Cynthia Zdanzukas: Stitchie Swap!

I have received 3 wonderful stitchies from Cynthia, who lives right down the road from my old house in Canton, CT. In fact, she used to come to classes with me at my studio in the last house we had in CT. :o) Cynthia created on a theme of "winter white" and everything she used is vintage from her stash -even the threads!! Take a look:

Thanks so much, Cynthia. I am so glad you enjoyed working on the swap. 

Can you imagine this is your 14th Creative Swap?!!! 

Beautiful Stitchies, beautiful swap art! hugs, Lenna

Ocean/Sunset ATCs: Cynthia Zdanzukas

Well, we're getting near the end . . . Only one day left for me to receive. I know for sure there is one more envelope on it's way & I do hope it makes it. I will close the swap tomorrow, on the 23rd of April.

Fortunately, Cynthia's beautiful ATCs flew in today, hooray! I just checked and this is Cynthia's 13th Creative Swap. She started with me in 2007, so amazing! I tag your entries with your name as I post them so it is easy to call them all up under the tag. You could share the link too if you wish. Just visit the swaps blog online and scroll down the right sidebar till you see "CREATIVE SWAP ART PARTICIPANTS". Look for your name, click on it & there will be all your art gathered. Copy the link in the browser bar and paste wherever you like!

Anyway . . .  Ms. Cynthia's ATCs! Gorgeous. Love the very fine feathers and the sunset colors.

And a special ATC for me below, Thank you! 

I also like the way Cynthia painted the back of her ATCs Sunset Gold . . . 

Here's the back of one of mine . . .

I am happy to be IN this swap !!

One more day . . . 

fingers crossed!

Cynthia Zdanzukas - Inspiration Collage swap

These collages are from Cynthia in CT, who now lives down the road from where I used to live in Canton, CT. It get even odder . . .  she recently found out her new boss owns the house in Avon, CT (he bought it from us) where we used to live 6 years ago . . . it's a very small world sometimes! Cynthia has done many, many swaps with me -this marks her 12th one!

So beautiful! 

Thank you Cynthia ❤

Cynthia Zdanzukas: postcard mail art swap!

Today I received Cynthia's 3 postcards from Connecticut inside this envelope below.

I think this is so cute with a postcard label!

Her summer's day postcards are below -click for details.

The backs . . . . 

There are 4 more days for me to receive, if you are in this swap. If you aren't going to be able to make the deadline, please let me know. I'd appreciate it! 

Cynthia Zdanzukas: Vintage note card swap!

From Cynthia in CT, here are some lovely lovelies!

The flowered paper is what Cynthia wrapped her cards in

The insides have an embossed saying

all the envelopes are lined and stamped with butterflies

even a beautiful envelope - thanks so much, Cynthia! 

Cynthia has done 10 creative swaps! Add to that even MoRE art exchanges she did with me before I started this blog. So glad to have you, Cynthia! 

Cynthia Zdanzukas: mail art swap!

Well! I only received 4 envelopes today, but what spectacular and beautiful envelopes they are! Cynthia Zdanzukas, a friend and student from Connecticut sent in 4 gorgeous envelopes - 3 for the swap and one for lucky me. Let me share them with you. You can click on any one for more details.

I can't help but quote what Cynthia emailed me: 

Hello, again, Lenna!  I've mailed the mail art this a.m.  The postman seemed intrigued with the envelopes and asked lots of questions about them.  It's like pulling teeth to get much of a reaction out of him, so, I'm taking it as a good sign! Can't wait for them to reach you and be swapped out - it's always such fun (!!!!!) and we sure need some FUN in our lives and for that, I thank you and all the other fun-loving swapettes!  Thanks again & enjoy, Cynthia Zdanzukas

* * * 

I am curious, how did your mail carrier react??

I am waiting for a few more envelopes and postcards to make it into my mailbox by Saturday . . . about 5 more full sets and a few extra envelopes/postcards are still coming. It is very exciting! For people who are new and wonder how I swap the items out, I try to give you something I believe you will love -- or at least appreciate! I do this by looking at what YOU have produced for the swap and what that tells me about you. I think this way is better than random pairing because I always get comments from people along the lines of how much they enjoyed their returns. I usually do the swap on paper first, using a grid system - and then that gives me a "map" to use when physically swapping the pieces so I don't get too confused. Yes, it is a lot of work. But remember, when you registered, your paid me! And I do love hosting swaps, especially with lessons added -it really suits me. 

Yes, there will be a NEW swap announced when this one is complete. I am afraid I have not made my mind up yet as to what we'll be swapping, so I may "poll" you asking you to vote your preference. Or you can always email me. I often get wonderful suggestions that get turned into our next creative swap!

Many thanks to Cynthia for a beautiful addition to our mail Art Swap! 

Cynthia Zdanzukas: Alpha Stamps garden variety swap!

Cynthia Zdanzukas is a friend and student of mine from Connecticut who wrote me earlier this week to say she was sending her swaps, "but I wish I could just drop them off!!!" : ^ ) I used to have a small contingent of last-minute creators in CT, who would drop packages off on my porch or in my mailbox, just in time. I'd say that they are all doing really well these days - even though I have moved 1500 miles! They are continuing to join swaps with me & getting their pieces to me on time, and I am grateful. This is Cynthia's 8th creative swap with me and she most likely participated in other swaps too, that I hosted before I even started this blog! You can view all her work done through creative swaps by clicking on her name, above. She also won the 'most creative' for the 12" x 12" fabric technique swap in 2009! Without further adieu, here are Cynthia's beautiful fabric and paper postcards & an ATC - visit Alpha Stamps for the products she used.

click on any postcard for more beautiful details

I love what you have done, Cynthia. thanks so much for participating!! 

Tag Book Swap: Cynthia Zdanzukas, Connecticut

From my old home state of Connecticut, here are Cynthia's beautiful tags. Cynthia used to take classes with me!

absolutely gorgeous!

12x12 Fabric technique swap #31: Cynthia Zdanzukas, Connecticut

I think Cynthia's 12x12 quilt is so interesting! You must click on the photo above and read how she did this!! Thank you, Cynthia!

Star Ornament Swap! Cynthia Zdanzukas - Connecticut

Look at these beautiful Star Ornaments from Cynthia Zdanzukas! The colors are just gorgeous and the flowers an added treat. Cynthia lives near me in CT and I can't resist quoting the note she emailed me before dropping these beauties off:

"As usual, I'm last minute and will be dropping off the stars I made today in your mail box. If I didn't live close enough to drive to Avon, I'd be in deep trouble with these deadlines, being the procrastinator that I am!



Can't wait to see all the beautiful stars - the ones we've seen already are truly unique and lovely...always the outcome in one of your swaps! Thanks as always for hosting this fun diversion from everyday mundane life!"

So sweet. Thanks ever so much, Cynthia!

Itty Bitty Collage swap: Cynthia Zdanzukas ~Connecticut

Cynthia Zdanzukas from my own home state of CT, has provided us with some lovely fabric Itty Bittys. They are shades of blue with silk flowers and beads, and each one has a small message sewn on like "make time", "relax", "play, "love" and "smile". There are metal charms with words too. These are great words of wisdom to follow, especially in the summer! I will delight in keeping one. Thanks so much, Cynthia!

Click on any photo to see more detail.

Alpha Stamp/Tallulah's Swap: Cynthia Zdanzukas

Look at what we have received from Cynthia Zdanzukas in Waterbury, CT!
Click on any scan for a more detailed picture.

I love the old postcards that Cynthia used to create her Tallulah's postcards with. She used images from the Kisses sheet available at Alpha Stamps, and created her own text to go along with the images. Cynthia also used feathers, sequins and other embellishments to complete her cards -Wonderful!

Creative Bag Swap: Cynthia Zdanzukas

From one of my long-time swap participants -- Cynthia Zdanzukas in CT, a wonderful wool bag, which I think Cynthia felted herself. YES, she did! I just received thid note from Cynthia:

"A warning about felting – it’s addictive! I immediately started another bag, all of the ladies at work want one now! It is so fun!"

I have not gotten into felting at all myself, but I really love the look!

Thanks so much Cynthia for participating and sending in with plenty of time to spare. My power is back on here in Avon, CT - I hope you are doing well where you are too!

A reminder: ALL BAGS are due in my hands february 23rd - just a week and a half away! Looking forward to swapping these beauties out!