SwapDex

Cheap Hot Mamas Apron Swap

2009-12-15T15:42:00.003-06:00

Cheap Hot Mamas Apron Swap

Sign-up date: December 20, 2009
Swap date: January 20, 2010 (or January 16 for new swappers)

This latest Hot Mama Apron Swap is all about using what you have. You'll make an apron for your partner using only items from your stash, no buying anything! Your partner gets to choose the theme for their apron. Send it along to them with a couple of recipes and a themed item that you already had on hand.

Holiday Card Swap

2009-12-04T11:11:00.002-06:00

Holiday Card Swap

Sign-up date: December 10, 2009
Swap date: December 20, 2009

Card swaps are so quick and fun! Here is one that's still open for sign-ups!

Cookbook Swap

2009-12-01T11:11:00.002-06:00

Cookbook Swap

Sign-up date: December 7, 2009
Swap date: December 21, 2009

Send your partner a cookbook tailored to their tastes. $25 spending limit.

Thimbleprims Studio Mouse Swap

2009-11-24T12:01:00.003-06:00

Thimbleprims Studio Mouse Swap

Sign-up date: December 10, 2009
Swap date: January 23, 2009

You and your partner will swap handmade mouse dolls. How cute! They can be whatever 3-D media you like to work with, anywhere from 2 1/2" to about 7" tall.

Winter Wonderland Swap

2009-11-24T11:53:00.003-06:00

Winter Wonderland Swap

Sign-up date: December 1, 2009
Swap date: December 15, 2009

With a max spending limit of $20, send your partner a gift for the holidays.*

MommyMandy & Rockin’ Mama’s Stocking Swap 2009

2009-11-03T12:40:00.003-06:00

MommyMandy & Rockin’ Mama’s Stocking Swap 2009

Sign-up date: December 1, 2009
Swap date: December 15, 2009

This swap is the first of the season to be hosted through Eflster! A great idea, I think, as it allows partners to anonymously send messages back and forth, keeping their identity secret! You'll send a stocking full of goodies (max. $25) to your partner in time for Christmas.

Interview with Carly of A Girl and Her Blog

2009-12-10T17:04:00.001-06:00

Carly started out swapping letters with penpals and has blossomed into a swap hostess! Visit her at her blog and also her twitter.

SwapDex: Tell us a bit about you.

Carly: My name is Carly. I'm a 20 year old student/student librarian assistant.
I'm from Hamilton, ON - where I've been all my life. Just about mid-way through my 3rd year in a double major of Peace Studies and Women Studies. After my fourth year I plan to do some more schooling and become a full-pledge librarian.

I have a boyfriend, Jeremiah. We've been together for about 1 1/2 now. He's a sweetheart. I love him with all my heart.

I make felt pins/hairclips/bow ties. A whole bunch of different little things. I also have an etsy shop. That sells these pins and some vintage things.

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

C: I got involved with swapping (letters) a few years ago when my sister introduced me to a site for penpals.
I love getting mail and sharing things with people. Swapping is perfect for that!
Recently have been swapping on sites like swap-bot and through other blogs since about April.

SD: What is your range of swapping? Do you stick to swaps hosted by people you know or are you likely to swap with anyone, anytime?

C: As long I feel comfortable exchange my address with the person or the type of people involved, or if it's a swap of something that I'm interested in. I feel more incline to go to a certain swap. If my friends are in a particular one, I'm more likely to join. But really as long as there are other people in it... it's anyone, anytime!

SD: Do you swap with any organized groups like yahoo groups, flickr, groups on swap-bot, other message boards, etc? Why or why not?

C: Swap-bot has been fun. But sometimes people are so specific in what they want. And sometimes you just don't have the money, the time or the patience to make everyone happy. I really like the ones that stick to a theme but where people are more flexible with what they receive- sender's choice.

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

C: I think this holiday swap had been the best one. It's not quite over with, but I'm so excited to see how it turns out.
I'm in a calendar swap and a film swap... just waiting to get my items. I'm SO excited too. These swaps were from blogs, I guess it makes them more fun because they are with people I know, or with people who have blogs like me!

SD: What do you do to make your packages special?

C: Extras! heehee. Extras always make someone feel extra special. Brings a little bit more joy to getting a package when it's a surprise. But I'm not saying going over a limit if you financially cannot, I think just being as genuine as you possibly can makes packages special. Putting time to make the package nice and put together.

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

C: I think right now it would have to be an online photography swap. What first comes to mind is really awesome photos, something creative and artistic and beautiful. And let's just say I tried my hardest to make the photos nice. And when I received my email in my inbox. I couldn't help but laugh. The photos had no thought put into them. It was rushed. It was sloppy. I didn't have the heart to tell the person the photos were ridiculous. I guess that wasn't really the point of the swap. They fulfilled their end of the deal but really half-heartedly. I left the swap feeling proud that I put some effort into my photos, and disappointed that someone couldn't care less.

SD: What do you think is the most challenging part of hosting a swap? Any advice for someone who is thinking about hosting a swap?

C: Just make sure you stay organized! The holiday gift swap is the first swap that I'm doing and the trick is to just stay organized. Look at other swaps for advice or for inspiration. It really helps as a guideline.

SD: Any exciting plans for the near future? Swaps, projects, new products?

C: I think I'm going to plan some other fun swaps for my blog. It so much fun organizing putting it all together.
I just want to see how this one pans out.

I hope it pans out VERY well for you, Carly! Happy swapping!

Snowflake Swap

2009-12-07T16:50:00.002-06:00

Snowflake Swap

Sign-up date: December 21, 2009
Swap date: January 16, 2010

A pretty, snowy swap for the new year. Send your partner one snowflake-themed item and at least one handmade item in glittery, snow colors like silver, while, blue, etc.

Vintage Valentine Swap

2009-12-07T16:47:00.002-06:00

Vintage Valentine Swap

Sign-up date: December 20, 2009
Swap date: January 31, 2010

Oooh, the first Swap for All Seasons for the new year! This one is so simple, you send your partner a handmade Vintage Valentine themed creation, a sweet treat and an actual Vintage Valentine.

SummerSadie's Neighborhood Quilt Block Swap

2009-12-07T16:40:00.003-06:00

SummerSadie's Neighborhood Quilt Block Swap

Sign-up date: ??
Swap date: May 1, 2010

Ahhh! The first swap where I had to type 2010! This one is for building quilt blocks. You will send in 9 blocks all of the same building type and get back an assortment of 9 different buildings to create your own neighborhood! Some details, like size of the blocks, are still being worked out.

World AIDS Day Swap

2009-11-06T15:11:00.005-06:00

World AIDS Day Swap

Sign-up date: November 17, 2009
Swap date: December 1, 2009

December 1 is World AIDS Day. In this swap, you'll send your partner a red ribbon themed craft AND make a donation (ANY amount) to amFAR (The Foundation for AIDS Research). Lovely!

(If you read yesterday's post, you'll know that I don't usually post Swap-Bot swaps since you have to join the site to swap. But when Rachel of Swap-Bot contacted me about this one, I thought I'd make an exception. She must know I have a soft spot for charity swaps!)

Interview with Ladi Pattie of Structured Chaos

2009-12-04T10:46:00.000-06:00

Pattie is going through a bit of a rough patch so after reading her interview, please go leave her some words of encouragement on her blog! After this interview was completed, Pattie broke her nose! Yikes! She normally sells stationary, invitations, and purses in her shop but she is doing some maintenance right now. Let's meet Ladi Pattie!

SwapDex: Tell us a bit about you.

Ladi Pattie: My name is Ladipo. I currently have 20 years under my belt and, I live in Georgia.

Right now I am in college majoring in interior design, but lately I have been thinking about changing my major to Public Relations and Advertisement.

I also run a small business out of my apartment where I make stationary goods and purses for my online store Structured Chaos! (www.sturcturedchaos.bigcartel.com)

I love to craft all sorts of things! My favorite type of craft work is working with paper goods. There are so many possibilities. And, secondly I like to sew :)

Making things just helps my mind to unload.

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

L: I have actually been swapping for less than a year. I found out about swapping in 2008 from flickr in one of the group forums, and a young lady was talking about swap-bot. So, I went and took a look and I was hooked from then on out!

SD: What is your range of swapping? Do you stick to swaps hosted by people you know or are you likely to swap with anyone, anytime?

L: Swapping is so fun, and I feel like the possibilities are endless to what you can swap! I have done themed swaps (like color themes) , Atc swaps, writing journal swaps, and question and answer swaps!

When it comes to swaps that I join, all it has to do really is interest me and I'm in!

SD: Do you swap with any organized groups like yahoo groups, flickr, groups on swap-bot, other message boards, etc? Why or why not?

L: Most of my swapping is done through swap-bot. I really just never thought of swapping outside of it until recently when I was introduced to swap-dex and its plethora of wonderful swaps!

Now I have joined swaps from all over the place and am having a blast preparing for them all :)

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

L: The swaps that I like the most are color themed swaps! It really sets a tone for the swap, and I can get really into them. Although once I did get a little carried away, and I had to step back for a bit.

SD: What do you do to make your packages special?

L: In order to make my packages mean something to my partner I usually try to get to know them a bit and incorporate things that I know they would really like.

I also like to wrap them up in cute packaging, and when I send a big package I put it in a gift bag!

My favorite part of swapping is making people happy!

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

L: Well, one time I did a cupcake swap on swap-bot, and I spent over a week preparing for it. I made a cupcake zipper pouch, did a cupcake girl painting (they are the little girls in my shop), and then I went shopping with my boyfriend and best friend.

I drug them all around the county complaining about how everything was awful (because I was running late on sending out my swap) and I was buying everything I saw with a cupcake on it. (This is an example of me getting carried away)

Well by the end of the day I had spent over 100 dollars (of my boyfriends money hee he) on cupcake items, not including the things that I had at the house, and I was still complaining.

The funny thing is that I would have this anxiety that my partner would completely hate what I would send them.

It turned out that I was flaked on that swap, it was really disappointing, because I was really looking forward to it.

But because my partner loved my package so much, it kind of made up for me getting flaked on!

But after that swap my boyfriend banned me from swap-bot until I learned how to be less stress impulsive!

SD: What do you think is the most challenging part of hosting a swap? Any advice for someone who is thinking about hosting a swap?

L: I feel the most challenging part for me was making all of the rules comprehensive for everyone, and assigning partners.

To combat this I try to break things down as much as possible so that each step is able to be visualized, and I also stress everyone to read the rules carefully.

And, when it comes to assigning partners, it is best to be organized from the start so that you have an accurate list and can work from there. Fortunately, I have an awesome sister who loves to deal in things like that :D

I'm pretty new to the exciting and stressful world of swap-hosting, but if I were to give advice I would say, run your swap when you know you will have time to address participant questions, and issues.

SD: Any exciting plans for the near future? Swaps, projects, new products?

L: Currently I'm taking a bit of a step away from big projects, I'm trying to dedicate myself to the upcoming exams.

But, this upcoming summer I do plan on running another Shop Swap & Blog event so be on the look out!

What a sad story about you getting flaked on, but it really shows the power of swaps. You still felt good about the swap because the giving part is just as important as the getting part for a good swapper! Great to meet you!

Alice in Wonderland Swap

2009-12-02T12:01:00.003-06:00

Alice in Wonderland Swap

Sign-up date: December 31, 2009
Swap date: February 22, 2009

A popular swap theme, perhaps due to the new upcoming movie version! For this one, you will send your partner some sweet treats and handmade Alice-themed crafts.

Secret Santa Swap

2009-10-16T10:57:00.004-05:00

Secret Santa Swap

Sign-up date: November 11, 2009
Swap date: December 4, 2009

Open to international bloggers, this swap is a secret partner swap. You'll discretely research your partner and send them a gift for the holidays.

Holly Jolly Christmas Block Swap

2009-10-16T16:20:00.003-05:00

Holly Jolly Christmas Block Swap

Sign-up date: ??
Swap date: January 15, 2009

Anuty Pitty Pat has a fun one for you! You'll make 12 nine-patch blocks in Christmas colors and 12 blocks in the holiday design of your choice. Then you'll get back a selection of 12 different nine-patches and 12 design blocks. Open to international swappers.

Christ'O'Ween Doll Swap

2009-10-19T12:51:00.003-05:00

Christ'O'Ween Doll Swap

Sign-up date: November 5, 2009
Swap date: December 15, 2009

Combine Halloween and Christmas and what do you get? Christ'O'Ween! You'll create an original doll with a Christ'O'Ween theme for your partner.

Annual Whedonverse Holiday Ornament Swap

2009-10-26T10:43:00.004-05:00

Annual Whedonverse Holiday Ornament Swap

Sign-up date: November 6, 2009
Swap date: December 1, 2009

In this year's round, groups of 4-6 fans of Joss Whedon will exchange handmade holiday ornaments. You will send your Whedon-themed ornaments out to the participants individually, so plan on mailing 4-6 packages.

Very Quick Christmas Fabric, Buttons and Trim Swap

2009-11-03T12:28:00.003-06:00

Very Quick Christmas Fabric, Buttons and Trim Swap

Sign-up date: November 6, 2009
Swap date: November 13, 2009

A great idea! For all you crafty folk, a swap where you don't have to MAKE anything (with Christmas coming, we are all BUSY with projects already!). Send your partner two fat quarters of Christmas themed 100% cotton quilting quality fabric, two Christmas buttons OR sew-on decorations, and one yard of Christmassey ribbon or trim!

Blogging by Mail

2009-11-03T12:31:00.004-06:00

Blogging by Mail

Sign-up date: November 14, 2009
Swap date: November 28, 2009

Another annual swap back for another year! Open to bloggers around the globe, packages should contain at least 5 indulgences!

Heidi's Homemade Christmas Swap

2009-11-03T12:34:00.003-06:00

Heidi's Homemade Christmas Swap

Sign-up date: November 15, 2009
Swap date: November 30, 2009

Heidi has the next round of her Handmade Swaps for you! And this time it's Christmas! Send your partner a wonderful package of goodies with a max limit of $15 and containing at least one handmade thing.

Blogger's Secret Santa

2009-11-03T12:46:00.004-06:00

Blogger's Secret Santa

Sign-up date: November 10, 2009?
Swap date: ?

Not too much info about this one, but presumably only open to bloggers and you will send a package to your partner and the same person send to you. (a-to-b, b-to-a swap)

Fall Swap

2009-11-03T12:51:00.002-06:00

Fall Swap

Sign-up date: November 6, 2009
Swap date: November 20, 2009

Don't get all dazzled by the Christmas swaps and forget about fall! Send your partner a lovely fall package (max limit $30). US only

Holiday Gift Swap

2009-11-03T12:54:00.004-06:00

Holiday Gift Swap

Sign-up date: November 9, 2009
Swap date: December 7, 2009

In this international swap with a limit of $10-$15 you will send your partner a creative gift just for them so research them well and think hard!

'Tis The Season To Inspire Holiday Swap 2009

2009-11-04T09:44:00.002-06:00

'Tis The Season To Inspire Holiday Swap 2009

Sign-up date: November 13, 2009
Swap date: November 25, 2009

Inspire your partner with a package filled with things that inspire you this holiday season. $20 spending limit.

Twelve Days of Christmas ATC Swap

2009-11-05T12:46:00.004-06:00

Twelve Days of Christmas ATC Swap

Sign-up date: when 12-participant limit is reached
Swap date: December 4, 2009

Create 12 artist trading cards, the theme being one of the 12 days of Christmas. In this central-point swap, you'll get back a complete set of 12 cards, one made be each participant.