swaps

Could someone please explain what are swaps?

Being the experienced (ha ha ha) swapper that I am (I just mailed the page kit contents for my very first) I will attempt to answer this question. A swap is just what it sounds like and is also kind of like a party. There is a host (who decides on the topic and who facilitates the swap by being the administrator) and a group of people who agree to be the "players". For example: a host decides to have a Christmas themed swap. She sends out a general invitation looking for, say, 5 players (really, she can have as many as she wants). When five people have "joined" the swap, they agree to follow the "rules " of the swap that the host has decided on - these rules depend on the style of swap, as well as on what the host wants for it. If it is a page kit swap, each of the members would design a page kit (i.e., all of the elements needed on a page: a topper, journal box, accents, embellishments) based on the theme and produce 5 exactly the same (so that there is one for each player). They would then send those 5 page kits to the host, as would the rest of the players, and the host would collect them together, and then send back to each player one of each of the five designs. So, basically each player comes up with one idea, makes 5 exactly the same, and then gets back one of their own, plus 4 different ones. It is a great way to get pages done - because basically they are done for you, all you do is add pictures and glue everything to a piece of paper. There is another swap type which require less up front work, but more creativity of your own later where you provide only items which can be used for a theme. The host makes a list of items needed to make a page, and each player signs up to provide a designated number of a certain item (for example, 16 blue eyelets, or 4 yards of blue fiber, or something more complicated like, 6 Chrismas tags done in primary colors) then, the host gathers up all the stuff, divides it to make however many identical packets, and mails one to each player. Some swaps are for whole items, i.e., for a card swap, you might design the whole card (not just provide the parts) and make however many of it to send to the host.

Might I suggest going to the swap site, and perusing the various swaps, read the instructions, which are usually the first post, and also look for a couple of questions which were answered there. (for instance, I had asked the question under a post entitled "interested but don't understand")

Needless to say, I have enjoyed the (one) swap that I have finished (although I am of course nervous to see if everyone likes it), and am currently working on 2 more. So, just do what the rest of us did, jump in with both feet - the neighbors will help you out!

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Amy

"Honey, will you do that
again, I want a picture
of it to scrap......"

I have only been in about 10 swaps and they are so fun! They are very addicting. I was hooked instantl. Have fun swapping!

btt for Neeneebeenee.

Lucy....you did a fine job of 'splaining..!!

I have in the past hosted the Newbie Punchie Swap, and currently host the Sizzix Die Cut Swap for another community.

Swapping can be a lot of fun, and a good way to build your stash without having to buy all of the materials and tools yourself.

I would suggest starting with a basic swap where your only committment would be scrap paper, to see what its all about.

Nancy

Nancy hosted a newbie punchie swap on this board this past year..early in the year...May or June I think...it was my first swap...and it was a good one to get started with because then you could decide if you liked it....since THEN, I think I am now on my 17th or 18th swap...and I love them! The only thing I don't love about them is that it is very addicting...and a lot of times I end up spending a lot of time working on my swaps rather than my sb pages....

On the other hand...I keep looking at all my supplies...and I have so many things to choose from now...it's wonderful...because whenever I am stumped for something...I just pick one of my swap items up...and base a page around the item...it has helped me many times....

Another good thing about them are that 1) your own personal creativity gets better and better because you see what other women are out there making and you get new ideas and 2) your own skill level gets better too...I for one am such a better scrapbooker now - mainly because of this board and swaps! I look at my early pages and cringe...but I refuse to change them...because it shows how far I have come...and I am sure I will only continue to get better...HTH !!

Wow..thanks for all of the info...I am interested in a newbie swap, since I am very limited in experience. I'll keep an eye out for a newbie swap posting. Thanks again ladies!!

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Eileen---momma to Jaiden aka Boo Boo, 18 months