Have You Seen October?

...because I completely seemed to have missed it! I cannot wrap my mind around this being the first day of November. And that is a frightening thought; even more scary than some of the kooky costumes I've seen for the last few days!

Why is November 1 so frightening, you ask? Well, let me tell you.

1. It means that for over a month I have sorely neglected this little diary.
2. It means that I have oodles of pictures from a couple of great swaps.
3. It means that my trek to Silver Bella is only 11 days away!!! EEEEKKKKK!!!!
4. It means that if I don't want to be completely humiliated as a first-time vendor at Silver Bella, I've got to drink lots of espresso, stay up even later and work, work, work!!! DOUBLE EEEEKKK EEEEKKK !!!!!!!
5. It means that you'll have to hang in here for a very longish post...if you want to, that is.

First of all, let me show you a few peeks at my desk, getting ready for Silver Bella...I've been busy not only making goodies for the Vendor Faire, but I HAD to sign up for a few swaps as well. It just wouldn't be the same to go to Omaha empty handed and come back without any great art from my Silver Sisters! what a MESS! :)

From that mess, these few sneak peeks of goodies to come....


I'd totally love it if any Bellas are reading this and decided to come by my little set-up at Vendor Night at Silver Bella and say "HI." I'd love to come back to Wisconsin with a stash of new friends! I'll be having a fun little give-away that night...I promise to post pictures of the giveaway before I leave for Omaha.

Now for the second order of business...SWAPS.

I was able to participate in two very lovely and FUN swaps.

First was ArtsyMama's Sweet and Sinister Swap

This year she offered a completely unbelievable line-up of guest artists doing tutorials on a blog she had set up just for the swap. For 10 bucks I was able to go to the blog any time I wanted and take part in learning the tutorials. It was worth every single cent and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

My partner was my very lovely blogging friend, Heather, from Speckled Egg. I met Heather a couple of years ago participating in her swaps. I think she has some of the best swap themes out there and I wouldn't want to miss one, ever! Anyhow, how lucky was I to get her for a partner? Not only is she sweet, but she's a GREAT swap partner and artists! And her website shop, Speckled Egg is fabulous. You'd really love the items she carries for sale.

Here is some of the loot from Heather....because I missed October, I don't have everything she sent...some of it went directly into my stomach, some went to beautify other art pieces, and since I was running around like a fool trying to find everything so I could show you, I forgot some of the pieces.Okay, so here is a quick list of everything in my package:
* a beautiful plate
* a black tin star - (how did she know that is something I have all over my house?)
* THE most creative owl under glass sitting on a glass pedestal...
my pictures just don't do justice to the cleverness and prettiness of this
little white owl globe. I saw on her blog that the owl is a vintage piece!
I am super-honored that she would use it for me.
* a lovely, much-need journal - mine are mostly full
* glittery, puffy stickers...which I promptly used for my next swap!
* spiders, little owl beads, and other doodads
* yummy candy....gone for a long while now
* little sinister plastic figurines to use for future scary artwork
* lots of black seam binding - already almost all used up
* black rose cabachons - again, used for another swap!
* whimsical Halloween cookies cutters...make really cute cookies!
* a cute black crow
* the best vintage black flowers - you guessed it! Used for another swap!
* more goodies I'm sure...but my brain didn't even process October!

and the pièce de résistance....
a beautiful, vintage, restyled necklace
to be worn on a very special occasion
such as...
Prom Night at Silver Bella!!!
I'll be the envy of all the Bellas!

Okay...I've got to get some coffee -and dinner -be right back! Part 2 coming up in a jiffy!