Flat Sharing

This post is not about accommodation, and HMO* - but rather about sharing flat things. My latest Postcard Project package arrived from Kirsten on Saturday morning.

Right at the beginning, K had this inspired idea; if we used small flat boxes, we could post at Large Letter Rate, way cheaper than regular parcels. And she had two empty 'Graze' boxes which were promptly designated for this purpose.

This will hold the piece of linen, its accompanying notebook, and a brief message from one stitcher to the other. And a small surprise gift. We never agreed that at the outset, but it sort of happened instinctively. Nothing expensive, just a little added extra.

This is both great fun - and also a challenge. The gift must be flat- less than 2cm high - or it won't go in the box. There have been all sorts of items...tiny bars of soap, hanging decorations, skeins of thread, packets of beads, bookmarks, an origami star, teabags, a length of lace trim.

Last time Kirsten kindly sent me one sheet of DMC Magic Paper. 

This is a similar principle to my Cross stitch waste canvas . You draw your design on the paper, use it as a foundation for your stitching, then dissolve it in water, leaving your embroidery neatly on the fabric. K has become an expert in this technique. In May she did a beautiful tea party, using some floral fabric to appliqué the tablecloth. Then stitched the teapot etc. All ready for those Jubilee street parties and garden parties.

This month, K chose to embroider some blue and white Delft tiles, which she has seen many times at Standen, a nearby NT property [on my 'to visit' list] It is an Arts & Crafts property, so I am sure I'd love it. There are lots of tiles there - these ones are in an alcove at the bottom of a staircase. Kirsten drew them in her sketchbook and made notes. The tiles were roughly but delicately drawn by the Dutch artists.

Using two strands of blue floss, in different shades, Kirsten has recreated the bird, elephant, plant tub and fruit bowl in tiny stitches.

I had already decided to use my Magic Paper this month and Kirsten has suggested a super idea for my theme. But now I have to think of a Flat Surprise to pop in the parcel when the embroidery is done.

Do you ever pop 'added extras' in with cards or letters? 

Anybody got any novel ideas for light, inexpensive Flat Shares?

Don't forget that if you are inspired by the postcard project, I can put you in touch with someone else to do your own collaborative pieces.

[*Houses In Multiple Occupancy]