on your posts so while trying to catch up I noticed this post and it made me laugh. I love my tracing wheel after seeing all of your creations with yours and a few weeks ago I found a vintage one in a misc bag of stuff at an estate sale and I had to have it. Sadly when we got to the car and opened the bag to test it we discovered that the wheel doesn't spin. Oh well. It will look cute on a shelf. Love your collection. I'm still on the hunt for a vintage/working one. :)
Posted by: Beth M | October 26, 2010 at 12:18 PM
Happy birthday, Anna! I just got this blog entry today so that is why I am LATE! SORRY! Hope it was great!
Posted by: Janet Sisk | October 08, 2010 at 01:43 PM
Oh, I love to make handmade calendar's with pictures on it of the previous year so that my family has scrapbooks of there grandkids. I love your blog. What a fun giveaway. Jamie
Posted by: jamie burkett | October 08, 2010 at 08:14 AM
Gee...I am off to my (antique treadle machine) to search in drawers for my tracing wheel..been a long time since I have used it...everything comes back around in a new use...hence I "save" everything!!!Happy Birthday!!! My current gift is "books" I make for my family and friends, last year it was "red pepper jelly" what a hit!!!
Posted by: nkmac | October 08, 2010 at 07:50 AM
I love creating memory books. One year I made a family recipe book and gave everyone a copy. This year I am making a digital album of our last family reunion. My husbands grandmother has alzheimers and I thought this might help trigger some memories for her. Then have I'll have it printed on Shutterfly (or wherever I can get the best price) and BAM! Christmas gifts done.
Posted by: Amy D | October 08, 2010 at 07:37 AM
Happy Birthday, Birthday Girl!
My fav homemade gift would have to be the paper craft items I receive that emphisis my love for horses and farm critters. I just can't get enough of them!!
Enjoy your day and (((hugs)))) to the farmyard friends!
Posted by: leslie | October 08, 2010 at 07:09 AM
I like to make little mini scrapbooks on pictures I have taken on someones visit to our area of the world. It is something they will always have to look at and so much fun to make. By the way I hope yesterday was a terrific day for ya!
Posted by: Mecah Dow | October 08, 2010 at 06:44 AM
OMGoodness, I have some tools called "pounce wheels" that look just like that top right wheel, also very sharp :)
Posted by: Cindy H. | October 08, 2010 at 06:37 AM
I like to make and give handmade mini books. What a great week of birthday celebrations.
Posted by: Yvonne Russell | October 08, 2010 at 06:18 AM
Happy Birthday Anna!
My favorite homemade gift is baby blankets. Ever since I learned to crochet, this has been one of my favorite things to do.
Posted by: Anne S | October 08, 2010 at 06:16 AM
I love giving all the homemade jams that I make from all the fruit I harvest from the trees in my yard. Apples, pears, plums mmmmm good.
Posted by: Kathryn Scaletta | October 08, 2010 at 06:10 AM
i'll have to keep a look out for some of those vintage tools. love them! I like giving food, bread, cookies, cakes and slices :)
Posted by: Alyssa B | October 08, 2010 at 06:01 AM
I love your blog! Not only the wonderful ideas that you come up with but I love to read about you life on the farm. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
Posted by: Lynn Engelhart | October 08, 2010 at 06:00 AM
Celebrating the day you were born! How very special, Anna! You were put here to make people smile. You sure do a great job!
Posted by: Mary Anne K. | October 08, 2010 at 05:21 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
My fave gift is to make candy, cookies, or other food item cute and surprise someone for no reason other than to show love.
Posted by: MichelleH | October 08, 2010 at 04:54 AM
Hope you had a great birthday week.
My favorite handmade gift is the cross-stitch Christmas stockings I have made for my favorite kiddos. My neice still uses hers and she is 22. lately, it's been cards and jars of home-made strawberry jam.
Posted by: Sally | October 08, 2010 at 04:50 AM
You've motivated me to get out my tracing wheel and apply it to paper. Love your collection. My favorite gift to give is anything handmade, card sets being my favorite. Happy Birthday week!
Posted by: Carrie C | October 08, 2010 at 04:15 AM
I love your collection of antique tracing wheels, Anna! My favorite homemade gift to give other than a handmade card is homemade applebutter. I make it most holidays and give to people I work with. Some save their canning jar and give it back to me each year to fill again. It's a fun tradition.
Posted by: Kittie Caracciolo | October 08, 2010 at 03:07 AM
I think my favorite homemade gift item is to make homemade cookies and goodies and then creating a fun container and card to go along with them.
Posted by: Catherine Kraft | October 07, 2010 at 11:50 PM
Happy Birth-day and a happy day every day. I enjoy making handmade card sets placed in decorative handmade bags/boxes to fit the occasion. Sometimes I'd include homemade cookies, bread or candies. My gfs love receiving these and many times even special order some to give to others. I definitely make use of all my supplies.
Posted by: MarilynY | October 07, 2010 at 11:14 PM
I love to give scrapbooks that I have made simple pages up with a few embellishments on each page - ready to fill with the recipients pictures of choice. I also like to give a grouping of cards, sometimes the same design, sometimes very different.
Birthday blessings to you, you very talented lady!
Posted by: Jenn Brown | October 07, 2010 at 09:26 PM
Well it's been a blast celebrating your BDay with you. You favorite tool is really cool (hey I'm a poet and didn't know it!) UGH!! - Seriously that one does look like a weapon of some kind but I love what you do with them.
My favorite Handmade gift would have to be a card. I'm not much into other crafts - can't sew worth a diddly (whatever that is)don't knit, crochet or draw so card making is my kind of crafting.
Posted by: Ida | October 07, 2010 at 09:18 PM
My favorite thing to give is handmade holiday ornaments. I try to come up with a new design each year. Lately they've been paper ornaments, but in the past I've also made angels out of pinecones and added lots of glitter to sand dollars.
Posted by: michelle l | October 07, 2010 at 08:01 PM
Happy Birthday!
My favorite handmade gift would be cards. Boxed up with a nice bow.
Posted by: Pam J | October 07, 2010 at 07:38 PM
You really know how to throw a party Anna!
Posted by: Sue from Oregon | October 07, 2010 at 07:02 PM
I hope you have a huge, happy birthday!!
I love to receive anything that people have put some thought into. lol :o)
Posted by: Alyssa S | October 07, 2010 at 06:13 PM
Happy Birthday to you today!
My favorite handmade gift would be cookies. If it's a baby gift, then designer burpcloths that I make.
Thanks for a chance to win.
Posted by: Judy Inhoff | October 07, 2010 at 05:50 PM
Hi Anna! I don't know - to be honest - what I would consider my favorite hand-made gift item. As I think back over the years, it seems like I've given lots of cross-stitched ornaments for the Christmas tree. Sadly, I don't cross stitch any longer but the tags you posted (next post) done in holiday theme might make a fun substitute!
I am delighted with your tracing wheels - how fun! AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!
Hugs!
Posted by: Sharli | October 07, 2010 at 05:50 PM
I love to give away handmade cards, covered notebooks, and baked goodies. I love making those things, and they are always appreciated!
Posted by: Deenie | October 07, 2010 at 05:36 PM
I have one of those tracing wheels somewhere but I never remember to use it. First I have to find it. Thanks for the reminder. I love to make pieces of altered art for my friends and family. I also like to alter wedding invitations and of course all is given with a handmade card.
Posted by: Kim C. | October 07, 2010 at 05:16 PM
Happy Birthday! I hope you have had a wonderful week! My favorite home made gifts are cards and food!
Posted by: Jessie McLaughlin | October 07, 2010 at 04:44 PM
I love to give away platters of Christmas cookies with a handstamped card or tag. Another fave would be my canned salsa or jams. My mom prefers a box of handstamped cards!!! Happy Birthday Anna!
Posted by: Kris A | October 07, 2010 at 04:33 PM
I love giving away home made goodies!!! Who doesn't love home made cookies or swedish nuts or anything else homemade???? Gotta love a sweet!!!!!
Posted by: Theresa Grdina | October 07, 2010 at 04:26 PM
Happy Birthday again! Hope you have a wonderful day and get lots of presents! And cake! :D
My hands down favorite home made present to give is decorated wooden letters. I make them for new baby gifts- spelling out the baby's name. I paint the letters, then cover the front with patterned paper and decorate with handmade paper flowers (for the girls), stamped images, ribbons, buttons, glitter etc. I have a few posted on my blog- snowmominks.blogspot.com - if you want to take a peek. I've also made some spelling out the different seasons.
So much fun and everyone loves them.
Posted by: Anette Eakins | October 07, 2010 at 03:53 PM
What a great idea! I have one of those in my sewing box. It rarely gets used. HHMM I think I know where it's new home will be. I'm a decorative painter also so when I give special gifts, it's usually a painted treasure.
Posted by: Michelle | October 07, 2010 at 03:49 PM
I LOVE these tags!!
Homemade bread is what I love to give away best!
Posted by: Janine | October 07, 2010 at 03:21 PM
Happy Birthday again. What a fun week it has been. In case you didn't know, you can get tracing wheels that are smooth so they would just leave an indented line. As for gift giving, my favorite is making calendars. I make them for my kids and stamping friends. I am working on them now. Thanks again for a fun week and hope you have a great weekend.
Posted by: karen q | October 07, 2010 at 03:13 PM
I love the tracing trails on all your cards! My favourite gift to give is a handmade notepad and matching beaded pen. They're fun to make and everyone likes them!
Posted by: Kelly Bee | October 07, 2010 at 03:08 PM
I've always wondered how you made those neat faux stitching lines!!! My favorite handmade item to make is a calendar. I love creating an overall theme and then finding images that represent each month. The recipients always love them too! Happy Birthday week ;) Enjoy your celebration and this fabulous weather!!!!
Posted by: Kimberly O'Rosky | October 07, 2010 at 02:31 PM
Thanks for the great giveaway. Happy birthday. My favorite gift is definitely an altered item, like a journal.
Posted by: Janet B | October 07, 2010 at 02:09 PM
Love the little snowman.... makes me wish for snow. My favorite handmade gift is the post-it note holders. Thanks for the chance to win blog candy! Suzy Gloth
Posted by: Suzy Gloth | October 07, 2010 at 01:48 PM
That is a really cool tool that I never thought of to try!! I will be getting mine out and giving it a whirl! Thanks!! I think my favorite gift to give is a set of handmade cards. I like to coordinate everything including the wrap with the card set! Everything must match! Too fun! Besides, it gives me an excuse to stamp and create!!
Posted by: Connie Gregoire | October 07, 2010 at 01:45 PM
Happy Birthday Anna!!! Enjoy your day!!! My favorite handmade gift to give is cards. I also had fun making X-mas ornaments one year...
Posted by: Carmen | October 07, 2010 at 01:34 PM
Your faux stitching convinced me to find one of these little tools a while back. I don't remember to use it as often as I would like, but you've reminded me, again!
My favorite handmade gift was the pillar candles I stamped on a few years ago for my nearest and dearest. Very popular and so much fun to make. All dressed up with a pretty dish, cellophane, ribbon and a stamped card to match the candle, they were my best, yet. I can't get through a holiday season without sending everyone their pound of fudge, too, and at container of Christmas Mix. You know the kind, but mine has no Chex in it! Oh, and Happy Birthday to you!
Posted by: kathynruss | October 07, 2010 at 01:24 PM
Happy Birthday to you:)
I follow your blog and real all your posts, but forget sometimes to leave comments.
I love your photos from the farm and also your stamps and creations:)
My favourite handmade thing to give away is homemade cookies, packed in cellofane bags and decorated with cute tags(also handmade)!
Thanks for the chance to win the proze and I hope your birthday brings lots of joy, laughter and presents for you!
Big hugs from Kristin in Norway
Posted by: Kristine ~ Lost In Creativity | October 07, 2010 at 01:01 PM
Happy Happy Birthday my friend!!!! I hope you have an amazing day!!! I am sure that Alan will make it special.
It is great to see your projects! I love that you do the thinking for me! *grin*
Best wishes to you,
Manetta
p.s. my favorite handmade gift to give is food!!!! Something with chocolate, I am thinking! Hugs...............
Posted by: Manetta Deggelman | October 07, 2010 at 12:54 PM
HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY Birthday to Anna.
Sure wish I lived close enough to have you pop over for cake and coffee ! :)
Hmmm, my favorite handmade gift to give? I do alot. Especially when money is tight but more so because I can add some extra love in the gift that way. I just sent embroidered pillow cases to a cousin, she loved them. All new babies have been recieving tied fleece blankets. Baked goods are always a hit. Oh, almost forgot the sets of hand made cards in decorative tins/boxes.
Congrats Kelly. And Thanks for one more chance to win some really fun stuff.
Big Hugs...
Posted by: Carol Dee | October 07, 2010 at 12:36 PM
I see that it's your birthday...so happy birthday!! My favorite homemade item to give away is homemade cards... I love every holiday and make cards to send out for every one of them. I'm usually ahead...my christmas cards are done and I'm working on Valentine's!!!
Posted by: Bonnie | October 07, 2010 at 12:31 PM
Happy blogaversary :) I love coming to see your crafty goodness, and my son loves Bad Boxcar Betty & Tiny Tim. He only crows like Tiny Tim now, btw :)
My favourite crafty gift to give is a tie - card sets, and ornaments. I make quilled ornaments every year but this year I'm also playing around with rolled tissue-paper flower balls (takes as long to make as to say, lol). Thanks for the chance to win!
Jessi
Posted by: Jessi Fogan | October 07, 2010 at 12:28 PM
Happy Birthday Anna ~~~!! :)
My fav hand-made gift to give is a collection of tags ~ I always try to have a set on hand for hostess gifts, last minute b'days etc.
Thanks for the tip with the tracing wheel =)
Posted by: Robb_eeie | October 07, 2010 at 12:27 PM
Happy Birthday, Anna! I love that you are celebrating more than once! That's how I like to do it too. My favorite handmade gift to give are paper bag scrapbooks. They are so much fun to make and everybody seems to love them!
Kasie Hamman
Flagstaff, AZ
Posted by: Kasie Hamman | October 07, 2010 at 12:10 PM
Happy Birthday! Love your collection of tracing wheels. I have a few myself that I've used over the years, but no unusual ones like yours. This is a terrific group of things for this candy offering. My favorite thing to give is homemade coffee, tea or chocolate mixes in a decorated container. Lately I've been looking for some small sewing ideas to give as gifts. I love the do that, too.
Posted by: Susan G | October 07, 2010 at 12:04 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! My favorite is mini albums for baby gifts... I love to put together a year long (undated) 9x9 or 8x8 album to give at a shower, especially to moms that don't scrapbook. Most of the time my gifts to family include photos on them!
Posted by: Yvonne Winters | October 07, 2010 at 11:57 AM
My favorite handmade gifts are handmade cards, most everyone can use them and they are loved when given as a gift.
Posted by: Kim Howard | October 07, 2010 at 11:51 AM
Happy Birthday!!! My favorite gift to give is homemade cookies along with a handmade card, of course!!!
Cindy C.
[email protected]
Posted by: Cindy Coffman | October 07, 2010 at 11:47 AM
Finally it's your birthday, so enjoy your day, and a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you Anna :-) Of course I want to join your last blogcandy draw too! My favourite handmade item to give away is scrapbooking albums, because that is a very personal and treasured gift ;-) And I love to give away handmade and personalized cards for family and friends :-)
Posted by: RitaK | October 07, 2010 at 11:46 AM
I love your wheels, Anna! Personally, not being particularly crafty, I only have photos to give as gifts, and yes, I love making photo calendars as those are always well-received. I saw my first one way way back a few decades ago. My aunt had made one for my Gramma. I was so jealous! I wanted one, too. I make them for my mom every year and made one for one of my sisters-in-law last Christmas. btw, what is a candy kabob?
Posted by: Shala | October 07, 2010 at 11:45 AM
YAY, Kelly!! I forgot about those amazing little sponge daubers and I do have a few. I have had the fun privilege of personally meeting Kelly and choosing her gift in a gift swap. It sits on top of my little black craft cabinet and features your (Anna) primitive bird!! Your life features so many fun collections, Anna, and these cute little tools are just another.
My favorite handmade gift is something in a jar (mainly jam or maple syrup) I am always on the lookout for 4 or 6 inch lace doilies as toppers (my dear MIL always returns the empty jar to me complete with lace doily to reuse). I like ecru best and I wind some 1/16" thick kraft twine through that, tie in a bow and embellish. The maple syrup and strawberry jam lend particularly well to a rustic color scheme and tag. For the kids, nothing beats a candy kabob wrapped in clear cello and again, embellished as you wish(something simple as it gets quickly demolished in the quest for the kabob!!) Kids love 'em from 2-102(providing you still have your teeth!!).
Your 29 Again set made me grin. In looking through the WS site yesterday, I found this cutie: "I'm not 40 something. I'm 39.95 plus shipping and handling". I have graduated to that category now, SIGH!! On the happier side--your birthday!! Hope it is all that...
Posted by: Michele Ghent | October 07, 2010 at 11:29 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNA!!!
My favorite gift to give is baked goodies. I just made a pumpkin gingerbread recipe that is to die for!! I think I'll be giving that away as Christmas gifts this year - little mini loaves wrapped in pretty celophane and a festive bow. Easy peasy and yummy!!!!! :)
Posted by: Jennifer K. | October 07, 2010 at 11:26 AM
I love giving photo notecards or knitted items; homespun yarn is also fun to give other knitters.
Posted by: michelle | October 07, 2010 at 11:08 AM
My favorite handmade gift is homemade salsa - of course the jar is decorated with a handmade tag & other goodies!
I hope you've had a wonderful birthday week!
Chris Pierson
Posted by: Chris Pierson | October 07, 2010 at 11:07 AM
Here's to a most wonderful birthday! Love the peek at that darling snowman. They are so much fun, but the stamps are much warmer than the real ones. Your collection of tracing wheels is really neat. Must try your little trick with them. I love making aprons for gifts - something personalized to fit someone's kitchen or a holiday. Again, happy, happy b-day. Hugs.
Posted by: Troy Louise | October 07, 2010 at 11:06 AM
Oh my gosh I have one of those lil tools in my pottery kit, I never thought to use it on cards! Thanks for tip!!
I like to give away the pots or mugs I make along with my home made card, I love how people react when they receive it, always so amazed that I “actually” made them “ *grin* ” <- love how you do that :)
Happy Birthday, Thank you for all the chances to win some goodies!!
Posted by: Jo-Ann | October 07, 2010 at 11:01 AM
WAHOOOOOOOO for birthdays!! I'm so glad you are letting all of us help you celebrate. I always include a hand made card but for gifts, I'd say my favorite are 'name frames'. I use my paper supplies and find the perfect sized frame to create a personalized baby or wedding gift. They are so fun and the recipients seem to really like them.
Posted by: Cat Spicer | October 07, 2010 at 10:58 AM
Wow, you have been having an awesome b-day celebration on your blog! Happy, happy birthday to you! My favorite gift(s) to give are baked goods and sets of cards. I love packaging them up all festive and pretty!
Posted by: Melissa Cash | October 07, 2010 at 10:58 AM
Happy Birthday! I love to give handmade sets, altered items and love to make candles. Thanks so much for letting me play along in the celebration.
Posted by: StampinCathy | October 07, 2010 at 10:56 AM
Last year for Christmas, I used my digital scrapbooking software to make calendars and everyone loved them. My Dad has his in his office at work and he told me that he never has to remember to change it over to the next month. The ladies who work for him can't wait to see the next month, so they go in and change it for him at the beginning of each month.
Posted by: Elizabeth G | October 07, 2010 at 10:43 AM
Happy-Happy Birthday! My favorite hand made gift to give is some of my heirloom stitching and ribbon embroidery with a hand made card, of course.
Posted by: Gabriela | October 07, 2010 at 10:27 AM
Happy Birthday, Anna! I actually love to give handcolored stamped images...either on a card or framed. It's fun to choose a stamp to match someone's personality. Hope you have a wonderful birthday!
Posted by: Mary H. | October 07, 2010 at 10:25 AM
I love making home decor items that a person can display in their house. Now if they actually do that I may never know.
Posted by: Stephanie Smith | October 07, 2010 at 10:17 AM
I might have to start a collection of those amazing tools. I love just looking at them! My favorite gift to give is a set of handmade cards. I think they're generally really appreciated!
Posted by: Denise~Paper Ponderings | October 07, 2010 at 10:14 AM