2016 Swap #1 – Cards, Open Theme

The February swap is
CARDS – Open Theme

NOTE:  Due to lack of interest, this will be the last swap for 2016.  Due date has been extended.  If you are sending a swap, please let me know so I can wait for it to arrive.

EDITED – Final Due date 16 April
Make 8 identical cards, receive 8 different cards in return.

* You can use your favourite techniques and materials to make swap items, any theme.
* Measurements: Card MUST fit into a standard envelope like C6 or DL.
* Please include an envelope with each card.

How do I join?
It’s very simple, and no need to sign up.  All you need to do is:
1. Read through all of these details and decide if you want to join in.
2. Create your swap pieces (8 identical cards).
3. Follow the check list and send them to me.
How easy is that?!  I don’t check the PO Box every day, but I do check 2-4 times per week.  Check Facebook to see if your swap has been received.
Still have questions?  Check out a vlog about swap FAQ’s HERE.

Packing & Posting
Over many years we have developed the perfect packing method for swaps which helps keep postage costs and damage to post down low, low, low! You can find full details about why packing & post is the way it is … HERE.

This checklist has a handy packing tip reference.  Click the image below for the printable PDF.

NOTE: You do not have to include the check list … it’s just there to help you pack, especially if you’re a list person or new to swapping.

QUALITY & WORKMANSHIP
* Please make sure your blade is sharp … no fuzzy edges.
* Please make sure your cutting lines are straight.
* Please do not use handwriting as part of your design.
* Put yourself in the shoes of the person receiving your swap item … would you do a happy dance when you received this in the post?
* You don’t have to spend a fortune, but there’s a fine line between cheap & cheerful … and cheap & nasty. Let’s keep it cheerful!

Why do they need to be identical?
There are 2 main reasons for making your swap items identical
1. It’s easier to make so many items in an assembly line fashion, all the same design.
2. It helps me not to get confused during the swap out process.
Now … it is the design that needs to be the same.  If you run out of one colour card or paper, of course you can substitute in another colour or pattern.  The most important part is the design be the same.

When should I post my swap?
Thanks to the recent changes made for delivery times by Australia Post, I recommend posting at least one week before the due date!  Mail from WA, NT and far north Qld take longer to get to me than other states.  To compensate for longer delivery times, I have allowed 6 weeks to create, pack & post.  If you wish to add Priority Post stickers to your envelopes (50c each way), you will have faster delivery times.

Should I use Express Post?
Express Post is no  longer guaranteed overnight delivery, it is 1-2 days.
My postcode is within the area that receives guaranteed express post delivery.
You need to check to see if your postcode is within the area for guaranteed express post delivery.  That information is on the back of every express post envelope & satchel, also the Australia Post website.

Are you still collecting cards for Ronald McDonald House & Childrens Hospital?
No.  Due to space restrictions in my office and some changes I need to put in place, I will no longer be collecting cards.  I will be providing details for some amazing charities you can send your cards directly to, though 🙂

Are you still collecting used postage stamps?
Yes.  Used postage stamps are still lighting up the eyes of our lovely elderly gentleman with alzheimers, and he gets a huge kick out of sorting and trimming all the stamps you send in.  Thank you so much!  They can be sent with a swap, or any time to PO Box 9387, Wyoming NSW 2250.

 

When is the next swap?
The next swap will be announced on Monday 4th April.

When I have received all of the envelopes I will swap them around and post them back to you in the self addressed envelope. If the extra stamp(s) are not needed, I will return them as well. They are only there in case some of the tags are bulkier than the ones you sent.
I will swap out within a week of the due date.  If your swap arrives after they have been swapped out, I will hold it over and include it in a compatible swap.

I have also created a Pinterest board with some great examples of tags at https://www.pinterest.com/dawnlewis/cards/

Really looking forward to this, and I hope you all have lots of fun making your cards (and even more fun seeing what you get in return!). As usual, any questions, please don’t hesitate to send me an email or PM.