2024 Swap Schedule

Welcome to a new year of fun swaps for Australian card makers. I have our schedule all planned out, and the very first swap will be open for sign-ups in a few weeks. As this worked so well last year, here are all swaps with their sign-up and due dates so that you can plan your card making in advance.

There are also 3 main points all swap participants need to know.

1. Due dates
   Please post at least a week before the due date. It’s unfair to those who get their swaps in on time to make them wait for those who are late. Therefore, this year I will be sending reminders and have new systems in place to make swapping out and returning swaps faster.
2. Pre-loved postage stamps
   If you’re on a seriously strict budget, and you want to re-use un-postmarked postage stamps, you are welcome to do so. HOWEVER … at the advice of Australia Post, please do not place sticky tape over the top of the postage stamps. The best option is to soak them off their original envelope in water, then use a strong liquid glue to stick them to your envelope.
3. New Swap packaging
   Last year we trialed boxes for swap posting, and they’ve been working really well. They are sturdy, no need for backing card and they cost the same as a large envelope. If you don’t already have a box, you can send your swap in an envelope, but don’t include a return envelope … just 3 postage stamps. I will return it in a re-useable box. A bonus of the boxes is that sometimes they aren’t postmarked, so they can be used over and over until they are eventually postmarked. Boxes will wear out eventually, and if that happens, I will start you over with a new box.

I am very excited to see everyone’s work again this year, and if you are still hesitant to join in, please check out the resources that I have to assist you get started with your first swap. If you’re super nervous, I am 100% on board with you sending me a photo of your prototype and providing kind and constructive feedback. People at all levels of card making skill join these swaps, and I’d love for you to join too.

Swap 1 – Dotty
Sign-ups open from 22-28 January
Due date 23 February

Swap 2 – White + One
Sign-ups open from 11-17 March
Due date 12 April

Swap 3 – Embossing
Sign-ups open from 6-12 May
Due date 7 June

Swap 4 – Christmas
Sign-ups open from 15-21 July
Due date 16 August

Swap 5 – Mini Card: Birthday
Sign-ups open from 21-27 October
Due date 22 November

You may notice that there are no sign-ups or swaps due in September, which is deliberate to work around the large Stamptember group buy event (it worked well the last couple of years). Also, our Christmas card swap is early, so that they can get home in time for us to use them this year!

Swaps are open to Australian card makers, there will be a blog post with details for each swap, including a downloadable PDF checklist, links to resources and the sign-up form. Even if you complete the swap early, please sign-up, as I rely on those forms to make sure that I don’t swap out until all have arrived.

If you have questions, please ask away!