captivaedlife

************NO GLUTEN/DAIRY PLEASE!************

I'm an "everyday artist". I'm not incredible, I'm a learner. I used to think I couldn't do art until I learned that outlining and "coloring in" (or painting in) is still art! Now I feel like I'm taking off! I am a wife, mother and I work full time so I do not have a lot of time to create. I knit, spin, sew, craft everyday items (purses out of old skirts, skirts out of thrifted pillowcases, etc). I adore natural materials - wool, alpaca linen, organic cottan, wool felt. I love my baby girl (5 years old - a January baby) and mothering is something that I try to do better everyday. I work as a high school special needs (mild/moderate) teacher at a technical college. I LOVE life - it's hard, difficult, tiring - but worth it.

My crafting:

I sew, knit, spin wool on a spindle, make food (gluten free) crafts (marshmallows, chocolate covered sunflower seeds, caramels, etc), make homemade soap from lye, oils, and goatsmilk. I make everyday items - my purses, my work tote, dresses for the little one, freezer paper stencil shirts for the family, make my own stationary, and lately, I've been making headbands 'cuz I got a new haircut that looks cute with the headbands!

ATC's (I'm not making atc's at this moment) I would love: retro style painted or well collaged cards pretty girls seasonal cards (we celebrate most of the major Christian holidays as well as the seasons, equinoxes and solstices) cards depicting the phases of the moon naughty nudes :) tasteful pin-ups trees sun/moon tea related

I love the Decemberists and Pomplamoose! I love classical music. I listen to NPR on a regular (everyday) basis.

(other than trashy sci-fi/fantasy romance novels?!)

I love to read a good book: The Help A Handmaids Tale anything by Dean Koontz Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically The Arm of the Starfish (or any book by Madeline L'Engle) Memoirs of a Geisha My Sister's Keeper

I love Chocolat! My all time favorite movie. I also enjoy watching The Holiday. I'm not much into movies and TV so.... I'll add to the list as I see something that catches my fancy.

I (finally) have a TV again after 3 years of being TV free - but I don't watch TV! I enjoy playing on my Wii though - mario cart, wii resort/sports, etc.

Why I don't watch TV I don't watch TV because I don't have TIME. I have a 3 year old, I have a job, I have an apartment which is a never ending struggle to keep clean. I ENJOY playing online and blogging and, while I try to keep that time to a minimum, I'd rather do those things (and craft!) than watch TV. I'd down with tv if you watch it and am not going to go all militant on you!

-paper/ephemera from countries outside the US /

-fabric from countries outside the US

-fun paper/ephemera/fabric in cool/fun patterns/vintage

-ATC's made by YOU!

-paper cuttings

-vintage handkerchiefs with printed motifs and/or lots of color (floral, abstract, geometric)

-unusual art supplies (from other countries would be cool)

-small handmade items

-embroidery, appliqué, or other needle crafts (done by YOU would be cool!)

-CD mix with music you are listening to. I'm open to any style (exceptions: smooth jazz, Christian contemporary (monk/hymns ok), metal, hard rock)

-handspun yarn (natural fibers)

-organic/natural teas/coffee

-natural/organic anythings!

-soft cloth headbands

-a small project (sewing, knitting, cardmaking) packaged by you for me to complete!

-NO GLUTEN (bread, barley, wheat, rye, rice krispies, soy sauce, etc)

-No dairy! (Dark chocolate is SOMETIMES fine! Check ingredients please!)

-Mass-manufactured television, anime, magna, gothic,character STUFF. I don't watch tv (including lost, glee and a number of other shows that everyone loves) and I don't want to get television related stuff.

-Cheap dollar store items (unless that's part of the swap! I expect dollar store stuff from the dollar store swap!)

-Country-style or Americana, patriotic, military or sports-themed items

-Non natural fabrics and yarns - synthetics (polyester, acrylic, etc)

-Candles, soaps, bath supplies - I make my own very high quality supplies - unless it's handmade I don't want it!

-Please NO cigarette smells or cat/dog/rabbit hair

I'll be happy to receive some mail from you - whatever it is! When in doubt, send something you made (arts or crafts) and a little dark chocolate.