Splitcoaststampers.com - the world's #1 papercrafting community
You're currently viewing Splitcoaststampers as a GUEST. We pride ourselves on being great hosts, but guests have limited access to some of our incredible artwork, our lively forums and other super cool features of the site! You can join our incredible papercrafting community at NO COST. So what are you waiting for?
Hi,
I've just begun swapping cards. I have received 3 swaps back. All of the cards are sooo beautiful that I don't want to give them away. What do you gals do with your swap items like ATCs, Cards, etc? Just wondering...
I just keep them in my swap stash......just for me, I never thought to use them. But I would feel weird as someone who makes cards to give one made by someone else, but that's just me.
I have my favorites that I just can't bear to use but I also give some to Grandma(well before she passed away) and I also give to my husbands Grandma. They are always in need of cards and not having a car to go pick some up at the store they enjoy the ones I give them. They also have thier favorites that they think are just to pretty to give away.
__________________ Jeanette- Mom to 2 boys 1 girl and wife to a loving husband.
Good question! I try to 'make someone's day' with cards I get from swaps. To thank someone, wish them happy birthday, sympathy, get well.....etc. Mostly people at work, but it could be anyone--family, friends, co-workers, anyone! With my ATC's, I display them in my craft room on a French ribbon bulletin board. It always makes me happy to gaze at them. Was in a few tag swaps and they live on forever in my scrapbooks--they make great embellishments.
At first I felt 'funny' giving away a card I didn't make myself, but now I feel great doing it. Just trying to make their day! Recently, I read that people sell the cards they get in swaps.....wow was I shocked. It never occurred to me to sell swapped cards. I think I was more shocked that they would claim the card to be their handiwork. They are the proverbial 'bad apples' spoiling the whole bunch.
Will always remember the first handmade card someone gave me. It was pink, had white ribbon and a simple, cut out teapot on it. Love at first sight. I couldn't believe she MADE it and that card forged a friendship that's 6 years old and a hobby that I love, love, love! That teapot card made my day!
I've only been swapping for a little while and I'm just enjoying seeing everyone else's creations and I also get some inspiration to do other layouts and such. I have sent out a few to friends and family. I have no problem sending them out as I don't necassarily have every stamp for every occassion. I just don't see the point of keeping them stashed away in a box when you can make someone else happy by sending them a wonderful handmade card.
I surely don't take credit for someone else's work, but it surprises me how many people do not sign the back of their cards.
right now I feel a little selfish and want to keep them all...maybe after a few years of doing it I will be ready to paart with them. I of course take pictures of the sets I receive but it's never the same if I want to recreate them.
I thought of trying to put them in a 12x12 and have a scrapbook of swapped cards...don't know if this would work...I could get 5 on a page I think easily....What do you think?
As for signing my name I wasn't sure if it was appropriate since some do give their cards away...what do you other ladies think of this???
Yes 25,000 cards sent to the soldiers to date. My goal right now is 30,000 and then will raise it to 40,000. I get them ready and then when I have the $$$ for postage get them shipped.
Blessings.
PS....I cant imagine how many stamps I could have bought with all the money spent on postage...but then....I do not dwell on it either.
As for signing my name I wasn't sure if it was appropriate since some do give their cards away...what do you other ladies think of this???
I would definitely sign your name! I think it's the right thing to do...our cards are our art, right? We should take credit! I don't see a problem with giving them away, even if signed by someone else...sure beats trying to pass someone else's work off as your own, right?!
I have done lots of swaps and I have a bulletin board in my stamping room where I display the best ones for inspiration. I also use them when I don't have time to make a card. About once a year I go through them and donate them to the care group at our church.
I thought of trying to put them in a 12x12 and have a scrapbook of swapped cards...don't know if this would work...I could get 5 on a page I think easily....What do you think?
As for signing my name I wasn't sure if it was appropriate since some do give their cards away...what do you other ladies think of this???
I think your idea of putting your swapped cards in a scrapbook is a good one! It could be an inspiration book!
Oh for sure, sign your name. I have a few stamps that say Handmade by....or Stamped with Love.....or Hand Stamped. I use them all and am proud to sign my cards.
Here's a thought: Hallmark 'signs' their cards and disguises the price of the card while they are at it too! hee hee.
If they are cards that can be used for children, I donate them to the Children's hospital via the National Charity League. If they are just card fronts, I add a layer of cs to make a full card.
I have only done a few swaps but I intend to use the cards I receive....I skim them for ideas I can use, make a copy or twist on what i like and then they go into my ready to use/mail box. I also donate them to the military if they are appropiate. Use them for social committee at school and other causes.
__________________ c-mouse-If you can't say nuttin nice--don't say nuttin at all. Thumper. Pansy
Card Sketch Challenge 1-227 done only 396+ to go to be caught up!!!!!
I've participated in a few ATC swaps and I like these best. They're so cute and small that I can store them in a binder and look at them whenever I want and I don't fee bad about not "using" a fully made card. I did recently turn two ATCs from swaps into cards when I didn't have time to fully make a card for the occasion. I added lots of additional detail to the cards I put them on but it saved me some time in a pinch!
There are many of us who send blank cards to the troops (Hi Amber!!). You can be assured that the cards our troops mail back home will be cherished forever....
Hey Missy Diane...I have another pile on my desk for you just waiting to be put into an envelope and mailed. I think there is about 3 dozen get well/thinking of you.
Blessings to each of you.
What do you do with your swaps?
