Giveaway & Exchange Received

I've had a couple of gorgeous things arrive at Flossbox Central ~ they can speak for themselves:

This fab pincushion and lovely cupcake card arrived a wee while ago from Rachael at Stitchabilities as I won her draw that marked her 4th year blogaversary ~ Thank you so much Rachael. 
I tried and tried to get a decent picture that would show the beads that are stitched on but no matter what I tried I couldn't manage to get it right.
I signed up to a Blackbird Designs Exchange that Michelle was organising through her blog ~ there were seven of us participating.  I had an unsuccessful attempt to mail to my partner yesterday ~ I didn't realise that Post Offices still did half day closing on Wednesdays, shows what I know.  I have been more successful today and it's now winging it's way to my partner.  I will show a picture once I know it is safely received.

This was waiting for me when I returned home from work yesterday ~ it's been on an epic journey ~ it came all the way from Perth, Australia!  This is from Lisa who was my partner in the Blackbird Design Exchange.  This is Summer Iris and Lisa has stitched it on 32ct antique cream linen.  How fab is that ribbon on the top?
The back is on the picture below - thank you so much Lisa.  And thank you Michelle for organising the exchange.





Tomorrow is the last day of my working week and it has taken an absolute age to arrive ~ I'm planning to start early so I can finish early as I have an appointment to attend.  Hopefully I can squeeze in a visit to see the WP's too.
We have been invited to a friend's barbecue in the evening to celebrate his wife's qualification as a doctor ~ attendance depends on the LM being home early enough and still in possession of some energy.  He has been away this week training people so he'll no doubt be all talked out and fatigued from driving 280 miles in Friday traffic ~ yuk!

Kate

I'm A Winner!

A wee while ago I was lucky enough to be drawn in Christine's blogaversary draw ~ well, a package arrived!

Look at all these gorgeous goodies ~ aren't they fabulous?
Pretty floral fabric ~ perfect for for finishing.
Crafty Kitten murano fabric ~ Lemon Sorbet ~ yum.
Eventide Designs ~ The Honey Bees chart complete with little bee charm.
Needle Necessities overdyed thread.
2 packs Mill Hill seed beads.
A spring flower brooch ~ cleverly made from a zip.
A beautifully stitched strawberry ~ how gorgeous is that?
And inside that teeny little blue gift bag is the sweetest little frog ~ yes I did just call a frog sweet! ~ he's made from Cornish tin and Christine wrote on her card "I hope he can keep his big brothers away!"  I will photograph him when I have found him a new pad at my place ~ he's been christened Cornelious
Christine Thank You so much.  I really appreciate all the time and effort that you have put into this ~ I love all of it!