January Swap – Gift Tags

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The first swap for this year is

GIFT TAG SWAP
Due 31 January
Make 6 identical tags, receive 6 different tags in return

* What’s it for? To place on a gift, for those times when you don’t need a whole card.
* You can make any theme for which you might give a gift … Christmas, birthday, just because, congratulations … whatever you like! You can also use any of your favourite techniques.
* Measurements. Square or circle gift tag … approx 3″ x 3″ ….. Rectangle gift tag … approx 2.25″ x 3.5″ … These measurements are a rough guide. It can be bigger, but not much smaller.
* You should embellish your tag in some way … suggestions include matting, stamping, embossing, stitching, washi tape, layering, etc.
* Please do not include hand-writing on your tag.
* You may print on your tag, but it must also include embellishment.
* Keep in mind that the tag requires room to write the name of the person you are giving the gift to, and who it is from. Feel free to embellish the front all over, as ‘to’ & ‘from’ can be written on the back.
* You do not have to include a ‘To’ and ‘From’ on the tag … simply leave some space for the person giving the gift to write their own message.
* If you have a die-cut machine, like a Cricut, Scan N Cut, Big Shot, Cuttlebug, etc you may use a suitable size & shape die for your tag.

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 (6 identical pieces)
3. Follow the check list and send them to me
How easy is that?!  You’re welcome to send me an email or PM to let me know your swap items are on their way, and I will let you know when they arrive.  I don’t check the PO Box every day, though.

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 design.  The most important part is the design be the same, as it’s faster to make them the same.

When should I post my swap?
Well … that depends where you live, as it needs to travel to NSW.
NSW, ACT & Vic usually arrive 1-2 days
Qld, Tas & SA usually arrive 1-4 days
NT & WA are less predictable, 5-10 days
A good rule of thumb is to post, at the latest, a week before the due date.

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.

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’ll post & email a reminder of the due date in a week before they are due.

I have had a little play with gift tag making. Here’s an example of how simple they can be.

#1 – 3″ circle, punched hole, inked around the edges and stamped with distress ink, stamp by Darkroom Door.
#2 – Stamped bunting onto white card, stamped bunting onto old dictionary page (sprayed with Dylusions inks), simple Darkroom Door Greeting stamped bottom right, inked edges.
#3 – stitching stamp inked and stamped in 12 rainbow colours. Greeting by Darkroom Door, rainbow by Studio G, coloured with ink, matted on red.
#4 – 3″ purple square, washi tape across the bottom, simple Kaisercraft bunting stamp across the top (in hindsight I wish I’d inked the edges), ink is Distress Ink, Brushed Corduroy.

I hope that gives you some ideas and inspiration! I have also created a Pinterest board with some great examples of tags at http://www.pinterest.com/dawnlewis/gift-tags/

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.