Valentine Exchange with Dashasel Sews!

In case you missed it, this year I hosted a Valentine Exchange, for crafty mamas to exchange handmade Valentine gifts.  I had the pleasure of adopting not one but two Valentines this year.  Yes, I am a lucky girl. ;)

Today, let me show you what I made for Elaine of Dashasel Sews!  I have had a wonderful time getting to know Elaine!  I'm not sure if she knew it going in, but I really enjoy jewelry-making.  She has a growing family at the moment, so while I really wanted to make her a mother's necklace, it's difficult to predict just how things were going to go when her second child arrives.  So rather than pester her about names, and wonder just what birthstone I should go with, I settled on a design that would incorporate her whole family right now and in the future.

It's hand-stamped in sterling silver.  I keep quite a few jewelry-making supplies on-hand, so I was proud of myself for using things from my stash.  (Though I did send a little chocolate - come on, it is a valentine, after all!)

I also made cards for both my Valentines:

I would loved to have sewn something for her - but for two reasons I avoided it: first, the sewing at her blog is beautiful.  I felt like an amateur compared to what she has to show off!!  And two - I was really short on time.  We were a bit of a late match, you see (though I am SO glad it worked out)!

Would you like to see what Elaine sent me?

First of all, the package was lovely before I even opened it, with a cute little ribbon and felt hearts.

I unwrapped it to find a cute little clutch (the fabric is printed with X's and O's), a beautiful Figure 8 scarf (I am in love with this fabric!) and an adorable felt Monster Crayon Tote for Miss Raya!

Upon seeing her beautiful work, I feel like a total amateur behind the sewing machine!  Seriously, this photo does not do proper justice to her work - if you'd like to see a little more, Elaine blogged about her handiwork yesterday.  Thank you Elaine!!

(And since I see other people braving the self-portrait to show off how awesome their Valentines are, I thought I'd suck it up and do the same.  Here's the scarf - naturally gorgeous even if the smile is a little awkward, LOL!)

Stay tuned because tomorrow - I will show you what I received from Carlee at Ladybird Ln!


I link up to these great parties!
~ Adrianne