The Flat Swap 2015

I still can't believe it has been a year since the first flat swap. Exactly one year ago today! For some reason I've been thinking about the swap (not knowing it had been a year) and how nice it would be to make and receive a nice little package. With spring and a color combination in mind, you can arrange for a special delivery to someone you don't know. Sounds nice doesn't it? Maybe this post will inspire you?

So lets get on with the nitty gritty. A few things have changed, so read on.

Here are some ideas, but feel free to change or add as you wish (with your partners consent).

• a letter - long, short, it is up to you, but I think this is such an important part of any swap, it makes it more personal, not just the exchange of gifts
• something handmade - whatever you make, your craft, a special thing you made that you want to share
• something you own, but don't need- the point is sharing and thinking about the color combination your partner chose, and putting a smile on your partners face.
• a wish or a favorite quote - get creative, don't just write something on an ugly piece of paper
• something edible - tea, chocolate, candy

Things to take into consideration:

1. Send me an email (giovabrusa@gmail.com) or leave a comment below saying that Yayyyy you want to join!

2. Let me know about your preferred color combination, and your blog or IG, or FB (anything where I can see your work).

3. You'll be paired, that way you can discuss how many things you'll be sending, exchange addresses, etc..

4. I reserve the right  NOT to add you to the list - sorry about this, but last time some people joined only because they wanted "things" and didn't make any the effort in what they sent out. I think it defeats the whole purpose of the swap.

5. The swap will close in a week (March 10th), and I'll be sending you an email with your partner's name and email on the 12 of march.

6. You have 2 weeks to prepare your package, so the deadline for sending it out is March 26. No excuses please!

7. Join the swap to see what everyone is sending at #theflatswap2015 on IG or add your pictures to my FB page here

8. Everyone around the world is welcome (except in the case of #4), but if for economic reasons you prefer someone closer to you, let me know in the email

**THIS SWAP IS NOW CLOSED
I really hope you decide to join the second edition of "the flat swap."
Have a lovely day,
Giova.

The Flat Swap

After participating in a bunch of swaps lately, I wanted to organize one. The swap I enjoyed the most was the one I was paired with someone, and we got to communicate with each other what exactly we wanted from the experience.

I would love for this swap to be a handmade and preferably a flat one. I think all of us have everything we need for the swap in our homes, closets, drawers, etc… And there is really no need for more store bought things. Spring is coming soon (on this part of the world), so try to think about that when you are getting your parcel ready.

So with that in mind, these are the 5 things I think should be included in your package. Feel free to alter this list, but only with your partner's agreement.

1. A letter. Long one or short, that is up to you. This is a very important point, not to be taken lightly.
2. A drawing of something you like. It doesn't matter if you're an expert or not. Simply get your box of crayons (or your kid's crayons), watercolors, markers, pencils. Anything goes. Not smaller than a postcard, and well, it is up to you if you want to send a poster size drawing.
3. Something handmade in your area of expertise. Whether you crochet, embroider or do paper crafts. Make sure to discuss this point with your partner, as you wouldn't want to embroider a whole poem and receive a paper garland. Or maybe you would?
4. Something hand written. It can be a favorite recipe, an ideal menu, a poem, a list of your favorite books (or something that you think is worth recommending). Do this creatively. Don't just tear a page from a notebook and get it over with. Or ask your partner which one she prefers.
5. And lastly, something that you own, but don't need and think the other person might use. Thread, rubber stamp, washi-tape, fabric, nice paper, etc… Do not buy anything, the point is to look for something you own but don't need. 

By sending me an email to (This swap is already closed) with the information below, you agree that you'll do your best to hand craft a beautiful parcel for your partner and will send it on time.

Name
Age
Country
email
interests (this is so I can pair you with someone similar)

-If you have an Instagram account (mine is @giovabru) then make sure to use this tag #theflatswap so we can all see what is being exchanged.

-If you don't have an IG account then send the pictures to Facebook.

-Registration for this swap closes March 9 and I should get back to you on March 11

-Don't forget to fill the parcel with spring thoughts and mail it by March 24 (I think that gives everyone plenty of time)

-This swap is open to everyone, but if for economic reasons you prefer someone from your own country, please let me know in your email.

-I don't think I should say it but I will because it happened to me with one of the swaps. I sent something and I didn't get anything in return. It is simply not a nice thing to do, and I hope it doesn't happen here.

I think that is it. I hope you like the idea and decide to join.

Have a lovely day,
Giova

Another swap (I signed for)

I wanted to share with you the amazing work of my swap partner Barb (thank you again for this wonderful parcel). 

As I mentioned before, I signed myself to several swaps, and this was one of them. I found it through this beautiful blog. I am now the proud owner of this beautiful flower brooch. I can't wait for better weather so I can wear it on my spring coat.

The embroidered pouch and the hand dyed yarns were also part of the swap. Aren't those colors screaming spring? By the way, pink and yellow were my requested colors. But she added the green and well, in my opinion everything is just perfect!

This swap is still open (I just signed myself). I'm becoming a swap addict, so I'm organizing one here next week. It will be simple but I think you'll like it. Well, I hope you like it.

Wishing you a very crafty and relaxing weekend,
Giova

Secret Pen Pal Scavenger Hunt 2014

January was a month of swaps for me. They sounded interesting so I signed myself in. I was supposed to show the things I received 2 weeks ago, but with the Hearts project going on, I just couldn't do it.

This swap was organized by Fabrizia of Wreck This Girl. I was receiving from an unknown which turned out to be Anke Panke the creator of Snail Mail magazine!

 It all arrived in a wonderful (and very useful yellow box).

 Everything was amazingly gift wrapped in very bright colors (I really couldn't believe what I was seeing) so many things, and all of them just for me!!

 My favorite things were an activity magazine she designed, and of course the Wrap magazine which is just amazing!

So many snail mail goodies. Such wonderful gifts. Thank you so much Anke for your gifts and making it a wonderful swap experience!

If your curious about what I sent go here and take a look!

Have a wonderful day!

Giova.