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If you are a demonstrator (or would like to be one!) you know that we demonstrators do a lot of card swaps. But even if you are NOT a demonstrator, you should still consider swapping cards with friends, family and demonstrators. ANYONE can organize a swap. If you have several friends or relatives who are stampers, think how much fun it would be to do a swap with them.
Here are a few ideas, hints, and possibilities:
Your favorite stamp set would make beautiful swaps.
A swap of cards with different techniques or a swap where everyone uses the same technique and interprets it “their way.”
A themed swap based on a holiday. This could be done for ANY holiday.
A Birthday Card swap—who doesn’t need birthday cards!
The same goes for sympathy cards.
Gift card holders swap.
Small treat boxes swap, either all the same size/holiday/birthday or different sizes. HINT: include a list of items that would fit in your box.
A “Just for Fun” swap where anything goes!
Organizing a swap:
· Contact your friends and ask them to participate.
· Decide on your theme or technique
· Set the parameters of the swap: card size, number of layers, using embellishments, etc.
· Current Stampin’ Up! items or any stamps?
· What tools to use.
· Packaging the cards: Do you want them to use clear envelopes to protect the cards? Do you want to have them package their swaps in a gallon zipper bag with their information adhered to the bag (name, address, phone #, email)?
· Should they include the “recipe” for how to make the card or other item?
· Should they include an envelope for each card, and should it be decorated to match the card?
· Should they send a prepaid envelope for you to send the sorted swaps back to them, OR should they send $$ to you for envelopes and postage to get their swaps back to them.
· Deadline to have the swaps from all participants. How strict will you be about this?
· After you have all the swaps, sort them into a stack for each participant using their zipper bag. Lay the bags on a table or counter and put 1 of each card on it.
· After sorting, place each participants’ cards in their zipper bag
· Package for mailing.
I hope you decide to host or participate in a swap. They are fun—especially when you receive your package and take time to ooh and aah over all the beautiful swaps you received.
I am anxiously awaiting a Mini Catalog swap and a Sale-a-bration swap ~ hoping to find both in my mail box today. It is such a treat to see how your friends use the products in the new catalog! I hope that you enjoyed this article and that you will be that person who organizes a swap this month! Susan Elise
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