Milamom

Hi I'm Mila.
For the last thirty plus years I have been a retail display designer. I design the racks and displays that go into stores. I studied art and design- the old school way, with pen and ink, drafting and drawing.

Along the way my husband and I had two children a boy and a girl. Both are grown and out of the house. I now have the time to do art work and learn about things like lettering- and now swapping. I still work 40 plus hours but on the weekends I love to craft, garden, and believe it or not .....do laundry! (Strange I know- but I actually love to iron and own not 1 but 2 vintage mangles) We NEVER have more than a handful of dirty clothes- I am constantly washing!

The last two years I have taken up calligraphy. I really want to master Copperplate. I have done envelopes for two weddings and have two more to do this year. I do not charge, as it forces me to practice. The bride and family are so appreciative and it becomes my gift to them. I also have made many invitations. I have a friend at work who is VERY computer savvy and she does the computer art and I do the orginial design and assembly of the invitations.

Since our kids are out of the house, on the weekends my hubby and I visit museums, go to music venues, sports games (We are Rams' ticket holders) and anything related to architecture. We are big Mid Century Modernism fans and attend events and tours about MidMod.

In the evening you will find me in my craft room, addressing envelopes for an upcoming wedding- or crafting. I LOVE the idea of swapping. I have done several Decorated Envelope Exchanges and understand this is different, but I want to give it a try.

I love seeing lettering, and all types of calligraphy. The types of craft items I like are interesting papers, tape and ribbons.

I would love to have any unused postage stamps, I have been collecting different stamps to use on envelopes. Matching colors and themes. I do not care what amounts, but older is nice (not vintage or anything collectible- as I will use them)

I belong to a long standing bunco group, and am always on the look out for good themes for my party. My group of 12 gals really puts together pretty elaborate parties. There is always a theme, food, a themed drink and a matching gift to take home. It is a lot of fun, but I am happy I only have to do it once a year- I plan months in advance.

I like to sew (a little) this year I made everyone on my list (20 plus) people homemade gifts. From microwave heating pads, to lavender sachets, to hand knitted dish cloths. It is so much fun, and this year one of my daughters friends helped me, and I taught her how to sew. Her friends and family were so happy to get her homemade gifts, we will be doing it again next year.

Right now my kitchen is being remodeled- and so right now I really cannot cook. But typically I like to- This Christmas I managed to made a beautiful "bush noel" cake all from my Easy Bake Oven! (That is what I call my small toaster oven.) Hopefully I will find a swap with healthy recipes.

I noticed that some of the other profiles made a list of the things they like- while I hate "asking" for anything- I suppose it makes sense and helps the giver with decisions... so here goes-

Type of things I like-

Postage Stamps (older ones are just fine, colorful is great does not matter the postage- but unused)

Anything architectural related- articles or pictures- love Frank Lloyd Wright

Anything MidCentury Modern Or just plain mod- pictures, postcards anything

Laundry tips esp about how to remove stains.

Colorful papers or Washi tape (colorful patterns) not necessary "themes" or Holiday

Planner stickers

Thanks all, hope to make some new friends, Mila