Well, it is 2011. I don’t think I was ready, but here we are. The first link love of the new year…

• Above is an adorable idea for a winter treat from Bakerella: Milk Men! They sounds really easy, just a small jug of milk topped with a powdered donut hole, but so cute! (Side note: My sister-in-law, Chelsea, made some of Bakerella’s cake pops for the holidays and they were awesome! She used the recipe from the Cake Pops cookbook.)
• If you have snow in your area, like I do, why not make some mini snowmen?
• If you want to be prepared for Valentine’s Day treats, stock up on those clearance candy canes store are trying to get rid of now. Dabbled has a round-up of ways to turn them into heart-themed treats.
• Need some extra crafty motivation for 2011? Join Iron Craft! It is a full year of weekly craft challenges.
• I’m intrigued: a recipe for homemade Nutella.
• This also looks interesting: A tutorial for making your own Mod Podged tile coasters on My Chic Life.
  • Swap-bot user, Titancia tipped me off to the amazing “paper planes” on cloth-ears. All of the items — like wallets, mugs, and tote bags — are decorated in Swap-bot-esque mail theme. Great stuff for snail mail lovers!
  • If you are hosting any type of party in the near future, you must check out TOPS Malibu for fun party favors, decorations, and candles.
  • For a child’s party, I think this cookie crown cake would be a huge hit!
  • And if you are attending any parties, any of this DIY sequin jewelry from the Martha Stewart Crafts Dept would be a fab accessory!</ul>

I know, I know, Valentine’s Day is more than a month away, but it is my favorite and I am always drawn to hearts — Like the sweet garland made by MaraMay above. It inspired me to search for more heart-filled finds on Etsy, including more garland…. you know I am a sucker for the stuff! Enjoy:

Are you a fan of Valentine’s Day, or would you rather skip it all together?

I have been somewhat obsessed with garland decorations lately. There are so many inspiring ideas on the internet! For example, the pretty tassel garland above is from Confetti System – an extremely cool artist duo that creates amazing installations. If you’d like to try your hand at making your own handmade garland, join the Banners, Pennants, and Garlands Swap hosted by saellys.

From the swap description:

Garlands are beautiful all year–especially if they’re handmade! In this swap, you will send one yard (36″) of handmade garland, pennants, or banners to one partner. These can be paper, fabric, beads, or any other hangable ephemera on sturdy string, ribbon, wire, or anything else that can support the weight. This is sender’s choice. Get creative! And make sure you leave space at either end to tie to a nail or support, or add metal rings or washers to act as grommets.

The swap is international and accepts experienced swappers with a 4.75 rating, or higher. Sign up before Friday!!

Happy New Year!! Here’s to lots of fun swapping in 2011!

(Above are fireworks from last night’s celebration in Central Park, NYC.)

It is hard to believe that 2011 is nearly upon us! Holiday celebrating has cut into my blogging time over the last few weeks, but I have a special featured swap for you this week:

2011 Postcard swap #1 – January

This is your chance to get in on a year-long swap series at the very beginning! This international swap series is hosted by Angellica and it is open to new users. The swap is a quick and simple postcard swap: send one store-bought, “sender’s choice” postcard to your one partner.

The 2011 Postcard swap #1 – January is currently in the number one spot of the “Top Swaps” list with 220 participants, but if you want to participate, join now!! The swap closes for sign up tomorrow, the last day of 2010.

Happy New Year!

I found some fun Swap-bot related links this week…

• The amazing map of the World of Swap-bot that you see above is an ATC created by LadyStephanie. I love the Ernie River and the Johnson Keep!!
• Creative Snail Mail – a blog about postcards mostly sent for Swap-bot swaps. </a>
  • This giant envelope pillow reminds me of Ernie the Envie.</a>
    • So does this cute envelope wallet!</ul> Any other snail mail goodies I should add to the list?

Swap-bot users are the most generous and amazing people in the world!! My proof? The more than 30 packages I have received so far for our hat, scarf & glove donation drive. The donations are going to The Partnership for the Homeless here in New York City and they will help keep homeless New Yorkers warm this winter.

Learn more about how you can donate to the drive (and get a little reward, too) by reading the blog post.

I am so impressed by the response to this donation drive!

…and so is Crusher! (Although, he is NOT impressed with his Rudolph hat.)

I am a sucker for glitter! It seems even more appropriate during the holidays…

If you are a glitter lover like me, you may want to join the Glitter Blast ATC Swap hosted by bratface99.

The swap is international and pretty self-explanitory… Make one Artist Trading Card using glitter in some way for each of your two partners. The ATCs must be normal size – 2.5 x 3.5 inches – but other than that, you can interpret the theme any way you’d like. Sign up for the swap before December 24th, and send your ATCs before January 7th. Read the swap description for all the details.

We saw some flurries in New York this week and it put me in a winter mood… I searched for “snow” on Etsy and found these lovely items, including the Winter Wonderland Mason Jar from IrishVikingDesigns above.

Have you had snow where you live yet this season?