Mailing Time!

If you haven't already, please remember to mail off your October Friendship Swap package today or tomorrow. Please post pictures to Mr Linky below so we can all see!

The November Swap starts soon!

It's almost time for the 2nd of my new monthly swaps! The theme is Birthday and we will be swapping the following 3 things: a handmade card, a handmade tag (both of these will have the theme of "Birthday" and will be left unsigned, so the recipient can use them to send to a friend) and one BROWN destash item.

Sign ups begin on October 1st and will continue through October 3th, or until we have 25 participants.

Lots of specific details about the new monthly swaps are in the side margin under Swap Guidelines.>>>>>

If you want to help me spread the word about the return of A Swap For All Seasons, feel free to grab the November swap badge and post it on your blog.

I hope you'll want to join in the fun!

October Swap "Show and Tell " Links

This is the final post for the October Friendship Swap! The next post will be about the November Swap. So now that the mailing and receiving for the October swap is under way, share some pictures of what you received! Here is a linky list for us. After you have posted your swap pictures on your blog, You just fill in your name and your blog address in the form below. It will link right to your blog so we can see your post. You can also use our Flickr group page if you prefer. If you haven't noticed, Peggy posted the lovely items she mailed to Heidi on Flickr. You can post both places if you like! Bottom line is, WE WANNA SEE WHAT EVERYONE MADE!!

Susie's Tags

Visit Susie's blog today to see all 5 of her anniversary tags! Lots of other great stuff there too!

Making your own paper envelopes and pockets

Here is some really great inspiration for creating your own envelope or large pocket to hold your card/tag/destash item. It makes a great presentation, and so easy to just slip into a bubble envelope for mailing.

You can use card stock, paper bags, glossine bags, book pages, etc. I like to sew them together on a sewing machine, but you can also use your trusty glue stick. You can doll them up a bit with embellishments, or go with a simple "less is more" theory. I love them all.

pretty pink packaging

I love getting a pretty package in the mail. Even just a happy sticker can turn a ho-hum envelope into one that stands out. Just a few simple touches can make a big difference. I found a few pictures... from simple to elaborate. I want that carload of pink packages to pull up in front of my house! More great ideas tomorrow...

It's time to put the finishing touches on our swap package and send it off! You can mail it anytime it is ready, or wait until October 1st, whichever you prefer. I'll show some cute packaging ideas this week for inspiration. See you tomorrow!

this is fantastic!

Would you like to make your own pretty bubble envelopes/mailers? Here is a tutorial! You can make your own custom bubble mailer to match your contents, the theme and the size of your mailing!

Look no further! Here is the link to the tutiorial.

This is so perfect for our year long swap, which can easily be mailed in a small bubble envelope!

I love love love this.

I'm working this weekend so I'll post again on Monday. Have a great weekend!

my sis

Today is a celebration! It is my sister Susie's 5 year cancer-free anniversary! She also had breast cancer, but her story is much different than our mom's. Hers was discovered very early at a routine mammogram- one of those mobile units that came to her work. It was convenient, so she took advantage of it...thank goodness.

Now, 5 years later we can celebrate her success! Breast cancer might have taken our mom, but it can't have my sister! I am so thankful that we all have access to yearly screening and early detection. All we have to do is make sure we take advantage of it like Susie did. I thank God everyday for my sister. Happy Anniversary, Susie!

I have made her a tag each year on her anniversary. Here is this year's tag. (front and back). And a special message from our dog, Molly, who loves her Aunt Susie!

my mom

My mom had breast cancer back in the early 1970's. It was in all of her lymph nodes and she was told it had probably spread. I was 11 years old at the time. She was determined to see me graduate from high school. (I was the youngest of 4. The others were 17, 18 and 22 years old). She did. And not just that, she lived to enjoy all of her grandchildren! 24 years later, in 1997, she was told the breast cancer had metastasized to her bones and she died one year later. Sad, yes. But so very hopeful! Having hope can change the game!

The picture is an "itty bitty book" page that I made featuring my mom's picture and one of my favorite quotes from Christopher Reeves. He was such an inspiration, and an incredible role model for having hope!

My mom is part one of why the breast cancer cause is so near and dear to my heart. Part two tomorrow.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month...

A friendly reminder to get your yearly mammograms...ON TIME. Just putting it off a few months can make a difference. Early detection is the key. As women and mothers we often put ourselves last. "I'll schedule my own appointments after everything settles down around here..." and this and that and the other person is taken care of, and we neglect ourselves. Sound familiar?

So as a friend, (and a bit of a bossy nurse too!) I'm reminding you to schedule any overdue healthcare appointments and to have your yearly mammogram! YOU are important!

me too

The winner of the Pink Giveaway is...

Jan from the UK! Yay Jan! Time for a happy dance! Your package is on its way! You had comment number 3 which was chosen by the random number generator.

Thanks to everyone for particating... I enjoyed reading your comments!

Pink Giveaway Today! Leave a Comment to Enter! All are Welcome!

Hi Friends!
Today, and the 15th of every month for ONE YEAR, I will be having a giveaway here on A Swap For All Seasons! All you have to do to enter the giveaway is to LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS POST with your first name and email address so I can contact you if you win!

Each month the giveaway package will go with the theme and color of the monthly swap. This month our theme is Friendship and the color is Pink. You will receive exactly what you see in the picture: a handmade card and tag made by moi, 2 "shades of pink" paint chips, a roll of adhesive lace trim, a set of pink scalloped gift cards and envelopes, a partially started tag with pink roses and ribbon (you can finish it however you like!), pink Crayola crayons, and a fabulous Red Lead Paperworks exclusive rubber stamp!

So many of you are asking about the pink crayons! We artsy crafters really are kindred, aren't we? Ironically, those crayons are what inspired me to add the color idea to the swap! I saw them on a Crayola display at Walmart in the back to school shopping area in July. Of course I fell in love... And of course, I bought one pack in every color. **SPOILER ALERT** You will be seeing more of them in the months to come! I think they must speak to the heart of the little girl inside of us!

So that's it. Just leave your comment anytime today, September 15th until midnight! I will choose a winning comment by using an online random number generator tomorrow morning and post the results. Good Luck!

Destash Item Ideas

To answer a few of the questions that have surfaced... Yes, it is okay if it is a few small items. Just not a whole boatload full of stuff please. One well chosen item is always better than alot of stuff no one will ever use! A small envelope of ephemera (as seen in the collage) is fine. By destash I mean, items that you might have more than 1 of that you just don't need... or bought and will not use...or bought a large quantity of and want to share... some of your own handmade embellishments such as paper/fabric flowers or hand dyed ribbon... or even a rubber stamp from your stash in a friendship or pink theme (wrap a pink ribbon around it!) I'm sure you'll choose something great!

Sunday's Giveaway Details

Every 15th of the month, I will be having a giveaway! It will include one of my handmade cards and tag, along with goodies in the color and theme of the month. It is open to all, whether currently swapping with us or not.

To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment anytime on the September 15th post. I will draw a random number on September 16th and the person who left that corresponding comment will be the winner. Feel free to post the giveaway announcement badge at right (the pink lady!) on your blog. And don't forget to visit on Sunday to leave your comment!

Tomorrow, we will begin "Pink Week", showcasing some lovely pink destash and talking about breast cancer awareness.

back to basics

Here's another of my simple "beginner" tags. Just a premade pink tag, a bit of paper, 2 favorite rubber stamps and a touch of glitter. Easy. The sentiment and the monkeys make me smile.

in solemn remembrance

from my sis

This great tag was a gift from my sister, Susie! It is made from chipboard. She dolled it up just perfectly! The ribbon at the top is also a hanger so I can hang this one. I just love it. Tags don't have to be rectangles- it's okay to find a great shape and go with it!

from pinterest... artist found!

I found this wonderful tag featuring one of those fab Prima paper doll stamps on Pinterest. I always seek permission before posting someone's work, but I couldn't get to the bottom of ownership on this one. I followed the links and never found it. So I am going to assume that it is okay to share.

I love the cheerful colors, patterns and layout of this tag. A simple greeting like "hello friend" would make this a perfect friendship tag!

Update 9/12/13: Thanks to a comment from Jo, I found the artist of this tag! Her name is Lynn and she does such beauiful art! I have been able to ask her permission to continue to showcase this delightful tag, which is very important to me. So a special thank you to Jo for her investigative skills!

tags

This week, let's talk tags!

Several people have asked about size requirements for the tags. There is not a specific size requirement, as long as it's not a tiny size. Any full sized tag is fine. And it can be made from cardstock, chip board, or any medium you wish. It doesn't have to be a purchased tag. I'll show lots of great ones to get you inspired, and if that doesn't do it, one visit to a "tag" Pinterest board can supply enough inspiration to keep us all making tags until the cows come home.

I'll start with one of mine. Very simple. I left the back completely blank on this one. I often use a tag instead of a card, and write my sentiment on the back. After I've done this, if it still needs a little something then I will add an embellishment/image, etc.

If you have some you'd like to share, send them to me at aswapforallseasons@gmail.com

See you tomorrow!

let's get together

I made this one quite a while ago and never sent it to anyone because I've never been happy with the layout. But I LOVE the stamp! It's from a Stampin Up set that my sister gave me, I think. What I really want to show you is the back of the card. I like it better than the front! It's always fun to add a little something to the back of your cards.

For this swap I am asking that you not sign your name anywhere on the card, even the back, so it can be blank for your partner to use. But you can certainly add something cute to the back of the card!

I found this "cuter than the average card" stamp and it has become my favorite for stamping on the backs of my cards. The picture is actually the back of the BFF card and I used a little scrap of ledger paper to match the front.

Beginning tomorrow, I'll start showcasing come tag ideas. If you've got any tags in a friendship theme that you'd like to share, send them to me at aswapforallseasons@gmail.com. It will be a loooong week if you only have mine to look at!

from Pam

Here is a card from Pam, another October swapper. I love the sewing theme! I especially like the fabrics in the background. Really clever layout! This card is perfect for our crafty/sewy friends and sisters. Thanks for sharing your beautiful card, Pam!

Happy Saturday!

from Debbie

This awesome card, "Heart's Wings" was made by Debbie, who is one of our October swappers. She has been published many times in various Somerset magazines, and her art is really inspiring. In fact, this one was published in a 2006 issue. I love the design and the quote.

So come on... start digging out those friendship cards & tags you've either previously made or received and send them to me at aswapforallseasons@gmail.com. We all want to see some inspiration!

simple example

I like to make simple things that don't take a lot of time! This little card took just 10 minutes, a vintage image, a background rubber stamp, a word stamp, a layered paper flower made with a Sizzix die & a flower punch, 2 little adhesive pearl embellishments, a button and a blank card.

I'd love to share some of yours... send them to me!

Handmade Cards

Oh the joy of a handmade card! I love receiving them! I love making them, although I don't often have one ready when I need one. That was one of the inspirations for this swap. I want to have a handmade card on hand for every occasion. For one thing, greeting cards are CRAZY expensive to buy, and just lack that special magic of a handmade card.

We often start when we are little, drawing flowers and those precious stick figure family members, and in our very best printing write, "To Mom". Now, being the fabulous artsy crafters that we are, we have rubber stamps, watercolors, markers, paints, chalks, 1000's of pieces of gorgeous scrapbook paper, fabric, vintage images, and every kind of embellishment imaginable at our fingertips to make our cards! And yet I still find myself at Target spending $3.99 for something I coulda/shoulda made at home for FREE.

So let's make some cards!! And let's start with the wonderful theme of Friendship. I LOVE to give my girlfriends handmade items. And you know we all LOVE receiving them!

I made this card using my FAVORITE scrapbook paper of all time! (It's the paper with the little washed out pink rosebuds that the little girls are stamped on.) I covet every little scrap of it and a project made with even a snippet of it must be for a VERY special someone deemed "favorite paper worthy". One of my favorite cyber buddies and one of our October swappers, Joyce actually sent me AN ENTIRE package of this whole line of paper! Can you imagine the happy dance that I did when I opened it? I don't often ask for things, but if anyone has any of this lying around that you don't want... SEND IT MY WAY!!

Okay, enough rambling! If any of you have made friendship cards in the past, happen to have a picture of it, and would like me to feature it on the blog, send me an email attachment pic of it: aswapforallseasons@gmail.com and I will gladly post it.

See you tomorrow! Linda

Sign Ups Closed... Let the Creating Begin!

I've closed the October Swap sign ups, and as you can see, we have a lovely group of swappers, just raring to go! (We actually have 14 October swappers -a great start up number for our first swap of the year.)

If you missed out, the sign ups for the November swap will begin on October 1st. See the announcement I've posted in the right column >>(and feel free to post it on your blog if you'd like) Also, please follow along on the blog throughout the month and enjoy the ideas, tips and eye candy for this month's theme of Friendship.

There will be the first montly GIVEAWAY on September 15th! ALL are eligible for that! The details will be announced on SEPTEMBER 15th- so be sure to check in!

One more day to sign up!

You can continue to sign up until we reach 25 participants, or until tomorrow morning (Tuesday September 3rd) and then I will close the swap and send out the partner info. I am working a 12 hour shift today so I may not get to your sign up emails until early tomorrow morning.

Also, when you sign up, please let me know if you are willing to mail to an international partner. The shipping cost is much higher, so I want to make sure it is okay before I make out the list.

Have a great day! The idea and inspiration posts begin tomorrow. I can't wait! Linda

Sign Up Today!

How to sign up for the October Swap:

Send an email to aswapforallseasons@gmail.com with the following info:
1. your name
2. email address for your partner to contact you
3. link to your blog if you have one.

If you have never swapped with A Swap For All Seasons before, please list any recent swaps you have participated in and how you found A Swap For All Seasons.

I will send out a confirmation email letting you know if you have been added to the swap. When all 25 and 2 stand by spots have been filled, you will get an email with a list of participants and who you will be swapping with.

As long as you are still seeing this post, you can still sign up! COMMENTS ON THIS POST ARE NOT CONSIDERED A SIGN UP FOR THE SWAP! You must send an email!

The theme for the October Swap is FRIENDSHIP. We will be swapping these 3 things:

1. a handmade card
2. a handmade tag
3. ONE pink craft destash item

Woo-hoo! I can't wait!