creative swaps

Prayer Flag Swap Sharing!

2012-09-24T14:02:00.001-04:00

As promised, here is a "link list" for swap participants to add a link for one of two things . . . a blog post you've written about your received prayer flags with photos, or if you don't have a blog, a specific link to a photo of your hanging flags from a photo sharing account like flickr or picasa (or any other account). Just share a link to a photo or post you've uploaded! Here's a helpful page from InLinkz on how to add a link to the "link list" below.

making way: prayer flag swap

2012-09-17T13:54:00.000-04:00

Just a note to keep you updated . . . I have made my paper list of all the participants and figured out the swapping of the prayer flags -ON PAPER! That is the first step for me, and a big one. Once I have mapped out the swap on paper and what goes where, or rather to whom, all that is left to do is to physically swap it - then package them all up and mail them. But I don't have to do anymore thinking about who might like this or that or worry if it will come out evenly. It is always a relief for me to have a guideline in my hands before opening your packages up again! Thanks to all who enclosed pre-addressed envelopes or labels for recycling their mailing envelopes. This will truly bring your returns home more quickly to you.

In doing the swapping on paper and using the blog to view everything as I swapped, I noted that I received 20, yes twenty prayer flags as gifts. I am astounded and so very grateful! I can't wait for the part of this swap where we can take photos of our prayer flags hanging up. My backyard is going to be festooned and full of good prayers and wishes because of YOU! Thank you ever so much. i will report back when they are mailed! : ) lenna

Jan Brown - Prayer Flag Swap!

2012-09-15T18:57:00.001-04:00

For the final installment of our prayer flags we have 4 wonderful flags from Jan Brown -she so nicely included a flag for me. Jan was the last person to sign up for this swap. I only took 40 participants and she was really happy to get in. So it is fitting that she has the final blog post! Her flags are special; she included sprigs of lavender from her own garden. You can read some great details about these flags on Jan's blog, Frippery and there's a note from me at the bottom of this post!

Below is the flag Jan made for me. Serendipitously, she added rosemary to my lavender sprig, my favorite herb. She said she was drawn to using this fabric and sensed "home" was important to me, right again! Just lovely. Thanks so much!

I have a total of 36 packages that made it here on time! I think I may take a day off tomorrow as Steven and I have planned a drive to Casey Key and later we'll visit with my mom in the evening. But I will get straight to making the exchanges and packaging things up on Monday. It may take me a few days but I will keep you posted. I aim to exchange like-minded work, something you will enjoy and appreciate. Wish me luck!

Kim Tedrow - Prayer Flag swap!

2012-09-15T17:30:00.002-04:00

Just in the nick of time, Kim's prayer flags arrived today in my mailbox. Kim has recently moved house and told me, "I forgot how long it would take to get functional in my studio. In fact, I had to stop unpacking and organizing today because the deadline is approaching and I needed to get something done for it!"

Well, she certainly got down to it! I have known Kim via the internet & art swaps for a long time, perhaps 7-10 years? Since the early days of ARTchix Studio when we met on the corresponding yahoo group that was in place at the time. And since Kim has just moved, how appropriate that her flags have a home sweet home vibe. update: Kim has written a post about how she made these on her blog - a wonderful descriptive post! Kim is a great collage artist (you can see on her blog) and some of her earlier prayer flags inspired me as I was organizing my ideas for this swap. Thanks, Kim!

: 0 )

Sharon Borsavage - Prayer flag swap!

2012-09-15T16:38:00.001-04:00

From Sharon Borsavage, my dear online art friend in Pennsylvania, we have 4 beautiful and artfully put together prayer flags. Sharon wrote a note and enclosed it with her flags:

I made my prayer flags with religious images I put on fabric by running muslin through my printer with freezer paper on the back to stabilize. I then sewed the images on using various stitch patterns and free form stitching. (I love this!) I attached vintages laces in a collage style with my sewing machine and hand stitched on vintage buttons. I attached a vintage medal to each one. Whatever your belief, faith is part of it. Thank you, Sharon - so lovely!

The photos here on the creative swaps blog are of each entire flag, but Sharon has some delicious close ups on her blog. She is also a gifted jewelry maker and art journalist so go check her out!

click on any prayer flag for more detail, then click again!

Sharon also spoiled me with a marvelous mail art envelope!

gorgeous and very appreciated!

Barbara Johnson - Prayer Flag Swap!

2012-09-14T17:56:00.004-04:00

From Barbara Johnson in Illinois, we have some wonderfully interesting and beautiful Rust-Dyed prayer flags. Barbara did this dying herself and it sounds quite exciting. Below is her letter to me explaining how -click on it if you need to see it bigger -then click again if you see a + sign. At the top of her note is some fabric she gifted me. : )

This is the back to show how she packaged them, each on an individual piece of lightweight card stock and strung through the opening sleeve of the prayer flag!

I love these flags, Barbara! thanks so much for the description and the fabric for me!!!

Julie Wolkoff - Prayer Flag swap!

2012-09-14T17:25:00.002-04:00

These flags are from Julie in Massachusetts. There are 3 for the swap and one for me, thank you! Julie has more photos and some great details on how she made them on her blog, Fabric and Fiber and Book (oh my).

Julie has a great explanation of the one below on her blog.

the back -

This one Julie made especially for me with some of her own hand dyed fabric.

I am thankful - it's soft & beautiful! It says: compassion.

This one has a wish for healing.

I love the back!

I love the variety in Julie's and in the entire swap.

So inspiring!

Sabine Schneider - prayer flag swap!!

2012-09-14T00:07:00.003-04:00

Oh my goodness, Sabine's flags to 5 weeks to reach me from Germany! I am so glad she sent early and I was so very happy to find them in my mailbox today. So was she!!
Sabine packaged her flags so nicely I scanned them just as she sent them, but I also have a link to her blog so you can see them "out of the package." : )

There are two like this . . . .

And two like this (thank you Sabine!)

Please visit Sabine's blog, ColorFly to see them all opened up!

Besides making a flag for me, Sabine sent a hand stamped card and some goodies -lucky me!

I can't thank you enough!
There are also flags from Barbara Johnson and Julie Wolcoff here, and I will share them tomorrow afternoon or evening. I have a routine colonoscopy scheduled tomorrow morning . . . it's very important for me to do, especially because of my dad's colon cancer history. So I will be back later . . . hopefully more packages will be waiting for me in the mailbox when Steven brings me home from the procedure. Well, enough on that subject and I am sure to get caught up soon. Thanks to everyone participating for doing such a fabulous job with this swap. xo lenna

Paula Chizmar - Prayer Flag swap!

2012-09-13T10:15:00.000-04:00

From Paula in Maine, we have 4 prayer flags - 3 for the swap and one as a gift for me. I can't thank you all enough for your generosity. It was not a requirement to send an extra flag for me and I was not expecting it ... but many of you have and I thank you!

Paula made 3 flags out of a lovely soft sage green fabric with a bit of a vintage napkin or handkerchief on top. I can just imagine these swaying in the breeze, mmm! This one was a little different than the other two similar ones. It had a bird charm and a silvery moon.

The one below was made with a cotton print and features both butterfly wings and angel wings. the message is: Love.

I love the prayer/wish Paula stamped on these sage green flags.

Thanks so much for joining us! This is Paula's first Creative Swap.

I am expecting 8 more packages today, tomorrow or Saturday and then we will wrap this swap up! Please drop me a quick email if you know your package will not make it by the 15th. Thanks!

Constance Taylor - Prayer Flag SWAP!

2012-09-11T17:40:00.002-04:00

I must say I was at first in awe, then inspired, amazed and impressed with Constance's envelope that arrived the other day. As I pulled it from my mailbox, I said -- Oh my! I'm simply in love with mail art and this is definitely a pièce de résistance. The envelope is completely made of fabric and she has painted and stamped it and also sewed paper on (the face). Constance used a large needle and thread to sew up the open side after she inserted her flags. What do you think?

Thank you so much Constance for this gift of your time and art. I am in LOVE!

Here is what I found inside . . . I am adding some cropped photos so you can see more details, but of course you can always click on the scans as well for larger ones.

The little bell Constance sewed on the back will make a lovely noise!

I like seeing her stitching on the back too.

Exceptional prayer flags enticing us to play, to sing and to love. I feel blessed to see these first hand and have them pass through my hands! Your art is soooooooo appreciated, Constance!
Thank you. Find more of Constance's beautiful art on her flickr account.

Val Cowan - Prayer Flag Swap!

2012-09-11T17:03:00.000-04:00

Val has sent very beautiful, extraordinary flags for our swap -- all the way from Scotland! She has been doing art swaps with me for a number of years. Since 2008, I believe! You can see all of her gorgeous swap art here, on this blog.

Val also made me the sweetest gift.

It is funny, too!

I already have hung it up in my studio, thank you!!

This makes me giggle!

The plaid will make me think of Scotland - and Val's kindnesses.

So glad you could participate, Val : 0 )

Barbara (BJ) Meier - Prayer flag swap!!

2012-09-11T16:23:00.000-04:00

From Barbara Joan in Vancouver, British Columbia -WOW! Such color and beauty and things that will sway in the wind. Barbara wrote a lovely note on a delicious Zentangled postcard she made:

wow! I have done a little bit of Zentangle myself -so appreciate this!

Barbara writes about how doing the hand stitching on these flags was a great conversation starter! She used quilting cotton for the base and decorated with ribbon, trim, Derwent Inktense watercolors pencils . . . . some fabric pastel sticks, embroidery floss and buttons. She wonders if I will like them???!! I think your flags are fabulous, BJ! thanks so much for the extra one for me.

Just wonderful, thank you!

Vickie Trancho - prayer flag swap!!

2012-09-11T15:46:00.001-04:00

I really must include a part of Vickie's personal email to me when she sent her flags . . .

When you lose people you dearly love from this planet, it can feel devastating until you realize their soul, their spirit is always there. The wonderful Prayer Flag swap really brought that back home in a beautiful way. I started my project with some gorgeous ethereal silk I've had for ages. The colors always made me smile. Perfect for the flags. As I started to cut the pieces the material kind of bunched up and the edges were so uneven. I took one look and knew that was just what I wanted. Life and death are so uneven. Then my printer quit. More hand work...beautiful. I made these flags with the intention of impermanence. The only thing certain in life is change. Their delicate nature reflects how I feel about life these days. It is so beautiful. It is so fragile. We should fly with every moment we have. Love, Vickie

I really cannot add much to those insightful words! Thank you Vickie, for adding your feelings to your art. To me, that makes the whole process much more special. And thank you for the extra flag especially for me. Not to worry, I used a permanent marker and made a "creative recovery" by adding an "n" to my name on the flag. It would be beautiful without the correction, but I like seeing "lenna love"! I love the blue feathers and the extra fabric on the left, on the flag below. I can just imagine these flowing in the breeze.

love to you Vickie, so glad for your participation!

Gretchen Peacock - prayer flag swap!

2012-09-11T15:24:00.000-04:00

From Gretchen, who I believe has recently landed in Maine, we have 3 lovely, layered prayer flags. She sent me an email about them and I will share that with you here . . .

This is the first time I have made these. For the base I used a fabric that I could 'true' up and then fringed the sides and bottom. I then cut pieces of fabric from my fabric stash and applied them via my sewing machine to the base fabric in different designs. Once these were done, I then sewed on embellishments as well as a slip on the back with my name and the name of my blog and it's address.

Amanda's Baskets at http://amandasbasket.blogspot.com/

Thank you for hosting this swap. I have enjoyed the experience.

Gretchen Peacock

- I'm very glad you enjoyed the experience, I have enjoyed your participation, Gretchen!

update: prayer flag swap

2012-09-09T17:20:00.000-04:00

Just an update for you: I have caught up with all the incoming flags (smile) and they are all uploaded to the blog. I have received 24 swaps. 1 person had to drop and I am waiting on 15 packages to arrive on or before Saturday September 15th. If you are wondering if your package has arrived, please check the swap participant page. I will mark your package as received when it comes in. Sometimes it takes me a few days to scan and upload all the packages, so thanks in advance for your patience.

I have also updated the blog a bit with a collage of some of the prayer flags that have come in already. I used Picassa and Picnik (now part of google's picassa) to do this and it was my easiest attempt at a photo collage yet. I also changed some of the fonts and the colors on the blog and hopefully it is easy to read and view. Of course, comments are welcome! I look forward to receiving the rest of the swaps and exchanging them for you!!!!!!!!!!

Shirley Bentsen - Prayer Flag swap!

2012-09-09T17:04:00.000-04:00

This is Shirley Bentsen's very first Creative Swap and I am so glad to have you aboard, Shirley! You have done wonderful work, so bright and coolorful with a variety of yummy hand embroidery stitches. Thank you.

This is the story that Shirley added to all of her flags, explaining her theme . . .

A larger view of one of the three flags

Below, the same blue flag as the top picture with the attached tag flipped over to see what Shirley used to make these. Click on the picture for a larger view!

Plus a sweet note with some exquisite goodies as a gift for me -

Thanks so very much!

Susan Norwood - Prayer Flag Swap!

2012-09-09T14:06:00.003-04:00

From Susan in Pennsylvania, we have 4 wonderful prayer flags made with vintage materials. Thank you for the extra flag, Susan, I feel so very blessed! You can read more about these flags and see more photos on Susan's blog, Sudio's Studio.

- front and back -

A beautiful vintage prayer flag that reminds us to treasure . . . . Susan inserted vintage photos into the pockets! Susan used this word because of how she feels about "old beautiful things". They should be rescued, remembered and appreciated.

Isn't this lovely??

- front and back -

There are additional photos that are much nicer on Susan's blog! I have been doing scans as it is easier when recording so many flags. Now, I know this is your first swap with me here, Susan - you did a fantastic job and are welcome back anytime!!

Joanna Urbani - prayer Flag swap!

2012-09-09T12:19:00.002-04:00

From my friend Joanna in the UK - hip hip hooray! Her prayer flags have made it on time even though she was sending from "across the pond". Joanna so kindly made 4 flags, which means she made one flag as a gift for me! I am so happy. I'm going to have a very long string of prayer flags to share with you when the swap concludes! In fact, we can all share, as I will add a Link-up Tool at that time for sharing photos, that will be fun!

Jo made her flags out of a tan, plain linen-like fabric combined with swatches of her daughter Hope's old plaid school dress!! You can read more about it on Jo's blog, Fiddlesnips.

She hand embroidered all 4 flags very nicely. I would say her embroidery looks a lot better than what I did on one of my flags! Jo's flags are basically the same with a few variations in her embroidery and trims. I adore the frayed edges and think that will look very nice blowing in the wind, spreading the thought of 'learn from nature'. ; 0 )

thank you so much, Jo!!

Beth Bynum -Prayer Flag Swap

2012-09-08T15:56:00.000-04:00

Beth has made 3 wonderful prayer flags for the swap and an extra special one for me.
Thank you! She really gives a wonderful account on how she made them on her blog, BethBynumArtist. Please go check it out!

Below: back (L) and another front -they are all slightly different

Below you can see there is a flap of fabric with a hidden word!

This one was made especially for me with a tiny gold guardian angel (top right)

and a feather.

I so appreciate this thoughtfulness, Beth!

I have a few more packages here and will try to upload them later tonight or tomorrow

- stay tuned!

Terri Heinz - Prayer flag swap!

2012-09-08T14:25:00.001-04:00

I have copied photos of Terrie's Prayer Flags from her blog to share with you because Terrie wrapped up her flags individually. I did not want to disturb them! Instead I am borrowing her photos so I can send her flags off just the way she packaged them.

There are more details on her blog, artful affirmations.

Thank you Terri for your exquisite work!

I'm so glad you enjoyed participating.

lenna young andrews -prayer flag swap!!

2012-09-05T16:29:00.001-04:00

Did you know I participated in this swap too?
I made 3 flags for the swap and 3 extras to be hung in Florida with my swapped flags - I can't wait! Most of the flags were made while I was visiting Wolfe Island, Ontario -so I either sewed by hand or used glue, as I did not have my sewing machine with me . . . Below you can see 4 of the 6 flags on the table in the cottage that looks over the St Lawrence River!

The flag below was photographed at home in Florida, but created on Wolfe Island . . . with a prayer for a happy home.

The textile beads that hang from this flag are some real beauties by

Carolyn Saxby. I just love her beads!!

Another prayer flag I made in Canada with a wish for peace . . .

The stitching is drawn with a marker -this one was put together only with glue!

The prayer flag below was hand-stitched and beaded. It uses a linen cocktail napkin (with the little fish) that was my Nonie's. The wish for 'energy' was clumsily hand embroidered by me, but I still like it!

You may recognize the 1st prayer flag I made below, used in my lesson for you. While I was in Canada I outlined the white stamping ink I used with a black sharpie for more definition. Balance.

'Tranquility' was made with vintage linen. After writing my prayer with a permanent marker, color was added with watercolor crayons and I sprayed water to release the color. When that was dry, I used an aerosol artwork sealer to provide some protection from the elements.

Freedom! I made this with a piece of fabric that I hand painted on the banks of the St Lawrence River in 2009. I brought it back with me in 2012 in case I wanted to work with it. I cut it to size but did not actually make this flag until i returned to Florida. I was so happy to have my sewing machine available that the first thing I did was add a decorative stitch across the top to make the sleeve. I noticed there was a slight sheen of gold in the fabric from a light wash of Lumiere paint and that caused me to add strips of gold fabric which I hope will sway in the breeze . . . .

I left threads hanging on purpose and wrote my wish by hand with a gold marker.

That certainly was fun, they are addictive (so quick & easy) . . .

And I'd love to make more! Do you have a favorite of mine?

Swap note: I have gotten caught up with the incoming prayer flags, at least for now! All flags received are uploaded on the swaps blog. If you sent from overseas I am keeping my fingers crossed because I know a couple of you are waiting to hear of swap package arrival. There are 9 mailing days left for packages to reach me. They due in my hands September 15th, so I hope to see them all. If you cannot make the deadline, please let me know.

The essence of all art is to have pleasure in giving pleasure.
~ Mikhail Baryshnikov

Linda Bushnell - Prayer Flag swap!

2012-09-05T10:34:00.002-04:00

How lovely that Linda learned about this swap from her friend Kim Tedrow, who is also in the swap! Linda wrote in a note enclosed with her flags, "My flags are a combination of painting, stamping and sewing. They seemed like a perfect way to combine all my interests. I especially like incorporating words and quotes in my artwork. I've used fabric paints and stamp inks so they might hold up decently if they end up outside...."

"For both of the flags using the 'dream of hope' quote (below) I started with a recycled t-shirt and muslin backing. I then used fabric paints and fabric stamp ink to stamp the backgrounds and the quote.They're finished off with machine stitching and embellishments."

"For 'Joy' (below) and 'Imagine' (top) I started with a handpaintedbackground and used a combination of stamping and applique to finish them off.

Linda also wrote, "Making these was addictive!" (I have heard this from many of you and experienced it myself) "I plan on making more for gifts and for hanging with the ones I receive from the swap. Thanks for coordinating and facilitating all of this - I've sent 4 flags, thinking you could pick one as a 'thank you' for your work in arranging this and making the swap possible."

why, thank you Linda!! This is Linda's first Creative Swap, so glad to have you.

Donnalee Nichols -prayer flag swap!

2012-09-04T23:54:00.000-04:00

From Donnalee Nichols in KY we have 3 similar but different prayer flags. Beautiful batik fabrics for the front with a verse, paired with a calm fabric for the back = Harmony!

Thanks so much, Donna. This is Donna's 3rd creative swap!

I have just noticed this post = 1111 posts here for me on the creative swaps blog!

wow!

Laura Hummel -Prayer Flag Swap!

2012-09-03T22:32:00.000-04:00

Laura hand-dyed the fabric for her flags and I am very much in love with them! I also really like the words/prayers she paired with her flags. So glad you could participate, Laura!

Jo Johnson -Prayer flag swap!

2012-09-03T22:00:00.000-04:00

Jo Johnson in Indiana sent 4 lovely prayer flags that share her love of quilting. She wrote me and said she used the selvage from her quilting to make her flags. Jo also said when she started to make them she was thinking about life in general . . . "there is always chaos and calm -so there you have it." (her theme). Jo remarked that she wished she could be more carefree in her art, but personally, I really like what she has done. I love how she used a permanent marker to simply write her quotes and prayers directly on. And not being a quilter, I envy her wonderful patterns. Thanks very much for the extra flag for me!

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