Swap-bot Time: April 21, 2025 6:56 pm
www.swap-bot.com

donetta

donetta
Date Joined: September 2, 2009
Last Online: April 21, 2025
Birthday: June 22
Country: United States
My Website
My Flickr Photos
My Pinterest Boards
My Etsy Store
My Etsy Store

About Me

Hello! I'm Donetta, in Portland, Oregon. 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 (Washington) in 2012, and except for a 2-year hiatus in Dover, Delaware and a 4-year residence in Grand Rapids, MI, I have lived in the Pacific Northwest for (oh my!) over 30 years (yes, I am old!). Love it, love it, love it...I honestly feel like I should have been born here!

I have three adult children, five grandchildren, and although my daughter and her family live in Idaho, we are very close and chat at least weekly and often more frequently than that. I recently lost my little Persian kitty, Cocopuff, and quite honestly my heart is broken. Now it's just me and Cali, who is a young cat and quite kittenish in behavior. We were both very attached to our Mademoiselle Cocopuff, and it's a big adjustment.

I recently started fostering tiny bottle-baby kittens for the local county shelter...something I have never done before. If you had asked me during the first week of caring for 2-week-old kittens requiring syringe feedings, I would have said "never again". I don't know how they survived my lack of experience, but they did and they are thriving! I know I will do this again, as often as I'm needed.

I enjoy spending time with friends and family...and I also love my "alone time", when I craft to my heart's content.

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 items 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.

Favorite Crafts

I have had a thriving little jewelry business, and before I moved to Michigan, 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 Spellbinders machine 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!

Things I like

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!

Super Swappers

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!

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.

Tigermousecat (Bev), who is the most wonderful of swap partners, and a dear friend...from afar. Bev creates beautiful works of art and sends the loveliest little letters with each swap. She is kind and generous, in addition to being a fabulous swap partner.

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.

Hate to mention...

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.

Ratings

Poeprincess rated for ACTS: Collage (1:1) on Apr 21, 2025
5
rating
Comment: Four fur babies? How lucky for them! Sorry to hear you’re under the weather & hope they find out what’s going on. Thanks for the extras & the lady in the hat—lovely!
5
rating
Comment: Thank you for the beautiful inkbox cards and the neat extras. That photograph is amazing 🤩 Happy swapping!
5
rating
Comment: Don, I didn't even realize this swap was missing and it is just adorable. I love the 'come hither" look on the Sailor dame's face. She wlll keep her word. Thank you also for the extras, very excited about the stencils. Have a beautiful Easter.
5
rating
Comment: Thank you for the lovely tag you sent winging my way. The vintage photo is exceptional . . . just my cup of tea. As always, it was a pleasure to find your envelope in my mailbox.
Response: Thanks so much, Sylvia...you made my day!
fanfive11 rated for Rosewood Ink Box Card on Apr 16, 2025
5
rating
Comment: Sweet Rosewood Ink Box Card Donetta. Great use of textures on this one too. Lovely collage work, and perfect coloring! Your extras are amazing and so generous. I get a kick out of the old photos! :D
Response: Connie, you are the most gracious of swap partners...thank you so much!
JenZen5 rated for ACTs: Winter Activity ATC (1:1) on Apr 15, 2025
5
rating
Comment: Thank you for the lovely ATC and the extras. I appreciate it.
Response: Thank you for your kindness...you are a lovely swap partner.
BeckyG56 rated for VC: "Seeing Red" Index Card on Apr 9, 2025
5
rating
Comment: A beautiful, well designed index card! I love your vintage photo. I'm glad you said it was from Rusdia. I looked at what was written and had no clue. I wish I knew the story of why they are posing for a picture!
Response: I wonder about every one of those photographs! Who are you? Are you still alive? Did you have a happy life? I've noticed that smiles are few and far between. Those were hard years for that part of the world.
chimerix rated for AACG: For the Love of Lace ATC on Apr 8, 2025
5
rating
Comment: Thank you for the beautiful lave ATC. I love what you made. Aloha
Response: Thank you. Hannah...I admit that I had a tough time working this one out, so your comment makes me feel much better!
5
rating
Comment: Two APC's today in the mail from you and they could not be more different or unique. Love the bird's image that you used for this and that you added some dimension by layering one image atop the other. Beautiful background elements - as always - and the little gold dragon fly charm is wonderful. I absolutely love everything about this. And thank you for the fun extra goodies - all shall appear in future projects. Big hugs.
Response: I do kind of love the dragonflies...would you believe that since my move, I have not found my plastic charm box? Nor have I found my 3 cookie sheets and the silicone mats that supposedly make the cookies bake better. It's very odd.
lmacdavis93 rated for AACG: 6 of Diamonds APC on Apr 1, 2025
5
rating
Comment: Hi D and what a delight to find not one but two swaps in my mailbox! This altered PC is gorgeous and has that very special Donetta touch! Fantastic layering an always and the beautiful woman's image - love her butterfly wings. And as always, a touch of shine and glitter. You are a master!! Thanks for always sending such special little pieces of art, and for always including some wonderful goodies. Although I do hope the Russian photos turn up soon - I missed one this time around!
Response: First, thank you for the kind rating; very much appreciated. I have found my stash of Russian photos, and I have a special one picked out for you...since you are a connoisseur of fine foreign photos (gosh, I just love the way that last part rolls off my tongue!).
Jillemina rated for USAPC: Scrap Tags February 2025 on Mar 30, 2025
5
rating
Comment: OH MY GOODNESS! Amazing! I adore the colors and embellishments you used. Thank you so much for taking the time to make something so special for me.
Response: I kind of love making these scrap tags...I have scraps galore! I'm so happy to have made you happy!
Jillemina rated for USAPC: Scrap Tags January 2025 on Mar 30, 2025
5
rating
Comment: WOW! These are beautiful! I save these and use them on presents I give. And these are so beautiful they will be enjoyed over and over.
Response: Thank you for the lovely compliment...you madedmy day!
WoodlandBanshee rated for ACTS: ATC with Washi #1 on Mar 25, 2025
5
rating
Comment: Beautifully layered card with the gold tones. Thanks for your time making this lovely ATC! All the best and take care!
Response: Another beautiful comment! Thank you so much, Helene!
WoodlandBanshee rated for VJP: Victorian Lady on Mar 25, 2025
5
rating
Comment: Thank you for this very beautiful card. I find your style inspiring. My creations are always very "busy" and I love how yours is very layered, yet tidier looking to me. If that even makes sense! Wishing you great happiness for this Spring season! Take care
Response: What a lovely compliment, Helene! Thank you very much. I'm fostering 4 orphaned neonatal kittens, in addition to my own 2 cats, so my spring will be very eventful! They don't stay tiny for very long!
tigermousecat rated for MFF: Bird Tag: Letter B on Mar 25, 2025
5
rating
Comment: I also chose a bluebird. Love the details on this tag! Thank you!
Response: I love bluebirds, but I don't think I've ever seen one in real life. Maybe they are a mythical bird? Or not native to the PNW? I must find out!
tigermousecat rated for VC: Spring Green Index Card on Mar 25, 2025
5
rating
Comment: As always, your work never disappoints. Thanks for the lovely card.
Response: Thank you for the great rating snd nice comment.
tigermousecat rated for GAA: Lovers Gothic Arch ATC on Mar 25, 2025
5
rating
Comment: Thank you for the lovely ATC. Your work is always a delight!
Response: Thank you, Bev! It's always a pleasure to swap with you.
georgiafae rated for GAA: Pick 3 Gothic Arch ATC on Mar 25, 2025
5
rating
Comment: And for the third wonderful item I got from you today-Very nice. Like that you used the lady in sepia as your brown element-again clever. Talk about age-I am turning 73 on October 9th so you are not that much older than me and I go thru periods of forgetfulness and why did I come in this room,too! Happy kitty fostering! I'm glad you adopted one of you fosters for your other baby to enjoy! Take Care! Always good to see you in my mailbox-Hugs and Kisses!
Response: It was my good luck that the Swapbot machine gave me your name so many times in a row! I just picked up a litter of 4 orphaned kittens...their eyes are open now, but they weren't 5 days ago. They are all gray and I had to buy soft little collars in different colors so I can tell if all have been fed, etc. Of course I'm in love, but my Cali is jealous and not shy about showing her animosity. Lots oh hissing.
5
rating
Comment: What a sweet bird and your use of elements! Never disappointed when you sent me something extra!
Response: You are the sweetest...thank you so much!
georgiafae rated for AACG: 3 Elements Tag #2 on Mar 25, 2025
5
rating
Comment: Yes you did send me this because I got it today in an envelope with two other swaps! Talk about happy mail! I love the lace on the bottome of the tag and then was thrilled to see you had sent me an extra piece! Thanks for sharing and for the other extras including my turquiose Lenore!!
Response: You know, it's a true pleasure to swap with you, my sweet friend...you leave the best reviews, and your adorable personality comes through. Thank you so much for the rating, the comment, and mostly just for being you!

Rating Overview

Overall Hearts Stars Hosted
5.0000 4448 967 992
Completed Fives Threes Ones
4349 4573 0 0
Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Uncategorized
19 85 4245 0
View all

Comments

MissChief on Feb 8, 2024:

Thank you for the precious journal gift. it is over the top vintage and I am so honored to have your work. Do you visit much to Idaho? I'd love to thank you in person when you do!

hibiscus on Feb 9, 2023:

My Parisian tag is tres magnifique..beautiful and thank you❤️

hibiscus on Aug 31, 2022:

lucky me ...i got two donetta cards in one envelope...you are a truly talented artist...thank yu

Barbara on Jun 21, 2022:

Thank you Donetta for the paper doll resend! Your collage journal pages tell sweet little stories.Watch for some happy mail coming your way!

hibiscus on Jun 2, 2022:

Your attention to detail and your perfectly chosen elements really make your swaps so amazing … lucky me !!

Login to leave a comment now!