ATC Swap

"Say Something" was the theme of the latest Artist Trading Card ran by Ali of VeryBerryHandmade.

Maybe I was too busy with my little one and missed all the activities or it simply was the quietest swap. Not sure really. But there were not many comments or discussions going on on Flickr or Instagram, not many "work in progress" pictures were published and I have a feeling that not all the finished cards were published as well. It felt a bit too quiet this time around. I myself did not write the usual "work in progress" or "behind the scenes" blog post. It must be that time of the year when it's a bit too tricky to find any spare time. But anyway, I really wanted to share with you what I made and what I got because I enjoyed very much making this little card for my secret partner.

"Enjoy the small things every day"... this is something I try to remind myself on daily basis. Some days I am more successful then others and I take a notice of that beautiful leaf drifting in the wind or the morning sun rays jumping on the walls or maybe that freshness of the air after the rain, or a little patch of bright green moss poking on a side of a road. Just small things, sounds and smells, shadows, a few spare minutes of sewing, a cup of tea that can actually be finished, one more extra sweet smile, cuddle... Nothing major, nothing big, nothing really important, but something that brings a smile to your face, warms up your heart, makes you feel so good that you feel like flying.

This time around there were no sketches, plans or written ideas. I just kept thinking of what I wanted to say with my card, what was important to me and what I would like to share with my partner. One day I was on my way to the local post office when I notice a bus passing by with a large advertisement of Twinings Tea on it. To be honest with you, I don't even remember what was on that photo, but the saying was pretty much the same what I say to myself. At that very moment I knew that it was going to be my little saying. I love flowers, any flowers really and I love berries, they always bring a smile to me. No matter if someone gives me a bunch of flowers, or I buy them myself or I see a new bloom somewhere on the street or even a photo of a flower has a great power of making me feel a bit better. So flowers and berries were a perfect choice to frame the words. I hope that this card brings a smile and some joy to my partner.

Look at this little cutie! This is what I got in return from Colette. I absolutely love this card that has pretty much the same message as mine. A reminder that "simple things are the most precious". I cannot agree more with Colette. The card is made on a hand printed fabric and the kite is made of a tiny piece of Liberty. It's just wonderful and puts a smile on my face every time I look at it in my sewing nook. Thank you so much Colette!

I hope you find a way to enjoy small things in your life and feel happy every day. Let's go fly a kite... or maybe do some crafting. Have a fantastic day! Larisa xox