Is there any such joy as opening one's letterbox to discover bundles of crafty packages?

I think not!

Since starting my own business, and in particular my own Etsy shop, I have come to understand the joy that supporting handmade brings- not just to the seller, but also to the buyer. As a crafter, I cannot tell you how high and happy I get whenever I make a sale; however, I have also started buying nearly everything I need through Etsy and Made It, and the pleasure I get from supporting fellow crafty types is just as good. The other glorious thing about it, of course, is that I have a permanent Christmas happening in my letterbox!

There is something even better than receiving purchased goodies, though, and that is receiving handmade gifts that have been made just for you. Back in May, I signed up for a lovely Coaster Swap through Kindred Crafters. I was lucky enough to receive the super-talented Kristy as my swap partner, and we quickly figured out that we had an incredible amount in common: we're both lovers of Autumn, are inspired by neutral and warm colours, take great joy in sewing, and live in gorgeous countries (she lives in Italy, the lucky thing!).

Imagine my joy, then, when I opened my letterbox to find a big, fat parcel all the way from Italy. I ripped it open with excitement, and then you should have heard the squeal that emitted from my lungs when I saw...

My very own, personalised, hand sewn, quilted Autumn coasters. Are they not simply sensational? There is no way in the world that I will ever use them, mind you. They are purely works of art that I will pat, admire and whisper sweet nothings to.

Just in case that wasn't wonderful enough, she also popped in a handmade vegan soap and a gorgeous letter. I'm telling you- if you can ever partner with this clever lass for a swap, do it! You will be spoilt beyond belief.

Thank you so much, Kristy! I'm in love.

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Swappy Love

I have so much news to share with you that I think I might pop with excitement!

MY FIRST MARKET STALL!
On a whim, I signed up for my very first market stall yesterday afternoon, at the Made 'N Thornbury market. The only catch is that it's in eight days- on Saturday the 2nd of May! I'm very nervous about the whole thing, but extremely excited too. I've been thinking about doing this for a while, and such a short time frame is bound to get my bum into gear. My office has turned into a mad, sweaty factory, and I'm producing business cards, notebook covers, fabric labels, passport covers, travel tissue holders, bags and more!

10% OFF!
I want to meet all my lovely readers! As a cheeky way of blackmailing you all to come to the market, I'm offering 10% off my products to everyone who visits me and says 'Roger ate my Rabbit'. Beware that I might hug you out of pure excitement!

Here are the details so that you can come and play- make sure to tell your friends:



WE BOUGHT LAND!
Sharon and I have been drooling over a gorgeous piece of land in Hurstbridge for the past few weeks, and our offer's just been accepted! It's 20 acres of pure bushland, with a gorgeous dam, endangered plants, an array of wildlife and views across the valleys. Better yet, it's in a 'green wedge' council, so the whole area is passionate about the environment, and our street is part of an artists' colony! We will be moving there in December to build our dream home: 100% off-the-grid, self-sustainable and eco-efficient. And of course, I shall have my very own crafting cottage! You'll all have to come and visit.



VIRGIN SWAP!
I have officially signed up for my very first craft swap over at Snailblazer! As a virgin swapper, I'm both bursting with ideas and really hoping my recipients will love what they get. If anyone has any tips on how to make a swap extra special, or stories of the gorgeous things they've received in the past, I'd love to hear about them!

P.S. Do you like the Swap button? I made it!

THE GIVEAWAY!
Over at the gorgeous Dotty One blog, I signed up for a heartwarming crafty idea called Pay It Forward. In a nutshell, the first three people who commented on Dotty's Post are receiving a special gift from her, and now it's my turn to spoil my readers!

Because of your crazy time-zone differences and work hours, though, I've decided not to simply select the first three people to leave a comment. Instead, everyone who comments will go into a draw to win a handmade gift from me. The three winners will be picked on Monday, the 27th of April in another unique way! The winners will then need to post about the Pay It Forward exchange on their blog so that it can keep going.


A PEPPERBERRY FEATURE!
The lovely Patti over at It's A Wonderful featured me on her blog. Thank you thank you thank you! I can't tell you how much it means to me.

PHEW!
Was that ever a lot of excitement. I'm off to my factory now- there's so much work to be done that my brain is hurting!

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News! More News! And a Giveaway!