~*~ sew it ~*~ knit it ~*~ crochet it ~*~ swap it ~*~ SwAp BoX

So, I haven't seen the swap box ads pop up around here as much.... are they not cool any more or have we lost interest?

Anyway, if we haven't lost interest: I've decided to start a swap box. But be warned, I've known a few swap boxes that have circulated that tend to have piles of raw materials, and not much else. I'd like to see a box go around that's a bit more crafty, for those of us who are.

If you're interested, pm me. But be on notice, the swap box contents will be as follows:
- a minimum of 3 handmade items, either knit, crochet, or sewn
- a maximum of 3 store bought items, wearables of any kind as long as they're clean - by wearables I mean items like shirts, bandanas, etc
- a maximum of 3 handmade items that aren't knit, crochet or sewn (ie handmade candles, jewelery, etc)
- a maximum of 5 raw material items, ie hemp, fabric, beads. A tube of beads would count as 1 item, a spool of hemp would also count as 1 item.

I'd like to see a box go around that illustrates the true craftyness of the hipforums, so if you've got a couple leftover crafty items that you've made that can fit in a box, then PM me with YOUR FULL ADDRESS INCLUDING POSTAL CODE AND COUNTRY. I am not going to assume you're from the US or Canada because your address seems that way, you have to write US or Canada.

THIS IS AN OPEN INVITATION TO EVERYONE, IRRIGARDLESS OF WHERE YOU LIVE. Postage costs will vary on the WEIGHT of the box.

THERE WILL BE A TIME LIMIT ON HOW LONG YOU CAN HAVE THE BOX, so be sure to be ready when you receive it, to have it mailed out again within 7 days so that way everyone fairly recieves the box in a timely mannner. No Excuses! IF YA CAN'T FOLLOW THE RULES, DON'T PLAY! The rest of ya are invited to join, though!

 

It's really weird because I have done so many swap boxes through other crafty forums and have always had them turn out wonderful, but for some reason every swap I have ever joined in on here (4 total) have either gotten lost, mysteriously disappeared, or the last person to get the box just failed to mail it out.

I tend to stay away from swaps on here. Unfortunately I know others on here who feel the same way.

 

I usually do to.... even though I'm quite eager to get them, and the ones I do get always get mailed out quickly, I often find that they do get lost But once in a while (rare, though) they have a good turn-around. I'm going to try and keep this list short so it (hopefully) powers through quickly.

But I must say, though, I've signed up for many more than what I had actually received.

 

I'm feeling pretty bitter toward swap boxes at the moment, but I could see one working on here only through members that A: actually post regularly, and B: members that have been on the forums for a while (not the ones that are "hey, i'm kinda new here but i really wanna join the swap box!!"

It would also help having the leader/starter of the swap box more involved in the entire run of the box's course, not just shipping it off and hoping for the best. And some strict shipping guidelines (Priority mail with tracking code, for example) along with keeping the list of participants small would help too.

Personally Cerridwen, and probably just because your experience with swap boxes is more positive than mine, I think a 7 day time limit for keeping the box before shipping it is WAY too long. I feel like people should have their items ready to ship back out the day after receiving it, 2 days max.

But I do like the rest of your guidelines and organization.

 

I agree with LaceandFeet.

I think you need much stricter guidlines and really set a limit on who can joing in and when things need to be shipped.

That said, I still won't be joining in, but I do wish your endeavor well.

 

good ideas....

I'd totally go with a 2 day limit, although realistically most folks don't have the opportunity to go to the post office until a Saturday, and if they get the package on a Monday, then it may become a problem. Although, ideally, I agree, the sooner the better. I can always add that as a note; the 7 day time limit is a MAXIMUM time, but ideally the package would be mailed in a day or two. I do like the idea of the tracking numbers though, good point.

 

maybe it would be cool for everyone to get delivery confirmation on em so whoever you sen it to next has a tracking number

i think the post office charger like 35 cents for em, probably not more than 50 cents

that way everyone know where the box is...

mine got to the last few people and never resurfaced =(

 

yep, as long as people remember to ask for tracking numbers and are willing to pay for 'em, I think it's a great idea....