The Great Christmas Exchange!

There's just something so fun about being able to (uncreepily) stalk somebody you've never met, and send them something you know (or hope) they'll love based on your findings.
I had Amanda, of Keeping up with the Jayneses. She was so fun to buy for! If you visit her blog it's obvious she's a foodie (girl after my own heart) This girl has some fantastic recipes on her blog. I saw that she also loves Anthropologie (who doesn't?) So I got her this beautiful cookbook for small gatherings from Anthro, and threw in a family recipe of my own! Along with a little card to say hello!

There's just something about GOLD glitter tape, am I right?  It's irresistible.

THEN!!! I got this beautiful package from Gini!

She's pretty much the GREATEST stalker ever. She got this sweet little anthro chalkboard canister (directly from my pinterest wishlist board), A Gold monogram (how did she know of my GOLD OBSESSION!?), some sweet little homemade gift tags- which I totally used Christmas day and they look magnificent taped on with some washi tape. holy cuteness. Not to mention the sweetest handmade watercolor card, which I adore. (Gini has her own etsy where she sells her beautiful art)


I've been so blessed to be part of this great Exchange, and get to know these sweet girls a little bit better. I hope we keep in touch. I can't wait for next year's exchange!!

The Great Christmas Exchange!

It's the last week to sign up for  The Great Christmas Exchange hosted by Samantha (Elah Tree) and Elizabeth (Oak & Oats)! I didn't want you to miss out. This may sound familiar to you. If it does, it may be because you've seen the button on my sidebar to the left, or maybe you remember it from when Samantha mentioned it in her awesome post about DIY christmas ornaments.  Well if you haven't checked it out yet, you need to get on the ball you scrooge! :)
The 18th of November is the last day you can sign up!

The Details!

WHAT is it: 

 The Great Christmas Exchange is an opportunity to meet new bloggers, readers, and friends; get to know them and give a gift!

WHO can participate: 

Everyone! This is not a closed exchanged! Anyone can participate. Bloggers, readers, your mom, your sister, you name it, you're in! This exchange is also open internationally. Participants will be matched within their own country. *When making assignments we will put bloggers and non-bloggers together.

WHEN: 

11/18: Make sure to sign up by November 18th! The exchange will close on that day.

11/25: The girls will email your assignment/partner to you on November 25th. If you have not received your assignment by 11/26 email Samantha or Elizabeth. Get to Shopping!
12/16: You have three weeks to shop and get you package in the mail. Make sure to ship by December 16th.
1/7: Enjoy your Christmas Break! Elizabeth and Samantha will have a link up ready on January 7th. 

Bloggers link up your exchange!

HOW (much) :

Let's keep the gifts around $20.
If you are feeling overly generous than go for it, but please don't expect anyone to go over $20. 

Sign up by clicking this link and have lots of fun!

who's planning on signing up? I already have! 

Guest Post: Elah Tree

Hello lovely Moons & Junes readers! I'm Samantha and I blog over at Elah Tree - a lifestyle blog full of creativity and encouragement. I also run a lovely little shop full of fun accessories! I am so honored that Shayla has allowed me to take over her virtual home for the day. Shayla is so sweet isn't she!

There are so many things I wanted to share with you today, but of course I had to narrow it down or we would be here all day. Is it to early to talk about Christmas? I know it's not even Halloween yet, but I have two very exciting things related to Christmas that I want to share. First, hop over here and learn more about The Great Christmas Exchange! I am ecstatic about The Great Christmas Exchange and I hope you decide to join us in this year's fun festivities!

So in honor of The Great Christmas Exchange I have put together a fun and easy Christmas ornament craft.

Because of my shop I always have lots of fabric scraps and thought this project would be perfect. You'll need fabric, something to trace a circle, I used a mason jar. A pen or pencil, a rotary cutter or scissors, and stuffing of some kind. A thought about using fabric to stuff the ornaments, but then remembered I had some left over stuffing.
1) Trace and cut out the circles for the ornament. 2.) Pick out and cut fabric to decorate the ornament.
3.) Cut fabric stripes for the ornament loops. 4.) Sew decorative fabric to ornament circles.
5.) Place ornament pieces together, don't forget the ornament loop. 6.) Sew around the outside of the ornament, remember to leave a whole for the stuffing. 7.) Stuff the ornament with stuffing and then sew up the small hole.
All done! I hope this little project has inspired your creative side. Did you notice the Star Wars ornament? Yep, that one is for the Husband.  And last I leave you with a couple creative tips. Remember that creativity is just problem solving and it's a process. There is no failure in art unless you quit trying. Think of art as exploration. Don't focus on getting it right, just explore different ways to create.

Thanks for having me! Happy creating!