Slimline Card Front Swap

Welcome to this Card Front panel swap!  This swap is for Australian residents only.

Signups are open from 4-8 January 2021.
Swap items are due to arrive with the host on Friday 29 January 2021.

What is a Slimline Card Front Panel?
It’s a fully decorated slimline card front, without the card base and envelope, which makes postage more affordable.
Card Front panels must measure 9.99cm x 21cm.
** Cut a piece of A4 cardstock into 3 pieces.
For the purpose of our swap, card fronts should not be thicker than 5mm (for ease and economy of post).

Theme: Slimline (any ocassion)
Restriction: Must include stamping

This means that you can use any stamp company, any shades / tones, any technique you like, just make sure it is slimline.

How does this swap work?
1. You sign up by filling in this form.
2. You create 8 identical card front panels.
3. Watch the handy packing video HERE
4. Place each card front panel in a clear bag, and refer to the packing instructional video to pack and post them with a stamped self addressed return envelope.
5. Post them, allowing sufficient time for them to reach NSW.

When all swaps are received on the due date, I will swap them all about … repack them … post them … you receive happy mail with 8 different card front panels made by other cardmakers.

FAQ’s

How do I join?
Simply CLICK HERE, read and scroll down and fill in the form, then click the ‘Submit’ button.

What does it cost to participate?
There is no fee, this is a free activity. The only costs involved are supplies and postage.  The packing video & instructions show the most economical way to pack and send your swap via Australia Post.

Is there somewhere I can learn more about craft swaps?
Yes … I have a podcast episode, which you may find helpful HERE.

Can I participate if I live overseas?
Unfortunately not this time, as return post is complicated.

What if mine aren’t good enough?
This is a common worry that a lot of crafters have when entering a swap (especially for the first time). My best recommendation is a simple design executed well beats a complicated design executed poorly every single time.  Keep it simple, and make sure your workmanship is top notch.  There will be stampers at all different levels in this swap.

How long does it take for post to arrive?
You will be posting to NSW.  If you are in …
NSW … allow 3 days
QLD, VIC, ACT … allow 3-5 days
SA, TAS … allow 5-7 days
NT, WA … allow 5-10 days
NOTE: Due to COVID, mail is significantly delayed.

What happens if I have to drop out?
My first recommendation is to start your swap ASAP, that way if life throws you a curveball, your swap will already be done!  However, life isn’t always so accommodating around the fun stuff, so if you need to drop out, please notify me ASAP via email reply to let me know that you are unable to meet the deadline.

What happens if all the swaps arrive early?
I swap out and return everyone’s envelopes early! ?

Do I have to create an arty custom background?
Short answer … no.  Feel free to use pattern paper.  If you want to create a custom background though, go for it!

What if I don’t have plastic bags?
It doesn’t have to be a peel & seal bag … it can be zip-lock or even a flat freezer bag. We’re just looking for something that will protect your hard work in the post.

What happens if I don’t like the pieces I receive in return?
Unfortunately, it’s luck of the draw … that’s what swaps are all about!  Put it on a card base and give it away.

Will I get one of my own card front panels in return?
If there are more than 8 people signed up for this swap, then no.  If you specifically want one of your own pieces returned to you, pop in a note to let me know, and I’ll make sure you get one of your own back. HOWEVER … when you cut down 3 sheets of A4 cardstock into thirds it will give you 9 pieces … perhaps make an extra to keep for yourself.

Is there a limit to the number of people who can join this swap?
No.  We need a minimum of 8 to go ahead, but there’s no limit to the number of people who can join.  Feel free to tell your stamping friends & aquaintences (in real life and online) … the more the merrier!

Can my friend and I send our swaps together to save on post?
Yes.  You absolutely can!  Just make sure you put the right amount of postage on both envelopes ?

Is there a checklist I can use to make sure I get it all right?
Yes. You can CLICK HERE to download the checklist printable.

Have you ever hosted swaps before?
Yes. I took over from Rachel Greig as owner of OzSwapTillYouDrop (back in the old days when we used Yahoo groups for everything!), and have hosted hundreds of swaps.  I also hosted swaps between seasons of Scrap It TV via the Facebook group.  I have a great system to make sure everything is swapped out and repacked properly, and all swaps will be lodged over the counter at my local post office.  I have a PO Box, and the ladies at my post office take great care of large envelopes, so there is no risk of your beautiful work being folded and jammed into a letterbox at my end!

How do I pack and post?
You can watch the Pack & Post video HERE

Workmanship
I am going to be very specific about this … please do not submit sloppy work. Good workmanship is important, and it should be something that you would be delighted to receive in the post.  My top recommendations are …
* Keep your cutting lines straight
* Keep your cutting lines clean (no fuzz)
* Clean up any oozing glue and hide your adhesive
* Choose your colours carefully
* Stamp with care and precision, being sure to line up your stamps nice and straight
* Cheap & cheerful beats cheap & nasty hands down, every time
* Handwriting is usually not a great idea as part of the design (unless you have amazing brush-script skills!).

If you have any questions before signing up, please email me at enquiries@dawnlewis.com.au with ‘Swap Question’ in the title line.  I will get back to you ASAP with an answer … and there are no silly questions!

I am very excited to see your card fronts!