Interview with Jeanne of The Candy Corn Chronicles

Lets meet Jeanne, a well-traveled artist and writer of the blog The Candy Corn Chronicles. She's a member of the Prim and Whimsy Girls, a collective for primitive & whimsical artists. Visit her Etsy shop for fairy doors and handmade seasonal decorations.

SwapDex: Tell us a bit about you.

Jeanne: I have three grown children and 4 precious grand daughters. I was born and raised in Colorado but have lived in many places throughout my life - from Alaska to Louisiana. My Husband and I have now settled in the Ouachita Mountains of west-central Arkansas. I have found that my travels are a great source of inspiration for my creations. I began crafting when I was very young. I can remember sitting and watching my Mother make things when I was very little. I like to try any craft at least once (how else can a person find out what they are good at?) I have tried everything from welding to weaving to painting. But I really enjoy three dimensional work and have recently gotten into sculpting with paper clay.

SD: How long have you been swapping?

J:Less than a year

SD: How did you learn about swapping, and what made you decide to do your first one? Do you remember your first one?

J: I found out about swapping from a friend's blog. It was a Halloween Swap and of course, I had to do it! I just love Halloween!

SD: Do you swap with any groups? (Swap-bot, yahoo groups, flickr groups, etc.)

J: I enjoy the open swap ~ more of an element of surprise. But you get to meet so many wonderful people no matter what kind of swap!

SD: What's your favorite type of swap or favorite swap you've ever been in or hosted?

J: I prefer to swap handmade items rather than 'goodies'. I feel it is so much more personal. The personality of the Swapper shines through in the item that has been created.

SD: Do you have a signature style for your swaps? Do you decorate your envelopes/packages? Send a card with a personal note?

J: I most definitely like to send a personal note! I don’t always decorate the mailing box/envelope (don’t trust the rough handling it can receive in transit) but I try to create a storybook feel when the box is opened. I like my Swap partner to get a warm, fuzzy feeling when they peak inside.

SD: What's you favorite type of package to get in the mail?

J: Any package I'm not expecting!

SD: Do you have a good story about hosting or participating in a swap?

J: I had just received a box for a Halloween Swap. When I opened it, a little spider (garden variety) crawled out. I thought that it was very appropriate, since it was Halloween. Spiders don’t bother me and I know this little one was a stow-away.

SD: What do you think is the most challenging part of hosting a swap?

J: Making sure no detail was left out and Keeping all the information organized.

SD: Any advice for someone who is thinking about hosting a swap?

J: Be organized! It's so easy to get lost in the sea of names/email addresses. Start a spreadsheet for all participants, Respond to emails promptly, and Sort your information on a regular basis (that way it doesn't become overwhelming). It helps to have a partner. Ideas can be bounced back and forth and should one person forget a detail, the other person can catch it. Sweet B (of *Sweet* B Folk Art) was a 'lifesaver' for me on the PWGL Valentine Swap!. Great graphics for the Blog buttons/badges are a must.

SD: Any plans for the near future?

J: I have a Fairy themed swap coming up. And continuing my adventure into the world of paper clay sculpture.

Thanks for chatting, Jeanne. It was great meeting you!