Twirlie Whirlies

The Elf on the Shelf

2011-12-16T23:33:00.000-05:00

We have been having great fun with Sprinkles, our adopted Scout Elf from the North Pole. He has, of course, been getting into all sorts of mischief during the night while we sleep and I thought I would share a few of my favourites so far.

like lounging in the hot tub....

hanging around in the foyer...

enjoying a good read...

and playing with.... stickers?

What a wonderful Christmas tradition!

2011-11-18T13:46:00.000-05:00

I was at Michael's the other day and found these adorable holiday buttons (6 for $1.50 CDN). They were just too cute to pass up and figured I could use them in some project this season. Since they would make perfect little treats for Junior Kindergarteners, I thought I could incorporate them into a favour/Christmas card, so this is what I've come up with.

Using my trusty Silhouette SD, I designed a red and white tag incorporating a fun candy cane fill pattern, sentiment, and snowflake. I added little holes through which to thread the pin of the button, just like they came in their original packaging. Then I offset the design creating a larger backing tag to give the card a bit more rigidity and contrast.

Add a bit of ribbon or baker's twine and the treat tag is complete.

What treats will your little ones be sharing with their class this year?

Sorry! We are out of Treats {free printable}

2011-09-28T09:06:00.000-04:00

It's inevitable.

Every year I count on a ridiculous number of Trick or Treaters, usually around 200. I make up individual bags so that I can control the candy distribution {you know, because my husband will give out the quantity of candy based on how much he likes the child's costume (ie. somebody wearing a flannel shirt and carrying a beer bottle with a name tag either saying "Bob" or "Doug" may warrant only a Tootsie Roll while a full blown Nasa Space Shuttle made from cardboard and tinfoil will get a handful of candy)}.

But, it is never enough and there are always the stragglers that ring the doorbell at 9:00 pm (usually the teenagers showing up, yep - you guessed it, as "teenagers") hoping for candy but ending up getting a canned food item from my cupboard because I don't have and treats left.

So, this year I thought I would try to divert the latecomers with this door sign.

Hopefully they will get the message.

*cute green monster clipart by Roseanna Piter

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PRINTABLE PERSONAL USE FILE HERE

October is Just Around the Corner {and a free printable}

2011-09-27T18:40:00.000-04:00

Wow - this year is just flying by! October is just around the corner and it's been *gasp* 7 months since my last blog post. YIKES! Well, I am hoping to get back into the swing of things now that my darling baby Sebastian is now in Junior Kindergarten (I guess that means I can't call him a "baby" anymore).

And since Autumn has arrived and Halloween will be here before we know it, I thought I would celebrate with a free printable for a new tradition I hope to entice my neighbours to participate in...

Have you ever been booed? I haven't and it doesn't seem to be a trend that has hit my neighbourhood yet ~ I guess somebody has to start the fun so it might as well be me!

This is how it works - you make a fun treat and secretly leave it on the door step of a friend/neighbour with a sign and instructions for participating in the fun. Easy Peasy! Really, nobody has any good excuse for not joining in the fun.

Let's BOO!

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PRINTABLE PERSONAL USE FILES HERE!

Happy Heart Day Lovelies!

2011-02-14T07:00:00.001-05:00

photo courtesy of Kori Clark
Paper & Pigtails

Wishing you all lots of love this Valentine's Day!

Custom Made Valentine's Day

2011-01-30T14:35:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to share with you a custom order request for some sweet Valentine's Day disc envelopes.

I'm not sure if the buyer is giving the gift of music, a movie, or photographs - but I do hope that her recipients love them!

Ode to the Lemon Meringue Pie

2011-01-23T22:41:00.001-05:00

I've been noticing my Lemon Meringue Pie listing appearing in a lot of treasuries lately. It will soon be gone so I thought I would share a few of my favourite compilations with you as a tribute to this wonderful listing that has brought me so much in return (if you don't know what I am talking about, just scroll down a few posts to see what all of this gushing is about).

Twitter Tuesdays

2011-01-20T17:15:00.000-05:00

COMING SOON

I'm planning a new feature on my blog called Twitter Tuesdays. Each week, on Tuesday of course, I'm going to showcase one of my Twitter favourites. It could be anyone from a celebrity, a band, a friend, an Etsian, a fabulous party peep, a MOMpreneur, or someone just plain terrific in my eyes! I do follow over 2,000 users so picking and choosing is going to be extremely difficult. I better start making a list....

Lemon Meringue Pie

2011-01-19T10:11:00.000-05:00

The timing of this lovely Etsy treasury is just perfect. An ode to Lemon Meringue Pie!

Here Comes the...

2011-01-19T00:00:00.001-05:00

BRIDES Magazine

February 2011

So, finally the cat's out of the bag. It's a secret I've been harbouring for months. Well, not very well on Twitter, I'm afraid. I did let it leak once (or maybe twice). Not because I wasn't allowed to tell, but sometimes you can't believe some things until you see them for yourself. That was me, yesterday at the drug store, which I have been stalking for at least a week now. I walked in and *eeek* there it was! I grabbed the issue off the shelf and frantically flipped through it to find some resemblance of a pinwheel (which is no easy task, the magazine is huge!). But, finally, there it was! My Lemon Meringue Pie creation in an ode to the doily! I tried to contain my squeals of joy but a few giddy squeeks snuck out. Was one magazine going to be enough, maybe I should get two, oh heck, three? No, I frugally stopped at two - they are kind of expensive. Plus, there was Sebastian looking up at me with his sweet little doe eyes - he had a magazine in his hands, he wanted one too. How could I refuse?

I have a feeling that it's going to be a Fabulous February!

Treasury Tuesday

2011-01-18T00:01:00.003-05:00

Hopeless for Haeger

2011-01-13T18:53:00.007-05:00

I'm not usually a fan of collections. I consider myself much too organized to have a large number of the same items lying around collecting dust. That is, of course until I get asked why I have a tonne of cream coloured pottery displayed all-around-my-house.

The truth is, I am hopelessly and desperately in love with Haeger pottery. Any colour, really, but mainly the lovely cream coloured variety.

It is, simply put, beautiful.

I have been growing my collection of Royal Haeger pottery for about 13 years now. I think the obsession started around the same time I got married and was busy decorating our first home.

It was easy to find pieces early on but I sadly haven't added to my collection in several years. The passion isn't gone - more like the space to put them once I do covet the perfect piece.

Oh, who am I kidding? I could always find a place.

Here are some of my recent favourites currently for sale on Etsy.

calloohcallay

Hmmm.... There could be a purchase in my future.

UPDATE: Sure enough I could not resist making a purchase or two so I bought the lovely oval pedestal vase from ArtfulVintage and this little number below from thevrose. Can't wait for them to arrive!

Let Us Sing Joyfully

2011-01-12T22:43:00.004-05:00

I'm all for that!

It's My Party!

2011-01-11T13:58:00.004-05:00

Well, it's not my party ~ but we were invited!

Pinwheels on My Mind

2011-01-11T01:25:00.003-05:00

Nice to know I'm not the only one with this problem!

by ClosetFull

SoCal New Year's Blogger's Bee

2011-01-10T16:33:00.000-05:00

I was thrilled to have been asked a few months back by the lovely Dionne of the fab blog, Notes by Dionne, if I would like to contribute to the goody bags that she would be handing out for her Southern California New Year's Blogger's Brunch.

Um......... of course!

Didn't they turn out adorable with that little pinwheel sticking out and all? AND the best part is she has two extra goody bags to give away to a couple of her lucky readers. So, hop on over to her post here to see all of the wonderful items that will be included and how to enter. You will be glad you did!

Plaid Appreciation

2011-01-10T06:00:00.002-05:00

So loving this pretty in plaid treasury by

FlourishCafe.

Enjoy the eye candy!

{Etsy Love}

2011-01-09T15:22:00.000-05:00

I saw these sweet little crocheted bunny ear egg warmer "hats" on the front page of Etsy this morning and had to share with anyone who may have missed them.

Wouldn't they be too cute for Easter brunch?

So, I of course had to check out the rest of this adorable little shop by Sabahnur and it is full of total cuteness including this tiny blue bird...

Doesn't he remind you of this familiar little tweeting guy?

LOVE!

More Treasury Love!

2011-01-08T20:00:00.001-05:00

by JLMarieJewelry

Boys and their Toys

2011-01-08T14:06:00.000-05:00

Finally, after 2 years, my husband gets to use his "big boy toy". This was such a painful purchase for us. It seemed a bit extravagant. Yes, we live in Canada. Yes, our Winters get a little "deep" (well, at least up until 2 years ago they did). And, yes, my husband travels a lot so I had to sometimes rely on the kindness of my neighbours to help get me out of the house. It seemed like the right thing to do, especially after this storm in 2008 just before Christmas.

Then........ nothing. Barely a flake in 2 years. We jinxed it. Blame us, it's all our fault. Until today. We maybe got a foot of snow today, but it is the most glorious foot of snow ever!

A Room with a View

2011-01-08T13:35:00.000-05:00

This is what I am seeing out my family room window this afternoon. We just received our first significant snowfall of the year this morning and it is beautiful - just what I have been waiting for.

What does the view from your room look like?

Printemps

2011-01-08T11:44:00.000-05:00

Another Springtime fresh treasury for this snowed in Saturday morning. I cannot wait to see the daffodils make their lovely debut!

by Magillie

Treasury Time!

2011-01-07T23:23:00.001-05:00

Just had to share this sweet treasury we are in created by Etsy shopper choberygu.

Adorable!

Just because...

2011-01-06T23:50:00.001-05:00

Today, a picture of my handsome little man...

just because

Keep Calm....

2011-01-05T12:30:00.000-05:00

This year, my resolutions are...

NOT to:

and NOT to:

This year I will not do any of that.

Rather I WILL:

and

It's not as dignified but I will burn a lot more calories!

fab "Keep Calm" and "Keep Calm" parody prints by

KeepCalmShop

PosterPop

SadLittleCrown

1.1.11

2011-01-01T12:00:00.003-05:00

1.1.11

it has a nice ring to it ~ doesn't it?

Table Number Luminaries by ThePoshEvent; Typewriter Number 1 Post Earrings by MySoulCanDance; Numbered Porceline Mug by gleenashop; Typewriter Key Pendant and Charm by qacreate; Vintage Typewriter Key Oak Leaf Ring by qacreate; Canvas Bag Organizer by charmingzakka; Recycled Licence Plate Belt Buckle by vintageinretrospect; Vintage Number 1 by coolvintage

Goodbye 2010

2010-12-31T11:10:00.005-05:00

2010 was an extremely good year for me, both in my personal and online worlds. I've made many wonderful new friends, had a very exciting celebrity encounter, and have a lot of new and fabulous things lined up for 2011 including an inclusion in the February issue of Brides Magazine and a fabulous (but currently secret) collaboration in the works.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very prosperous, safe, happy, and ~ above all ~ a healthy New Year.

...and I will, once again,
try to give this blog much more attention.
My dear followers deserve it.

Printable New Years New Wine Label by printyourparty; 2011 Calendar - Year of the Rabbit by brookewoolley; Double Banner Garland by BekahJennings; Happy Year set of 12 gift cards by PikakePress; Drink Straw Medallions by GoAgainstTheGrain; Paper Masquerade Mask by poorlittlelamb; New Years Eve Miniatures by Janit; 1700s Paris Inspired Cupcake Toppers by PaperScissorsCake

Hoot Hoot Hooray!

2010-07-29T22:07:00.006-04:00

I'm always trying to find new ways to re-invent the wheel (the pinwheel, that is). Not so easy. I mean, why mess with something that is already so whimsically perfect? But I am always looking for that new shape, new colour, new pattern, and new hubcap (that little thing in the centre that gives it personality). Recently, I was inspired by several Twitter friends to do a sweet little owl themed pinwheel. This one is in Princess Pink and Semi-Sweet Chocolate but Baby Boy Blue would also be a great alternative. Look for them in my Etsy and Artfire shops when I re-open in September.

It's Thursday Already?

2010-07-22T10:24:00.007-04:00

Another week almost over. Where does the time go? Oh, I know, very slowly when you are trying to make one of these Japanese origami Kusudama flowers. I'm currently trying new paper crafts in order to use up my mountain of paper scraps (and hopefully turning them into something good enough to list in my new Etsy shop this fall) and thought I would try my hand at origami. I thought these lovely little flowers would be a good place to start. They are incredibly time consuming and I've spent alot of time watching the glue dry, but I think it turned out pretty cute. I fear these may become addictive!

I Made It! {Blog Party Thursday}

2010-07-07T23:35:00.012-04:00

It has been awhile since I've joined the party - so glad to be back this week! My Etsy and Artfire shops are officially closed in order for me to spend some much needed R&R with the family and to also think of new ideas to refreshen the shops when they re-open in September. But, it's not going to be all fun and games. I've also opened another Etsy shop, "Twirlie Whirlies, too" (as if one wasn't enough) and intend it as a place to deal with my growing mountain of paper scraps. My first project was to repurpose the scraps from these long ago sold pinwheels into something as equally beautiful - paper rosette embellishments.

How did I do?

Happy Canada Day!

2010-07-01T21:29:00.005-04:00

As Canada Day winds down for another year, I can hear the "pops and whistles" of the firework celebrations beginning. Before I put my feet up, here is my tribute to Canada by way of Etsy.

Enjoy!

digital collage sheet - planfstudios, Canada House - thelittlereddoor, cupcake toppers - apaperbuffet, baby leg warmers - BarefootClips, fine art print - Raceytay, pacifier bib - SwaddleinCloth, blankie - SuperflyLullabies, wool acorns - SewnNatural, holiday stocking - rikrak

Sherbert

2010-06-15T18:24:00.003-04:00

I've been so incredibly fortunate to have had my shop items be included in so many fantastic Etsy treasuries. This one entitled "sherbert" by PaperFinds is one of my absolute favourite to date.

It's perfectly Summer. Yummy!

PaperFinds may be found at:

http://paperfinds.tumblr.com

http://twitter.com/paperfinds (@paperfinds)

So Sorry To Have Neglected You

2010-06-14T23:18:00.005-04:00

Dear Blog;

I am so sorry that I have been neglecting you.

I promise to make time for your no matter how many convos are waiting to be answered, no matter how many tweets are waiting to be twitted, no matter how many orders need to be made/packed/shipped/marked as shipped, no matter how many times the Canada Post "Ship-in-a-Click" doesn't work, no matter how many meals my family needs to eat (3 right?), no matter how many loads of laundry need to be finished (started), no matter how many times I need to take Sebastian to the playground in one day, no matter how many pinwheels I need to make, no matter how many times I need to chase Baby Bunny out of the garden, no matter how many plants need to be watered, no matter how many nervous breakdowns I have ...

You do know that I still love you, right?

"I'm an Ass" card by AJKArtistry on Etsy

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T09:20:00.003-04:00

Happy Easter!

2010-04-03T00:00:00.000-04:00

Wishing everyone a blessed Easter.

It's My Party and I Made It!

2010-03-04T23:28:00.005-05:00

I found myself a little too busy last week to participate in Everything Etsy's "I Made It" Thursday night blog party but I thought I would quickly show a new listing in my shop this week.

I've had this paper from the BoBunny "It's My Party" collection for awhile now and have made other paper goodies out of it but not pinwheels. So when my lovely customer Darlene ordered a set for her 5 year old son's birthday, I thought it would be a great opportunity to list them in the shop.

What do you think?

Sunshine Blog Award

2010-02-22T11:29:00.004-05:00

Awwww! I just found out this morning that I received the "Sunshine Blog Award" from the lovely lilymom at Etsy Shops I Love. What a wonderful surprise on a dreary Monday morning.

As per the rules of receiving this honour, I must now choose 12 recipients whose blogs I find positive and inspirational to pass along the award too. This is going to be no easy task as you can see the list of blogs I follow seems endless. But, I will do it (although it may take a few days or even a week). Check back again soon to see who I have chosen.

I Made It!

2010-02-18T22:26:00.015-05:00

As most of you know, I have been following Everything Etsy for quite some time now and the talented husband/wife team of Tim and Kim have recently updated their blog with a brand new and incredibly fabulous new look! The blog includes many new features and fun stuff including buttons, business advise, and SWEET (Simply Wonderful Everything Etsy Team). Tonight I learned that they will be hosting weekly Thursday night blog parties in order to promote new handmade items. It is a great way to discover new artisans, Etsy shops, and blogs.

I have decided to submit my most recent Etsy shop listing called "Definition". It is so new that I don't even have all five of my photographs posted yet (the sun has not shown itself here in over a week!). Definition is a set of 12 mini pinwheel cupcake toppers made from the salvaged pages of a vintage American Heritage paperback dictionary. Well, it is vintage by Etsy's standards - I used it in high school, does that make me vintage too? Either way, it was falling apart and needed new life breathed into it. 60 some odd pages are being used to fulfill a custom request for a lovely lady who is throwing her mother (a former librarian) a huge birthday party in April. How fitting! The rest I hope to use as pinwheels, tags, in inspiration kits, and anything else I can come up with.

Treasury Love

2010-02-07T21:01:00.003-05:00

TheVintageBearLair from Craftomania Tools

Blow Me!

2010-01-29T16:38:00.002-05:00

That just says it all!

3 Wishes Candles

Treasury Time!

2010-01-29T16:13:00.002-05:00

Ok, I am seriously going to have to get around to making one of these. Until then, I will continue to enjoy everyone else's (especially if they include me - lol!!!)

This one, "Zebra Polka Dot", is by Posh Pixels - one of my favourite Etsians and she is a sweetheart to boot!

Treasury Time!

2010-01-16T10:33:00.004-05:00

Here are a few more lovely Etsy treasuries that I would love to share.

"The Circus is in Town" by lacravatteduchien

"Thank You" by craftedbylindy

Better Late than Never

2010-01-12T15:17:00.005-05:00

It's been a few weeks now. The joy, glitter, and magic of the holidays past are now a distant memory. The decorations are down and safely packed away for another year. The once beloved Christmas tree, all sparkly and fresh, now sits in a snow covered heap at the side of the house waiting for its "walk of shame" to the curb Thursday night. Gifts have been returned, worn, watched, or listened to. It's over, right?

WRONG!!!

Christmas came once again for me early this afternoon in the form of a brown paper wrapped box postmarked December 9th, 2009 from Charlottesville, VA. Joy oh Joy! Could it be? My Brown Paper Package Exchange gift? This package was assumed lost but now, here it is in my lap, begging to be opened!

And open it I did. Slowly, carefully, and with great anticipation. I gave it a little shake to see if it's contents appeared to be in one piece. A little dusting of candy cane powder tickled my nose - the smell reminiscent of Christmas past.

The first item that welcomed me into the box was a lovely, handwritten note card. On the front a photograph of some wool, indicating to me that the sender must be a knitter. That made me smile. My late mother was an avid and amazing knitter and I have so missed her homemade gifts over the past 10 years.

The card read "Merry Christmas! From Maya H. - I put a letter in your box but you might want to read it AFTER you open your gifts." How fun! I later discovered that the letter would give me a little history and insight to the gifts she chose.

And how beautifully wrapped were these gifts? Gorgeous red and white ribbons which I will surely keep and wrap gifts with this Christmas (maybe even Brown Paper Package Exchange gifts). Lovely red tissue and adorable penguins. I love penguins!

The first item I opened was this gorgeous knitted Christmas dishtowel with a fabulous ornament design and a sweet and adorable little knitted winter hat. Now, if my beloved Gage kitty (who passed away 2 1/2 years ago at the age of 16) was still with me, he would have been wearing that hat for sure! But, I do have a fabulous snowman decoration that I put out for the holidays and I think he will look particularly jolly in this hat!

And the knitted gifts didn't end there. Without even knowing it, Maya has just filled that 10 year void for me and I finally have something new to wear this winter. The lovely handwritten tag read "Handspun Alpaca & Rayon - Hand Knitted Herringbone Scarf". Amazing. Just unbelievably beautiful. I later read in the letter that Maya spun the greay Alpaca wool herself and that the cranberry yarn was salvaged from a thrift store find. She then knitted the two into a gorgeous scarf in a herringbone pattern and it is lovely. She even included a sample of Soak for me to keep it looking it's best.

The next gift was also a lovely stack of origami papers. Maya wrote that she had tried to make me an ornament but it didn't turn out so well. She mentioned that since I am into paper crafts that I may wish to try my hand at making a crane (instructions were provided). uh - YEAH! I've always wanted to try - I think that may call for another blog post in the future.

Ok, so how yummy does that look? I had read about this peppermint bark on Maya's blog and being the candy-addict that I am, I was really REALLY hoping that this would make it to me intact. I was a little concerned when I opened up the main package and found little bits of candy cane EVERYWHERE (I mentioned the dust, right?). But, Maya had expertly packed everything and the clear bag that the bark was packaged in was placed in another lovely gift bag with tissue. Good thing because the clear bag did split open on the one side and some of the delicious treats did try to escape to no avail. The bark is absolutely amazing! I have been snacking on it all afternoon and leaving a deliciously sticky trail on my keyboard as I type this. Sebastian and Max will have to beg me to get any of this confection.

The recipe is from Brown Eyed Baker and you can find it here. And the sweets didn't end there. I also received four fabulous packages of cocoa and two of sipping chocolate. I love it when I am able to try brands that we don't have here in Canada. The cocoa is called "Sweetridge" and I have two Dark Chocolate and two Peppermint. Perfect! The sipping chocolate is by "Bellagio" and the packaging is gorgeous. Tiffany blue and chocolate brown. I cannot wait to come inside from a cold night of snow fun and cozy up with one of these babies.
Also floating around in the box was a pamphlet from "Nan Rothwell Pottery" located in Faber Virginia. This pottery shop looks so charming, I hope that someday I have the opportunity to visit. I was kind of hoping that the cocoa was an indication of what would be in the final package. I wasn't disappointed. Look at the gorgeous mug and spoon rest that Maya chose for me. I have no doubt in my mind that I will use this everyday and I will particularly appreciate a place for my dirty spoon rather than the sad piece of paper towel I usually use.

A little more history about Nan Rothwell - she is a friend of Maya's and was introduced to both her and her wonderful craft though her father. Apparently Maya's Dad first met Nan when he was young and she had given him some of her "rejected" bowls. Maya remembers using these bowls growing up.

And finally, last but certainly not least, the handwritten letter from Maya. It was written on lovely paper and included all of the history and thought behind all of the gifts you have seen. Everything I have received today from Maya will be treasured but I think this letter especially will be tucked away somewhere special to be found later on. It will remind me of this "Christmas in January" and the kindness of others who, like me, wanted to extend their spirit of giving to a stranger this holiday season.

Please take the time to visit my new friend Maya on her blog and read a little about her, the dogs she loves, and her art.

Thank you Maya!

And Another....

2010-01-12T00:09:00.004-05:00

This sweet Etsy Treasury was put together by one of my favourite shops (and the sweetest shop owner ever!) ThreadRare. It is called "Dirty Limericks" and I am not really sure why although she did ask everyone who viewed it to post their own favourite dirty limerick. This was my submission from "The Second Printing of Improper Limericks: An Original Bawdy Collection (1998)":

On the internet they found romance,

That put both in a hot sexual trance,

But each had a gripe,

About having to type,

With a hand stuck down into their pants.

Treasury Time!

2010-01-07T21:50:00.009-05:00

We are very fortunate to have been included in two fabulous Etsy Treasuries this week.

The first , "There is no snooze button...", is by noabrumberg and featured our Classic Botanicals mini pinwheels.

The second treasury, entitled "Giggles and Cupcakes", is by MySweetBird and included "Congratulations, it's a ..."

Thank you!

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T11:33:00.003-05:00

Welcome 2010!

photo courtesy of The Graphics Fairy

Merry Christmas

2009-12-23T21:51:00.002-05:00

Wishing everyone a magical Holiday season full of joy, wonder, and fun!

And the Winner is....

2009-12-21T14:08:00.004-05:00

Me!

Hurray!

This afternoon I had just logged into Twitter and saw a tweet from Posh Pixels saying that the first person to tweet her would win her fabulous "Let It Snow" printable mini gift cards seen below (aren't they lovely?).

I had seen her reminder early that she would be posting the giveaway but I usually come and go from the computer so often that I usually miss out.

Today must be my lucky day!

Kristy's graphics are beautiful and I have been an admirer of her Etsy shop and blog for awhile now. Be sure to check them out.

It's a Great Day When....

2009-12-10T09:14:00.003-05:00

you wake up to find that both Craftgawker and IndieSpotting have accepted your submissions - both on the same day!

Yay!

Wrapped and Ready to Go!

2009-12-04T11:44:00.006-05:00

Da da da DAAAAAAH!!!! Well, here they are! All of my Max and Ellie Brown Paper Package Exchange gifts wrapped and ready to go. I think nothing looks better with brown paper or cardboard better than candy cane red and white so that is what I have accented my parcels with. I have included a little tag on each of the gift to give my recipient a little history on why the gift was chosen (although if she has been reading my blog posts, she'll already know). At first, I wasn't sure if I should do this - it kind of gives the gift away before it is opened but then I reasoned - so will the customs declaration sticker that I will have to provide! BOO!!!!!

I think next year if I have the opportunity to participate in another one of these wonderful exchanges, I will start earlier and include more handmade goodies. But, for my first exchange, I think I did pretty well. Let's hope my exchange partner thinks so too!

Finally - Here It Is!

2009-12-01T15:31:00.016-05:00

As I write this post, I have about 3/4 of my Max and Ellie Brown Paper Package Exchange gifts ready to be wrapped. My friend Nancy, who is also participating in the exchange, is coming over tomorrow and we are going to have a "Wrap-a-Palooza"!

I am hoping to run out to the mall tonight and pick-up the last of my items. I want to get a few coffee treats from Canada's own Second Cup, again, keeping with the whole Made in Canada theme.

Not to disappoint, I am making a few paper items for the exchange but I can't show them here because they will be personalized (and that would ruin the surprise, wouldn't it?). But, I can show you these babies because my recipient will be getting a set.

I did mention previously that I wanted to give my partner the gift of "snow" so what better way to do this than with a snow globe? I searched high and low for the perfect globe and I think I found it.

The beautiful pink glass ornament is also being included. It is new, but it has a very vintage and distressed look. I love it - hope she does too!

Below are my Olympic offerings including a mascot pin representing my favourite Winter Olympic sport, the Half-Pipe, and "Olympic" maple syrup. This syrup was harvested and produced in Vancouver, British Columbia (home of the 2010 Winter Olympics) - I guess that is what makes it "Olympic" quality.

And finally, a box of Canada's own Laura Secord Chocolates. Laura Secord is credited as the heroine of the War of 1812 and her fascinating storey can be read here. I live in the region where this battle took place so the history is of particular interest to me. It should be noted the Laura Secord really had nothing to do with chocolates - the company was named after her as a tribute.

My goal now is to get these gifts all wrapped tomorrow and on their way by Friday so that they reach my recipient in time for Christmas. Wish me luck.

It's Been Too Long....

2009-11-28T17:19:00.004-05:00

Wow. I just realized today that it has been almost a month since my last post. Life has just gotten busy and with the holidays fast approaching, it will be full steam ahead from now until Christmas Eve!

I do plan on posting photos of my Brown Paper Package Exchange gifts shortly. I have most of them ready to wrap and would like to get them out the door to my recipient by the end of next week. I must admit, I did purchase most of my items rather than make them but there will be a few paper goodies in the mix. I really wanted to focus on Made in Canada. Vancouver is hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics this year and I am really, REALLY excited about that. I also wanted to give my recipient the gift of "snow" and I could only think of one way to do that (you will have to wait until next week to find out what that is). I also focused on Canadian founded businesses for my "sweet treat" offering. *sssssh* - in Canada, we are not permitted to mail edibles to the U.S. but obviously I am going to live dangerously and send something anyway. I feel less guilty sending something store bought rather than handmade (plus, it is sealed in plastic so if they do decide to target my package, it won't seem so suspicious).

So, I promise to post pictures next week of the gifts before and after wrapping and get them out ASAP so I do not disappoint my exchange partner. Until then....

Brown Paper Package Exchange

2009-10-29T20:20:00.009-04:00

Awhile back I received a newsletter from Kim at Everything Etsy regarding a Brown Paper Package Exchange that Max and Ellie was hosting for this holiday season.

I've read blog posts about these exchanges in the past and thought it would be really fun to participate - so I signed up. Today I received my exchange partner's information and I am afraid that it may be more of a challenge than I anticipated. She lives in a different country than I with an entirely different climate (that was probably done on purpose just for interest sake). The good thing is that you were required to have a website or blog in order to sign up so I will be able to sneak around there a little bit to hopefully learn my exchange partner's likes and dislikes (I did say hopefully).

It is definitely too late to get anything in the mail for Halloween and also a little unreasonable for me to think I could make the Thanksgiving deadline, so I am aiming for Christmas.

I am definitely going to take advantage of the 2010 Winter Olympics being held in Canada this year so there will be something in the package celebrating that. Also, Canada is known for its maple syrup so that could be the sweet treat. I do want to make something but not sure what yet. I also need to include a holiday item for the home - I may have to visit some of my talented Canadian Etsy friends to help me with that!

I can't wait to start assembling my gifts and will try to post about my finds as I progress.

How Cute are These?

2009-10-16T23:37:00.004-04:00

I had to let you all know about these fantastic little gift tags that I won this week from Etsy shop Crafted by Lindy via the blog Lullaby Lucy. They are called Trick or Treat Ghostie Gift Tags and they are ADORABLE! I have been following Lindy's blog for a while and am also a fan of her Etsy shop so I was thrilled to say the least. The designs are so cute with a Frankestein Ghostie, Pumpkin Ghostie, and a Ghostie Ghostie of course! They are still available for sale in her shop for $3.00 for 9 tags. Make sure you get them while you can. I can't wait to use them on my special Trick or Treat bags this year. Thanks Sandra and Lindy!

Etsy Item of the Day

2009-10-14T14:27:00.011-04:00

Have you had a chance to visit "Etsy Item of the Day" today? It is a fabulous site where each day, blogger Jackie posts her daily favourite pick from one lucky Etsy shop. As a regular reader of this blog, I have always hoped that one day we may be featured. And today is our lucky day!

Thanks Jackie!

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-10-10T20:42:00.004-04:00

and the Winner is......

2009-10-06T10:37:00.005-04:00

The winner of our Halloween Teaser contest via The Fabulous Finds is......... A. Molina! She will be receiving an assorted set of Halloween pinwheel cupcake toppers, 6 gift tags, and 6 lollipop favours. I will get those out in the post to you first thing tomorrow morning! Thanks so much to everyone who entered.

IndieSpotting!

2009-10-05T09:55:00.002-04:00

Happy Monday everybody! And it is especially cheerful for me since our Monster Mash cupcake toppers made the front page of IndieSpotting this morning. They can also be found in the Home and Garden section as well. Thanks IndieSpotting!

Handmade Halloween

2009-10-04T21:06:00.007-04:00

It's always a very nice compliment to see your handmade items included in an inspiration piece such as the one above. This one is by Katy Garner for Fairy Bread and includes the following Etsy shops in addition to Twirlie Whirlies: Fairy Wonderful, Cr8ted 4U, Under the Oak, Siiri, Go Make Me and my personal fave, Giggleberry Creations.

Craftgawker

2009-10-04T13:56:00.012-04:00

So this is a very late post coming, however, I only just found out by accident two nights ago that my one and only submissions to Craftgawker was accepted!

For those who don't know, "Craftgawker is a gallery where anyone can showcase their art, crafting, and photography skills. It's a place for you to discover new artists and handmade goods to inspire your own creations."

From what I understand, Craftgawker is extremely picky about the submissions they accept to be posted in their gallery. Their philosophy is "to select the highest quality images to appear on the site, otherwise no one would gawk at the pictures". Submissions are limited to two items at a time or until the previous ones have been accepted or declined.

So, for someone like me who struggles and pains over their photographs day after day, why would I even consider trying my luck at getting posted on Craftgawker? Simply because I believed the quality of my paper party accessories can withstand whatever hatchet job I do to them with my lack of photography skills. Apparently, someone at Craftgawker saw the potential too and my Blockhead Party Hats are now proudly displayed in the Paper Goods section amongst other fabulous artisans such as oliveandruby, paperacorn, and fallintopink just to name a few.

This brings me back to the beginning of the storey. I had submitted my item, photo, and description waaaay back on September 19th and the item was accepted and displayed in the gallery on September 21st. Since I never thought to change my e-mail notifications to have Craftgawker let me know if my submissions were accepted or declined, I never knew until this past Friday night. I was on Twitter and I saw a tweet from someone sadly posting that her submission to Craftgawker had been declined. It got me thinking about mine and whatever had happened to it? You can imagine how surprised I was to find out it had been sitting there for all to see for a couple of weeks. Duh - that certainly explains the views it had been receiving!

Anyway, I have obviously changed my notification preferences and have two more submissions in queue pending review. Wish me luck!

Friday's Tidbit

2009-10-02T09:13:00.005-04:00

So nice to wake up this morning (after a horrible, non-existent sleep) to find that Beth of IndieNorth has chosen our Monster Mash assorted cupcake toppers as her "Friday's Tidbit". Thanks Beth!p.s. Be sure to check out the newly redesigned (and all decked out for Halloween) site layout at IndieNorth. It is fabulous!

It Was a Fabulous Silent Auction

2009-10-01T14:51:00.016-04:00

I recently participated in a silent auction hosted by Fabulous Fund Finds. It was in support of Shelley Mingo and her three children. Shelley recently lost her husband, father-in-law, and brother-in-law in a plane crash. I bid on several of the generously donated listings and was thrilled to discover this morning that I was the highest bidder on this gorgeous necklace!

This beautiful silver necklace is called Springtime Sparrow and was made and donated by Lillyella. I was also given the choice of which coloured glass blossoms I wanted to adorn the chain - I chose turquoise. Odd colour selection for me, but I could use a punch of colour once in a while! I'm not sure what this necklace is priced at on Lillyella as her very popular shop, which boasts 3640 sales, is temporarily closed (taking a well deserved break I am sure), but I have a feeling I got it for a steal. I feel bad about that, wishing I could have donated more, but also very privileged that I have the opportunity to proudly wear this lovely piece of jewelry - a luxury I wouldn't have been able to afford otherwise. So now I patiently wait for my little treasure to arrive and hope that my little needle-in-a-haystack donation to the Mingo family has helped them in some small way.

It's Sale Time!

2009-09-29T10:00:00.005-04:00

Halloween Cupcake Toppers

2009-09-22T23:26:00.006-04:00

Since Autumn is upon us, I figured it may be time to give the Summery-fun pinwheels a well deserved rest and offer the traditional style cupcake topper. Since Halloween is one of my favourite holidays (well, all of the holidays are my favourite, but this one includes A LOT of candy), what better place to start? I've listed a few new cupcake toppers in my Etsy shop this evening and would love to know what you think.

Lil' Ghost

Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater

Pumpkin Pie Picks

Super "FLY" Etsy Treasury

2009-09-22T16:09:00.009-04:00

We are so happy to have been included in another amazing Etsy Treasury. This one is by jenster76 and can be viewed until September 24th, 2009. It's called "FLY" and includes lovely shades of mustard yellow and bird motifs. Thank you, Jenny, for including our sweet double luncheon pinwheels.

It's Time for a Giveaway!

2009-09-17T21:01:00.008-04:00

Heather of The Fabulous Finds was so, well, fabulous to feature Twirlie Whirlies on her blog that we were compelled to offer a giveaway.

Visit The Fabulous Finds and follow her simple giveaway rules to gain entries. The more you follow, the more chances you have to win our Halloween Teaser of 1 dozen assorted cupcake topper pinwheels, 6 assorted treat bag tags, and 6 lollipop favours.

Go, be fabulous, and enter now.

Ok, Maybe Just One More....

2009-09-09T13:27:00.005-04:00

Contest, that is!

This one is via indienorth and sponsored by Boutique Karma. The prize is the beautiful eye pillow shown below valued at $9.50 USD.

Be sure to enter and keep your eye on the prize (no pun intended)!

The Monkey is 2

2009-09-09T08:39:00.011-04:00

Oh - where does the time go? It seems like just yesterday I was holding you in my arms for the first time and now, two years laters, here you are a big boy washing Mommy's car!

Happy 2nd Birthday Sebastian. My life didn't truly begin until I met you.

Love,
Mommy
xoxoxo

Another Fab Contest!

2009-09-07T21:34:00.003-04:00

Is it possible that I could get lucky twice in the month of September? I already think I am lucky since my beautiful handsome baby boy turns two on the 9th, my 12 year wedding anniversary is on the 13th (lucky 13, thank you!), and I turn 39 for the first time on the 30th. But, it never hurts to try and win another fabulous contest (albeit a bit greedy!).

This time, the rikrak studio is celebrating their birthday and to honour it, they are giving away a fabulous $50 USD shopping spree for anything in their lovely shop! So, what are you waiting for? Go, RUN over to their blog to find out how to enter. NOW! Or, you can just click here - I've made it easy for you.

(you aren't still here, are you?)

Everyone's a Winner, Baby!

2009-09-07T14:03:00.005-04:00

Well, maybe just me this time!

I was so excited about the contest I posted below, and entered several times over the weekend I might add, and just found out that I won the gorgeous prize! Thank you Chelsea at Paper*Cakes and Elle's Studio! This made my Labour Day truly fabulous!

Amazing Saturday Giveaway

2009-09-05T13:53:00.004-04:00

Check out this amazing Labour Day Weekend giveway courtesy of Elle's Studio via Paper*Cakes Finds. In celebration of releasing their new Halloween and Christmas lines, Elle's Studio is giving away everything you see in the photo below to one lucky winner (hopefully me!) to jump start your Christmas crafting. Fabulous!

A Rare Bird Indeed!

2009-09-04T11:17:00.006-04:00

What could make a Friday morning even better than just waking up and knowing that it is Friday morning? Waking up and seeing that your little shop was spotted and picked by Rose at Rare Bird Finds! How wonderful! Thank you so much Rose.

A Little Birdie Told Me....

2009-09-03T14:57:00.006-04:00

A little birdie told me, a Scarlet Peacock actually, that Twirlie Whirlies was going to be featured on Rare Bird Finds tomorrow. I can't wait....

Pumpkin Pie Anyone?

2009-08-24T11:54:00.018-04:00

I have been working on some Halloween themed pinwheels and other paper goodies lately (which I do hope to post really soon) and have been thinking a lot about Autumn, falling leaves, crisp clean air, and pumpkins. PUMPKINS!!!! Jack-O-Laterns, but mostly pie. In the hopes to try and get this out of my head, I thought that I would share some of my favourite Etsy pumpkin treats. Enjoy!

Adorable little knitted beanie from Bunny Hop Hop

Hand blown small glass pumpkin from providenceartglass

Set of 3 pumpkin soap by anniepoo

So I know these aren't pumpkins, but I just love them

{and aren't they so cute in this juicy tangerine colour?}

14 needle felted wool acorns by truLuxe

We've Been Spotted!

2009-08-14T13:23:00.019-04:00

Twirlie Whirlies has caught the eye of another fabulous shop owner! We are thrilled that Stacy of Inkspot Workshop has chosen to include our Summer-fresh citrus double pinwheels in her 49th Edition of iCandy. Thank you Stacy! Be sure to check out her shop that sells "hand crafted paper goodies that make you smile". They certainly do!

We've Been Featured (again)!

2009-08-10T23:09:00.013-04:00

We are honoured to have had some of our product photos featured on Mindy Weiss' blog recently. Mindy Weiss is the owner and principal planner/designer of Mindy Weiss Party Consultants located in Beverly Hills, California. Thank you Mindy!

Congratulations!

2009-08-04T12:46:00.008-04:00

Congratulations to my good friends Nancy Bonney and Allen McKinnon on the safe arrival of their beautiful baby girl:

Chelsea Rowan Paige McKinnon

Born Sunday August 2nd, 2009

10:59 am

8 lbs 6 oz.

21 1/4 inches long

I wish you all the best!

Calendar of Events

2009-08-02T12:27:00.011-04:00

Come and visit our table at the Stoney Creek

Mom-To-Mom Sale!

August 22nd, 2009
8:30 am to 1:00 pm
at the
Royal Canadian Legion
12 King Street East
Stoney Creek, Ontario CANADA

{donations will be accepted for the

Canadian Diabetes Association}

We will be selling a selection of pre-made cupcake toppers and handheld pinwheels. Custom order requests will also gladly be accepted. Hope to see you there!

We're in the Treasury!

2009-07-29T08:42:00.012-04:00

We were thrilled to have made takenaga's Etsy Treasury until July 30th, 2009. Thank you!

We've Been Featured!

2009-07-26T20:45:00.004-04:00

Please read our exclusive interview with the lovely Rose from "The Scarlet Peacock".

2009-07-16T00:22:00.012-04:00

Coming Soon!