All swappers – please read…..

[missesdisney]

Since our family of swappers has grown so much lately, and the size of the swaps, number of groups and complexity of the swaps has increased as well, I felt it was important to review some of the rules for swapping with everyone.

There is a sticky thread with a swap glossary here:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1306030

I encourage all swappers, both new and veterans to read the glossary and become familiar again with the guidelines that the hostesses have set up. Of course, each hostess provides their own specific guidelines which should be reviewed carefully for each swap and followed. These guidelines are there so that each of us receives back work made with love and effort at the quality we are putting out ourselves.

As I have just completed two swaps, I also want to mention that there were many many late packages sent for the swaps, and that this is something that all swappers need to be more respectful of. There were instances where it could not be helped, and these things happen but it seems that lately in all of the swaps it has become more of the norm than the exception. As a hostess, I schedule the sign ups and the due date when I know that I can meet the obligations associated with those, and when there are delays in receiving back the swaps, it causes exponential delays in sending out the packages since I have to wait for the complete sets to do the swapping and then package and get to the mail. As a fairly new hostess I will say it is a tremendous amount of work, which I am happy to take on, but it is a huge responsibility to have to hold up so many people who followed the rules and got things in on time because a few were late. In the case of the eat swap, the delay was weeks due to the lateness of receiving the packages – because I had scheduled the dates to swap out that worked for me and then my schedule did not allow that time after the late receipts.

Another thing I’ve noticed recently in both my swaps and others received is the inconsistency in following the guidelines. Now my work is not always overly embellished, or Martha Stewart quality, but I am always very careful to follow the guidelines, or if I think that the design warrants a variation, I PM the hostess to check first. My concern is not with style or design, as many simple designs are quite beautiful and meet the guidelines, however, I have received a number of pieces in the past few months that are not embellished at all, or are just plain short of what the guidelines should be. No hostess is taking a ruler to the photo mat or topper, but if the guideline for a piece says 8x2, then it should be roughly that overall surface size. It is extremely frustrating for someone who spends a lot of money on fancy embellishments or someone who spends a lot of time on intricate paper piecings to receive back a photo mat that does not have the required three layers and not so much as a brad on it to embellish it. For the basic pieces (topper, photo mat, journal box, tag) the guidelines do not vary much from hostess to hostess so those pieces should be pretty standard in quality. The more artistic pieces such as paper piecings, matchbooks, etc may have a little more artistic license and this is where a prototype with a PM to the hostess would be more appropriate if there is any question.

Last item is that with the swaps getting so large, there are a lot of people who are signing up for a lot of groups who simply are not handling the load of those groups. In my own swap, we had one swapper who just disappeared and I had to scramble to take care of the rest of the people who did a good job. She was in something like 16 groups. Some people can handle a lot of groups and do it well and some cannot. If you are finding that you are struggling to get groups done or rushing to finish and missing the details that allow the requirements to be met, or if the swaps are late because of this, then please cut back on how many groups you sign up for. In future swaps I will be limiting anyone who has not swapped with us to two groups so I can personally angel if needed and I encourage other hostesses to do the same.

I will also be reviewing the guidelines for all the swaps I participate in (I just PM’d AWM with prototypes of my toppers to be sure of some things) and will also review the glossary and be sure that I am meeting all of the guidelines. After doing this for a while we all become comfortable and I think it’s extremely important that every swapper take the time to re-familiarize ourselves with what is expected so we can all have quality work in our books for years to come.

Please feel free to ask any questions of myself or any of the hostesses on active swaps. I am taking a hostessing hiatus for a while as the last two took a lot out of me.

[TPCShauna]

Good reminder, missesdisney! I know that I always print out the guidelines for a specific swap so that I have them handy when I am working on it.

While most hostesses set things up in a very similar manner, some swaps have specifics and I try very hard to make sure that I am following those exact rules. There is nothing worse than putting tons of effort into your items and knowing that you followed every little guideline (sometimes agonizing over whether or not you did too little) to turn around and get back something that you know was just thrown together or obviously does not have the same amount of effort put into it.

I want to add that I don't want this message to scare away new swappers. We love having new people. We love seeing new styles. I just want reciprocal work for what I send in terms of effort and money. If you use quality paper, cut your stuff straight, don't make your things all stickey (with "glue boogies" as I believe AWM calls them :lmao:) and embellish according to the guidelines, people are going to be happy. I know it sounds like a lot but it is swap basics.

Thanks for taking the time to write this, Maria. I am still reeling from the three flakers in my Completed pages swap. I'm still completing replacement pages for one of them. As a hostess, I just wish swappers would take a very good look at what they are doing when they sign up for a bunch of groups. I know that I get overwhelmed so I try to ration myself. It's OK to not join every group because we repeat a lot of the swaps on here every year. It may feel like forever to wait for the next one but it will come. Better to do too few and join the next round than take on too many and not be able to follow through.

Thanks for letting me add my $0.02 as a swapper and a hostess. :goodvibes I love swapping on this board!!!!

[123SA]

Thanks Maria for taking the time to write this. After participating in many and multiple swaps, it is easy to get complacent. Shauna, I think I will go back to printing out the directions like I did when I was a newbie. It is a good way to keep on track. As a hostess, I don't mind questions, in the thead where we all jump in, or privately in pm. I know that sometimes I was hesitant to "bug" a hostess, but now that I have hostessed a few swaps, I realize it is much better to be a pest than to make a guess.

I'm off to print directions!

[AlexWyattMommy]

I want to reiterate, we aren't trying to scare newbies.
We aren't style police.
I'm not measuring your reveals on your mats & box. I'm not tsk, tsking if you have your mat slighty more to one side or a little bit slanted. That happens sometimes.
I am counting your layers though and making sure you embellished TWO ways if that is what the guidelines called for that swap or at least ONCE if that is the requirment.
If your item meet the minimum requirements, I'm happy. Sure, I may not have picked those colors to use with those flowers or brads. However, I am totally open to new ideas. And I will defend your right to try new things. But if your items don't meet the requirments, it is my right as hostess to send them back to you.
Nobody expects us to win a scrapbook element contest. We just expect us to try our best.

[123SA]

Yes --- good points. This is not about style. One of the great things about swapping is the differences in styles!

[TPCShauna]

I gotta tell ya - I swap because y'all are so stinkin' creative! I am more of a simple scrapper. I will never be innovative enough to do some of the amazing fiber work or stitching or whatever that I've seen on here and received back.

But even if my pieces are simple, they are still well made and follow the guidelines. I just hope my "boring" style doesn't upset anyone. I guess I'm just not frou-frou-y. :guilty:

[hopemax]

Another thing is, sometimes I know I'm not completely satisfying the requirements (like not enough mats or embellishments), I'll make some extra pieces like embellished shapes or cricut cuts.

[AlexWyattMommy]

That's the point.
It's not about style.
I would never ever say anything about anyone's style.
Simple, elegant; over-the-top; frilly, girly; flowery; sparkly; It's all good!
If it's quality products, you can tell.
If someone is taking the time and trying their best, you can tell.

You just know when something is made with love.

[TinkerBean]

Thanks Maria for taking the time to write this. After participating in many and multiple swaps, it is easy to get complacent. Shauna, I think I will go back to printing out the directions like I did when I was a newbie. It is a good way to keep on track. As a hostess, I don't mind questions, in the thead where we all jump in, or privately in pm. I know that sometimes I was hesitant to "bug" a hostess, but now that I have hostessed a few swaps, I realize it is much better to be a pest than to make a guess.

I'm off to print directions!

You are so right about that - I have been printing our the directions and think I will start highlighting the parts I might otherwise forget. It's also nice to know that we can "bug" our hostesses and they don't mind:goodvibes

[AlexWyattMommy]

Another thing is, sometimes I know I'm not completely satisfying the requirements (like not enough mats or embellishments), I'll make some extra pieces like embellished shapes or cricut cuts.

Good point.

I've done that when I am unsure of what I have made. Especially in the beginning when we didn't have the glossery of items and I didn't know how to make something.

[AlexWyattMommy]

I still have my print outs from when I first started. :rotfl2:
I still print them out. I hate having to come back and look it up.

[TinkerBean]

Ifrou-frou-y. :guilty:

OT here -
I'll be Frou-Frou y for you. (say that five times fast)

[TPCShauna]

You are so right about that - I have been printing our the directions and think I will start highlighting the parts I might otherwise forget. It's also nice to know that we can "bug" our hostesses and they don't mind:goodvibes

It's not "bugging". It's asking legitimate questions about the swap. Plus, we know as a hostess that it is part of the whole kit and kaboodle. We get to see the stuff first so we get to answer questions. I think it's a fair trade.

Now, if you are start "frogging" me to answer questions, we might have to chat. :lmao:

[TPCShauna]

Another thing is, sometimes I know I'm not completely satisfying the requirements (like not enough mats or embellishments), I'll make some extra pieces like embellished shapes or cricut cuts.

Good point.

I've done that when I am unsure of what I have made. Especially in the beginning when we didn't have the glossery of items and I didn't know how to make something.

I've done that also. I think the biggest thing is to think about if you are being "fair". Is it a fair trade for what you are making in exchange for what you will be getting. If in doubt, ask the hostess. I would hate for someone to feel that I had skimped on my creation and feel cheated knowing what they had done.

[TinkerBean]

It's not "bugging". It's asking legitimate questions about the swap. Plus, we know as a hostess that it is part of the whole kit and kaboodle. We get to see the stuff first so we get to answer questions. I think it's a fair trade.

Now, if you are start "frogging" me to answer questions, we might have to chat. :lmao:

I promise never to "frog" you...

All kidding aside - I like that there are guidelines - it really helps in terms of expectations, and I really appreciate the time and effort that goes into creating and setting those guidelines and hostessing.

[DisneyIsTerrific]

Thanks for taking the time to remind us of things. Sometimes we all need a little refresher course. I always print the requirements for each swap since I'm not completely comfortable trying to remember what they are and I hope I've been following them properly and not disappointing anyone. I haven't been around here for long, but I've seen that y'all are a great bunch to work with and I've really enjoyed these swaps. Everyone is always helpful and nice and I love the fact that there's no bickering on this board. And, you guys make some great things and are so creative. These swaps have made me be a lot more creative than I used to be!!!!!

[TPCShauna]

These swaps have made me be a lot more creative than I used to be!!!!!

OMG, yes! This is SO ME!!!! My scrapping skill has grown by leaps and bounds since I started swapping. I look back now and I'm embarrassed to admit that I didn't even know what a tag was before my first swap. :blush:

[SusieStone]

I agree with all this. There is a BIG difference in creative liberty and just not following quidelines.

I love that we all have different talents and abilities. However, I do agree that turning in a 6 X6 piece of paper is not a photo mat.

It is ironic that I am writing about being late because right now I am behind on the Surprise swap but that is unusual for me.

I am also delayed in getting out the swap I am hostessing and it goes back to flakers and lateness.

The next swap I host I will not hold for late packages without a DC number by the mail date. It makes it hard on everyone else.

If these are spots that I have not followed guidelines, please PM me so I can correct the situation. I try hard to produce pieces that people are happy to use in their books. I consider it an honor to participate in your memories.

[KatDisney]

If these are spots that I have not followed guidelines, please PM me so I can correct the situation. I try hard to produce pieces that people are happy to use in their books. I consider it an honor to participate in your memories.


I ditto Susie on this. I am forever late this last time wasn't my fault though :) and I do honestly try to do things to the best of my abilityto do work you'd all use. and I'm not ashamed to say that I know for a fact I am no where even in the same ball park as most of you are. I know you are all nice and say you like what I make. But if you do ever have an issue with me please don't hesitate to PM me

[party of 3]

and I do honestly try to do things to the best of my abilityto do work you'd all use. and I'm not ashamed to say that I know for a fact I am no where even in the same ball park as most of you are.

i feel the same way kat. i know that mine is not in the same ball park, but i do try my best. that's all i can do right!

[Mischief_Managed]

Thanks for posting this. I commend your time and effort - sometimes I hate having to be the "whatever" police, so I thank you for posting it.

And as others have posted, being still a newbie (I participated in 3 swaps so far), I sometimes worry about my stuff because I like really simple stuff, so that's what I make - though I am ADDICTED to stickles. :) I definitely throw more stuff in my baggies. And I think I might do stuff that people might not do themselves (like putting dots and stripes and plaids together in a piece) - I hope people like them, I try to keep within the same color palette with them. If someone hates it, PLEASE let me know (see my ABC elements prototypes for examples).

Oh yeah, speaking of things people might hate - I hope people put paper in the Pizza box that they no longer wanted (not because you bought it and realized later that you hated it) because you will likely see them again very soon. :) I LOVED the paper stack that was 2-sided with kind of asiany-textile print. I think I took most of it. Whose was that? I'll post a pic if need be.

[AlexWyattMommy]

Thanks for posting this. I commend your time and effort - sometimes I hate having to be the "whatever" police, so I thank you for posting it.

And as others have posted, being still a newbie (I participated in 3 swaps so far), I sometimes worry about my stuff because I like really simple stuff, so that's what I make - though I am ADDICTED to stickles. :) I definitely throw more stuff in my baggies. And I think I might do stuff that people might not do themselves (like putting dots and stripes and plaids together in a piece) - I hope people like them, I try to keep within the same color palette with them. If someone hates it, PLEASE let me know (see my ABC elements prototypes for examples).

Oh yeah, speaking of things people might hate - I hope people put paper in the Pizza box that they no longer wanted (not because you bought it and realized later that you hated it) because you will likely see them again very soon. :) I LOVED the paper stack that was 2-sided with kind of asiany-textile print. I think I took most of it. Whose was that? I'll post a pic if need be.

I have branched out into mixing patterns. I never used patterns like that before swapping here. I figure as long as I don't make them look like a little old man playing golf no offense to little old men who play golf and it's in the same color palette, it's good.

I like what you have done on the swaps I have seen. I think all of the new people have made great stuff and are a welcome addition to our swaps. They are helping us all reach new higher levels of creativity.

I really liked the paper that I put in the box. I buy paper all the time. It's my weakness. [if a CIA agent named Mother ever asks you my weakness, that's it-paper] So I always have lots and I only put in what I had multiples of and wouldn't miss.

[Tigger1221]

I think you all do an amazing job hostessing. I know sometimes my pieces vary in creativness but I do try to follow the guidelines. If I don't do something right I hope someone would tell me. I have done a few swaps and also print things out. I have stayed up all night before to get things done on time.
This is mainly a thanks to all ya'll do!!! Off to read the glossery now.:thumbsup2

[New England Eeyore]

Just one thing - the Glossary is now about a year and a half old and I haven't really changed it much since I originally wrote it. If the more frequent hostesses would like anything changed/updated, just let me know.

[AlexWyattMommy]

Just one thing - the Glossary is now about a year and a half old and I haven't really changed it much since I originally wrote it. If the more frequent hostesses would like anything changed/updated, just let me know.

Let me go through it in the morning and I'll try to find current photos of the items we've made recently.

[New England Eeyore]

Let me go through it in the morning and I'll try to find current photos of the items we've made recently.

Go for it. I would offer to do the same but no way do I have time to do it all over again. The gallery should be up-to-date for you to use as reference.

I had a hard time the first time around because we've moved away from single element groups and hostesses usually take photos of one swapper's whole set. I tried to stick to photos of the elements alone so it would be less confusing.

[Arizona Rita]

Coming from a brand new newbie who hasnt even done a swap yet please allow me to share a few thoughts.
You all put so much time and effort into your work you have the right to be for the lack of a better work, particular.And in doing so not only are you looking out for yourself you are looking out for eveyone else. I do not feel as though as AWM says that you are not taking a ruler but more of a hand holding and believe me I consider it as honor to have my hand held in the future by such scrapping artists, and yes imo I do mean ARTISTS! Your work is all beautiful and unique and I consider it a priveledge to be included in this group.
Maria I honestly dont know how you all do it! Hostessing has got to be exhausting and I just hope that "we" have not run you off! I look at all of the photos and some of you have posted photos of your living rooms and work spaces and I can tell you that it will be a long time, if ever that I host!

Kat has allowed /invited me to join the surprise swap and since its such short notice that if anyone recieves any of my work, PLEASE critique me! I welcome it!
I know someone else is late but I am fortunate that I live within driving of her home.
Also. I LOVE the glossary and especially the Gallery. Updating it and adding would be fun but as I said in an earlier post somewhere its my bedtime reading. I pull up one or two areas just to see photos and am just amazed!

You all are a very kind and talented group of ladies and I look forward to swapping with you!
And I promise I will never take on more than I can handle!
Rita

[MazdaUK]

I always print off the instructions for each swap and I really panic about being late (with the extra distance and all) so I know some poor hostesses are staring at my package for ages before swap-out time;) I always worry if my stuff is good enough/embellished enough/properly so I make sure I have good paper/cardstock and try to make something that will work for all sorts of pictures. I love seeing what everyone else makes, even though its a tough act to follow sometimes!

And i don't think any of the rules are overly prescriptive - check ot UKScrappers for scary rules!

[missesdisney]

Coming from a brand new newbie who hasnt even done a swap yet please allow me to share a few thoughts.
You all put so much time and effort into your work you have the right to be for the lack of a better work, particular.And in doing so not only are you looking out for yourself you are looking out for eveyone else. I do not feel as though as AWM says that you are not taking a ruler but more of a hand holding and believe me I consider it as honor to have my hand held in the future by such scrapping artists, and yes imo I do mean ARTISTS! Your work is all beautiful and unique and I consider it a priveledge to be included in this group.
Maria I honestly dont know how you all do it! Hostessing has got to be exhausting and I just hope that "we" have not run you off! I look at all of the photos and some of you have posted photos of your living rooms and work spaces and I can tell you that it will be a long time, if ever that I host!

Kat has allowed /invited me to join the surprise swap and since its such short notice that if anyone recieves any of my work, PLEASE critique me! I welcome it!
I know someone else is late but I am fortunate that I live within driving of her home.
Also. I LOVE the glossary and especially the Gallery. Updating it and adding would be fun but as I said in an earlier post somewhere its my bedtime reading. I pull up one or two areas just to see photos and am just amazed!

You all are a very kind and talented group of ladies and I look forward to swapping with you!
And I promise I will never take on more than I can handle!
Rita

Thank you for in the input and we are happy to have you! Glad Kat let you into the Surprise swap - hope I get some of your work back too!

I'm not scared off - just too much life going on to hostess - I'll do another later in the year when I think of one......

Maria

[AlexWyattMommy]

Go for it. I would offer to do the same but no way do I have time to do it all over again. The gallery should be up-to-date for you to use as reference.

I had a hard time the first time around because we've moved away from single element groups and hostesses usually take photos of one swapper's whole set. I tried to stick to photos of the elements alone so it would be less confusing.

I'm going to see WALL-E this afternoon and need to help my over-analyzing, stressing-out, super-perfectionist Eldest with his swap items. :confused3 Whose bright idea was it have them do their own stuff? ;)

I'll take photos of all the current items I have that match the gallery topics and send them to you to plug into the thread.

[123SA]

I'm going to see WALL-E this afternoon and need to help my over-analyzing, stressing-out, super-perfectionist Eldest with his swap items. :confused3 Whose bright idea was it have them do their own stuff? ;)

I'll take photos of all the current items I have that match the gallery topics and send them to you to plug into the thread.

AWM and New England Eeyeore
I have lots of photos too -- let me know if there are any you need

[AlexWyattMommy]

AWM and New England Eeyeore
I have lots of photos too -- let me know if there are any you need

Are yours single items or grouped?

[hopemax]

I'm going to see WALL-E this afternoon

Me too. :yay:

[TPCShauna]

I know this is OT but - bring tissues to WALL-E! I started crying near the beginning of the movie and was sobbing near the end. At one point, the entire theatre was dead silent (even the kids were holding their breath) except for the sound of my sobbing.

It was an amazing movie. You forget you're watching something animated. You forget that mechanical objects can't have feelings. Better yet, you don't care what you thought because you just feel and love it. It was a WONDERFUL movie. I hope y'all like it as much as I did. :love:

[MazdaUK]

I can't take DH then - the kids will have to go with Granny or Grandma:rotfl: We were howling by the end of AI

[rlovew]

Go for it. I would offer to do the same but no way do I have time to do it all over again. The gallery should be up-to-date for you to use as reference.

I had a hard time the first time around because we've moved away from single element groups and hostesses usually take photos of one swapper's whole set. I tried to stick to photos of the elements alone so it would be less confusing.

If there are specific types of elements you can't find- pm me and I can upload individual photos of some of them as I unpack my stuff in the new house. I will be going through all of it as I set up my new scrapping area and decide where to put things.

Rebecca

[StitchIsOurHero]

Maria, thanks for posting this! I know that I had to ask for an angel a couple of times this spring, and I apologize for that! Thank you, again, to everyone who was willing to fill in for me!

OT--Shauna, you are so right about WALL-E. I LOVED it, but I was crying so hard at the end! ;)

[TPCShauna]

I started crying at the beginning when he was watching his video. It just made me so sad. I'm tearing up thinking about it.

And people were actually looking at me oddly at the end because I was crying so hard.

It was a GREAT movie. :lovestruc

[DisneyIsTerrific]

Oh boy, I better not tell DH and DS about that. I'm trying to talk them into going to see Wall-E this weekend and if they know I'll be bawling, they definitely won't go!!! I cry or tear up in almost every movie, so when someone says it made them cry, I know I'll be worse than usual!!!! DH and DS wait to hear my sniffle and then start laughing at me! GUYS!!!!

[New England Eeyore]

If there are specific types of elements you can't find- pm me and I can upload individual photos of some of them as I unpack my stuff in the new house. I will be going through all of it as I set up my new scrapping area and decide where to put things.

Rebecca

Thanks! We'll see how AWM does on her quest.

[MomOf2DisneyKids]

OT, but I didn't like Wall-E at all! LOL I was so bored I even closed my eyes at one point. :rotfl2: (dh hasn't let me forget that! :laughing: ) My ds loved it, and he's already been back to see it a second time (with dh, not with me. dh said that I didn't have to PAY to take a nap :lmao: ) My fav part of Wall-E was where he was trying to figure out where to put the 'spork'.

I did see the American Girl movie (Kit) today...dd and I liked that. :thumbsup2

[missesdisney]

Maria, thanks for posting this! I know that I had to ask for an angel a couple of times this spring, and I apologize for that! Thank you, again, to everyone who was willing to fill in for me!

OT--Shauna, you are so right about WALL-E. I LOVED it, but I was crying so hard at the end! ;)

Glad you mentioned angels - I never mind it when a swapper has to ask for angels - that's the responsible thing to do - I had two people go MIA on my eat swap - that is the angeling part that is crazy!

Life happens - we all get that - it's how it's handled that is the issue.

I wouldn't speak for the other hostesses but I wouldn't think asking for angels because of a problem has ever been a concern!

I lovee Wall-e we saw it Saturday.

[AlexWyattMommy]

I cried at WALL-E. More than once. Eldest shushed me a couple of times.

Asking for angels because something comes up is what angels are for. That was why they were started. Leaving it to the very last minute (like two days before they are due) and then bailing isn't very nice, but at least it isn't as bad as not saying at all or saying you mailed and didn't. I would much rather you ask for an angel then flake on me. Please do not hesitate to ask for help. We are not ogres. I think we are really very good people who rally around our own. Once you swap with us, you part of our family.

I am starting to upload some photos to a special album in photobucket. Need to go through my swap stuff.:rolleyes1 Not like I don't have examples of everything. I'm just not organized anymore.

[AlexWyattMommy]

http://s136.photobucket.com/albums/q179/alexwyattmommy/gallery%20examples/

That is the gallery with recent examples.
I don't have recent quotes, but you can use the ones from missesdisney's swap.
I also don't have the CD cover example as no one has done one yet that I know of.
I will go back through the sample thread and see what I missing. I won't mess with the album so the link should stay good until photobucket kicks the bucket.

[TinkerBean]

Those are great examples AWM - I know that I'll be referencing them in the future. Thanks for taking the time to post them.

[TPCShauna]

Altered CD Cover
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z318/scrappygirl_photos/WDW%20Event%20Swap/MVMC%20Parade/102_3575.jpg

Another as part of a mini kit
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z318/scrappygirl_photos/My%20Swap%20Items/100_3337.jpg

I can take an individual pic of the bottom one if you would prefer.

[hopemax]

Just got home after Wall*E. I am not a movie crier so I didn't cry. I thought it was a very sweet movie, and I loved it. I want my own Wall*E to make my trash into little cubes.

[party of 3]

thanks awm. i love all the examples.

[New England Eeyore]

Thanks, AWM!

I'll work on updating the links in the glossary tonight.

[AlexWyattMommy]

Altered CD Cover
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z318/scrappygirl_photos/WDW%20Event%20Swap/MVMC%20Parade/102_3575.jpg

Another as part of a mini kit
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z318/scrappygirl_photos/My%20Swap%20Items/100_3337.jpg

I can take an individual pic of the bottom one if you would prefer.

I have that set. I thought that was coaster.
I always thought the CD cover was either one of those plastic jewel cases or those paper sleeves. Which is why I never made one. I do have a bunch of the thin plastic jewel cases because I planned on doing one, but doubted my work and never finished them.

[Dreamer & Wisher]

Thanks for posting this. I commend your time and effort - sometimes I hate having to be the "whatever" police, so I thank you for posting it.

And as others have posted, being still a newbie (I participated in 3 swaps so far), I sometimes worry about my stuff because I like really simple stuff, so that's what I make - though I am ADDICTED to stickles. :) I definitely throw more stuff in my baggies. And I think I might do stuff that people might not do themselves (like putting dots and stripes and plaids together in a piece) - I hope people like them, I try to keep within the same color palette with them. If someone hates it, PLEASE let me know (see my ABC elements prototypes for examples).

Oh yeah, speaking of things people might hate - I hope people put paper in the Pizza box that they no longer wanted (not because you bought it and realized later that you hated it) because you will likely see them again very soon. :) I LOVED the paper stack that was 2-sided with kind of asiany-textile print. I think I took most of it. Whose was that? I'll post a pic if need be.

I think I put that stuff in the pizza box. It was from a K& Co. big stack and those were just ones that I didn't really care for. I am super picky about my paper and I don't buy those stacks a lot but there were some papers in the stack that I loved. I also thought that is was very good quality paper and that someone would love it. I am so glad you did! *I also put in the Disney paper* the box had no Disney paper in it when I got it.:sad1:

[New England Eeyore]

Altered CD Cover
I can take an individual pic of the bottom one if you would prefer.

Thanks so much for those. I used them both. But I don't know what to put for the "definition" of an altered CD cover. Do you have to actually use a CD or is it just that size? Can someone come up with a little blurb about it for the glossary? Obviously I've never made one. I did receive one from you Shauna when you were my secret sister - I just wasn't sure that that was what it was called at the time.

The glossary is now updated with more recent photos. I used everything AWM gave me (you really like file folders, don't you? ;) ), and then filled in a few gaps with some more recent swaps that were single elements. The only thing I've got nothing new for is bottlecaps.

Also, I was a little un-inspired when trying to come up with definitions/explanations for the newer additions to the list (Altered letter, altered paper clips, matchbook, embellished shapes). If anyone has a better wording, just let me know.

As always, please let me know of any broken links and I will fix them.

[AlexWyattMommy]

I do have a file folder fetish. ::yess::
I love making them when the inspiration hits.
I like to make them into mini books. I got the idea from the ones that BAMB made for the boy/girl swap.

We need Susie to describe the letter. She's the only one who made any, I think.

Mickster makes good paper clips, but marlynnp hosted the swap. I bet that swap would have a definition in the sign up part.

[Kim1964]

Thanks for posting the CD picture. DH has been cleaning out his dad's house and we came across a bunch of CDs we'd never listen to and I knew that people did something crafty with them so I saved them....now I know what to do:).

[New England Eeyore]

Mickster makes good paper clips, but marlynnp hosted the swap. I bet that swap would have a definition in the sign up part.

I checked that. The instructions were to use the 2 inch paper clips but otherwise let your creativity go! I think there's not too much you can say about a paper clip! ;)

[SusieStone]

Altered lettter

I usually make mine at least 4 inches big. Double matted. Embellished at least 2 ways. This can be sewn, inked, chalked or other embellishments appplied such as Jolee's, QK , stones, etc.

Here is one I made for Germany
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm92/SwappinDISer/100_1378-1.jpg

[Mickster]

Mickster makes good paper clips, but marlynnp hosted the swap. I bet that swap would have a definition in the sign up part.

I make good paper clips? Really? I had no idea. Thank you. :love:

Also, we saw Wall-E on Sunday and I did cry too. Not because it was sad, just because I really like Wall-E. I have him sitting on my desk right now. He is so cute! I think I may take my DD to see the Kit American Girl movie this weekend. :)

[AlexWyattMommy]

You have a WALL-E??
Where did you get him?

[Mickster]

I know! Finding Wall-E is like finding the Holy Grail...they had a small selection at KB Toys. The Disney Store only has plush. Target had nothing. :( I think he cost $8. I could go back and see if they have any more...

[AlexWyattMommy]

Really? That would be great. We don't have KB close by.

[KatDisney]

What does he look like?

[Mickster]

No worries. :) Just one or do you need 2? (or 3?) I know how it is...

[Mickster]

What does he look like?

I'll take a picture. He is so sweet. :)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8d925b3127ccec4dd5615ba8d00000050O08AaN3DJi5ZMg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D480/ry%3D320/

And I saved part of the package for my monitor...my DH thinks it is creepy...what does he know??
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8d925b3127ccec4dde3bbfae100000040O08AaN3DJi5ZMg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D480/ry%3D320/

[KatDisney]

holy smokes he is adorable! I have to get me one.. I told Raine I wanted a kung Fu Panda birthday but Wall-E is so much cuter I can't wait to see the movie

[MomOf2DisneyKids]

my ds got a Wall-E at TRU on Saturday! They had transforming ones and remote control ones!

[AlexWyattMommy]

Just one. If it he is in the computer room, we can all look at him.

He is adorable.

[TinkerBean]

OMG that WALL-E is sooooo cute - I gotta get me one

[hopemax]

Oh, I need one of those!

[hopemax]

I went over to amazon to see what they had for Wall-E stuff. One of the retailers has a whole line of party supplies, so you probably can find Wall-E stuff at a party store.

[KatDisney]

Just saw Wall-E very cute movie! although I don't think it is Pixar's best but still very good. anyone see any good clip art for a paper piecing yet :)

[123SA]

We saw Wall-E this week. Overall good, not the best Pixar movie. I dozed off. My 5 year old asked a million questions -- he couldn't follow the storyline. DD8 and her friend liked it.

[Michellepooh]

123SA -

I'm glad I'm not the only one who was less than impressed with this movie! I thought I was in the minority! I was also starting to doze, but DS really seemed to like it. He's asked to go back, but I don't know if I could sit through it again! I didn't feel "entertained". I felt more like I was being scolded for not taking care of the environment and being lazy! Oh well. WALL-E himself was pretty cute.

[MomOf2DisneyKids]

I don't remember which thread it was, but I posted that I didn't like the Wall-E movie either, and I took a quick nap during it too! LOL Wall-E himself was cute, but I was disappointed in the movie.

[123SA]

123SA -

I'm glad I'm not the only one who was less than impressed with this movie! I thought I was in the minority! I was also starting to doze, but DS really seemed to like it. He's asked to go back, but I don't know if I could sit through it again! I didn't feel "entertained". I felt more like I was being scolded for not taking care of the environment and being lazy! Oh well. WALL-E himself was pretty cute.

Yes. That sums up how I felt too. Wall-E was cute though. The beginning was rough on the kids because of the lack of conversation..I was starting to think -- Oh no! No words? DS could never sit through that! And then when they did start talking, I had to translate. Most Pixar movies have multiple themes in the movie -- Cars had the race that the little kids could enjoy and the bigger kids could follow the other theme of being a good peson, and winning isn't everything. For this movie, my son (5) was too young to follow the themes of taking care of the environment and everyone wants someone to love and the rest of the movie wasn't exciting enough to keep his attention. Part of it I think was his age -- he understood enough to know that he didn't understand everything. Plus, he is more of a animals and dinosaur guy than robots and space.

[AlexWyattMommy]

My MIL took my youngest and said he didn't like it. He liked WALL-E and he thought EV-A was cool with her laser pistol, but that he wanted to leave during the movie.

I already new it was gonna push the environment issue and the overweight people was explained by the weightlessness of space (plus the lazy floating things) so I was able to not let that be shoved in my face. Though the movie did try to, I concentrated on how stinking cute all the robots were.

I like Monsters, Inc. better or Finding Nemo. I can watch those over and over. Not sure how many times I would watch WALL-E.

[missesdisney]

I thought the movie was cute but not one the of best pixar - I'm partial to cars and monsters inc (have them with me at the camper in case I get inspired!)

I also had to explain a few things to DS7 - he didn't ask but I realized that he wasn't following some of it so I kept splaining....

[DisneyIsTerrific]

We saw Wall-E yesterday and we (DH, DS, and I) all enjoyed it. There were parts that I thought were too slow, but overall, it was good. I wouldn't rate it as one of Pixar's best, but it was good. The best part of the whole movie was the clip at the beginning with the bunny and the magician. That was so funny!!!!!!

After all the talk about crying during Wall-E, I was so prepared to cry since I cry at everything, but I didn't tear up even once. I was surprised!!!!

I was suprised that the audience in our theatre were almost all adults. There were only about 10 kids total. The 4 sitting by me were adorable with all their giggles.

[VickiV]

I think it should be common courtesy to post or pm the hostess when it's known that shipping the swap to the hostess will be late. It should be before the "deadline for shipping" date is past.

VickiV

[missesdisney]

I think it should be common courtesy to post or pm the hostess when it's known that shipping the swap to the hostess will be late. It should be before the "deadline for shipping" date is past.

VickiV

This is exactly what I meant! Like I said, I had 2 MIA's that said they were mailed on my eat swap - had I known I could have angeled.

[missesdisney]

Just wanted to post a thank you to NEE and company for updating the glossary thread. That's a huge help for all of us - new and 'old'.

Also, I want to stressssssss again that none of my concerns relate to style, experience, choice of elements, theme, race, creed etc. I am very happy to get a photo mat or journal box that is the right size, three layers of nice paper, cut straight and cleanly (if it's supposed to be a straight cut it's not ragged due to a bad blade) and has a couple of brads on it meeting the theme of the swap group.

Simple is as beautiful as complicated. Everyone has different styles so you can't compare Susie's stitching to Hope's paper piecing to someone else's flock. They are all good, just different.

And to be sure we haven't scared off any newbies.....we have had some really amazing people join our family and those people have produced fantastic work in my swaps. We were all newbies once. When I started last April I had no clue what most of this stuff was. In retrospect, I wouldn't even have called myself a scrapbooker, I was a 'slap disney pictures on disney papers-er'. That was it - fun paper, pics and some stickers. A single mat at best. This group has turned me into a scrapbooker. Now I'm no Martha Stewart (in any facet of my life) but I don't need to be. I need to produce quality loving work. Quality means to me what I said above - straight cuts, right number of layers, some kind of embellishment and the best effort I am personally able to give.

I can't remember if it's this thread or not but I think it is AWM who will back this up - my first swap was a newbie swap and I measured and cut every piece by hand cause I had a ruler and a cheap paper cutter only! I had a 4x6 photo mat that might have held a 5x7 and used up half of the 12x12 page when all done (it was huge!) and some tags that were probably big enough for a 4x6 photo!!! I had no clue what I was doing! After I got back the other swap pieces, I had the aha moment that mine were not really that great in comparison. So I got better and I learned about new things and I spent way too much time on the boards at night and this was all good! Again, I would consider myself an average swapper - I don't do many things that are WOW but I am usually happy with what I produce and hope others are too (please PM me if you ever aren't - I want to know).

I want newbies to join more swaps - I want to see how other people do things, I want to learn from all of you.

If this thread has upset anyone, please PM me as my intention was to try and level the field again so everyone is receiving a fair trade and I have reread all of the posts on this thread and I think that those responding understand that. I would have PMd particular swappers if the need were there. I am actually a very confrontational person in real life, so I can gently make suggestions if needed. It just seemed like given some recent issues and so many changes in our family and our elements (hence the updated glossary) it was time for everyone to step back and look at things.

Thanks again for listening!

Maria

[missesdisney]

In case you haven't figured it out, I talk a lot in real life too!:lmao:

[TPCShauna]

Thanks so much for those. I used them both. But I don't know what to put for the "definition" of an altered CD cover. Do you have to actually use a CD or is it just that size? Can someone come up with a little blurb about it for the glossary? Obviously I've never made one. I did receive one from you Shauna when you were my secret sister - I just wasn't sure that that was what it was called at the time.

I've seen altered CDs done a couple of different ways. One was to alter an actual CD as in cutting paper to cover and them embellishing the paper appropriately. The other is the method I used which is to cut a circle the same size as a CD (approx. 5" diameter) and embellish accordingly. My other swap group uses both methods interchangeably so it depends on the swapper. My preference is to not have an actual CD as I don't care for the extra weight it adds to my pages.

Potential blurb?:
Altered CD - Decorative element. Can be made using two methods - 1) by covering an actual CD with cardstock or printed paper and embellishing appropriately OR 2) by cutting a paper circle the size of a CD (approx. 5" diameter) and embellishing accordingly. Typically 1 per person in most swaps.

[New England Eeyore]

Perfect! Thanks so much, Shauna!