What I Received From the Brown Paper Bag Swap

Sorry I know I'm a late posting this, but I left the charger to my camera in Maine and was waiting for it to get mailed back to me.  Now if I could just get all the beach sand out of it so it won't be tempermental.

I received this gorgeous and super creative art piece from Ellen. 

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Ellen came up with a wonderful idea....I would have never thought of doing this in a million years.  Check out the people sitting under the tree.  So cute!!  Ellen you did an amazing job and I really want to thank you for participating in the Brown Paper Bag Swap and for being my partner.

My Brown Paper Bag Projects for this Year

This year for the 4th Annual Brown Paper Bag Swap I came up with something I really liked and really last minute.  I always have great ideas, but never seem to come up with the one I want to send or am happy with until after the mail out date.  Strange.....I know....but it is just the way my brain functions.

Any therapist out there with an answer to my problem???

 I made some eggs by covering plastic Easter Eggs in brown paper bag strips and then painting them.

I used a deli style plastic bowl for the nest and covered it in brown paper bag strips first and then added some ????, I can't think of what you call that stuff.

Brain Fart!!!!

I also made my partners a matchbox ornament. 

I covered the box with brown paper bag and then added a paper rose to it.

 I also made each of my partners 4 cards out of brown paper bags.

I made the owl out of brown bags and then embellished with printed paper and colored pencils.

and then I made the envelopes for the cards out of brown bags and lined them with printed paper.



I'll post the beautiful piece I got from Ellen tomorrow.

The 4th Annual Brown Paper Bag Swap



The Fourth Annual Brown Paper Bag Swap is a little late in starting this year, but it is that time again for some fun and creativity using Brown Paper Bags.  Sign ups are only until Friday so sign up quick.  I may not be able to get back to you for a couple of days to confirm, but I will get back to you.



Swap Rules:

1. You must use a brown paper bag in your handmade swap item. You can purchase things to add to or embellish though.

2. You MUST contact your swap partner by email. You need to say "Hi", introduce yourself and then tell them a little about yourself. I am making this a rule because I have participated in a couple of swaps and have never heard from the person I am exchanging with. I think this takes away from the whole point of the swap and kind of leaves everything up in the air. Make a new friend, it doesn't mean you have to email them constantly, but be friendly.

3. Please thank your partner for the package they send to you. I hate when I swap with someone and they don't just say "thank you". I may be late on most of my swaps, but I do put a lot of work into them and I do appreciate the work that my partner puts into theirs. Everyone likes to here "thank you!"

4. There is $15.00 (+ or - a little) price limit. All Homemade is fine!!! Please don't worry about going out and purchasing things. I'm sure between tags, cards, scrapbooks, etc..... everyone can come up with enough stuff to feel satisfied. Please just be comfortable with yourself and what you send.

5.  PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE FOLLOW THROUGH WITH THE SWAP IF YOU SIGN UP.  IF YOU CAN'T FOR SOME REASON LET ME KNOW ASAP AND I WILL ANGEL THE PACKAGE.  PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE FOLLOW THROUGH THOUGH IF YOU SIGN UP!!

Please email me at sherryreneew@hotmail.com or leave me a comment on my blog if you would like to join the swap. I need your:

Name:
Mailing Address:
Email address:
Blog address if you have one:



I will take sign ups until May 20, 2011. The mail out date for your brown paper bag item will be June 20, 2011.

If your interested, here is a little history on the Brown Paper Bag as we know it now. There were other paper bags before this and other people involved in the invention of the bags. I just decided to post about the type of bags that are familiar to us now days. Square-Bottom Paper Bag w/ pleated sides On June 12, 1883 the U.S. Patent office issued #279,505 to Chas Stilwell a patent for a paper bag machine. After fighting for the Union in the Civil War, Charles Stilwell began to tinker with the idea of making a better paper bag. Paper bags already existed at this time, but they had many flaws. They had to be pasted together by hand; their V-shaped bottoms prevented them from standing on their own; and they were not easily collapsible or conveniently stackable. In the summer of 1883, Stilwell put into operation the first machine to produce paper bags. The bags had flat bottoms for standing up straight by themselves and pleated sides that made them easy to fold and stack. Dubbed the S.O.S., or Self-Opening Sack, it remains in widespread use today. With the birth of the American supermarket in the early 1930s, demand for Stilwell’s paper bags skyrocketed. Their versatility, strength, and low cost made them first a nationwide then a worldwide phenomenon.



A Brown Paper Bag Zine

After I had The Brown Paper Bag Swap, Lori Garver, contacted me and asked me if she could interview me regarding the Brown Paper Bag Swaps because she was making a zine. Lori was so sweet and sent me one of the finished zine's. She did an amazing job and so I wanted to share it with everyone.

The front and back cover

The contents, introduction, some beautiful flowers Lori made and part of the interview with me.

the rest of the interview with me and a picture of the roses my sister Robyn made for me, a wax paper art doll that Lori made and some different types of paper that Lori made.

A paper bead and a recipe for Brown Sugar Cookies, Fun Facts, links and Thank you's.

Lori did a really nice job on her Brown Paper Bag Zine and I really appreciate her including me and sending me a copy. She really does amazing work!

Brown Paper Bag Swap - Part 2

My third partner for The 3rd Annual Brown Paper Bag Swap was Sue from Australia. Sue is one of the sweetest ladies and she sent me a really neat swap package.

Sue sent a vintage pattern, stamps, some Australian coins, vintage buttons, receipt and tags and then a tape measure that had belonged to her Aunt.

Then Sue made these cute tree tags out of brown bags and different papers and lace. Such a neat idea!

Sue also made me a cute little card and a heart sachet.

The tree pin is brown bag and fabric behind it. It is really pretty!

Thanks Sue for a really creative and wonderful swap package!




Here is what I made for Bridget, Robyn and Sue.

I made 6 little dresses into a garland. They have brown paper bags on the back.

Then I made these envelopes. They have brown bags on the inside and decorative paper on the outside. The buttons are crinkled and decoupaged brown bags.

These are mini wall hangings and I used brown paper bags as the matting.

the bookmark dresses have brown bags on the back and some of my collage paper on the front. The hearts are brown bags and decorative paper that I weaved together and then lightly painted with some white paint, sewed the 2 sides together and added a flower and ribbon.

and then I made these tussi mussi's out of crinkled and decoupaged brown bags. I tea stained some sheet music, pleated it and sewed it on the edges. I also added each persons initial in tea stained cardstock. I ran some music paper and brown bags through the paper shredder to put on the inside. I think some of the roses that my sister made would look pretty in these!


So that is my Brown Paper Bag Swap stuff.

Thank you so much

Bridget, Robyn and Sue

for being my partners and coming up with

creative and amazing swap packages!

Brown Paper Bag Swap - Part 1

I had 3 wonderful partners for The 3rd Annual Brown Paper Bag Swap that I hosted. All 3 were 1st time swappers and I must say they all 3 did an amazing job! Today I'll show you the first 2 and then tomorrow I'll post the 3rd one and the stuff that I made.

My first package was from Bridget Renea. Bridget was also my partner for the Pretty Pockets Swap and she did a wonderful job on both. Bridget went with the cowboy theme for me, which I love, and made me this cute Brown Paper Bag Scrapbook.

Bridget filled the book with tags and the cutest pages. I really like the accordian style pages and all the inking and details she added. Great job Bridget!

My sister Robyn made the next package. Robyn came up with some really creative things. I have to admit I was a bit surprised at how crafty and creative my sister is. I knew she was crafty, but I honestly had no idea how talented she really is!!

Robyn made these roses out of Brown Paper Bags. Every petal has been lightly burned to make the edges look more rustic. Aren't they gorgeous?!?!? I love these roses!!

these bows are made out of designed paper and brown bags.

Robyn also made me a little round box and lined it with denim, star ornaments decorated with bandana paper and brown paper bag stars, a couple of tags, these cute cowgirl signs and a frame with brown paper bags and western stuff on it and Johnny Depp in the frame. Oh yeah!

and look at this neat tote bag made out of a bandana and stitched to a brown bag. Robyn also added some western buttons to embellish it. Great Job Robby!



Thank you Bridget and Robyn! I am very lucky to have had you both as partners. I really appreciate the time you both put into making such creative and impressive packages!

Robyn doesn't have a blog, but please welcome Bridget Renea to world of blogging. She just started a blog the other day so go on over and say "Hi" to her. http://bestfriendsarebest.blogspot.com/

Brown Paper Bag Ideas

There's still six more days to sign up for The 3rd Annual Brown Paper Bag Swap. I've got 10 creative, crafty ladies who are up for the challenge (they are listed on my sidebar)! I thought I'd share a few more items that were swapped in the past 2 years.

This is an organizer that the talented Jessica made.

Her work is gorgeous!

Here is a brown paper bag scrapbook that I made.

and then these adorable little Ladybug cupcake toppers by Val.

So if you've been inspired by these brown paper bag creations and you want to join in on the fun make sure you email me at sherryreneew@hotmail.com

Brown Paper Bag Ideas for My Swap...Now That you Have Some More Ideas, Why Not Join????

There is still a week left to sign up for my Third Annual Brown Paper Bag Swap. I wanted to share a few more of the things that some talented ladies made in the past 2 swaps.

This is a journal that Leslie.

The top picture is the outside of the journal and on the inside

she put this cute little brown bag pocket.

I love how Leslie used a brown paper bag as an embellishment to the journal

and I love that I was the lucky recipient!

Here is a bird and birds nest that Val made for her partner.

Very cute and creative!

and Tammy made journals too along with some

extra goodies she sent along with her package.

So, now I know everyone is going to be rushing to sign up for my swap since I've shown you some more wonderful projects from the past. Email me at sherryreneew@hotmail.com to join in on the fun!

Okay, What's Wrong with This Picture??

Okay, yesterday I went over to SwapDex to see the posting about The Third Annual Brown Paper Bag Swap that the sweet Jenna had done for me.

Big mistake on my part!!

Jenna had been busy posting other swaps too.

Wonderful, exciting, funfilled swaps. I tried so hard to resist.

I really did.

I'm already doing a monthly Year of Enchantment swap with Val, a Pin-Up Girl Apron Swap with Val and a May Day Swap with Valrie, so as you can see I really didn't need to visit SwapDex.

I have been being a really good girl this year with not visiting SwapDex and feeding my addiction to the whole swap thing, but I had to go there.

Yes, I had to go there,

but Look at the great swaps I found!!!

Jessica at Kids Knapping, I'm Scrapping is having a Pretty Pockets Swap

Wendy is hosting her first swap - Around the World in 20 Tags

and I just snuck in on it. I was the 20th person to sign up.

WooHoo!

I'm doing my tags on Jordan.

and I haven't got my confirmation email back yet, but I signed up for

Linda from A Swap for All Seasons

The Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue Swap

So, I just want to know "What is wrong with this picture?"

I go to to just peek at a posting and wind up joining in 3 more swaps. I guess I should be grateful that the Vintage Cowgirl Swap is already filled because I really, really, really wanted to do that one.

Oh, and by the way, I know all of you swappers are really hyped about The Third Annual Brown Paper Bag Swap and maybe I posted the wrong email address because so far I have only received 1 enthuastic blogger friend's email. My computer has been a little wonky lately so maybe that's the problem.

So anyway,

here it is again sherryreneew@hotmail.com

Don't be shy now. It's going to fun and get those creative juices flowing!

Are You Ready For the Most Exciting Swap of the Year??

Yes, it is that time of year again and I KNOW many of you swappers have been anxiously awaiting for me to host this swap again.

Well, it's finally time for the:

Okay, I know I am going to be swamped with all you crafty people rushing to sign up for The Third Annual Brown Paper Bag Swap! I promise to do my best to keep up on the rush of people to sign up. So please be patient with me!

Brown Paper Bag Scrapbook

by Melissa



Two years ago I hosted my first swap and I was amazed at how creative people were with a simple brown paper bag. So it’s April 27 again and I am hosting The 3rd Annual Brown Paper Bag Swap. The Brown Paper Bag is such a simple item and how many of us started off as little kids crafting with brown paper bags? In school we decorated them for goodie bags, made puppets out of them, used them for our lunches, etc.... My mom made my little guy, Jace, a brown paper bag scrapbook when he was born. It was so cute and yet so simple. I love it!!




Variety of Tag
by Me - Sherry


So what I am thinking is that we (hopefully others like this idea too and join the swap!) could use a brown paper bag and create something for our partner out of it. It doesn't matter how you use the bag as long as it is somehow used in your swap. It could be added to your art piece, made into a tag, it could be the main part of the item, whatever you can come up with.





A basket and little pouch

by Angela

Swap Rules:

1. You must use a brown paper bag in your handmade swap item. You can purchase things to add to or embelish though.

2. You MUST contact your swap partner by email. You need to say "Hi", introduce yourself and then tell them a little about yourself. I am making this a rule because I have participated in a couple of swaps and have never heard from the person I am exchanging with. I think this takes away from the whole point of the swap and kind of leaves everything up in the air. Make a new friend, it doesn't mean you have to email them constantly, but be friendly.

3. Please thank your partner for the package they send to you. I hate when I swap with someone and they don't just say "thank you". I may be late on most of my swaps, but I do put a lot of work into them and I do appreciate the work that my partner puts into theirs. Everyone likes to here "thank you!"

4. There is $15.00 (+ or - a little) price limit. All Homemade is fine!!! Please don't worry about going out and purchasing things. I'm sure between tags, cards, scrapbooks, etc..... everyone can come up with enough stuff to feel satisified. Please just be comfortable with yourself and what you send.

Paperbag Toadstool

by Val

Okay, sounds simple enough, and I know it sounds so exciting that you all can't wait to get started. Am I right or am I right?

Pizza Scrapbooking Set

by Valerie



Please email me at sherryreneew@hotmail.com or leave me a comment on my blog if you would like to join the swap. I need your:

Name:
Mailing Address:
Email address:
Blog address if you have one:



I will take sign ups until May 18, 2010. The mail out date for your brown paper bag item will be June 12, 2010 (that is anniversary day the patent was granted for the machine that makes the paper bags we use now days.)

A Wall Hanging

by Me -Sherry


If your interested, here is a little history on the Brown Paper Bag as we know it now. There were other paper bags before this and other people involved in the invention of the bags. I just decided to post about the type of bags that are familiar to us now days. Square-Bottom Paper Bag w/ pleated sides On June 12, 1883 the U.S. Patent office issued #279,505 to Chas Stilwell a patent for a paper bag machine. After fighting for the Union in the Civil War, Charles Stilwell began to tinker with the idea of making a better paper bag. Paper bags already existed at this time, but they had many flaws. They had to be pasted together by hand; their V-shaped bottoms prevented them from standing on their own; and they were not easily collapsible or conveniently stackable. In the summer of 1883, Stilwell put into operation the first machine to produce paper bags. The bags had flat bottoms for standing up straight by themselves and pleated sides that made them easy to fold and stack. Dubbed the S.O.S., or Self-Opening Sack, it remains in widespread use today. With the birth of the American supermarket in the early 1930s, demand for Stilwell’s paper bags skyrocketed. Their versatility, strength, and low cost made them first a nationwide then a worldwide phenomenon.