Stalk the Mailman - Cards are Headed Home ...... Lucky PAT 13

[Seaside Rose]

Welcome to the Lucky 13th Pick A Theme Swap!!!

First, I have to say that I am absolutely honored and flattered that Sharon has turned the reins of the Pick a Theme Swap over to me. Whew! I’m still six feet off the ground! Thank you, Sharon, for entrusting this ATC swap favorite to me.

Just to reassure everyone who has come to love this longstanding PAT Swap, very little will change aside from where you mail your cards.

Newcomers are always welcome. If you’re new to ATC’s or just want to read some helpful hints, you can check out this post and this post on my blog.

Important: It is now an SCS policy that to participate in swaps, you need to join the SCS swap users group. If you aren’t already a group member, joining is simple – just click on Join a Group in the column on the left side of any page. How to tell if you need to join….. if you can read this post but can’t post to this thread, you need to join!


Are you brand new to PAT’s? This is how a Pick-a-Theme swap works:

Pick-a-Theme is the ultimate creativity challenge. Each group consists of five members. When you sign up for a spot in a group, you get to “pick a theme” that is near and dear to YOU or simply tickles your fancy. You will make a card for each of the four other members of your group in their chosen themes and in return, they will each make a card for you in your chosen theme. Each card you make is “one of a kind” and you only make cards for the members of the groups you sign up for. There is no “plus one” for the hostess.

Some of the groups are themed, some are a hodge podge – they could be on any theme or subject. You can request a particular group and suggestions for group themes are always welcome. If a general theme is popular and the group fills quickly, we can always start another group with the same theme, so ask! I prefer to have five different card themes in each group so try not to duplicate someone else’s theme within a group. If it happens that two people in a group or two people in two different groups that you sign up for choose the same theme, you do need to make two entirely different cards.


Here are the picky little details. Please read and follow them carefully or I’ll have to nag you.

1. All cards MUST be 2 1/2 by 3 1/2. That’s a hard and fast rule of ATC’s.

2. ATC’s start with a solid foundation. This means at least two layers of heavy card stock or watercolor paper. If the card stock you plan to use is thin (less than 96 pound paper), you may need three or more layers. Note: A layer of DP and a single piece of thin card stock is not “two layers of heavy card stock”!

3. No vender requirements. No technique requirements. Use at least one embellishment. And do your B*E*S*T work.

4. Regarding handwriting on cards: Unless you are a calligrapher or skilled at drawing fonts, if you don’t have a stamp that meets your need for text, a computer generated phrase or a word or phrase cut from a magazine or DP is generally preferable to handwriting on an ATC.

5. Please sign your cards! This is something that I feel really strongly about. You’ve created a work of art – sign it! People like to know who to compliment and thank! At a minimum, please include the Group # and Theme, your SCS Name and your Real Name on the back of the card. Any other information you would like to include is also welcome

Questions about expectations? PM Me. I don’t bite!


Sign Up:

Sign Up Deadline: October 15, 2009

Due IN MY HANDS: Saturday, November 21, 2009

Please Read ~ Late Cards and Swappers who go Missing:

In joining this swap, you become part of a small group of five crafters making unique cards for each other. Since each swap position has a personally selected theme, the hostess has no leeway to make swap substitutions in this kind of swap if you can’t follow through, so please keep that in mind when you sign up.

That said, I understand that emergencies happen and life has no regard for swap deadlines. (If only, hehehe.) Please PM me and let me know with enough notice as possible (not two days before the cards are due) if you can’t complete the swap or if your cards will be delayed for any reason.


Mailing:

Please send your cards in a baggie and include a self-addressed stamped* envelope for cards to be returned to you. The amount of postage on your SASE should be at least the same amount that it takes to mail your cards to me and you need to use US postage stamps. NO meter strips or Click N Ship labels, and NO foreign postage please (post office will reject them on my end). And please, no cash in lieu of stamps.

Please do include additional postage in case the cards coming back to you are heavier than the ones you send to me. Extra postage will be returned, either on the envelope if needed, or inside if not.

*NON-US participants are welcome, but please do not put foreign postage on your return envelope. Please PM me re postage if you are not a US resident and be sure to allow plenty of time for cards to reach me by the deadline.

Cards can be mailed to me here:

Cathy Wieder
155 Low Street
Newburyport, MA 01950


Here is the schedule for the next 12 months for PAT's:
PAT 13: Open NOW...... Cards due November 21, 2009
PAT 14: Opens November 1st...... Cards will be due February 6, 2010
PAT 15: Opens January 15th...... Cards will be due April 17, 2010
PAT 16: Opens March 25th........ Cards will be due June 26, 2010
PAT 17: Opens June 10th...... Cards will be due September 18, 2010 [/font]

[Seaside Rose]

PAT 13 Group Assignments

Group 1: Vintage Group I


Eileen (Lakelivin) - Vintage Love
Jane (Plain Jane) – vintage travel/transportation
Joyce (JMaraul) – vintage children’s literature
Tamara (ajmac) - vintage Advertisements
Barb (Paper73) - Vintage sewing items

Group 2: Vintage Group II

Cathy (Seaside Rose) - Vintage Children
Eileen (Lakelivin) - Vintage Undergarments
Sharon (Sibermax) - Vintage Clocks
Janet (Jenazs) - Vintage floral
Barb (Paper73) - Vintage Easter

Group 3: Pick a Color Theme I

Cathy- Aubergine (Eggplant) and Sage Green
Susan – Iris Blue
Tamara (ajmac) - Celery, Soft Suede, Bashful Blue
Janet (jenazs) - Purple
Shauna (Army08Love) - Teal (Blue Green)

Group 4: Pick a Color Theme II

(Anmic) - Black and white and a touch of color
Chris (Cparmenter43) - Three shades of blue
Norma (NormaT) - Sage and Rust
Tami (BrideofPez) - Red and Black
Andi (Gr8nurs) - Christmas Colors

Group 5: Pick an Embellishment

Cathy - Buttons
Jane (Plain Jane) - Lace
Joyce (JMaraul) – Ribbon
Susan – Unusual embellishments, something you wouldn’t typically use
Lois (LoisJP) - Flowers

Group 6: Pick a Holiday I (Vintage Style)

Cathy – Thanksgiving Day, Vintage Style
Tamara (ajmac) - Vintage Christmas
Margo – Vintage Halloween
Paulette (Parknslide) - Vintage Valentines
Barb (Paper73) - Vintage 4th of July

Group 7: Pick a Holiday II

Norma (NormaT) - Altered Christmas Tree
Teresa (Malunki) - Altered Santa Claus
Tricia (beltaine66) - Halloween
Chris - Thanksgiving
Shauna (Army08Love) - Independence Day

Group 8: Fairies, Elves, elemental beings

Cathy – Garden Sprites
Tamara (ajmac) – Unicorns
Tricia (Beltaine66) - Dryads
Janet (jenazs) - Fairies
Paulette (Parknslide) - Cupids

Group 9: Luck of the Draw (No set group theme)

Norma (Normat) - Poppies
Jane (Plain Jane) - Birds
Jessica (Jcicely) - Turtles
Linda (A-J Gramma) - Dragonflies
Paulette (Parknslide) - Bees

Group 10: Flowers in the Garden II

Linda (A-J Gramma) - Iris
Cathy (Seaside Rose) - Violets
Tami (BrideofPez) - Roses
Andi (Gr8tnurs) - Queen Anne's Lace
Kendall (kksb) - Spider mums

Group 11: Pick a Fairy Tale or Fairy Tale Character

Jane (Plain Jane) – The Ugly Duckling (Hans Christian Andersen)
Tamara (ajmac) - Hansel and Gretel
Shauna (Army08Love) - Disney Princess
Kari (klb1082) - Three Bears
Angel - Shoemaker and the Elves

Group 12: Flowers in the Garden

Jane (Plain Jane) – hydrangeas
Susan – Daisies
Jessica (Jcicely) - Pansies
Margo – 60’s flowers (flower power) (See posts #45 - #47)
Paulette (Parknslide) – Lilacs

Group 13: Days Gone By

Norma - Lavender and Lace
Joyce (JMaraul) – Saturday Morning Cartoons from the 1970’s
Susan – School House Rock
Tamara (ajmac) - Summer of '69
Joy (joystamp4) - Rock and Roll

Group 14: Luck of the Draw....

Joyce (JMaraul) – Interesting Architecture
Terrie (Terrie Mcnulty) – B&W Photography
Jessica (Jcicely) - Water
Tricia (Beltaine66) - Witches
Jen (Jen2972) - Aquarius

Group 15: Christmas Flora and Fauna

Norma (NormaT) Poinsettias
Terrie (Terrie.Mcnulty) – Christmas Mouse
Jessica (Jcicely) - Holly
Linda (A-J Gramma) - Pinecones
Sharon (Sibermax) - Christmas Trees


Group 16: Embellishments


Terrie (Terrie.Mcnulty) - Rhinestones
Tamara (ajmac) - Pearls
Chris (cparmenter) - Ribbons and Bows
Shauna (Army08Love) - Ribbons and Rhinestones
(Anmic) Stickles glitter/glue glitter

Group 17: Techniques

Susan (StampingGoodDeeds) – metallics (either faux metals, sprays, inks, etc.)
Tamara (AJmac) – Mono masking
Joyce - Crackle Paint/Broken Glass
Cathy (Seaside Rose) - hand embossing
Laura (Glitterbuggirl) - alcohol ink/compressed air technique

Group 18: Favorite Fictional Character

Tricia (beltaine66) – Sherlock Holmes
Tamara (AJmac) – Stephanie Plum
Susan (StampingGoodDeeds) Captain Ahab (Moby Dick)
Shauna (Army08Love) - Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice
Kari (klb1082) - Dori from "Finding Nemo"

Group 19: Pick a Holiday (Vintage Style) Group II

Joy (JoyStamp4) - Vintage Easter
(Lakelivin) - Vintage Halloween
(jenazs) - Vintage Christmas
Jessica (jcicely) - Vintage Valentines
Teresa (Malunki) - Vintage Birthday

Group 20: Luck of the Draw

Tami (BrideofPez) - Skeletons (like Day of the Dead)
Kendall (kksb) - Trees
Jennifer (Jen2972) - Favorite Sunday comic
Angel (Petuniascraps) - Altered Mona Lisa
Susan (StampingGoodDeeds) - Celtic Ireland

Group 21: More colors.....

Andi (Gr8tnurs) - Dusty rose, ivory, metallic gold
Kendall (Kksb) - Green, per post #225
Angel (Petuniascraps) - Black with pale blue and pale pink
Janice (c/o Sibermax) - Burgundy, navy, tan
Norma (NormaT) - Gold, Silver, and one other color of your choice

Group 22: Luck of the Draw

Angel - Cats in Hats
Tami (Bride of Pez) - Quilts
Terrie (Terrie.Mcnulty) - Butterflies
Susan ((StampingGoodDeeds) - 5+ Layers
Lara - 1950's-1970's retro Christmas

[normat]

I am ready with three themes so far:
Group 7: Altered Christmas Tree
Group 9: Poppies
Group 13: Lavendar and Lace

[Seaside Rose]

Oh, I love that lavender and lace! You got them, thanks, Norma!

[Seaside Rose]

Norma, do you have a suggestion for a theme for group 13, or just "anything goes"?

[normat]

Originally Posted by Seaside Rose

Norma, do you have a suggestion for a theme for group 13, or just "anything goes"?

How about "Days Gone By"?

[Seaside Rose]

Originally Posted by normat

How about "Days Gone By"?

Oh, I like that a lot!

[Malunki]

Love these PAT swaps....glad you are carrying on the tradition !!!!
Please put me down for Group 7 - altered SANTA CLAUS (this is gonna b fun).

Thanx !

[Seaside Rose]

Originally Posted by Malunki

Love these PAT swaps....glad you are carrying on the tradition !!!!
Please put me down for Group 7 - altered SANTA CLAUS (this is gonna b fun).

Thanx !

Glad to see you joining in! You're officially on the list!

[Plain Jane]

Found it! Have to think for a few minutes; as the commercial says, too much good stuff.
j

[Plain Jane]

Okay, here goes.
Group 1 -- vintage travel
Group 5 -- lace
Group 9 -- birds
Group 11 -- The Ugly Duckling (Hans Christian Andersen)

Also, can we have a garden-related theme, like "Flowers of the Garden" or "The Language of Flowers" or some such? (inspired by Norma's poppies!)
Can't wait to start playing....

Jane

[Jmaraul]

I'm in!

Group #1 - Vintage Children's Literature
Group #5 - Ribbon

I'd also like the topics of "Interesting Architecture" and "Saturday Morning Cartoons from the 1970's"....Put them where ever they fit best.

[Seaside Rose]

Okay, Jane and Joyce.... you're on the list.

Jane, I added that category... Joyce, I tucked cartoons into Days Gone By and put the architecture in a class by itself, hoping to get a few more things related to architecture, windows, landscapes, buildings, etc. If not, it'll be anything goes...

[Plain Jane]

Thanks Cathy. Sorry to be a pest, but I need to correct myself. I put down vintage travel for Group 1, but a better description of what I was thinking is Vintage Transportation. I was thinking of HOW to get someplace, not WHERE to go.

I see Joyce has signed up for spot 3, so rather than confuse anyone can I just have you change mine to "vintage travel/transportation" instead????

Also, thanks for adding the flowers category. Please put me down for hydrangea in Group 12.
Thanks,
Jane

[Seaside Rose]

Got them both, Jane! Oh, I LOVE hydrangeas!

[normat]

Here's a little giggle. I am already thinking of the themes and I came up with a wonderful idea for "Altered Christmas Trees" and hubby and I were discussing them on
the way home tonight. When it hit me! I don't need to worry my head over Christmas
trees - you silly goose - that's my theme - YOU, out there, have to come up with something on that one. That's what you call a "duh" moment.

[Seaside Rose]

So Norma, are you going to share your idea and help some poor crafter out... trying to figure out what an "altered Christmas tree" is??? !!! <big smile> Too funny!!

[normat]

Originally Posted by Seaside Rose

So Norma, are you going to share your idea and help some poor crafter out... trying to figure out what an "altered Christmas tree" is??? !!! <big smile> Too funny!!

Well, let's see, a bit of wire, maybe a bead or two, or even paper chains.
I'm so glad I don't have to worry about it! LOL

[Seaside Rose]

Gosh, you're too funny!

OK, looking for more players!

[normat]

I woke up a few moments ago, with this thought. "Poinsettias". I love them. So put
them in somewhere as you see fit. Or another thought, a grouping called,
"Christmas Fauna." Think about Christmas cards and all the different types of nature you
see there.

[Seaside Rose]

Got it Norma! Thanks!

[StampinGoodDeeds]

Oh I am so glad someone is continuing the PATS! I've enjoyed them tremendously!

I would like spots for these please!

Group 3 - Iris Blue
Group 5 - Unusual Embellishments -- something you wouldn't typically use
Group 12 - Daisies please, maybe the traditional colors or the fun Gerber ones too
Group 13 - School House Rock

Thank you!!!

[StampinGoodDeeds]

So many stamps, so little room (not to mention I have to pay for college now too...):
I've started posting several items I have for sale or trade!
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/fo...6#post14747526

[Plain Jane]

Originally Posted by normat

Here's a little giggle. I am already thinking of the themes and I came up with a wonderful idea for "Altered Christmas Trees" and hubby and I were discussing them on
the way home tonight. When it hit me! I don't need to worry my head over Christmas
trees - you silly goose - that's my theme - YOU, out there, have to come up with something on that one. That's what you call a "duh" moment.

Oh, good. I'm not the only one! I kept thinking, "I can't choose that, I don't have any stamps for that...." Urgghh!
j

[Seaside Rose]

You're all set, Susan. Glad you're here in the swap!

Norma and Jane, you too make me laugh! I keep looking at your themes saying, "I have the perfect stamp for that..." LOL.... I need to watch out or I'll be signed up in every group.

[LoisJP]

I would like to join the embelishment group loisJP Flowers

[terrie.mcnulty]

I'm so excited! Please sign me up for:

Group #5 -- rhinestones
#14 -- B&W photography
#15 -- Christmas mouse

My mind is working overtime already. Thanks for being hostess!

Terrie

[Seaside Rose]

Hi Lois, you found the thread! Ignore my PM back to you in reply to yours LOL... I read your PM before I saw your post here.

Welcome, and you finish up Group 5.

[Seaside Rose]

Welcome to the group, Terrie! Group 5 was full so I started another group for embellishments.

I'm delighted to see so many new people to PAT's! It's going to be a terrific round.

[ajmac]

Oh boy oh boy! Can't believe this is up already!! Congrats Cathy Please sign me up:
Group 1 - Vintage Advertisements
Group 3 - Celery, Soft Suede, Bashful Blue
Group 6 - Vintage Christmas
Group 8 - Unicorns
Group 11 - Hansel and Gretel
Group 13 - Summer of '69
Group 16 - Pearls
Thanks!!

[StampinGoodDeeds]

How about a techniques themed group?
If so I'd like a spot with metallics (either faux metals, sprays, inks, etc.)

[StampinGoodDeeds]

Hi Everyone -- Just sharing that MileyFan is hosting an ATC swap that has Christian, Thanksgiving and Christmas categories if you would like to join!
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/fo...d.php?t=453797

[Seaside Rose]

Thanks, Tamara, glad to see you here!

Susan, great idea, added. You might also want to look at my techniques swap. Post #58 has the schedule for the coming year. The current swap is now closed, but a new swap will open on October 1st.

I'm so loving the ideas everyone is coming up with. The scary part is that I keep thinking.... I could use this stamp for this one, that stamp for that one... do you know what that MEANS. (I have TOO MANY stamps LOL.)

[Seaside Rose]

Susan, invite MileyFan to join us here!

[StampinGoodDeeds]

Hi Cathy!
I'd love to be in the next round of the techniques swap, please be sure to PM me and send me the link when you post it!

Originally Posted by Seaside Rose

Thanks, Tamara, glad to see you here!

Susan, great idea, added. You might also want to look at my techniques swap. Post #58 has the schedule for the coming year. The current swap is now closed, but a new swap will open on October 1st.

I'm so loving the ideas everyone is coming up with. The scary part is that I keep thinking.... I could use this stamp for this one, that stamp for that one... do you know what that MEANS. (I have TOO MANY stamps LOL.)

[Seaside Rose]

Originally Posted by StampinGoodDeeds

Hi Cathy!
I'd love to be in the next round of the techniques swap, please be sure to PM me and send me the link when you post it!

I will definitely try to remember, but I do have my scatterbrained moments. (I'm still too young -- at heart, anyway -- to be a "senior".)

I'll post here when it opens as well... won't be until October... so one way or another, we'll drag you into it LOL. I've decided that I need to limit myself to PAT and Techniques (for hosting) or I will not have any time left for crafting and writing. ATC's are so addictive, it is far too easy for me to overextend!

[beltaine66]

Hi, Could I please have a spot in holidays for Halloween, and favorite fictional detective Sherlock Holmes.. Thanks,Tricia

[Jcicely]

Hi! I'd like to play.

Here are the spots I am requesting -
Group 9: Luck of the Draw (No set group theme) - Turtles
Group 12: Flowers in the Garden - pansies
Group 14: Untitled, ideas welcome, or Luck of the Draw.... - Water
Group 15: Christmas Flora and Fauna - Holly

Thanks!!!

Jessica

[OOCscrapper]

Hi Joyce,
I would love a spot under group 6 - vintage halloween
and group 12 - 60's flowers (flower power)

[Plain Jane]

Originally Posted by Jcicely

Hi! I'd like to play.

Here are the spots I am requesting -
Group 9: Luck of the Draw (No set group theme) - Turtles
Group 12: Flowers in the Garden - pansies
Group 14: Untitled, ideas welcome, or Luck of the Draw.... - Water
Group 15: Christmas Flora and Fauna - Holly

Thanks!!!

Jessica

Hi Jessica -- I finally get to swap with you! Loving our warm weather (again)?
Jane