Winners of the 2009 Birds of Change Giveaway

Without further ado, here are the winners:

Guilitta
turquoise cro
Annette
Alisa
Judy Streger

Congratulations! If you don't see an email from me by Monday, please send me one. I'll just need your name and address to send out these lovely cranes.

Thanks to everyone who left a comment. All the comments were just so nice and I really appreciate them.

2009 Handmade Valentine Ornament Exchange

So, here's what I did for this exchange. I think they really turned out well. I just posted them off today to the five people on my list. I hope they enjoy them. Come back to my blog on Monday, February 2. I'll be doing another giveaway for the extra one I made!

Giveaway Now Closed

Thanks so much for the wonderful comments everyone has left. I'll have my son randomly draw the five winners tomorrow and then I'll post them as soon as I can. Good luck to all!

Birds of Change Exchange Giveaway

UPDATE: It appears my fellow exchangers are keeping their giveaways open until Friday, I'll follow their lead and do the same. I'll close mine at 5:00p (Pacific) on Friday, Jan 23. Good luck to everyone! These birds are just itching to fly away and share some peace!

Okay, today's the day. As part of the exchange we are encouraged to give one bird away on our blogs (however we want). Well, since I'm new to blogging, I'm willing to send out 5 birds. So if you leave a comment, I will randomly select 5 and send a Peace Crane out to each of you. Hopefully these photos will entice you!

Birds of Change Swap

Okay, so I'm participating in this Birds of Change ornament swap. You make 5 birds and you will receive 5 birds in return. I decided I wanted to get out of my comfort zone of cross stitching and do something completely different (you know, change!), so I'm doing this...




Origami! I'm loving it. I decided to do the Peace Crane. Not far from my home is an art supply warehouse that has an amazing selection of origami paper (directly from Japan). I picked out some amazing opalescent origami paper to make cranes. I've also added a crystal bead at the top and bottom of the hanger. When placed near a window, these birds just sparkle!

I thought it would be nice to have a bird to remind us not only to seek peace in the world, but also peace in our home. Here's the link if you'd like to learn how to make them. You can read about Sadako and the peace crane here.

As part of this exchange, you are also encouraged to give one of the birds you make (5 +1 giveaway) away on your blog. So, please check back on January 20. Since I don't get much traffic, I will actually giveaway 5 other peace cranes. So, anyone who leaves a comment on that day's post (random selection) has an opportunity to have a little peace in their home.