Swap #13
“Hearts & Flowers”
*This Swap Has Closed
The purpose of this swap is to provide members an opportunity to experience the fun of swapping and building relationships with fellow artists while building or honing skills.
This Swap is being hosted by Michelle Curran.
Swaps are open to members only – click here to join the Glass Dragons Membership.
Dates at a Glance:
● January 15, 2023 – last day to Sign up
● Mail by: Depending on your location, make sure to mail your box in time to be received by:
● January 31, 2023 – coordinator MUST receive your swaps, or you will not be included
●Swaps will be mailed out to swappers as soon as possible.
Details of the Swap:
● To participate you will need to make one glass bead or fused piece per swapper (up to a maximum of 12 depending on the number of people who sign up) using the theme “Hearts & Flowers” as your inspiration. They do not have to include both hearts and flowers, though they may – up to you!
● You will mail in your swap piecess and you will receive the same number back.
● In order to participate, you must be able to send U.S. funds by PayPal, check, or return postage. We will be using small flat rate boxes for U.S. swappers.The cutoff for signing up to participate is January 15, 2023.Be sure to mail your swaps early enough tobe received by the swap host BEFORE the deadline of January 31, 2023.Keep in mind swaps will be made by participants of all different ability levels. All that is required is that you make a swap piece which you are pleased with and happy to share. This is not a competition!!
*The USPS has some special holiday rates for shipping. Please check to make sure you send the correct postage for a small flat rate box. As of Dec 14, 2022, USPS has small flat rate boxes listed at $10.40, but check with your PO when you are ready to send to Michelle Curran.
● Please take a photo of your swap pieces before you mail them! It would be wonderful to have a description of what you used and any other information that you can share with us.
● All swap pieces should be carefully individually packaged so they are protected from breakage. Put each of your swap pieces into a separate bag, along with your card, address label, or other method of identification so the recipients will know who made it. Package your individual swap bags carefully, with tissue, bubble wrap, etc. that can be reused to send the swaps out to the participants.
- Put your twelve individually packaged swap pieces into one box or padded envelope for mailing. We ask that your pieces are not too large, as we will be using small flat rate boxes to send out the swaps to their recipients. We suggest you use a small US Priority Mail box to send your swap pieces; which is flat rate, so there are no surprises in cost, and the boxes are free. Insurance is included for value up to $50.00
- PUT YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS INSIDE THE BOX OR ENVELOPE, SO I KNOW WHERE TO SEND YOUR SWAP PIECES! Be sure to include a check, money order, or a click n ship label for return postage with your swap pieces (unless you plan to pay me using Paypal.) Make checks and money orders payable to Michelle Curran.
● If you are paying by Paypal, postage payment using pay a family/ friend (usually no fee) through Paypal. If you have any individual concerns, please contact me on the Swap Facebook page.
● If your swap pieces are not received by January 31st they may miss being included in the swap and instead will be returned to you.
*Make sure you agree with ALL of the rules first.
*The swap coordinator’s contact information will be on the Facebook swap page.
Things to Remember
- We encourage all skill levels to play. All that is required is that you make something that pleases you and you are happy to share with others. This is not a competition!!
- The swap items are randomly assigned.
- Only commit if you are confident you can participate.
- Keep in mind, the swap coordinator is a volunteer with their own life and is doing the best they can. Be kind.
Participation Rules:
● Sign up on the Members Only Facebook Swap 13 page.
● Please take a photo of your swap pieces before you mail them! It would be wonderful to have a description of what you used and any other information that you can share with us along with the photo on our Swap Facebook page.
After everyone has received their swaps: PLEASE POST PICTURES ON OUR SWAP FACEBOOK PAGE!
● If you send a return postage label, www.pirateship.com is a great alternative to using the post office and is a little less expensive. But if you are sending a return postage paid label, don’t send too early, or it may be automatically voided.
Place the following inside the box:
○ Your name and address
○ Swap items (individually packaged as stated above)
○ Postage for your swaps to be returned in a small USPS flat rate box (see above for suggestions)
Hint: To save some money, you can put all these items inside a USPS Small Flat Rate box. Gently tape it shut (or tie it with string) and pack that INSIDE a larger envelope, or box. Send your package to the swap coordinator (as long as you do it so it will arrive on time) by any means you desire. Just don’t use the seal on the priority box – the coordinator is going to need to use that.
What Happens Next:
● Packages will be assembled and sent to each participating member. They will be mailed out as soon as possible.
● Let the swap coordinator know when you have received your swap box.
● When you receive your box, open them, admire, and fondle them. Try to have an open and receptive attitude about the swaps you receive, it is not all about the swap pieces, it is about the connections between members. Think about the work that went into making them and getting them into your hands.
Small print:
● Only commit if you are confident you can participate. If you don’t send in your swap pieces, you are disappointing your fellow members who may receive less. Maybe you have some appropriate pieces you already made on hand right now? Why not set them aside and keep them as your swap backups, in case life gets in the way?
Looking forward to seeing all the wonderful cane, and what everyone creates with them.