Welcome to Swappermania!

Sunday, December 3, 2017

December Swaps

Location: Most swaps are International, unless otherwise stated.
If you prefer USA only, please let me know that when you sign up.

PLEASE MAKE A NOTE OF THESE DATES
(A good way is to write the swap details in a notebook or type them into your phone/e-calendar, or write them down on your wall calendar.)

Last day to signup/drop:  
Dec. 15, 2017
Partners posted: 
Dec. 18, 2017
Date items must be sent by: 
Dec. 30, 2017




Click on the title to read the details about each swap BEFORE you sign up.

- SIGNUPS NOW CLOSED FOR ALL DECEMBER SWAPS.

DEC ATC - Sender's Choice (USA only)

DEC ATC - Sender's Choice (Int'l)

DEC Misc. - Christmas Card (USA or Int'l)  

DEC inchies - 3 "snow" or "snowmen"theme

DEC - I LOVE POSTCARDS! (Sender's Choice)

DEC FBs - 5 n&n Snowman/Snow Theme FBs (New/Est)

DEC PCs - 3 new/unwritten postcards in an env.

DEC LBs - 5 est Label Bags (with at least 2 signers)

DEC LBs - 5 new Label Bags (made by you)
 


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


SIGN UP FOR MONTHLY SWAPS HERE:





*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~




Upcoming ATC Themes (in case you want to start working on them early):

Theme #1: Use a Book-page
Theme #2: Vintage
Theme #3: Sender's Choice



RULES:

It is preferred that you post a photo of your swap going out or use tracking, but not mandatory.
Post your photos on the Facebook Event page. PLEASE cover addresses on envelopes!

Hostess: Barb Tvrdik

Questions cheerfully answered 

(Use Comments section or for a faster response, send me a message on the Facebook Event page).

Happy swapping :)





~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Details on N&N FBs:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Friendship books must be neat, not just a bunch of pieces of paper strewn together. They cannot be slams, friendship sheets or crams. 

What is a FB?
Here are some links that should help:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friendship_book
http://fbfun.com/about/
http://www.squidoo.com/friendshipbooks


What is a N&N FB?  

N&N FB = Nice & Neat Friendship Book

http://friendshipbooks.blogspot.com/2010/12/types-of-friendship-books.html

Guidelines for N&N FB swaps on this blog:

1. There will be NO staples in the front cover.
2. The FB should be laminated with packing tape, shelf liner, or laminating sheets.
3. Lamination should be done neatly.
4. Embellishments should be added to the cover. Embellishments include glitter, stickers, foil borders, sequins, ribbon, a nice background, cloth flowers. You can also do something fancy with pictures. Basically just a picture covered with lamination isn't a N&N FB.
5. Addresses should be printed legibly or typed.
6. Make it nice AND neat. Ask yourself whether you are proud of your work or not. 
7. For established N&N FBs, please make sure your partner hasn't previously signed it.

Envelope Sale on Amazon!

I was looking to re-stock some envelopes, and found this great deal. Just thought I'd share it here with my readers!  If you're like me at all, you can never have too many envelopes!



Mead Press-It Seal-It 6X9 Envelopes, Office Pack 30 Count (76084)

Price: $5.28 & FREE Shipping on orders over $25.



  • Kraft Envelopes
  • Self-adhesive seal
  • Heavyweight
  • 30 per package

  • I just love these Mead envelopes, and hope you will too!

    CLICK HERE to get started shopping for these envelopes (many more styles available, too!)
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
    This post contains affiliate links. All support is appreciated, thank you!

    DEC ATC - Sender's Choice (Int'l)

    Theme: Sender's Choice (Int'l)

    This is a 1 for 1 swap.

    Types of ATCs permitted in this swap:
    Use any technique or medium you desire.
    Originals, (NO COPIES), embellished photos, digital, fabric.
    Embellish as needed.

    Must include return postage cost....
    For international swaps... CLICK HERE for details on return postage.

    Your choice to include a return envelope, or I can provide one.

    Please include your name and address on a large label or piece of paper.

    Questions cheerfully answered. Happy swapping :)

    Hostess name:  Barbi T.

    *********************

    SIGN UP FOR DECEMBER SWAPS HERE:

    https://goo.gl/forms/6PaGf0Ojo3wp6ctx1


    READ MORE ABOUT DECEMBER SWAPS HERE:

    https://swappermania.blogspot.com/2017/12/december-swaps.html


    Sign up by Dec. 15, send items by Dec. 30.

    Items postmarked after Dec. 30 will be marked REFUSED - RETURNED TO SENDER. I am not responsible for lost/late mail.

    Once all items are received, I will email everyone to let you know that they are being mailed back out, so you will know when to expect them.  Remember that this is an International swap, so swaps will take a bit longer to get where they need to go.... please be patient and kind, and make this a happy swapping experience for everyone :)

    DEC ATC - Sender's Choice (USA only)

    Theme: Sender's Choice (USA only)

    This is a 1 for 1 swap.

    Types of ATCs permitted in this swap:
    Use any technique or medium you desire.
    Originals, (NO COPIES), embellished photos, digital, fabric.
    Embellish as needed.

    Send cash or stamps to cover return postage (the same amount it cost you to mail it to me).
    Your choice to include a return envelope, or I can provide one.

    Please include your name and address on a large label or piece of paper.

    Questions cheerfully answered. Happy swapping :)

    Hostess name:  Barbi Tvrdik

    ****************************
    SIGN UPS FOR DECEMBER ARE CLOSED.


    READ MORE ABOUT DECEMBER SWAPS HERE:

    https://swappermania.blogspot.com/2017/12/december-swaps.html



    Sign up by Dec. 15, send items by Dec. 30

    Items postmarked after Dec. 30 will be marked REFUSED - RETURNED TO SENDER. I am not responsible for lost/late mail.

    Once all items are received, I will email everyone to let you know that they are being mailed back out, so you will know when to expect them.

    DEC Misc. - Christmas Card (USA or Int'l)

    Can you believe Christmas is already almost here?  Wow, time flies.... 
    I personally love celebrating Christmas. Faith, Family, Friends, Giving & Sharing.... and of course, the birth of Jesus!
    If you are not Christian, and would prefer a non-religious card in return, please state that either when you sign up, or when you send your card.

    Store-bought or homemade... write a little greeting inside and sign it, put it into the envelope, and write "To My Swapper" on the outside. Include your return address if you wish.  Please don't seal the envelope, just tuck it inside.

    Feel free to include stickers or something small inside, but PLEASE NO LOOSE GLITTER OR CONFETTI.

    If sending a card in another language besides English, please include a little note with translation.

    You will be sending your card to me (Barbi), and receive a card back from either me, or another swapper that joined this swap ;)

    Last day to signup/drop:  
    Dec. 5, 2017
    Date items must be sent by: 
    Dec. 12, 2017


    *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


    SIGNUPS FOR THIS SWAP ARE CLOSED.


    READ MORE ABOUT DECEMBER SWAPS HERE:

    https://swappermania.blogspot.com/2017/12/december-swaps.html


    DEC inchies - 3 "snow" or "snowmen" theme

    Theme:
    DEC inchies - 3 "snow" or "snowmen"

    This is a 3 for 3 swap.

    Inchies are 1" x 1". Use a sturdy background, write your name/email on back of them.

    Use any technique or medium you desire.
    Originals, (NO COPIES), embellished photos, digital, fabric.
    Embellish as needed.

    Send cash or stamps to cover return postage.
       In USA, the same amount it cost you to mail it to me.
       Outside USA? CLICK HERE for details on return postage.

    Please include a return envelope.

    Also, include your name and address on a large label or piece of paper.

    Hostess name:  Barbi T.

    **********************

    SIGN UP FOR DECEMBER SWAPS HERE:

    https://goo.gl/forms/6PaGf0Ojo3wp6ctx1


    READ MORE ABOUT DECEMBER SWAPS HERE:

    https://swappermania.blogspot.com/2017/12/december-swaps.html


    **********************

    Sign up by Dec. 15, send items by Dec. 30

    Items postmarked after Dec. 30 will be marked REFUSED - RETURNED TO SENDER. I am not responsible for lost/late mail.

    Once all items are received, I will email everyone to let you know that they are being mailed back out, so you will know when to expect them.

    DEC - I LOVE POSTCARDS! (Sender's Choice)

    Sign up by: Dec. 15, 2017
    Partners assigned: Dec. 18, 2017
    Postmark deadline: Dec. 30, 2017

    SIGN UP FOR DECEMBER SWAPS HERE:

    https://goo.gl/forms/6PaGf0Ojo3wp6ctx1


    READ MORE ABOUT DECEMBER SWAPS HERE:

    https://swappermania.blogspot.com/2017/12/december-swaps.html


    Hostess name: Barbi Tvrdik
    Swap categories: Postcards
    Location:USA or International (specify if you want USA only when you sign up)
    Number of swap partners: 1

    Description:

    Simple swap for everyone that LOVES postcards.

    1 partner, one postcard. Send naked (means NOT in an envie, not a naked picture!  lol)
    Sender's Choice.

    Make sure to write "via swappermania - Dec. - I LOVE POSTCARDS" somewhere on the PC.
    I will angel this swap if necessary, only if you have contacted your partner, have not heard from them within a few days, or have not received your swap within two weeks.

    Please post in the Comments when you send & receive your swaps.
    If you have questions, please email me for a faster response.

    THANKS for joining! Have fun!

    DEC FBs - 5 n&n Snowman/Snow Theme FBs (New/Est)

    For this swap you will be sending 5 nice & neat FBs... must have a snowman or snow theme on the cover.  You can send new or established, the choice is yours.

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    SIGN UP FOR DECEMBER SWAPS HERE:

    https://goo.gl/forms/6PaGf0Ojo3wp6ctx1


    READ MORE ABOUT DECEMBER SWAPS HERE:

    https://swappermania.blogspot.com/2017/12/december-swaps.html



    Sign up by Dec. 15, send items by Dec. 30

    Items postmarked after Dec. 30 will be marked REFUSED - RETURNED TO SENDER. I am not responsible for lost/late mail.

    Once all items are received, I will email everyone to let you know that they are being mailed back out, so you will know when to expect them.

    Hostess name:  Barbi Tvrdik

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Details on N&N FBs:
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Friendship books must be neat, not just a bunch of pieces of paper strewn together. They cannot be slams, friendship sheets or crams.

    What is a FB?
    Here are some links that should help:
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friendship_book
    http://fbfun.com/about/
    http://www.squidoo.com/friendshipbooks

    What is a N&N FB? 

    N&N FB = Nice & Neat Friendship Book

    http://friendshipbooks.blogspot.com/2010/12/types-of-friendship-books.html

    Guidelines for N&N FB swaps on this blog:

    1. There will be NO staples in the front cover.
    2. The FB should be laminated with packing tape, shelf liner, or laminating sheets.
    3. Lamination should be done neatly.
    4. Embellishments should be added to the cover. Embellishments include glitter, stickers, foil borders, sequins, ribbon, a nice background, cloth flowers. You can also do something fancy with pictures. Basically just a picture covered with lamination isn't a N&N FB.
    5. Addresses should be printed legibly or typed.
    6. Make it nice AND neat. Ask yourself whether you are proud of your work or not.
    7. For established N&N FBs, please make sure your partner hasn't previously signed it.

    DEC PCs - 3 new/unwritten postcards in an env.

    This is a 3 for 3 swap.  You send 3, you get 3 different PCs in return. Simple :)  

    Types of postcards permitted:
    Storebought, internet bought, touristy-type cards. Size: 3"x5" - 4" x 6".
    Must be like new/unwritten on, no bent corners, folds, etc. 
    Absolutely NO ad cards, art cards, homemade, digital, etc.


    *** FREEBIE THIS MONTH!!!***
    NO RETURN POSTAGE or return envelope is required for this swap :)
    (Of course donations of stamps & cash are always welcome!)

    Please include your name and address on a large label or piece of paper.

    Hostess name:  Barbi Tvrdik


    ****************************

    SIGN UP FOR DECEMBER SWAPS HERE:

    https://goo.gl/forms/6PaGf0Ojo3wp6ctx1


    READ MORE ABOUT DECEMBER SWAPS HERE:

    https://swappermania.blogspot.com/2017/12/december-swaps.html



    Sign up by Dec. 15, send items by Dec. 30

    Items postmarked after Dec. 30 will be marked REFUSED - RETURNED TO SENDER. I am not responsible for lost/late mail.

    Once all items are received, I will email everyone to let you know that they are being mailed back out, so you will know when to expect them.




    How it works:  Everyone sends to me.  Once all items are received, I will send a return swap from everyone that joined.  I will email everyone to let you know that they are being mailed back out, so you will know when to expect them.  Remember that this is an International swap, so swaps will take a bit longer to get where they need to go.... please be patient and kind, and make this a happy swapping experience for everyone :)

    Questions cheerfully answered (post below in comments with any questions). Happy swapping :)

    DEC LBs - 5 est Label Bags (with at least 2 signers)

    For this swap, you will send 5 established label bags, with at least 2 signers.  (You can be #2.)  
    Please include a maximum of 1 where the next person is the last signer.


    *** FREEBIE THIS MONTH!!!***
    NO RETURN POSTAGE or return envelope is required for this swap :)
    (Of course donations of stamps & cash are always welcome!)


    Please include your name and address on a large label or piece of paper. 

    Hostess name:  Barbi Tvrdik

    *********************

    SIGN UP FOR DECEMBER SWAPS HERE:

    https://goo.gl/forms/6PaGf0Ojo3wp6ctx1


    READ MORE ABOUT DECEMBER SWAPS HERE:

    https://swappermania.blogspot.com/2017/12/december-swaps.html


    Sign up by Dec. 15, send items by Dec. 30

    Items postmarked after Dec. 30 will be marked REFUSED - RETURNED TO SENDER. I am not responsible for lost/late mail.

    Once all items are received, I will email everyone to let you know that they are being mailed back out, so you will know when to expect them.


    How it works:  Everyone sends to me.  Once all items are received, I will send a return swap from everyone that joined.  I will email everyone to let you know that they are being mailed back out, so you will know when to expect them.  Remember that this is an International swap, so swaps will take a bit longer to get where they need to go.... please be patient and kind, and make this a happy swapping experience for everyone :)

    Questions cheerfully answered (post below in comments with any questions). Happy swapping :)

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    What is a LB? 

    LB = Label Bag

    You can get info/see samples here:
    http://friendshipbooks.blogspot.com/2010/12/label-bag-templates.html
    http://sandbook.net/index.php/label-bags-othermenu-12
    http://kawaiisuite.livejournal.com/7038.html
    http://thesnaggingpalace.blogspot.com/ 

    DEC LBs - 5 new Label Bags (made by you)

    Make 5 new Label Bags. Can be made for & by you, or for anybody :)

    Check out the other Label Bag swap this month:
    DEC LBs - 5 est Label Bags (with at least 2 signers)


    *** FREEBIE THIS MONTH!!!***
    NO RETURN POSTAGE or return envelope is required for this swap :)
    (Of course donations of stamps & cash are always welcome!)

    Please include your name and address on a large label or piece of paper. 

    **********************
    Hostess name: Barbi Tvrdik
    **********************

    SIGN UP FOR DECEMBER SWAPS HERE:

    https://goo.gl/forms/6PaGf0Ojo3wp6ctx1


    READ MORE ABOUT DECEMBER SWAPS HERE:

    https://swappermania.blogspot.com/2017/12/december-swaps.html



    Sign up by Dec. 15, send items by Dec. 30

    Items postmarked after Dec. 30 will be marked REFUSED - RETURNED TO SENDER. I am not responsible for lost/late mail.

    Once all items are received, I will email everyone to let you know that they are being mailed back out, so you will know when to expect them.


    How it works:  Everyone sends to me.  Once all items are received, I will send a return swap from everyone that joined.  I will email everyone to let you know that they are being mailed back out, so you will know when to expect them.  Remember that this is an International swap, so swaps will take a bit longer to get where they need to go.... please be patient and kind, and make this a happy swapping experience for everyone :)

    Questions cheerfully answered (post below in comments with any questions). Happy swapping :)
     


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    What is a LB? 

    LB = Label Bag

    You can get info and printable templates here:

    http://friendshipbooks.blogspot.com/2010/12/label-bag-templates.html
    http://sandbook.net/index.php/label-bags-othermenu-12
    http://kawaiisuite.livejournal.com/7038.html
    http://thesnaggingpalace.blogspot.com/

    Saturday, December 2, 2017

    Crafting, Swapping, Palling, and RAK Group Links

    Links to other swap/craft related sites. 

    (NOT your items for sale!) 


    Swappermania Facebook Event Page: December Swaps
    https://www.facebook.com/events/366127330501235/


    FACEBOOK GROUPS

    Here are some groups on Facebook where you can apply to join, and once you are in, check the Rules and Standards for the group. Then you can post if you are looking for new pen pals, swappers, or both.

    fb´s, fb´s, fb´sLabelBag Swappers of the World 
    Pen Pal Friends Reunited 
    Return to Sender
    SnailmailersRus






    LINKS TO "WISH GROUPS" - Read all rules closely before posting!

    These are great places to find names of people who are looking for RAKS or Happy Mail,
    and once you get the hang of things (and agree to the group's rules), jump on in and
    post your wishlist too!

    Wishes Galore




    Craft-related Happy Mail groups (art journal junkies, etc.)



    Happy Mail Swappers

    Happy Mail Swaps

    Happy Mail and Swap Pals USA  (USA only group)

    Simply Happy Mail Swaps


    This is a crafty mail art group, but also a Happy Mail group...

    Lets Swap Mail Art


    Links to Facebook Craft-related Groups

    Art Journal Junkies

    Hide His Word in my HeART  (Christian art journal group)

    Journaling By 5s

    Krazy Island Family

    Junk & Art Journals

    Digital Art Journal Stuffage




    **************************************
      Place your links for swap groups/blogs or craft sites in the Comments below.

      **************************************

      PHOTOS:
      Links to Flickr/photos of your craft/swap items? CLICK HERE.

      FOR SALE:
      Links to Etsy or other craft/swap items for sale websites? CLICK HERE.

      Friday, December 1, 2017

      Links to Etsy or other craft swap item websites

      ITEMS FOR SALE?

      Add your link in the Comments for your Etsy site, or other site where you have swap or craft-related items for sale.  Links will be checked, so please NO SPAM!


      (post more in Comments)

      Links to Photos

      Links to Flickr/photos of your craft/swap items
      (post in Comments)

      Tuesday, November 21, 2017

      Snailmail Fun

      I posted my newest video from yesterday... did you see it yet?

      https://youtu.be/kQ_RgDU2710



      In it, I mention 2 groups I do swaps & send fun mail in.  Here are the links to them in case you want to check them out.


      SnailmailersRus
      This first one is more for pen palling and exchanging different things in the mail. They do "tags" where you tag the person above you, and send them the item listed for that Tag Category. Then the person below you tags you, and sends to you. So you never get the same "swap partner" and you can get all sorts of fun snail mail.  You can also post if you are looking for a pen pal.

      Wishes Galore
      This is a group of a bunch of sarcastic ladies where you can jump into some fun conversation (warning: some adult language on there... lol) and once you get to know everyone, you can post a daily wishlist of small items you'd like to receive in the mail. Then people can grant your wish, and you can grant other people's wishes and send them items off their wishlists.

      Tell them Barbi sent you if you join :)  (No I don't get anything for referrals... just want to know how many people actually check them out from reading this blog.)

      And of course, I always welcome fun snail mail/ friend mail/ happy mail :)  Thank you!

      Send to:
      Barbi Tvrdik/swappermania
      PO Box 74
      Barnum MN 55707
      USA

      Monday, November 20, 2017

      Swap Etiquette and Guidelines

      Participant Guidelines

      1. Read the swap information.  Make sure you understand the specifics of the swap.  Contact the host directly to sign up or with any questions or concerns. If the swap host doesn't reply within 2-3 days, send another email.  Email problems happen! Don't sign up unless you plan to complete the swap.  If a participant has to withdraw from the swap, inform the host as soon as possible.

      2. Make a reminder of the due date.

      3.  Start early if at all possible.

      4.  Notify the host (or post in Comments) when you have sent and received the swap item(s).  Contact the host directly with any questions or concerns.  The host email address is listed with each swap description. 

      5.  Respect the due date.  Make every effort to get the swap items completed in a timely manner.

      6.  If a question or concern is not being addressed by the swap host, contact the blog moderator.  If a swap participant perceives that t/*here is a problem with the swap, please forward all email communication regarding the problem to the moderator. If you keep us in the loop, we will do all we can to help.

      7.  For handmade swaps... remember to only send handmade items that you are proud of, don't send junk!
          Always put forth your best effort!  Do not send flimsy, plain paper weight ATCs.  ATC's are trading cards.  They must be sturdy.  Please refer to the ATC basics files for any general questions about ATCs.  Follow the swap specifics in terms of what type of ATC is accepted for each swap.  If the host asks for originals only, do not send copies.

      8. Please ensure your envelopes are suitable to protect your swap items in the postal system.  It's always advisable to enclose them in some sort of a plastic bag.  If the items are fragile, use some sort of a padded envelope.

      9.  Art of a political nature is not acceptable on this blog. This blog is not about politics! 

      10. Please include contact information on the back of each ATC submitted for a swap, or on a separate slip for other swaps. This contact information should at least include an email address!!


       General Swap Guidelines (Mainly for Hosts)

      1.  All swaps must be approved by a moderator.  Contact the moderator
      at swappermania @ yahoo.com(take spaces out) to request swap approval. 
      Please do not be alarmed if the moderators do not
      immediately respond to your swap request. 
      It may takes us a day or two at times to get back to you.

      2.  Before one may be approved to host a
      swap, the moderators must have contact information including NAME,
      ADDRESS, EMAIL ADDRESS, and *PHONE NUMBER*.

      3.  Swap hosts are limited to TWO SWAPS at a one time. This means
      if a swap host has two swaps posted in the swap database,
      additional swaps will not be approved.  New or first-time swap
      hosts on the Swappermania blog are limited to one
      swap.  After the first swap closes with no problems, the formerly
      new swap hosts may host two swaps at the same time. 

      4.  There are certain exceptions to the two swap limit.
      These include situations in which a host is running a related
      series of swaps OR when a swap host has proven her/himself to
      be of standard that the moderators feel this host is capable
      of handling a greater swap load.  The series exception does not
      mean that a swap host may post two other swaps in addition
      to the series.  This means that a swap host may, for example,
      have the swap descriptions for a series of related swaps
      for the months of June, July and August posted.
      These decisions are solely at the discretion of the moderator.

      5.  Swappers may be swap hosts after participating in at
      least 2 swaps from start to finish; in other words complete two
      organized swaps on the blog.

      6.  All swaps are posted in the left hand column.  The swap host
      must send the moderator the swap details.  The moderator
      will enter the swap information on the blog.

      7.  Cross-posted swaps are *not allowed*.  Swaps may only be posted
      on the Swappermania blog and nowhere else.  (This is on the honor system.)
      Any crossposted swaps or swaps posted without approval will be deleted.

      8.  We have these guidelines to ensure a safe trading environment.

      9.  Art of a political nature is not acceptable on this blog. This blog is not about politics! 



       Host Guidelines:

      1. Provide specific swap details to include:
       a.  Theme - Be specific. 
       b.  Number and Type of items - 1 for 1 swap, 3 for 3 swap, or 5 for 4 swap,
       for example for numbers. Please state clearly what type of items/ATC's are accepted. 
       For example, originals only, copies, embellished copies, digital, photographs, fabric and so on. 
       For FBs, specify regular, n&n (nice & neat), or HQ (high quality).
       c.  Email address for contact - Provide the host email address
       so that participants may contact the host with any concerns
       or questions.
       d.  Sign up date - This is the cut-off date for
              participation in the swap.
       e.   Date you will post partners.
       f.  Due date - This is a mailing cut off date.
       g.  Flakers - Please make it clear what the host will do about flakers/missing swaps (will you "angel" or make them up?)

      2.  As each participant emails or comments to sign up, the swap host should acknowledge that the participant is included in the swap with a return email.

      3. Each host should keep a list of the swap participants name and email addresses. Use the list of participants for swap updates.  If there is a problem with a swap participant, contact this person directly.

      4. Send periodic swap updates to your swap participants. Include whose items have been sent/received, a reminder of the swap deadline, along with a link to this blog in each email you send out.

      6. For ease of contacting the group of swap participants, swap hosts may want to consider creating a mailing or distribution list in their email client.  Each email client is different.  Please consult your email client for instructions.

      9. It is the responsibility of the swap host to ensure that all swappers items conform to the swap rules.   If a swap host needs guidance, a moderator should be contacted.

      10. If there is a problem with the swap, all email communication regarding the problems should be forwarded to the moderators.  Keep us in the loop, so that we can help if at all possible.

      11. Communication is the key to a successful swap!

      ATC Basics / What Are ATCs?

      ATC Basics for Swappermania

      ATC = Artist Trading Card

      The one rule that makes an ATC
      derives from their origins: the dimensions of
      the ATC must be 2.5"x3.5", or 64x89mm.

      Some other "rules" for ATCs...

      First, an ATC mustn't be sold, only exchanged,
      as the whole essence of these tiny works of
      art is about artists meeting (by correspondence
      or online if need be) and exchanging their works,
      thus meeting many artists and getting exposed to
      many personal styles.

      Second, on the back of each handcrafted (not copied)
      ATC the artist writes part or all of the following
      information: name, contact information, title of
      the ATC and number (1/8, 2/8...) if it's part of
      an edition. By definition ATCs are made in limited
      numbers, often no more than one of a kind. Unique
      ATCs are called originals; sets of identical ATCs
      are called editions and are numbered; sets of
      ATCs that are based on one theme but that are
      different are called series. Copied ATC's do
      not fall into editions or series.  Copied ATC's
      should include the title & contact information on the
      back of the ATC.

      Your cards should be made on sturdy cardstock
      or many are using playing cards.  The playing
      cards can be bought at the dollar stores,
      2 decks for a dollar.  Please be sure to
      measure them, as not all playing cards are
      the standard ATC size of 2 1/2 x 3 1/2. 

      Art traded and/or posted on this blog of a political,
      racial or otherwise controversial nature is not
      acceptable.  This group is not about politics or
      other controversial issues. The group is about
      sharing our art and growing/learning as artists.

      For the purposes of this blog, original, copy, and
      digital ATC's are defined as the following:
      ORIGINAL: An original ATC in the broadest sense refers
      to a handcrafted ATC.  Generally when a swap host requests
      "original art" they are referring to handcrafted ATC's.
      If any swap participant needs clarification from a
      swap host, the swap host should be contacted directly.
      Please see the Swap Guidelines.
      A COPY is defined as a photocopy or other mechanical
      reproduction of an "original" or handcrafted ATC.
      A DIGITAL ATC is one that is produced in a graphics
      editing software program and printed.
      If a swapper has an ATC that does not easily
      fit into any of the above categories, please contact
      your ATC trading partner or swap host.  Communicate
      to the other person how you made the ATC before trading,
      if the ATC does not fit into one of the above categories.



      Here is an example of a "Vintage: Letter B" ATC I made:




        
      Feel free to share pictures of your ATCs or videos of you
      making ATCs in the Comments below :)


      Here are some great videos I found about making ATCs:








      That's all, happy swapping!


      So What Do Those Numbers Mean?

      So what do those numbers mean in regards to swaps?

      The first number is the number of ATCs or items that are sent to the swap hostess.

      The second number is the number of ATCs or items that are returned to the swap participant.

      1/1: send one, get one back
      3/3: send three, get three back
      5/4: send five, get four back; the hostess keeps one.

      Thursday, November 9, 2017

      Dollar Tree Haul / Operation Christmas Child

      Dollar Tree Haul time :) 

      http://bit.ly/2m7Anlk

        

      Watch my latest vlog here and find out WHAT'S IN THE BOX...
      http://bit.ly/2m7Anlk

      Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE!  :)