The Flat Swap 2016

And what exactly is a flat swap, you say? Well, it is exactly an exchange of parcels with a complete stranger.  I chose the name-  "flat swap" because I wanted to send things that fitted in the post office's slot, and still be considered as a "letter." It started as a project, and you can see it here.
What exactly are those parcels about? They are all about bringing "spring cheer" to the recipient.

There are no guidelines this year. You will put together as many parcels as your heart desires, making sure that you and your partner are on the same wave length.

These are the guidelines from previous years: here and here.

And here I mention some swaps I was a part of.

All I need is for you to send me an email saying you want to participate. If this is your first time, then please tell me a bit of yourself so I can make sure I find a good partner for you. If this is not your first time I probably remember, but you can still give me hints.

You have until Saturday May 8th to sign up and 10 days to gather and make and mail your parcel.

If you have any questions I'm here --- giovabrusa@gmail.com

If you have Instagram, then make sure to use #theflatswap2016 so we can all see what your parcels look like. You can get inspired from last year here.

---As with the previous years, these exchanges are a wonderful opportunity to cheer someone up, so make sure you are really thinking of what you are giving instead of what you'll be receiving, and it is not about buying things, but creating them.---

Some ideas: letter, favorite recipe, poem, souvenir from your city, pick a color and make that the theme, or make spring the theme, add things from your collections such as; fabrics, buttons, stamps, postcards, old paper, make something; coasters, needle case, pouch, notebook. As they say;"the sky is the limit." Have fun putting it together, that is the best part in my opinion.

Wishing you a colorful, and warm spring,
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