thriftymermaid

Welcome!! I thank you in advance for reading my profile and getting to know me. Peace and warm regards fellow Swap-Botters.

ATTENTION FRIENDS:

• A BIG THANK YOU for all of the wonderful Christmas 2022 swappers out there!! I had such a wonderful stocking for Christmas because of your generosity. I got a bevy of wonderful handmade items, crafting supplies, jewelry, and more. Thank you so, so much!!

• I only pick up mail once a week! I do rate when I open your swap! Please contact me for anything.

• I am wheelchair reliant so I often send other--non-creative type--family members and friends to the post office to mail my swaps out for me. They may not be able to use pretty postage--know that I try to make up for it with the content of my swaps.

• Profile Updated November 2023

My name is Erin and I am from Cape Cod, Massachusetts. My father was a commercial fisherman and I miss him dearly every single day. That is where I get my love for the sea and mermaids.

I am 43—when did that happen!! I live with my husband Miller, a handsome guy from the beautiful island of Jamaica. We have a beautiful miracle baby--Miss Zora, currently 6.5 years old who is the sun of our universe! My mom, Debby, also lives with us, an incredible person from whom I inherited my love of crafts. She is a quilter who also loves to crochet.

I love to craft, recently I've been making a lot of boho ribbon tassles with different fibers and charms, memory wire bracelets and Upcycled Beaded Chandeliers from old Jello molds, glass beads and charms. And I'm trying to get some Smash Book/Junk Journaling time in. I love beading and paper crafts best of all, but will try anything and enjoy experimenting.

I love writing poetry, memoir and fiction. I majored in Creative Writing in college and writing has always been part of my daily life.

In my free time (which is not plentiful these days) I am often found hiding in my craft room, treasure hunting at local thrift stores, flea markets and antique barns. I enjoy shopping, reading, swimming and cozy quiet time with my family.

I consider myself to be a Bohemian, gypsy type of soul. Colorful things make me happy, as do layered bracelets, big earrings, and nature. I enjoy uplifting quotes and quotes and exercises that inspire creativity and the artistic spirit.

I am in love with all things vintage, junky, shabby, re-purposed, re-loved and recycled. I greatly desire anything handmade in this style or new things inspired by vintage images and prints.

I LOVE to read. Alice Hoffman is my ultimate favorite author. I also admire wordsmiths: Natalie Goldberg, Jennifer Weiner, Jojo Moyes, Karen White, Sarah Pekkanen, Zora Neale Hurston (My Baby Girl's namesake), Alice Walker, Ann Hood, James Patterson (Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas!). I loved Stern Men by Elizabeth Gilbert, Illumination Night, Blackbird House and Acts of Nature by Alice Hoffman. Somewhere off the Coast of Maine by Ann Hood. I liked Good In Bed by Jennifer Weiner. The Perfect Happiness by Santa Montefiore was very good.

My favorite movies change but some of them include: Anne of Green Gables movies/miniseries with Megan Follows, Little Women with Winona Ryder, Tristan and Isolde, The Holiday, An Officer and a Gentlemen, Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, The Family Stone, Steel Magnolias, Tyler Perry Movies, Circle of Friends, Bridget Jones' Diary, When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail, Goonies, Les Miserables, Musicals in General...

I love all kinds of music, anything that inspires me and fuels my creativity. I love chick music, folk, country, soft rock, and some reggae. Some of my favorites are Regina Spektor, Christina Perri, Jewel, Natasha Bedingfield, Adele, Cat Stevens, Kenny Rogers, Simon and Garfunkel, Sanchez, Tanya Stephens, Rihanna, Sasha, Ingrid Michaelson...

When my husband isn't watching soccer...I enjoy Poldark, Downton Abbey, This is Us, Being Mary Jane, Reign, The Originals, Any and all PBS & BBC miniseries, Junk Gypsies, Flea Market Flip, Storage Wars, American Pickers, House Hunters International.

Another long list :o) Beading, Jewelry making, Upcycled Crafts, Smash Booking/Junk Journaling, Altered Books, Paper crafts in general. I enjoy sewing small things such as ornaments.

Swap-bot is the best! I have been so honored to swap with amazing ladies through the years, many of whom I consider friends. I believe that Swap-Bot should be a fun and drama free zone so don't worry, just do the best you can, enjoy and make good friends.

Please check out my Etsy and Pinterest Links Above to get Further Ideas and Inspiration about my Likes & Style. Thank you!!

I wish I may, I wish I might receive in no particular order...

• Jewelry making supplies-- Glass, Crystal, Metal and wood beads, CHARMS, split rings, long eye pins or headpins, clasps, wire, in any color/tones, etc. (no plastic or kiddie beads, thank you!)

• I’ve really been into moon, celestial items. Crystals. Oracle cards. (Not tarot decks or dark/creepy ones, thanks!)

• Washi, Deco or Craft tape. A true obsession! (Anything Goes!!)

• Nautical (Mermaid, Anchors, etc.) Rubber Stamps, Papers, Ephemera, Stickers, Washi, Beads, or Charms...

• Anything Postal Related, Air Mail, Snail Mail, Happy Mail, Ephemera, Rubber Stamps, Washi, Vintage...

• Anything Mr. Zip or Mister Zip Code

• Southwestern/Aztec Boho items

• Anything Sea Gull!

• Alex & Ani style bracelets in silver-tone!

• Earrings (I'd love some handmade by you or store-bought. Prefer dangly earrings 2-3 inches long)

• Sun Catchers & Crystals (Old or New)

• Flow or Daphne's Diary Magazines or products Or Similar publications, magazines or books.

• Travelers Notebooks-standard size. Covers and inserts.

• Art by Marlene Cling Stamps, Stickers or Papers.

• Little Girl Ephemera for scrapbooking Zora's journey-washi, papers, vintage ephemera, stickers, etc (She's in Kindegarten now)

• Ribbon, lace, seam binding--vintage and new for making tassels.

• Absolutely Anything from Cavallini Papers & Co or Paper Chase

• If you're in the UK or Europe--Instant Smile = Any Stationery Items or Fun Tapes from Hema, Tiger or Paper Chase. :o)

• If you're on the West Coast I'd love anything from Daiso. Fun packaging, note pads, washi tapes, etc.

• Glassine Envelopes, Bags, Cello Bags, and other cute packaging!!

• Something from my Etsy faves or Amazon Wishlist. Or something that you can make or have that is similar!! Gently used is always welcome. The link is located at the top of my profile.

• STICKERS: All kinds welcome, except reward ones, please. I still have the sticker collection I began in 2nd grade. Love, love, love stickers!!

• SEA GLASS

• Vintage Otagiri Pottery

• Anything made by Potpourri Press (mostly found at thrift stores or online)

• KAWAII!!! Everything Welcome: stationery, deco tape, memos, sticky notes, cellophane baggies, pens etc. (Some faves include Shinzi Katoh, Sugar Bear, Bear Cocoa, Laundry Raccoon, Chocopa, Mochi Panda, Rilakkuma, Fairy Tales, Circus Animals, Lucky Bear, Suama, Cute Food Ones...) But there are many I haven't seen so feel free to surprise me!!

• I absolutely love handmade items! I love to see what other people are making and to be inspired and have inspiring things around me!

• Vintage, Re-purposed items, crafts, jewelry, etc.

• Paper Ephemera--The more vintage (or vintage looking) the better-old handwritten items, labels, cool stuff for collage, mixed media, altering and smash-booking.

• Paper Doilies! Especially ones in pretty colors and designs!!!

• A Prayer Flag or Garland.

• Adhesive glue runners--all kinds. I go through these like crazy!

• Unused US Postage Stamps of any value. Also, any used worldwide postage stamps for crafts and collecting.

• Anything Jamaica.

• Old Game Pieces, dice, etc. (especially wooden ones)

• Old Keys, they don't have to be skeleton ones. I love the cool shapes and fancy writing on keys before and around the 70's. I love to use these in making wind chimes.

• ANCHOR Items--earrings, charms, bracelets, purses, crafty stuff, fabric....anything with Anchors.

• Anything Seashore, Beach or Cape Cod related, would love old playing cards, maps, stamps, paper, stickers, etc.

• Gordon Fraser or Schmid vintage items, especially his bear and Scottie dog images. These were my favorite stickers as a kid. Reproduced is fine.

• Woodland Creatures (foxes, owls, raccoons, bears, and penguins too). Cutesy and whimsical is wonderful.

• Anything that says "Selfie"

• Unicorns.

• E6000 glue, crystal glue, or lacquer.

• Rubber Stamps with Snail Mail, Nautical, Vintage, Woodland Creatures, Nature, Distressed, Labels, Postage, Creativity, Planner Stamps, Dress Forms, etc.

• Vintage Type Writers--Items inspired by them too.

• Anything Frida Kahlo Inspired, Love images of her and quotes by her.

• Anything with artists John William Waterhouse's or Alphonse Mucha's art print images.

• Artwork, prints, postcards by artist Carl Larsson.

• Bohemian, Gypsy Items, themes, colors.

• Art Deco and Art Nouveau

• Collage sheets--any pics I could use for card making, journal covers, or in jewelry. Prefer: Mermaids, Vintage, Bathing beauties, Diva gals, etc.

• A handmade Junk Journal or Smash Book!!

• Junk Journal and Smash Book Supplies.

• Inspirational quotes, Quotes on Creativity.

• A Whimsy Jar.

• A great new pen.

• Vintage buttons. (Especially ones with Anchors on them.)

• Address labels or Swap Cards.

• Interesting Blank Labels or anything that can be used to address a handmade envelope.

• Matryoshka Dolls

• RAINBOWS!

• I am a girly girl so I love anything with a little Bling!!

• Jewelry, handmade, or store-bought. I like longer necklaces 24 inches or longer. 8-inch bracelets. 10 to 12 inches in anklets. I love dangly earrings!!

• Curly Girl Designs Stuff.

• Flavia Weedn Items.

• Papyrus Stationery, etc.

• Punch Studio Cards, Stationery, Etc.

• Susan Branch Items.

• Pip Studios Cards, Journals...

• 1980's version of Care Bears, Strawberry Shortcake, Rainbow Brite, She-Ra, Get A Long Gang, Snorkels, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Smurfs.(I would be delighted with images, stickers, old game pieces, journal covers, coloring books, journal covers, folders, school supplies, pencil boxes or lunch boxes.)

• Vintage Children's Book Illustrations.

• STATIONERY & STICKERS--Anything & Everything Goes! Disney is fine, Kawaii and Cutesy too in this category. (No reward stickers please.)

• Postcards with a theme of Mermaids, Bathing Beauties, Vintage ads, Christmas, Valentines Day or Cape Cod, Massachusetts, particularly Provincetown. Vintage ones would be adored.

• Teddy Bear stationery, stickers, and deco tape. Not stuffed ones.

• For Valentine Swaps: Vintage (or Vintage Inspired) Valentines and cute new (not vintage) Valentine paper goods and crafting items. Washi, papers, stickers, etc...

• Gift cards in any denomination for Amazon (Love my Kindle Fire), T.J, Maxx, Michael's, JoAnn's Fabrics, Barnes and Noble, Staples, or Hobby Lobby.

• Beauty Related Stuff: (If called for in a swap) I like black for eyeliner and mascara. I like the plastic tube eyeliners best. I adore eye shadow cream sticks, the fat ones are best, in pinks, purples, browns, and gold tones. Lip stain, tinted lip balm, lipstick, and gloss in berries, mauves, deep pinks, and on occasion reds. I love items from Bath and Body Works or similar, especially shower gel and body sprays. I can always use a small purse size nice smelling antibacterial gel or lotion. I tend to like fruity or musky scents, not florals. I don't use nail polish too much but if I do my own nails I like clear or light tints, maybe something for strengthening nails. Hair accessories and earrings are wonderful.

• Something for my lovely Mum Her name is Debby. She likes 100% cotton fabrics, fat quarters, old wooden thread spools, cotton yarn, quilting books, and magazines, Gees Bend Alabama quilting items or history, Jude Hill stitching, Sashiko, Indigo/Indigo dying, 2024 Calendar: quilt, farm, moon, or country-themed, goddess items, chakras, crystals, sun-catchers, tarot, snowmen, organic and fair-trade items, organic individually wrapped teas, dark chocolate, cotton socks. She likes inspirational items, astrology, rainbows, moons, Charlie Brown, a good mystery book, and Magnum PI.

• The Newest and Biggest Love of My Life, Little Miss Zora, is 6.5 years old. She loves mermaids, unicorns, puppies, kittens, mini dolls, and animals for her dollhouse, dollhouse furniture, LOL Dolls, Barbie and Chelsea dolls and accessories, Wednesday Adam’s, Hello Kitty and her Friends, Sanrio Characters, Kuromi, My Melody, Polly Pockets, Calico Critters, or similar type figures and accessories. Shes a Gamer Girl. She loves playing, Roblox, My Town, and similar apps on her iPad. She wears a girl's size 12/14 (Tall Gal). She loves music, coloring, stickers and sticker books, and board games (for 5-6 year olds). She loves reading, is a new reader, Elephant and Piggy books/characters by Mo Willems are her favorites. Her favorite YouTubers are Ryan's World, A is for Adley, and Lanky Box.

Zora's Amazon Wishlist is Here

I LOVE everything about Christmas: The anticipation, putting up the tree, advent calendars, Christmas stockings, decorating the tree, ornaments, memories, food, presents, Christmas carols (Yes, even in July!). My dad loved Christmas and he passed that love down to us. He is my Christmas Angel now. My Nana Olivia, his Mom, passed away in May of 2019, she is another of my Christmas angels now--thank you to everyone who sent things for her in past Christmas swaps--she always got a big kick out of it! ((Hugs))

Christmas swaps are my favorite of all the wonderful swaps on Swap-Bot! Thank you to the lovely ladies who host these swaps, the gals who do private Christmas swaps with me, and the swappers who help make Christmas morning so special.

Christmas Wishlist:

• Profile Surprises!! - I would love anything sent to me based on my profile wishlist above.

• I'm beading, making jewelry, and suncatchers every free moment I get! So my biggest wish would be for beads, glass bottles with corks, driftwood for crafts, long eye pins, charms, glass, wood, metal, or stone beads, crystals, old earrings/necklaces that could be used for their beads, or for cool dangles, small ornaments that could be at the bottom of a suncatcher.

• Flow or Daphne’s Diary style of magazines or books

• Hygge or Scandinavian-style Christmas items.

• I love anything vintage Christmas (or Vintage inspired)--wrapping paper, labels, cards, etc.

• Christmas Teddy Bear Rubber Stamps, Figurines, Ornaments, Stockings, Stickers, Cards, Etc.

• I am doing a December Daily Junk Journal. I would love anything to put in it, vintage Christmas ephemera, Holiday Washi Tape, A Base for a Cover, Christmas Rubber Stamps, Stickers, ideas, inspiration, please!!

• Your handmade creations!

• Nautical and Woodland Creatures (foxes, owls, raccoons, bears, and penguins too). Cutesy and whimsical is fine.

• Christmas items from your country or region that mean something to you or you think I might like. I love doing international swaps!

• Pine or Christmas tree-scented candles.

• Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy (Peanuts) Christmas items.

• For Christmas swaps feel free to include something for my Mom in exchange for one or more of my items. Just mark it: to Mom or Debby and I will gladly add it to her stocking or put it under the tree. (Her likes are listed above)

There are a few things I'd rather not receive, if possible, thank you!

Please don't send:

• Food items (I have some allergies + restrictions) Unless it's called for in a swap.

• Bar Soaps

• Stuffed animals (Unless it’s stuffies for Zora from her wishlist.)

• Creepy/Horror items

• I'm highly allergic to cat/dog hair--I understand that you can't keep away a stray strand here and there from your favorite fluffies but please don't send me anything covered in fur!! Achoooo!!!

Thank you!!

This section was inspired by @LittleDonnaGirl I love the idea of celebrating the Swappers who make our lives brighter.

Some of the wonderful ladies who've given me inspiration, super special packages or doses of incredible kindness are:

@waldenpond2 @LittleDonnaGirl @luluvision @ChinaCat @Artistic @adancingflower @lou @skybridgestudios @lexidh @paperfarm @MissWhimsy @samjowers @zoev1975 @livvy @shannonlinde @anicka22 @VioletLove @luckycharms @Laficelle @Created46 @rainydayangie @CookieMomster78 @Christopherpines @Jsereg001 @DragonflyDreamer @SharMarie513 @trishay79 @BusyB @Piccolo

THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!!!