
This is the package that Apryl at
Meridian Ariel sent to me for our
Nightmare Before Valentine's Day Swap. She wrote about it
here. (I already blogged about what I sent her
here and
here). I've been following Apryl's blog for a long time. I was quick to jump on
her owl swap some time ago. (You can read more about that one
here if you would like- that was one of my favorites; I liked her
fairytale swap, too).
This is a sample of some of Apryl's work.
Below is Lillian (this is Apryl's picture):

"Lillian is 7. She is pretty, bright as a button, has an air of melancholia about her and likes to dress like Wednesday Adams..." (You will have to read more about Lillian on Apryl's blog
here). When I was
blog stalking Apryl researching for our swap, I came across Lillian, and because I had black and white stripes with red in mind for the package I was going to send her, I was smitten by her.
Below is another one of my favorite dolls from Apryl (this is her picture, as well):

You will have to read Apryl's
Sugar and Spite post to read more about her. (You can imagine how thrilled I was to receive one of Apryl's dolls along with other treasures. I had been eyeing several in
Apryl's etsy shop).
First, Apryl wrapped my treasures in lovely, sewing pattern paper and twine (this is her picture below as well- I tore right into my package, so I didn't get to take a picture):

I received one of Apryl's handmade dolls. Her name is Malice:

Malice came along with a story about herself typed on a distressed flashcard and vintage key:

I will share some of the story here with you (Apryl has some of Malice's story on her blog
here, as well): "Malice lives on the edge of Valentine City in a crumbling castle filled with whispering ghosts. She cries in the rain and laughs in the snow. Pinned to her dress is a tarnished key. She says the key is to a wooden box buried under the castle. In the box lies her bleeding heart. I don't think she is kidding. Malice is not the kidding type..."
This is one of Apryl's pictures below:

Malice is now sitting on my bookshelf in front of my vintage books.

Apryl also sent me a Moleskine journal with a hand drawn portrait of
Sally (my favorite Tim Burton character). She sent me a badge with one of Sally's quotes from the movie, "What's wrong? I thought you liked frog's breath":

Apryl sent me another hand drawn portrait just like her
storybook page paintings that I admire so much (this, too, is Apryl's picture):

Apryl sent me a ticking heart pin cushion:

I could really appreciate that Apryl incorporated some girly elements in the swap for me.
She sent me a vintage book, clock stamp, lace, pink thread, and an embroidered doily:


Thank you so much, Apryl!
Wow! Your package was so full of amazing handmade art. I shall have to visit Apryl as her art is so unique. Love Malice and her story. Happy Swapping...
ReplyDeleteDefinitely quirky! Handmade is always fun! Enjoy! :) Tammy
ReplyDeletehello, jessica:) the swap items are wonderfully unique - stepping outside the box is a very good thing, isn't it? thanks for stopping by to check in on my dusty blog...i hope i can get back into the blogging groove before mine dies a sad and lonely death...
ReplyDeletemary:)
I'm so glad you are happy with everything I sent. I know I was silly for worrying about it but I can't help myself. I was really inspired by this swap and found it really fun crafting for you.
ReplyDeleteooh what a lovely selection of goodies! Being the owner of one of Apryl's dollies i know just how lucky you are :) I have been very naughty and still not sent out my swap parcel i must get on and do it!
ReplyDelete