{guest post & christmas in july gifts}

I hope that everyone had a fantastic Fourth of July last week and that you got to spend as much time as possible relaxing with your family and friends.  I took an unexpected break from the blog to do just that!  I went into the week thinking I could do both, but family (and my little guy’s birthday) won.  I’ll share some pictures from the big day soon!

 First things first…today I’m guest posting for Amy of One Artsy Mama as part of her Fun in the Sun Summer Series!  If you’re living under a rock haven’t checked out her blog, you must!  I’ll be sharing how I made my Patriotic Grapevine Wreath…go on, head over there and take a look, but make sure to come back so you can see the amazing Christmas in July gifts that I received from Melanie of Bear Rabbit Bear!

Now onto the presents!  You may have noticed in my sidebar that I participated in the Christmas in July Gift Exchange hosted by the super sweet Adrianne of Happy Hour Projects.  Well, lucky me was paired with a very sweet blogger (that I can also now call a friend), Melanie of Bear Rabbit Bear.  We exchanged a few get-to-know-you emails and got to work on each other’s gifts.  Soon, I received all of this in the mail…

I cannot imagine the time that it took Melanie to create all of these beautiful items for me!  She included the sweetest note with her gift explaining that through reading my blog she thinks I’m a great cook 🙂  AND she even tried to figure out my kitchen color scheme through pictures I’ve taken.  She did a fantastic job, don’t you think?!  Thank you again Melanie for your kindness!  I hope you enjoyed the gifts I sent you as well.

I’ll share a sneak peak of some of the items I made for Melanie now and a full tutorial for all items within the next week!

Items I sent Melanie:

Five Year Journal

2 Handmade Coffee Cozys

2 Spools of Handmade Baker’s Twine

Handmade Book Marks

I’ll be linking up with Adrianne’s “I’m in the Gift Exchange” party!  Head over there to see the other fabulous (and super creative) Christmas in July gifts!

Also, Adrianne is hosting a Christmas in July par-tay this month and I’ll be giving away one of my Handmade Coffee Cozys!  Make sure to check back with her often over the next two weeks for a chance to enter to win some amazing prizes!

I’m so happy to be back!  Please leave a comment or two, I LOVE to hear from all of my readers!