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. In the meantime, though, I thought I’d shake things up by announcing 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.
- 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 strongly recommend swaps arrive on time. - 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. - Taping down swap items
You really don’t need much tape to secure swaps to the backing card. Because our card panels are light and relatively flat, they really don’t need to be taped down quite so enthusiastically. Much tape equals more time to unpack and repack swap, so I am begging you … please use as little tape as possible.
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 – Birthday
Sign-ups open from 23-29 January
Due date 24 February
Swap 2 – Bookmark (not a card … an actual bookmark)
Sign-ups open from 13-19 March
Due date 14 April
Swap 3 Stripey
Sign-ups open from 1-7 May
Due date 2 June
Swap 4 – Christmas
Sign-ups open from 17-23 July
Due date 18 August
Swap 5 – Monochromatic
Sign-ups open from 23-29 October
Due date 24 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 last year). 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 am organised.
If you have questions, please ask away!
Dawn
So excited for the New Year and new swaps. There are so many brilliant crafters/ artists in the group , I have learnt and seen so many wonderful things from my first year of swapping in the group. Have ‘met‘ many people. I’ve had the pleasure of following them on socials and seeing their amazing work. Thanks for these opportunities Dawn.
I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying the swaps, Tracey! Looking forward to seeing your lovely work again this year. Dawn
Looking forward to another year of amazing surprise swaps.
Exciting swaps ahead! Can’t wait to participate in all of them 😍
Happy New Year Dawn x
Looking forward to the swaps again this year. I have actually just finished my Birthday swaps – so I guess I will be signing up for that next week, LOL. Always fun to see what everyone does – I like looking at the slideshows you do also Dawn.
Thankyou for all the lovely card swaps last year. I really enjoyed finishing them off. Looking forward to another year of creative crafting.
Thankyou Dawn for all the work you do to organise these swaps.