Altered Charm Swap - Due 8-6-11 - Sign Ups NOW OPEN!!!

Ink Stains

Altered Charm Swap

Due 8-6-11
(This is an in my hands due date)

The Altered Charm Swap Poll has closed and it looks like there is plenty of interest in another swap ~ YEAH!!!  It looks like it's split between now and in a month or so.  To enable everyone to play I set the deadline for August 6th, 2011.  That gives you a little over 7 weeks to make/send your charms.  You of course don't have to wait that long, if you finish them early please feel free to send them along.  I have a special home just waiting for them to arrive.

Altered Charm Swap Details...

Each person will make 5 charms (either the same or different) and get 5 different charms back. You would not get your own back so be sure to make an extra to keep for yourself.   In addition to the charms you will also receive a 5 loop silver charm pin (pictured below) for you to hang your new charms from.  Of course you don't have to use the pin but it's just a nice extra something from me to you for joining in on the fun. 

NOTE: I have the silver version ~ 3" long with 5 loops.

The charms can be created from anything you can dream up... there are tons of ideas on the web (search images under things like altered charms, altered charm bracelets, altered charm necklaces, Tim Holtz style necklace, charm swap; etc.)

There are also lots of ideas here on Ink Stains which can be found under: Acrylic Charms; Charms; Jewelry.   You can also check out the results from the first - Ink Stains Altered Charm Swap Results.  I will also be sharing more charm ideas from now to the due date to inspire and encourage you so be sure to stay tuned! 

If you have a copy of my book ~ Teach Yourself Visually Collage & Altered Arts there is an entire chapter dedicated to creating your own charms.

*You could create your charm from acrylic pieces, glass, metal, clay, found objects, etc. You could embellish bought metal charms (please don't send a plain metal charm) with beads, chain, gears, watch bits or other items. There are many pendant blanks, bezels, etc. that can be altered (insert photo/words, etc & fill with Glossy Accents or the like); you could fill little bottles with sand/beads and other goodies ~ sealed & findings added. And so much more...let your imagination run wild!

*Each charm should have a jump ring or lobster clasp so all you have to do is attach it to the charm pin when you get them back.

*You can make up to 4 different sets** of charms (1 set = 5 of the same charm).  I will give you a pin for each set you send. :)  

**Please note that each set should be a different design.  It makes it difficult to swap out if there are 15 of the exact same design.

Packaging:

*I would like it if each person would identify their charms either by placing it in a baggie with their name and e-mail addy or mounting it on a small card or tag with the same info. It's always nice to be able to thank people personally when you receive a piece of their art work. 

Mailing:

DUE DATE - 8-6-11(This is when the charms must be in my hands.)

NOTE: I am in the United States but welcome anyone to play along.  Please keep in mind that it make take up to 2 weeks mailing time to arrive here in the states depending on what country you live in so please plan appropriately when you send your charms.

*Please package your charms securely so they arrive in good condition.

*Include a self addressed envelope for the return trip.

*Send $3.00 (US) or $6.00 (International) for each set you send for the return postage (or $5.00 for Priority Mail here in the US) - I will return any unused postage to you. PLEASE do NOT include pre-metered postage labels. My local post office will not accept these. They will refuse them! If you would like to pay-pal me the money that would work as well.  Whatever works easiest for you works for me.

Sign Ups:

If you would like to sign up for this swap, please post a comment with your name (screen name or real name) and a working e-mail addy*.  I don't need to know how many sets you will be making ~ whatever you send will be fine with me. 

When you sign up, please include your e-mail addy (spaces added) so I can contact you.  I will be sending the swap details, my mailing address and swap updates/reminders to this e-mail address. Please be sure it is a working address that you check often so you can stay up to date on all the swap info.  Let me know if you don't receive an e-mail from me within 24 hours of signing up and I will re-send.   Thanks!

Blue = Recd

1. Roni
2. Dixie (Mom)
3. Brenda S.
4. Lori W.
5. Scrapyard Butterfly
6. Sandy
7. Hecate
8. Carolyn
9. Jo J
10. Neil
11. Sherry E - Recd
12. Andrea
13. Theresa P - sent
14. Connie B
15. Helen C
16. Von
17. Darqueangel9
18. Diane
19. Ink Pattie
20. Sherry (Creatology)
21. Jennie (Whimsical Wren)
22. Gail - sent
23. Jan
24. Khess136
25. Laura -sent
26. Celina
27. Cheryl L
28. Shirley H - sent
29. Cassie - sent
30. Carol W
31. JoZarty
32. Sue A
33. Pam J
34. Debbie
35. Margaret R.
36. Julie O'B
37. Becky W
38. Candy C
39. Vic
40. Caroline D.
41. Olga B