Swap Questions? Ask Them Here!

[SDiegoGal]

This is a thread for both swappers and hostesses to ask questions regarding swaps.

If you need help, just ask! We'd be happy to help.

[branflakes]

I have a question...I am fairly new to swapping and I was just wondering about image swaps...Is it just stamping an image in black(usually unless stated otherwise)on white cardstock and trimming around the image(in square, rectangle, circle?)...and making several? I think that I understand but I would just like some confirmation maybe even a pic would be great. Thanks.

[SDiegoGal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by branflakes

I have a question...I am fairly new to swapping and I was just wondering about image swaps...Is it just stamping an image in black(usually unless stated otherwise)on white cardstock and trimming around the image(in square, rectangle, circle?)...and making several? I think that I understand but I would just like some confirmation maybe even a pic would be great. Thanks.

Yes, that's exactly what an image swap is, unless there are specific instructions that the hostess includes. HTH!

[tashabeasley]

Hello im new on here and all the swaps etc look really good fun, but i wondered if there were any for the UK as i dont know about postage for posting back to here! This probably doesnt make much sense sorry!
x

[imthenoni]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tashabeasley

Hello im new on here and all the swaps etc look really good fun, but i wondered if there were any for the UK as i dont know about postage for posting back to here! This probably doesnt make much sense sorry!
x

When you send your swap you include the same amount of postage on your return envy as well as adding an additional couple of stamps to make sure for any weight difference. So, if you are sending from the UK there should be no problem with the return since I would think the postage would be the same coming back. Does that help any?

Glad to have you with us.

Donna T

[SDiegoGal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tashabeasley

Hello im new on here and all the swaps etc look really good fun, but i wondered if there were any for the UK as i dont know about postage for posting back to here! This probably doesnt make much sense sorry!
x

When swapping internationally the best thing to do is to contact the hostess. You can discuss with her the best method for purchasing US postage. Sometimes the hostess will request that you send money (perhaps via PayPal) so that she can purchase US postage on your behalf.

[stampin fool]

I have only swapped at convention and just wanted to understand the hostess swaps +1. Does that mean that the hostess doesn't make a swap just gets one of each of the swaps from the people who sign up? I guess I am unsure and want to make sure I understand this before I hostess a swap so I don't make any mistakes. Thank you.

Ronda

[vz5dzh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by stampin fool

I have only swapped at convention and just wanted to understand the hostess swaps +1. Does that mean that the hostess doesn't make a swap just gets one of each of the swaps from the people who sign up? I guess I am unsure and want to make sure I understand this before I hostess a swap so I don't make any mistakes. Thank you.

Ronda

Typically, yes the hostess does not participate in the swap and the +1 is her gift for hostessing the swap. But sometimes the hostess will fill a spot too.

[chispirit]

I belong to a German crafting forum and they do a fun thing there.
They swap stamped (uncolored) images... lets say you want some mouse images and I have house mouse images I would stamp them for you on a sheet of white cradstock and send them to you. In return you would stamp some images of your stamps for me that I could use.
I participated in the swap and it is so much fun.
Has there been any swap like this in this forum???

[kitty14]

Try looking in the SWAPS section and then move over to where it says Porducts and Images. Click on that and you will find all kinds of Image Swaps going on. The Image Swaps are where you just stamp the image and mail it to the hostess. She collects them all, divides them all up and mails them back to the people that took part.

All the instructions are printed in each Image Swap page.

Have Fun!:-D

[archanapandurangi]

this is a fun idea.. id suggest you should make groups of stampers who stay close by(the same city or so) and swap stamped images.. that would make it convenient to send it to each other.

[chispirit]

I can't seem to find the swap section here ....can somebody help.

[sharonji27]

Go to the Main Forum Page. Scroll down there is an area called Swaps. In there you will find a category called products and images. There you can find image swaps. I participated in one and it was a lot of fun. PM me if you have any trouble.

[lanhamkl]

I was thinking of hosting a swap and was wondering if it is alright to only allow newbies to participate. If its not that is fine just didn't know if there were any guidelines on that. Thought it would be pretty cool.

[vz5dzh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lanhamkl

I was thinking of hosting a swap and was wondering if it is alright to only allow newbies to participate. If its not that is fine just didn't know if there were any guidelines on that. Thought it would be pretty cool.

I don't see a problem with advertising it as a newbie swap.

[lanhamkl]

Awesome, thanks for the help.

[Muffin's Mama]

What is the protocol for card swaps regarding "signing" your cards? By "signing" I mean putting your handmade stamp/initials on the back of the cards. Do most people sign their work or leave it blank? Many thanks.
Mary.

[vz5dzh]

Most people sign their work unless the hostess asks otherwise. If in doubt, ask the hostess.

[Muffin's Mama]

Thank you. Being a "newbie" I appreciate knowing what others do! I also asked the hostess, and she said stamp cause she likes to know who made the card so I stamped/initialed them.

[twmom]

I am new, and I know this might sound dumb, but do we send envelopes to go with the cards? Thanks

[SDiegoGal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by twmom

I am new, and I know this might sound dumb, but do we send envelopes to go with the cards? Thanks

Envelopes are not usually sent. But if your hostess wants you to send envelopes, it is usually requested within the swap details.

Don't be shy about asking anything you need clarified.

[twmom]

Thanks!

[ScrapBookChickk]

what do we need to do to host a swap

[SDiegoGal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScrapBookChickk

what do we need to do to host a swap

Read through the Hostess 101 and if you have more questions, feel free to ask me via a PM.

[iteachakyds]

I have been in 3 swaps now and I was wondering if there is a quicker way of finding the swaps I signed up with? I have just been scrolling till I found it each time I looked at them. thanks

[SDiegoGal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by iteachakyds

I have been in 3 swaps now and I was wondering if there is a quicker way of finding the swaps I signed up with? I have just been scrolling till I found it each time I looked at them. thanks

If your settings are set to it, when you post to a thread, you are automatically subscribed to the thread. To find your subscriptions, on the left hand side of most pages, is the "In the Forums" box. You'll find "My Subscriptions" there. Click on it and all the threads you are subscribed to are there.

Let me know if you need more help.

[Fly4kidsRT]

I have actually taken the plunge and signed up for my first swap. Now I have to admit that I'm abit nervous, so many of the swaps are SU paper, embellishments, etc. I have quite a few SU stamp sets, but have to admit I buy paper at Joanns and ACMoore. Are the types of paper purchased there considered "good quality"? Times are tough and eventhough I love doing my cards and have done many for friends and family that they love, some swappers may have to realize that Joanns and ACMoore accept coupons. Thanks for your help.

[vz5dzh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fly4kidsRT

I have actually taken the plunge and signed up for my first swap. Now I have to admit that I'm abit nervous, so many of the swaps are SU paper, embellishments, etc. I have quite a few SU stamp sets, but have to admit I buy paper at Joanns and ACMoore. Are the types of paper purchased there considered "good quality"? Times are tough and eventhough I love doing my cards and have done many for friends and family that they love, some swappers may have to realize that Joanns and ACMoore accept coupons. Thanks for your help.

If you are unsure, ask the hostess. That is always the safest bet. Welcome to the world of swapping!

[kimb0]

I've just entered the wonderful world of swapping and have a question. Is there an easy way to find new swaps posted on the forum? Right now, I just go through page after page trying to find the new ones. That's OK--I'm willing to do it--but was wondering if there's a better way!

[SDiegoGal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kimb0

I've just entered the wonderful world of swapping and have a question. Is there an easy way to find new swaps posted on the forum? Right now, I just go through page after page trying to find the new ones. That's OK--I'm willing to do it--but was wondering if there's a better way!

Unfortunately I think that is the best way! If anyone else has a trick to it, please let me know!

[kimb0]

Thanks, Michelle!!!

[GrammaM]

I am doing my first swap, YEA!!, and I have a question. In mine, I am doing 8+1, explained to me in the instructions that there are: 1 for the cover, one for the hostess and 7 recipe spots...in other swaps I see spaces for people to sign up that are MORE than the numbers in the instructions (example 16 spaces to sign up, but it is a 6+1). I have seen this in other swaps also...what does it mean?

[SDiegoGal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrammaM

I am doing my first swap, YEA!!, and I have a question. In mine, I am doing 8+1, explained to me in the instructions that there are: 1 for the cover, one for the hostess and 7 recipe spots...in other swaps I see spaces for people to sign up that are MORE than the numbers in the instructions (example 16 spaces to sign up, but it is a 6+1). I have seen this in other swaps also...what does it mean?

This is a running list swap. So let's say it is an 8+1, but 12 people are signed up. You would send in the 8+1 and get a variety of 8 back. The hostess will swap out randomly until each person gets their 8. Some hostesses prefer this method in case someone unexpectedly drops. So in this case there is a 4 person "leeway".

[GrammaM]

That makes sense now. Thanks for the info. I am excited to get started, sounds addicting!

[GrammaM]

What is the proper etiquette for posting pics of your swap contributions? I finished my tag, sent it in today (due 5-5), can I post a pic in my gallery now or should I wait until the swap is done?

Thanks,
Michelle

[vz5dzh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrammaM

What is the proper etiquette for posting pics of your swap contributions? I finished my tag, sent it in today (due 5-5), can I post a pic in my gallery now or should I wait until the swap is done?

Thanks,
Michelle

Some hostesses ask that you don't post until they are being sent back and the other swappers start receiving them. But I don't think the majority do that. You can ask the hostess if she has a preference.

[Phil4v4]

Good cardstock is requested. Since I'm new to cardmaking, what is good cardstock (other than Stampin' Up)?

Can I get good cardstock at Hobby Lobby or JoAnn's (which are about 30 minutes away)? Or do you mean ordering online? I don't want to sign up if I can't get the right stuff & then no one would like my creations.

Thanks for your help & insight.

[vz5dzh]

If you have SU! or PaperTrey I would think you can use it without question. If not, you could ask the hostess before you sign up so you will know what she expects.

[MelissaL]

Hello! I am seriously considering hostessing my first swap and was wondering about offering gifts/prizes to participants. Are there any guidelines for what type of goodies are considered ok? There are lots of sweet brads and embellishments at most dollar stores but I wasn't sure if that would be an ok source. Thanks!

[vz5dzh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MelissaL

Hello! I am seriously considering hostessing my first swap and was wondering about offering gifts/prizes to participants. Are there any guidelines for what type of goodies are considered ok? There are lots of sweet brads and embellishments at most dollar stores but I wasn't sure if that would be an ok source. Thanks!

I've seen some hostesses offer little prizes for getting things in on time and possibly even having the cards judged by other people and winning a prize. I don't see a problem with it. If you feel you want to offer that as a hostess you can. There are no guidelines on the prizes. That would be up to you.