Stamp It Up Swap

Apparently I am in a swapping mood lately.  I have also signed up for Nicky and Helen's Stamp It Up swap.  If you want to join in too, head on over to the flickr site and sign up ASAP.  It's getting quite full already!

While at the Fat Quarterly Retreat in London this past July, I took a class by Tasha on creating your own eraser stamps.  It was great fun and could easily be something that becomes part of my happy, crafty life.  I love how you can easily personalize a project or create a card for a special occasion with very little effort.  In the class I started off with some tracing paper, an eraser, a craft knife, a pencil and a little inspiration.

And I tried my best to create a little fluffy sheep stamp.  I initially thought I'd make it easy on myself and make him a black sheep.  That way I didn't have to carve out his middle.

Once I tested him, though, I clearly wanted a little white sheep.  Sadly my knife slipped and I sheered him a little too close, destroying the stamp all together.  With little time left in the class I carved a little puppy paw instead.

With a little practice, though, I think I can handle a swap.  It's a great excuse to sharpen my skills (and my scalpel) and give it another try!  Again, in secret swap style we had to make an inspirational mosaic. 

 I apparently am digging birds (or animals in general) and flowers.  I was also imagining a little sewing machine and pin cushion would be pretty cute.  No matter what comes of this swap its still going to be great fun giving it my best try. I can't wait to see what my partner is into.  How exciting!