Spring Soiree, Hippity Hop & Lots of Goodies

Every spring Danielle at The Vintage Dragonfly hosts some kind of spring collage swap. I've really taken to the format for that swap...4x4 collage...I love that size. Small enough to really be able to narrow down a really cute design, but big enough to execute it without it looking too teeny. Well, I was so thrilled to have this come to my mailbox...and excited to have it come from Cindy Gilstrap of Junque Art, whose name I have seen all over blogland. Super cute, don't you think? I love the symmetry of the piece and the colors are so soft and springy. Thanks, Cindy. I LOVE it!!! And that's not all, Cindy also sent along a lovely little package of velvet ribbon and vintage wallpaper. I'm learning so much about swapping by what I receive in the mail. Why didn't I think of that?

Now, how are you when it comes to opening presents? Are you one who has loads of self-control and can stare down a cute little package and wait for "the day" to dive into it? Or are you one who sees a little wrapping paper, a pretty bow and just can't stand the anticipation of knowing what's inside that little box?

Well, I thought that I was the former, all full of self-control...never letting a little package get the best of me. Until I received my packages from the Hippity Hop Swap...11 little packages all crying out to be opened....right now!!!! The idea is to open one present per day leading up to Easter. And I can say that I did alright opening just the days I was supposed to - until yesterday. My girls were leading me astray by begging me to open ALL of them...and I made a good stand - a awile, and then - (and if any ladies from this swap are reading this, close your eyes so you won't see what I really am made of) - I said the magic words...."okay, but just one!" Hah! It's like trying to eat just one piece of Godiva chocolate, or eat just one sweet potato Terra chip...I felt all frenzied as the remaining unopened packages just kept staring at me. Okay, just one more...and one more....but, then sheer agonizing will power kicked in and I stopped...I avoided the complete and awful train wreck of opening all of them. Naughty children, leading their poor weak mother astray like that!

So here I am to show you the loot. It's fabulous and I love all of it...well all that I've opened! Don't worry though, I'll have enough dignity to only show the ones I can on their own special opening day. But for today, I do get to share three with you. So here we go.

Present #1 - Cathy Nash

Those two smaller pictures above are from Cathy Nash of Tadpoles and Teacups, and it was her fabulous packaging that really made me want to open it. As you can see in the photo below, she fashioned the most delicious chocolate papier mache bunny! With mica and glitter! And really cute fringed vintage crepe! She is a master indeed and I really loved the green and white bow! This opening of presents is fun!

Present #2 - Amy Malaise

I opened this cute little present to be greeted with a sweet double-sided little charm. Amy from Crafting by Candlelight made this for us. Such cute graphics...hmmmmm...I know just what I'm going to do with it!!! Thanks Amy, my girls especially are trying to get me to hand it over to them.

Present #3 - Teresa Schneider

Bunnies, bunnies everywhere!!! How cute is this little bunny from Teresa? Miss Teresa from Plum Water Cottage really knows the way to a girl's heart. Who can resist anything so sweet? I'm pretty sure that she made this with papier mache and a mold. A little paint magic and some sparkly glitter and voila! Cuteness itself! Thanks so much for your work, Teresa. My collection is growing and I LOVE it!

So there you have it...a lot of photos and lots to look at I know. Stay tuned...more to come!