Sunday, October 9, 2011

Barter.....It's a Good Thing

Recently I've bartered with 3 other artisans.  All three trades have been great and I love being the owner of  their wonderful handcrafted items.

This great candle sleeve was made by my Wisconsin friend, Karen of My Colonial Home.  Karen wanted a blanket crane like the one my husband made for me.  Karen gave me several items and I've waited almost a whole year to put out my new candle sleeve.  Karen's work is so precise and her attention to detail is superb.   
Susan is new friend I've met only through emails.  She has purchased several baskets from me and recently proposed doing a swap.  Susan sent me this great Santa and gingerbread man.  The Santa is her own design and he is spectacular!  The gingerbread man smells good enough to eat.  
                      
I'm encouraging Susan to open an Etsy shop to share her items with all of us.  Unfortunately she doesn't have a blog either, but if you want her email address, leave me a comment and I'll put you in contact with her.  

My last item to show off is a great oil painting by the art teacher in my building. Peg didn't know that I was a basketweaver and once she found out wanted to trade.  I was happy to trade - she's had all three of my kids in class so I will always treasure this piece.

I don't have a spot for this yet, but have an idea in mind.  I'll be sure to show you when it finds a home.  
Have a great week.  ~Ann

8 comments:

  1. Awesome trade goodies Ann!! Karen is a sweetie - and does amazing penny work - and I so love your new Santa....Keep working on getting Susan to do Etsy...and let us know when she does! Love your painting too - so much more meaningful when you can say you know the artist whose hand did it....Wishing you a wonderful week ahead....Smiles & Hugs ~ Robin

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  2. Wow...what awesome trades. I love everything and thank you for sharing all of your new goodies!!!

    hugs,
    Carol

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  3. Susan should have her own shop, she does a great job!

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  4. Lovely things! What fun to receive from a friend! Blessings!

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  5. HI ANN....you have received some wonderful items in trade...thanks for mentioning me and my products...you are just so sweet.
    My husband finally got my blanket crane painted...WOOOOHOOOO...and I think it's going over the fireplace...well, it had better because that's where it was intended to go.
    Glad to see you post again...been awhile.

    Karen

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  6. How wonderful for all of you! Sounds like you made some wonderful trades and I am sure you will treasure them!

    Thanks for sharing.
    Laura

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  7. Good afternoon, Ann,

    So many pretty treasures. I love the pumpkin candle sleeve.

    Thanks for stopping by my blog. I don't make cinnamon rolls at home...but, I don't know why, cause it's kindof fun! And love Caramel Rolls even better!

    Yes, the thread trick...I learned that from my mom decades ago. Many student's are amazed...lol...

    Happy Baking! Take care ~Natalie

    (did you know you are a no-reply commenter? I'm not sure if it is intentional, or if you'd like to change it? Just checking...)

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  8. Hi Ann, I love bartering too :-) Karen is indeed a wonderful talent. I think we each have our unique styles that come out in our creations. Like you with your awesome baskets!
    I love old style paintings. Yours is even more special considering the story behind it.
    xoxo~Carol

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Thank you for visiting my blog. I'm so happy to "meet" you through blog land. ~Ann