I've been having a very difficult time the past few months, and I am grateful and humbled by the kindness of my swap partners. Last fall, I had a large bone spur removed from above my right big toe, and that involved having the joint fused and kept immobile by two screws. One of the screws is working it's way out (a painful bump on the side of my toe was my first clue), which means the foot and ankle surgeon has to go into the joint again, possibly only to remove that one screw, but also possibly to replace the screws with a plate...it seems that the joint hasn't fused completely. If I do wake up with a plate in the toe, it will mean another 8 weeks in a boot, completely non weight-bearing and using a knee scooter to ensure that no weight is put on that foot.

I had knee replacement surgery 5/18, and it was a far rougher experience than the right knee, 2 1/2 years ago. I have what the Physical Therapist call an "angry joint". it's quite painful, still a bit stiff, and in general has given me so much grief...I never expected this result.

If I didn't have my craft table to keep me busy and my mind occupied, I might be depressed! Thankfully, this is not the case...and again, I am grateful to my swap partners for understanding that I haven't been cleared to drive, and must depend on the kindness of friends and relatives to go to the post office for those envelopes that can't be mailed from my front yard!

Hello! I'm Donetta from Grand Rapids, Michigan. I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and lived there most of my life. I moved to Portland in 1992, to Vancouver in 2012, and except for a 2-year hiatus in Dover, Delaware, lived in the Pacific Northwest for (oh my!) over 25 years. Love it, love it, love it...I honestly feel like I should have been born there! I'm spending several months with my sister in Grand Rapids, MI, and I used to think I would be heading back to the "left coast" within a year, but I am happily surprised at how lovely it is in Michigan. I may or may not be moving west eventually...I'll live through a Michigan winter before making my final decision! (ETA: it isn't the winter that is soooo bad, it's the summer humidity!)

I have three adult children, five grandchildren, and live in a cute little house with my two spoiled Persian cats and our rescue kitty, Lulu. It's hard being so far away from my children and grandchildren, since I do so enjoy spending time with friends and family.

My home is extremely important to me; it's my haven, my joy, and the place I feel most relaxed. I enjoy decorating for the different seasons and holidays, and my home is a reflection of my style and personality. I love colors with a vintage look, rich wood tones, vintage linens, and roosters. I'm a thrift store fanatic, and have found some wonderful treasures for my home.

I have a thriving little jewelry business, and before I moved to Grand Rapids, I sold my wares at two salons in the Portland area, as well as at a boutique In Oregon City. I design for two international bead companies, and love the creative process. I've recently opened an Etsy shop and an Amazon Handmade shop!

My jewelry has a classic look; I love vintage-looking findings and beads, and use lots of crystals, pearls, and antiqued copper, silver, and gold wire and findings. I enjoy making wire wrapped jewelry, and am working to perfect the art of polymer clay beads...they can be amazingly beautiful!

I make cards as well, using my Cuttlebug and adding embellishments such as ribbon, sequins, pearls, and paper and silk flowers. I used to take classes (card making, mostly) at a local scrapbooking store, but the store went out of business...and now I use Pinterest and You Tube for inspiration and lessons!

I spend part of each day stitching...I have a project rotation list that contains cross stitch, needlepoint, hardanger, crewel embroidery, and redwork, as well as knitting and crochet. My latest interest is crazy quilting; I am addicted!

I enjoy making and receiving ATCs...they are such a great way to practice new techniques on a small scale. I get inspiration from the beautiful cards I receive, and enjoy seeing my own style evolve and become more sophisticated with time.

My sewing and craft room is my favorite room; it's the closest thing to a treasure chest I'll ever find!

As far as TV is concerned, I love to watch Homeland (absolutely riveting) and Masters of Sex. The Good Wife, Madame Secretary, and The Americans are shows that I never want to miss! The only reality TV I enjoy is Project Runway...that's all the drama I can tolerate!

My favorite authors are Ken Follet, John Grisham, Sue Grafton, and David Baldacci. Many, many others as well...but you know; space prohibits. Also, I collect and read cookbooks like novels. I love to cook and entertain.

My favorite place in the world is my home,but Vancouver Island runs a close second. I have friends who live on Vancouver Island, and it is my favorite place to visit.

Favorite colors...so hard to choose! My home is decorated in deep red, yellow/gold, some blue,and mossy green...Tuscan or Provencal colors! I love buttons, and use them extensively in my crafts. I love flowers...roses, hydrangeas, and dahlias, plus any other beauties I find locally to add to my patio garden.

Extras: people either love 'em or hate 'em...I happen to adore sending and receiving "extras" in my swap envelopes. I usually check profiles to see if I have any readily available items that my swap partner might enjoy receiving...little things that are flat (ish) and easy to include in a standard envelope. Some of the things I love to receive are old book pages...especially in foreign languages, snippets of sheet music, lengths of wonderful washi tape, and random embellishments such as bits of ribbon and trim, rhinestones and pearls, etc. I make inchies, twinchies, ATCs, and rolos...I make use of little pieces that might otherwise be thrown away. If I receive something I think I might not use, I save it for someone who loves that sort of thing...I have never understood swappers who say they will only accept certain items, or they will withhold a heart if what they receive isn't to their liking. What...why? Extras are just that...EXTRA! Be gracious, people. It costs nothing to say "thank you" when someone has cared enough to include a treat...even if it isn't your kind of treat!

Rather than listing flakers, I'm taking something I've seen on other profiles, and listing those extra-special, super swappers...you know the ones I mean: when you see an envelope with this person's name on the return address, your heart sings!

nancybarlow (Nancy), one of the most wonderful ladies on this site, who creates works of astonishing beauty and inventiveness. Nancy is not only a fantabulous artist, but a true friend. Nancy saved my sanity while I was ill, generously angeling so many of overdue swaps with all of her characteristic style and elegance. the best of the best!

Arabella (Nancy), who creates such gorgeous works of art that I'm constantly challenged to find the right words of thanks. Beautiful, beautiful ATCs. An inspiration.

Gina P, with all the fabulous details...I'd know her artwork ANYWHERE! It's whimsical and adorable and incredibly detailed.

Vanne Paris, one of the nicest ladies out there. Not only does Vanne create beautiful works of art, but she is always encouraging, full of compliments, and a genuine sweetheart. Not to mention, one of the most prolific swap hosts EVER!

Isabellasnow (Kristy)...an amazing swap partner! Her work is beautiful, and every possible detail is polished and perfect. Packaging is Kristy's special gift...it's absolutely as beautiful as the artwork inside.

BeeMGee (aka: Bev)...wow. Everything Bev touches turns to beauty. In addition, she is quite possibly one of the nicest ladies I've ever "met". Although Bev lives in South Australia, and I live in the Pacific Northwest, I like to imagine sitting across from her at my dining table or hers, enjoying coffee and cookies and all kinds of chat on a regular basis!

Really, I do hate to mention my few actual dislikes, but it's helped me to read this on other profiles...it gives me a better insight into what sort of extras and RAKs to send. So here goes: not fond at all of cutesy stuff (Precious Moments, big-eyed children, Disney to name a few). Intensely dislike cigarette smoke and flashing icons...these are migraine triggers for me. Lights and certain smells, oh my. And of course it goes without saying (but here I am, saying it) that I am never in favor of poorly planned and executed artwork. Construction paper, crayons, and silly stickers do not belong here, imho!

One more thing...something that makes me sad. Non-raters. I speak for most of us when I say that we put a lot into our artwork. A lot of time, special embellishments that can be quite expensive for an addict such as myself...even postage is expensive! I do this because I love it, and because it makes me happy to receive good ratings and lovely comments. To fail to rate is more than rude...it's unkind.