Ink Stains Altered Christmas Charm Swap - Due 10-13-12

1st Annual Ink Stains

Altered Christmas Charm Swap

Due Date: 10-13-12

Come one, Come all to the first ever

Ink Stains Altered Christmas Charm Swap!!

Everyone is invited be it your first swap or your fiftieth ~

Give yourself an early Christmas gift by joining in the fun.

Details...Each person will make 5 charms (either the same or very similar) and get 5 different charms back. You would not get your own back so be sure to make an extra to keep for yourself.

Everyone who participates will get one silver chotski pin to to hang your charms from.  (I can't send one for each group this time...I don't have enough left after the last swap)

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 the blog under: Acrylic Charms; Charms; Jewelry.

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, 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 3 sets of charms (1 set = 5 of the same charm) per group.
NOTE: For this swap that would be a total of 6 sets

THEMES:

I have had a request for two groups secular & religious.  You can join one or both groups. Please let me know which group(s) you want to join when you sign up and include your e-mail addy so I can send you my mailing address.


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:

NOTE: I am in the United States but I welcome anyone who would like to play along. In the past we've had players from North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.  I'd love to have artist from these and other areas join in the fun as well.  You're all welcome :)

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

*Include a self addressed envelope for the return trip or if you want your charms returned priority mail please include a card with your full mailing address.

*Send $4.00 or $5.15 for Priority Mail in the United States. All others please send $7.00 for International First Class for the return postage. I will return any excess postage not used.

PLEASE do NOT include pre-metered postage. 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. My e-mail addy will be in the final details.

Due Date:

Your charms are due October 13, 2012. This is when your package must be in my hands. I want to swap them out that weekend and have them back in the mail the following Monday so you can start enjoying them! :)

You are more than welcome to send your charms early. I have a special place set aside to keep them all safe!

Sign Ups:

Please include your e-mail addy (spaces added) so I can send you my mailing address.

Secular:
(non-religious/Traditional/Santa/Reindeer/etc.)

1. Roni
2. Dixie (Mom)
3. Kristy T.
4. Brenda S.
5. Nan G.
6. Peg R
7. RJ
8. Esther
9. Theresa
10. Linda D
11. Nickalli
12. Caroline D
13. Olga B
14. Shirley Hall
15. Mary Jo
16. Loretta M
17. Julie C
18. Kelli Sue
19. Anabela
20. Kris J
21. Terry D
22. April
23. Teresa R.
24. Jennifer D
25. Candace J
26. Marge S.
27. Jamie M
28. Sandie B

Religious:

1. Roni
2. Dixie (Mom)
3. Kristy T
4. Nan G
5. Nickalli
6. Caroline D
7. Olga B.
8. Loretta M
9. Anabela
10. April
11. Marge S.