1.21.2014

:: Blogger SWAP :: (you're invited!)


THE SWAP IS NOW CLOSED.  THANKS EVERYONE FOR YOUR ENTHUSIASM!





***NOTE ABOUT SWAP***
(added 2/2/14)
I will be 'closing' the swap in the coming day or so in order to draw names and get things started.  If you are interested in signing up and haven't contacted me/gotten back to me yet with your physical address, email, and blog information, please do so ASAP to avoid not being able to participate.  Also, I have decided to include Canadian participants after signing someone up without realizing she was from Ontario- all Canadian swappers will be swapping with fellow Canadians. thanks!




It is likely that my excitement will be dripping out of my fingertips as I write this post~  ever since my last swap, after being asked by a few other bloggers whether or not they thought a virtual one could be pulled together, I've been thinking about it.

A few weeks ago I emailed a handful of lovely women around the country to see if any of them might be interested in playing along and nearly all of them said yes.  And so, there is already a pretty awesome and solid base of folks ready to play along, but I'm hoping to take it a little further in the interest of connecting with others near and far and because, well, with something like this it may just be a case of the more the merrier.

This morning an article I wrote about hosting swap parties came out on Grounded magazine's website and can be found here:
http://groundedmag.com/hosting-a-handmade-swap-party/

And while this upcoming swap will differ from those in that we won't all be able to connect in person and eat, drink, and be merry while 'shopping' for our swap goodies, I do believe it will still involve plenty of fun and connection.  And it just might shake up cranky old February a bit.  And so, should you be interested in joining in, read on for more details and 'fine print', and contact me either via email or comment, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.  I do ask that in order to join in you have a blog (or some way for people to connect with you beyond a name on a card) of your own so that there can be a sense of connection and such for those involved.












Blogger Swap details

:: I will continue to spread the word for a week or so in order to grow this a bit, at which point I will 'close' it, draw names, and contact each of you with the name and address of the person whom you are to send your item(s) to **(please see note below concerning what items to send and details regarding them).  Please let me know when contacting me to sign up whether or not you have any food allergies and such, so that I can pass that important information along when the time is right.

:: I'll ask that everyone have their outgoing package in the mail in the second half of (BY the last week of) February.

:: we then wait anxiously as our packages make their way across the country from (and to!) us, and then  all have big smiles at our mailboxes one fine day.  we proceed to enjoy our goodies accordingly, and perhaps (hopefully) we've made some interesting and meaningful connections along the way.

:: possibly, repeat as needed


**regarding item or items to be sent:
please send items that are either edible or generally utilitarian. (see swap article above for ideas)  Those of you planning to sew/knit something may wish to send just one item since those are generally more time consuming than others, whereas if I make a large batch of salves or lip balms or jams or granola or who knows what- I'd likely send multiple smaller items along.  Be mindful of the time/energy/effort you put into it and know that what you will receive could reflect a similar expenditure of time/energy/effort, but that it may not, and make sure you are okay with that.  

I've already been asked by some about adding other little items from your hometown, or items you think 'your' person will like after you find out who it is and try to gauge their interests through their blog... of course that's okay!  there will be no upper limit to the kindness/thoughtfulness/effort that you pack into your little box! 

also- shipping costs will vary greatly from one item to the next, so think about that before deciding what to send along.  Some things may easily slide into a large envelope, others you may be able to fit into a small flat rate USPS box.  be creative!


*open to US residents only to ensure (relatively) even shipping costs for all involved, and to bloggers only for both connectivity and accountability*

136 comments:

  1. OOh how exciting. Being neither crafty nor on your side of the Atlantic I won't participate but good for you for organising (and being published too).

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    1. Thanks, Rach! hope things are well on your side of the ocean~

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  2. This sounds like so much fun! I'm not sure if I am crafty or utilitarian enough, but I think I might like to try. Would we be making a whole bunch of items for many people or do we get paired up and make something for one person? Thank you so much!
    Summer
    www.summerplayshouse.com

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    1. Hi Summer! great! I'd love to have you join in! oh, I'm sure you are plenty crafty and such- people have brought all kinds of things to these swaps and really I just aim to keep everything fairly widely appealing and usable. in that article over at Grounded I mention several example of things people have brought, so you can see how much variety there really is. In my swaps here at home people bring as few or as many items as they wish and leave with the same number of things. for this, I will draw names and 'assign' everyone a person (not necessarily the same as who will have you, that way we should all connect with at least 2 people). I'll add you to the list and email you soon- my email is amandapros@hotmail.com

      cheers!

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  3. Would love to join in!! (but I am sure you know that already!)

    can't wait to see all the goodness this brings! xo

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    1. wonderful! yes, I've got you on the list. but I still need an email address for you so that I can get you on the email list. mine is amandapros@hotmail.com~ send it along when you can.

      me too!

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  4. I have blogged about it over here: http://www.pumpkinsunrise.com/2014/01/blogger-swap.html

    So so so very excited about this!

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  5. It's been a long time since I participated in a swap and would love to join this one. Sounds like a lot of fun! :-) My email address is: ankecox@hotmail.com

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    1. nice to meet you, Anke~ I'll add you to the list!

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  6. Hi - I found your swap through someone who commented on my Yarn Along blog post and I am interested in participating. Food items would be very tricky for me because I'm on a restrictive diet due to health issues. I have a chart of what I can/cannot eat so that might help someone out if they would still be interested in giving an edible gift a try:
    http://adventureswithkelly.blogspot.com/2013/11/why-im-not-looking-forward-to.html

    I just love handmade items so I think this swap will be a lot of fun. My email is kjramstack@yahoo.com

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    1. hi Kelly! it will be no problem to work with your food restrictions- I'd just pass that info along to the person who gets your name so that they know non-food items would be best. and if they were set on food items, I can just play around and pair you up with someone else!

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  7. i'd love to play, too!!!! (saw this on Karen's blog)....and I'm so glad she 'introduced' me to your blog!!! Oh, this blogging community...I love it!!!
    soyknits@bellsouth.net

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    1. great! added you to the list! (I love it, too~ so many interesting connections to be made)

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  8. This sounds like so much fun! I would love to participate. My blog is http://knit1spin2.blogspot.com. My email address is knit1spin2@cox.net. Looking forward to it.... Donna

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  9. I read about your swap over at Pumpkin Sunrise (Karen) and think this sounds so fun! Thank you for the opportunity to join in. :) ~Lisa

    www.happyindolevalley.blogspot.com
    happyindolevalley@gmail.com

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  10. I would love to join in the swap, how fun.
    warmly,
    Tracey
    I have a blog...
    http://clover-seven.blogspot.com
    and my email is...
    1tims@embarqmail.com

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  11. Count me in, sounds like fun! Shout out to Karen we sent me here :)

    Blog: www.motheringwithmindfulness.com
    Email: kimcorrigan_oliver at hotmail dot com

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  12. How lovely! I'd love to join in as well!

    (And another shout out to Karen for cluing me in!)

    blog: mommymarginalia.blogspot.com

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    1. so glad you'd like to join in, Victoria! can you give me your email address? I didn't see one on your blog and would like to add you to the email list.

      yes, Karen sent a ton of folks my way~ yay!

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  13. This sounds great fun, also pointed in this direction by Karen, does it matter I'm in Sri Lanka? It will be my very first swap, would love to participate...
    My blog is www.knit1tea1.com/blog
    E-mail is Rebecca.ward at knit1tea1 dot com
    Looking forward to hearing from you... Rebecca x

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    1. Hello, Rebecca! I hate to exclude anyone from this, but I think I need to keep it here in the states, at least this first time around. Reason being I wouldn't want international shipping costs to make it hard for anyone to afford to send their packages. I was going to say how about finding a blogger partner in Sri Lanka for it, but then you wouldn't need me to organize it anyway! I apologize- and hope that it doesn't seem too exclusive.
      cheers~

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    2. Hello Amanda, I understand, I got all excited when I first read about it but thought afterwards maybe it would be for the states only! Never mind.. hope you all have fun :)

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  14. I really would like to get involved, however I do live in England UK does that matter? I have recently started a blog it is www.mamasmercantile.blogspot.co.uk.

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  15. oh amanda, this will be so fun! thank you for taking the time to organize it!

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    1. I think it will be fun~ I'm looking forward to sitting down with the list once I let it grow a wee bit more and drawing names for everyone and getting it going!

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  16. My sincere apologies I hadn't thought about food restrictions or the cost of posting to the UK, but an absolutely wonderful idea.

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    1. well there is certainly no need for apologies~ I hadn't given it much thought since I'd assumed (why I don't know) that there'd only be folks in the states signing up anyway. that was silly of me- this blog world, after all, covers the entire planet! Someone in Sri Lanka asked earlier about participating and I had to stop and think about it. Ultimately I decided to keep it stateside this go around, so as to keep shipping reasonably priced for all participants. Maybe you can start one in the UK?
      cheers~

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    2. I will be following with interest and hope it all goes well. It is such a wonderful idea.

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  17. Count me in! I saw this on Karen's blog too! These things can be a hassle to organize but I love that you're taking it on (and not me!). http://dymacek.blogspot.com/

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    1. great! added you to the list. ah, I don't think it will be too bad (she says naively). I'm a bit of a dork when it comes to lists and such and actually look forward to sitting down with a big list and drawing names to match people up and such. we'll see how I feel about it when we get to the other side ;) but honestly, I'm pretty excited at this point!

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  18. GIRL! You are really getting some folks! What a nice success. I'll look forward to sending my gift!
    XO
    C

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    1. I know! it's growing, that's for sure. someone (Summer) saw the mention of the article on your post and came over to sign up- thanks!
      xo

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  19. I read about this swap on Karen's blog. I go to food swaps here in Denver and love it. I think this blogger swap sounds like a lot of fun so count me in!
    Thanks for organizing it!
    Jen
    http://the-random-thoughts-in-my-head.blogspot.com

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    1. great, I'd love to have you join in! can you please email me your email and physical addresses so I can add you to the list? (my email is under the contact link above)
      thanks!

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  20. I would love to join the craft swap. My email is kjmkak@msn.com.. and what great inspiration to update my blog. KYM

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    1. added you to the list- just need your name and physical address
      thanks!

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  21. This sounds like fun! I would love to join. My email is mcarverallmond@gmail.com Thanks!

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    1. great! you're on the list! I think I've read your blog before..... My Bit of Earth, right? lovely.

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  22. I would love to join in the fun, it's been a long time since I had the chance to join in a swap. email patchchild @ yahoo dot com

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  23. I've been seeing links to this swap all over the internets and would love to join in, but I see you've (understandably) limited it to US residents. Thinking maybe I should start one here in Canada. Any tips on starting a swap like this that you'd like to pass on?

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    1. Hi Erin! Heather, from Beauty that Moves, suggested coming to Amanda's blog to join the swap. I, too, live in Canada (Quebec City) so am unable to join this one. Let me know if you decide to start a swap!

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    2. Hello Erin and Lynn-
      I'm also Canadian (Toronto) and was hoping to join after reading about this on Heather's blog. Please do let me know if either of you find or decide to start something similar for Canadians!
      Kylie (likepurlsoffastring AT gmail DOT com)

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    3. Oh, me, too! Erin, that would be wonderful!!!! This looks so fun and while I've participated in a crafty swap years ago, it has been a long while. Let's do it!
      xo Jules

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    4. Oh I do hope you all do it! seems there's a good number of ready and willing swappers in Canada and the UK. Erin- the article in Grounded is a good place to start for hosting 'real world' ;) swaps. As far as a more virtual/online one..... I'll get up with you about tips after we see how this thing pans out! cheers and good luck~

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    5. Hi Erin, I was hoping to join in this swap as well but being Canadian found I couldn't so I would LOVE to know if you end up hosting one so I can join in :)

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    6. ATTENTION CANADIAN FOLKS!! after realizing one person I'd already added to the list is indeed from your lovely country, and that there are several of you, I have decided to INCLUDE CANADIANS IN THE SWAP. you will however, be swapping with fellow Canadians, so I just have to make sure to get an even number of you involved. so far, by the looks of it, there are 6 or 7 of you. email me if you are interested in taking part in this little Canadian swap, and I'll add you to the list!
      cheers!

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  24. I'd love to join as well! My email is aneterer@gmail.com I've actually been planning to start a crafting/diving/Alaska blog for a while, and this seems like the perfect reason to finally do it!

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    1. great, Allison! just email me with your mailing address and blog name/address and I'll add you to the list~

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  25. Oh do add my name to the swap! This sounds like so much fun and indeed will spruce up February! I will be watching for more details soon :-)
    Peggy
    My email is thesimplewoman@gmail.com

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  26. Oh, how I would love to participate and shake off the cold weather, stuck inside funk. But, alas, I don't have a blog...

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    1. I'm sorry, Catie! I don't at all wish to be exclusive, but feel for the sake of connection and accountability (mostly connection) that I'd like to keep it among bloggers. I hope that makes sense and isn't terribly off-putting. Have you thought about hosting a swap at home? (they're the best!) cheers, Amanda

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  27. I would love to take part!!! My email is design at j2solutions dot net

    Thank you!!!

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    1. wonderful- added you to the list! expect an email seeking your physical address soon (or just send it to me ;)

      cheers

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  28. Oh I would love to join in on this! My e-mail is Mariology21@yahoo.com

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  29. I haven't never done a craft swap before but this sounds like a great idea (and will hopefully help me pass my least favorite month of the year.) Hatkinson02@hotmail.com. Thanks!

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  30. Sounds delightful! Please add my name as well.
    crispybutter1986@yahoo.com
    wildthymefarmstead.blogspot.com
    Be well,
    Lisa

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  31. I would love to participate! The blog is thehappycorner.wordpress.com and my email address is kaseymgm@gmail.com

    Thank you!

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  32. It's been a while since I was in a lovely bloggy swap, I am so happy I found out about this one!
    My name is Jess my blog is http://fifthlampdown.blogspot.com/ and my email is bandjontheriver@msn.com

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  33. I would love to join in. I belong to another swap group and we send packages monthly . I love to send and receive packages.
    XXOO
    Elizabeth

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    1. great! I got your email and you're on the list~ I made a 'no food' note as well, no problem ;)

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  34. I would love to join as well! This sounds like such fun! My blog is www.wildmae.com and my email is kerrie@wildmae.com. Thanks for putting this together!

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  35. I read your article in grounded when it first came out and loved it.... and then found this link through my friend Heather's blog. I would love to join! I blog at www.gypsyforest.com and my email is contact@gypsyforest.com ~ thank you!!

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    1. excellent- added you to the list! I recognize your name from comments on Nichole's blog (live free), and I've read yours before, too ;)

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  36. I read through the comments and saw that you're keeping it in the US. Another reason to miss home! If you decide to do a European (or international) version one day - I'd love to play!

    By blog is at earthapplestudio.com

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    1. I wish there were an easy way to organize it so that all the folks in Europe (and Canada, Sri Lanka....) who wish to participate could be a part of it! I just feel I must keep shipping costs and such on as even ground as possible for all involved. perhaps you could get one going in your neck of the woods?

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  37. This sounds like fun! I would likely sew something for this swap -- maybe a kitchen item or tote bag. Sign me up!
    cityhousestudio@yahoo.com

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  38. I'd love to share in this... this kind swap sounds wonderful. Though I love to bake and cook,,, one of my favorite things to gift is my mini leather medicine bags with a wee surprise inside.
    sandradunn.blogspot.com
    sdunnart@yahoo.com

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  39. Oh, I've done something like this before and it was so fun! Count me in, please. My blog is: http://juliekp71.blogspot.com/ Thanks so much for hosting this swap.

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  40. This sounds like so much fun. I've never done a swap before, so I am excited to try it. Quick questions Amanda. Do I send one package to one person with different handmade goodies? Or the same goodie to different people? One item? Few different things?

    I'm in Oregon and you can reach me at: NaturallyFunDays(at) gmail (dot)com. I have a blog too, but I decided to take a little break for few weeks, but you can find me online too: http://naturallyfundays.wordpress.com/

    Thank you for organizing this. From your article sounds like you've learn lots and you've been having lots of fun! Thank you for your time. --Marcela

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    1. everyone participating will get the name and address of one other person whom they are to send their package to. what you put in it is up to you, but see the last couple paragraphs of the post above for more details/thoughts regarding that.

      I've added your name to the list!

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  41. What a lovely idea this is. I can't join in because I'm in Oxford, England. But I wish you all fun and good luck and I'll be watching the progress reading lots of these blogs. Maybe I should start one over here.
    Have fun,
    debby

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    1. oh I think you should! there's quite the U.K. crowd wanting to participate, so I doubt it'd be much trouble getting something together~
      cheers!

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  42. Darn it! I live in Canada or England. This might be another notch on the pro-old-house-in-Vermont side...lol. Found your blog via Heather-beauty that moves and now I'm off to read some more posts and get to know you. :)

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    1. hello Veronica! lots of you ladies from Canada and the U.K. interested in swapping! I bet you could all come up with something pretty easily~

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    2. Veronica- I've decided to include Canadians (you will just all swap with fellow Canadians). so... let me know if that interests you!

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  43. Yes, please! I enjoyed your article, the last paragraph especially.
    My blog is at heirloomseasons.blogspot.com and my email address is renee.magalis@gmail.com
    (I had discovered your blog just a while ago and was glad to be reminded of it…)
    Happy day to you!
    Renee

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    1. Oh, Renee, I wish I could participate here, too. Sadly, sometimes even living in Canada can be too far away. xo

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    2. hello Renee~ the last paragraph is where my heart got to show through a bit ;)
      I added you to the list. you are in the states, yes?
      a happy day to you, too!

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  44. Hey there. I would love to be part of this swap. If it's still open.
    My blog:http://sqrlbeestudio.tumblr.com/
    My email : melissafrueh@gmail.com
    Thanks!

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    1. still open. I'll be gathering physical addresses and getting organized this weekend, then will get things rolling next week. I added you to the list! which of your blogs do you feel is best for others to connect with you?

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  45. Heard about his on Beauty that Moves, which I love. Sounds like so much fun! I would love to join in on the swap :) http://littleleaffibers.wordpress.com/
    broderickshana@gmail.com Yay!

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    1. hello Shana! I added your name to the list!

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  46. I would love to participate, as well! My blog is homespired.blogspot.com & my email is julieforkner@gmail.com. Thanks so much. I also have the same questions Marcela had about sending a few items to one person or sending to multiple. :-) This is exciting!

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    1. hi Julie~ added you to the list! see the last couple paragraphs of the above post to help answer your questions in more detail, but essentially everyone will get the name and address of one other person whom you are to send your package to. (what goes in is up to you, with an aim to keep things relatively utilitarian and widely appealing) thanks for your interest!

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  47. Hi, I would love to participate - I found my way here from Heather at Beauty that Moves...I haven't done a blog swap in years but they are fun.

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    1. hello sonrie~ got your email with your address and have added you to the list!
      I'm hoping it will be loads of fun~

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  48. I'd love to be a part! Thanks to Heather at beautythatmoves! My email: crossmanking@gmail.com. Woefully out of date blog: growingupvh@blogspot.com

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  49. I would like to participate! My name is Jaime and my blog is www.homeschoolstory.com. my email is jaimegravitt@gmail.com

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  50. I would love to participate. My blog is www.cardinalacre.blogspot.com.

    Thanks!

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    1. Hi Marianna~ I'm happy to add you to the list, I just need your email and physical addresses. send them my way when you get a minute!
      cheers~

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  51. Oh how I would love to participate in this swap! This is just what I need right now. Thank you so much for organizing it!! (I found you by way of Beauty that Moves :-)
    Peace,
    ~Michelle

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    1. hello Michelle~ email me with your mailing address and blog information and I'll add you to the list!
      cheers

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  52. hej this sounds sooo lovely but unfortunately I'm sitting here in Germany. Any chance I could play along? :0/ here is my blog www.kaffiknopf.de such a sweet idea! *mirjam

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    1. I am keeping this swap amongst US residents (and a handful of Canadians who will swap with each other) so as to keep shipping costs reasonable for all participants. Maybe you can get one going in Germany!

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    2. also- just peeked at your blog and I think the images are lovely~ I say images because I can't read German ;) even though I took it in high school... ah well, no practice left me pretty low in German vocabulary.

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  53. I would love to participate! And am so in love with reading your blog and getting "caught" up already! I found you via Heathers blog at Beauty that Moves. be well **

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  54. oops I forgot to give my email.. if time is still allowing that is! FortsvilleCreekFarm@gmail.com

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    1. hi Melissa! I'd love to add your name to the list~

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  55. I would love to sign up to swap as well! Found you through Beauty That Moves Blog. I also have food restrictions/allergies (Gluten Free Vegetarian) like another commenter above. Please let my swap partner know I'd love a handmade gift that isn't food. Email is jegmont at gmail dot com and blog is jeckabee.wordpress.com - Thanks!

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  56. Are you still taking joiners? If so, I'd love to be a part of this! Thanks.

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    1. still open! just email me your physical address and blog information and I'll add you to the list~

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  57. I'd love to join in if you are still accepting! My name is Julia, my email is jules@adirondack-mama.com and my blog is http://happinesscomesinlittlebits.blogspot.com/

    Thanks so much.
    Julia

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    1. you're in! I just need your mailing address~

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  58. I'd love to participate! I just started blogging at http://mygrandmotherslegacy.wordpress.com/
    My email address is molly.farmerjane@gmail.com

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    1. you're on the list, Molly! I just need your mailing address.
      thanks

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  59. hopefully it's not too late....I'd love to join in! My blog is gentle-home.blogspot.com Thank you so much :0

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  60. Hi Amanda, I am hoping that this reaches you in time to join. It sounds like so much fun. My blog is http://clloveblog.wordpress.com/.

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    1. just in time! I am writing up the post now to close it up. can you please send me your email and address asap? (my email is amandapros@hotmail.com)

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  61. Please consider running one of these again. I'd love to participate (found you via Heather's workshop) but seems I missed the cutoff. thanks! karen in VA

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  62. it's possible, for sure~ let me see how this one goes, but I could definitely see hosting one of these once or twice a year!

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  63. Getting ready to head off to the post office. I just wanted to share the post of my crafts heading off to my partner.
    http://happinesscomesinlittlebits.blogspot.com/2014/02/handmade-blogger-swap-my-crafts-rest.html
    This has been a complete blast. Thanks!
    Truly, Julia

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    1. you are very welcome, Julia~ thank YOU for participating! what a lovely package!

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  64. Oh, so sorry that I missed this! Next time!

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thanks for taking the time to read and comment~