A year ago, for my third blog-iversary, I hosted a peg doll swap. It was very popular, and during the past year several people have asked whether I would be hosting another swap. The answer has been "no," and my reason was as follows: I was told by several participants outside the US that, with postal rates ever climbing, it had cost them outrageous sums to post their parcels (and these were domestic rates, not international!) I felt terrible and vowed never again to host another swap.
However, after gentle persistence and some brain-storming, my friend
Anna came up with the idea of swapping FLAT items! Most countries have a much lower rate for flat items. Generally the envelope must be less than 1/4 inch (1/2 cm) thick to qualify, but best to check with your local post office for exact specifications in your country.
All this to say... won't you join me for a FLAT item swap? At first glance, this might seem boring. Let's see... we could swap Popsicle sticks. Moth wings. Oak leaves and feathers. But then I opened myself to the challenge of imagining interesting things I could make which were also... flat.
A piece of embroidery which could be framed or turned into something useful like a pincushion?
Mitts knit at a very fine gauge...
Or sewn from fine wool...
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| headscarf bandana and image :: purlbee |
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coffee cup cozies & image :: purlbee
|
Right then. I think you've got the idea! The choice is up to the
creativity of the sender -- the main criteria are as follows: the item should be hand made by you, it should be the sort of thing you might like to receive yourself (or which you think the recipient would like), and it should be flat enough to meet postal rate specifications for shipping a flat item.
ALL THE REST OF THE DETAILS
-- Sign-ups are open starting today (Monday March 3rd.) To sign up, please email me
margaret (at) flyingteapot (dot) com with your name, mailing address, email address, blog URL (if you have
one), plus a few sentences about yourself; you can mention your family,
information about where you live, what kind of crafting you like to do,
materials you like to use, etc...
-- This swap is open to anyone anywhere in the world and to participants of all crafting levels.
-- Each participant will be matched in a group of three (i.e. you will
create a flat item for each of your two swap mates and will receive a flat item
from each of them in return.)
-- Sign-ups will close Sunday March 9th and information about your swap-matches will be
emailed to you by Monday March 10th.
-- By signing up
for this swap you agree to create, with you own hands, a flat item (the sort of thing you might like to receive yourself)
for each of your swap-mates and send them off in a timely fashion.
-- Preferably,
parcels should be posted to recipients by Monday March 24th.
If you are delayed in sending your parcels, it will be important to
communicate this directly to your swap-mates.
-- Any questions? Please feel free to send me an email!
Just wanted to say Happy Blog-iversary and thank you for all the lovely inspiration over the years!
ReplyDeleteYes!! I'll celebrate four years in April! Hard to believe. It has been so much fun! I enjoy having met you through our spaces and look forward to more sharing and giggling through the years!
ReplyDeleteI'm in! Contacting you now!
ReplyDeleteJust sent you an email. Now to start brainstorming what to make.
ReplyDeleteOh, how fun! I think I'd like to join in! Not sure if my idea will meet specifications, though...off to send you an email!
ReplyDeleteI fear I missed the deadline but Ive emailed you. Such a great idea :-)
ReplyDelete