Christmas 5 card swap 2010

[Winspiration]

Just thought that I would flag this up now, to give people plenty of time to prepare, if you are interested in joining in :happy:

The idea is for each person to make 5 Christmas cards from our individual mountains of Christmas stash, send them to me with an SAE by the end of November, to beat the Christmas post.

We each sign the cards that we send, and I will redistribute them (using a spreadsheet) so that we each get gorgeous cards from 5 different forum members and we know that 5 of our own cards have gone to fellow crafters, who will really appreciate the work that has gone into them.

When received, pictures of the cards are posted on the forum in the usual way, as with other card swaps. It's best if you enclose an A4 sized SAE (jiffy bags may take it into the packet category, which is much more expensive), stamped for 250g large letter size (81p second class, 96p first class).

The only change that I'm planning to make this year is to flag up well in advance that the swap will take place on the weekend of 4 - 5 December, i.e. I'm not going to hold the swap up waiting for late cards this year. It's quite a big task, so I prefer to do it at the weekend, and if we leave it later, experience has shown that some of the cards end up getting delayed in the Christmas post mayhem - this isn't fair on those who did take the trouble to get their cards to me in plenty of time.

All are very welcome to join in this one off swap (the more the merrier, I think we had 29 last year) - I hope I haven't made it sound too complicated, I'm just trying to cover in advance all the questions people may have about the swap - if you have any more, just ask!

You don't need to commit definitely to the swap until mid - late November, but just wondered who might be interested this year?

[Phree]

I will try to join in Wins.

[sheilaj]

Have been looking forward to this since last year....I am deffo in please Wins

[papercraftbycarole]

Think I will join too - but will confirm nearer the time if that's OK, as don't know what my situation will be then!! Cxx

[budgie]

Count me in please Wins, been looking forward to this one!

[Elaine]

I would also love to join please.
Elaine

[Marzipan]

me me me ive been waiting for you to post about this for ages

[LorraineJ]

Yes please. I will take some Christmas gear with me into hospital!!

[Rainbowwand]

and its a yes please from me too,

[Princess4Wiz]

Yes please, Wins :D

[Rentochops]

Me please Wins!

[LoobyLou]

In principle Wins I am very much interested, but I need to see how things pan out closer to the time.

[Victoria]

I would also like to join in Wins. Thank you.

[satincollie]

Yes please definitely count me in

[Spendsloads]

I haven't started my cardmaking yet, but I have enjoyed this swap so much in previous years, I definitely want to join in again too.

[Helen S]

Please count me in too Wins.

Thanks for organising.

cheers
Helen

[englishminx]

OOOO count me in please Wins

[angela]

count me in too wins please

[Julie]

I would love to join in too Wins !!

[Waterlily]

Me too please Wins.

[Wellington]

http://i1018.photobucket.com/albums/af305/SheilaKru/SANTA__133333.gif Me please!

[blueshowbizz]

Yes please Winspiration :)

[scrappin'granny]

Me, please, Wins, but I'll need to confirm.

[kitten_with_claws]

Me please Wins, I'd like to join in too! :up:

[Maisie]

I would like to join in please

[kitten_with_claws]

How big an SAE should we send Wins, being as it's got to accommodate 5 cards - A4 with lots of stamps on? (Trying to think what 5 cards might weigh here.....! lol)

[Winspiration]

Kitten, I suggest an A4 sized SAE (jiffy bags may take it into the packet category, which is much more expensive), stamped for 250g large letter size (72p second class, 96p first class) :wink:

[budgie]

Would that be 2 or 3 large letter stamps Wins?

[Winspiration]

I don't think you'd need as much as that, Budgie - according to my postal rates list large letter rate for 0-100g (which I figure would be a large letter stamp) is 66p for 1st class & 51p for 2nd class

[Sugarbabe]

Please may I join in the swap, this will be my first time, so can you please send me your addy, many thanks.

[sheilaj]

Wins if we were in last year, can we assume you've got our details?

[Winspiration]

Sheila, you can, but all I need to know now is whether you're interested, then I just need your cards and an SAE :wink:

Sugarbabe, I'll PM you :)

Thanks for all the interest so far, I'll do a list when I get rountuit :cheeky:

[Dips]

Oh, just back from hols and seen your post, Wins. I will of course be participating as per usual!

[Joanne]

I would also like to join

[3BC]

I think that I'd like to do this, but will have to wait for a while to see how I am doing time wise if that's ok Wins?
I will post again if I am going ahaead, thank you for organising it.

[Winspiration]

OK here's the preliminary list, if there is an asterisk, it means provisional at this stage:

3BC*
Angela
Blueshowbizz
Budgie
Dips
Englishminx
Joanne
Julie
Kitten_with_claws
LoobyLou*
LorraineJ
LothianCrafts
Maisie
Marilynmcl*
Marzipan
Papercraftbycarole
Phree*
Princess4Wiz
Rainbowwand
Rentochops
Rosy
Satincollie
Scrappin'Granny*
SheilaJ
Spendsloads
Sugarbabe
Victoria
Wellington
Winspiration

Hope I've got that right, if I've made any boo boos, it isn't personal just me being dim, so let me know!

Still plenty of time for anyone else to join in, whether you are new to the forum or a longstanding member, everyone is very welcome :hi: All the nitty gritty detail, so hopefully all you need to know about the swap, is in my first post on this thread.

[LipstickCherry]

I'll be a provisional too at this stage please Wins.

[Waterlily]

Really sorry Wins, I'm going to have to drop out.

Thanks.

[Winspiration]

Sorry to hear that Pam :( - thanks for letting me know though.

[Winspiration]

Just bumping this as there is only a month to go now :whew:

Any more takers for this swap? All the information you need (hopefully!) is in my first post on this thread - otherwise, just ask away :)

[Winspiration]

Bumping again - three weeks to go now - doesn't time fly! :happy:

[budgie]

Working on mine now!

[Rentochops]

Me too Budgie, can't believe it's not that long now! As you can probably tell I adore Crimbo, am watching The Christmas Shop on QVC atm! I make at least one xmas card per week and can't believe how many I've made so far!

[Wellington]

As per usual, haven't actually managed to start yet...One year maybe I will start early...

[Marilynmcl]

am hoping to join in too......health permitting..fingers and toes crossed...oh no....canny do that and craft.....but you know what I mean!!

[fabyon]

And this year I'll remember to sign the cards ! :( I just realised that when I wrote to you about the card I picked it was the swap you did last year....can't believe this year has gone so fast !

[Rentochops]

And this year I'll remember to sign the cards ! :( I just realised that when I wrote to you about the card I picked it was the swap you did last year....can't believe this year has gone so fast !

It was July last time I looked!!!

[LipstickCherry]

I'm going to have to pull out of this one Wins. Really sorry.

[Winspiration]

Sorry to hear that, Anne, but thanks for letting me know

[papercraftbycarole]

Hi Wins,
Am definately in with this now. And am feeling virtuous now as the cards are done and ready to go!!! Cxx

[LoobyLou]

Hi Wins,
Am definately in with this now. And am feeling virtuous now as the cards are done and ready to go!!! Cxx

*points finger, pokes out tongue and yells* teachers pet!!!

[angela]

Haven't even started yet, all the cards I've made have been snaffled up, so I need to find a day to play

[budgie]

Haven't even started yet, all the cards I've made have been snaffled up, so I need to find a day to play

Me too. My DD has just been up and taken most of my cards home with her! Need to get a wiggle on and get more done!

[Sugarbabe]

Posted mine today 2nd class, hope they arrive safe and well.

http://cazroscraftycorner.blogspot.com/

[Winspiration]

Thanks Sugarbabe - will PM you when they arrive :)

[sheilaj]

mine going off this weekend :)

[kitten_with_claws]

Wins - I just had a sudden thought.....are we supposed to put them in a sealed envelope, an open envelope, or send them loose......? (Sorry, I know I'm a bit thick.....! lol)
I know they all have to go in a big envelope to send, I mean individually!

[Winspiration]

It's entirely up to you, Kitten, just to make things difficult :grin:

Envelopes are probably a good idea for a bit of added protection, and if you don't seal the envelopes, I may well admire your creations :wink:

That won't be a factor in the swap though, i.e. who gets which cards, as I will work that out on a spreadsheet beforehand. Experience has shown that it's the easiest way of organising it, for me anyway!

[kitten_with_claws]

OK, ta Wins - I just had visions of you buried under a mountain of sealed envelopes, clutching your little spreadsheet but not knowing who sent which cards 'cos they're all in identical cream & white envelopes! LOL

[Winspiration]

Ah, good point, Kitten - well it *would* be a good idea to include a clue as to who you are when you send them if the envelopes are sealed, although I can generally glean that from the SAE :wink: - that way I can also PM you to let you know your cards have arrived :)

I usually keep the whole packages together, & put them all in a big box until the day of the big swap - there is method to my madness, honestly! Here are a couple of pics (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=42822&id=1486455164&l=953ea3a8f1) of last year's swap in progress!

[Julie]

Wins is it Nov 30 our swaps are due or earlier

Ohhh sorry to cross swaps but does anyone know when the Secret Santa Cards have to be sent off by as well

MTIA, I am on limited forum time at the moment and can't go through the various threads !

[kitten_with_claws]

Wins is it Nov 30 our swaps are due or earlier

Ohhh sorry to cross swaps but does anyone know when the Secret Santa Cards have to be sent off by as well

MTIA, I am on limited forum time at the moment and can't go through the various threads !

5 card swap to be with Wins by end Nov.
Secret Santa to be posted by end Nov.
HTH Julie.

[scrappin'granny]

I'm ready to go, Wins, but I can't find your address - would you be so kind as to pm me with it please.

Thanks, Sheila

[papercraftbycarole]

Same for me Wins - am ready to send - but don't know where!! Cxx

[Winspiration]

Have PM'd you both :)

[budgie]

Mine would have been ready if my flipping heat gun hadn't blown up! Hope Joanna gets my new one here quick!

[Joanne]

I have 2 made but now have card makers block. So about to ordered some new crafty bits to help lol.

[sheilaj]

Just posted mine and feeling jingly :)

[satincollie]

Will be posting mine tomorrow

[Wellington]

Hurrah!!! Started making crimble cards an hour ago. Well, to be precise, started making parts of crimble cards...haven't actually assembled one :cheeky: But hey, it's a start. Might even get the Christmas stash box down from under DD's bed later so I can finish some now I'm in the mood :nod:

[Joanne]

Still got 3 to make and still waiting for WOC to get the flowers in I want to put on them. Looks like I will have to start using the ones from my stash

This weekend is going to be Christmas card making.

[budgie]

Hoping to finish mine this weekend!

[papercraftbycarole]

Same for me Wins - am ready to send - but don't know where!! Cxx

Wins, I think you tried to send me a message with the address, but my inbox was full. I have now emptied it, so can you try again?? Please???

Thanks

Cxx

[LorraineJ]

I've made quite a few cards for Christmas and now need to make a selection and get them in the post.

[angela]

I'll try and make a start this weekend

[LoobyLou]

I'm starting mine this weekend too.

[Winspiration]

Cards have started arriving, thank you ladies :happy:

I have pm'd Carole, and those whose cards have arrived :)

[Winspiration]

Thanks again to those whose cards have arrived / are on the way :happy:

Just bumping up again as a reminder that the swap will be taking place during the weekend of 4 - 5 December :flower:

There's still time for anyone new to join in, as long as you can get the cards to me by next week - you would be very welcome :D Hopefully all the information you need is in the first post on this thread.

[englishminx]

Wins, my cards are almost finished, can you send me your address to send the cards to please.

Thanks
EM

[Rosy]

I'm a card swap virgin and I'm in for the first time!!! Looking forward to receiving lovely cards!!!!!

[LorraineJ]

My cards are parcelled up and ready to go. Hope to get them in the post in the next couple of days.

[kitten_with_claws]

Mine will be in the post this afternoon or tomorrow morning at the very latest! :nod:

[LoobyLou]

Kitten, I suggest an A4 sized SAE (jiffy bags may take it into the packet category, which is much more expensive), stamped for 250g large letter size (72p second class, 96p first class) :wink:

Wins, This is a mistake 250g large letter size for Second Class is NOT 72p, it's 81p......... if people have been sending you 72p then a whole bunch of us are going to get a £1 penalty fee plus the difference in postage to pay!

I went to get my stamps yesterday but was not 100% sure that you had said 72p so I checked. I checked again on RM's website when I got home just in case my post office lady was mistaken, but nope, it's definitely 81p!

[Winspiration]

My sincere apologies - I was reading the wrong line on my postal rates chart :(

If anyone sends / has sent a 72p stamp rest assured that I will make it up to the correct amount - I certainly don't want anyone to be surcharged.

Sorry again everyone.

[LoobyLou]

Wins, I wasn't having a whinge. I just thought most of us probably hadn't sent our cards yet and it was best to sort the stamps out sooner rather than later. I actually found myself questioning the Post Office lady as if she might be a little thick, lol..........

Have to say though, it's staggering how much they want to charge for 2nd class post! When I was a kid christmas cards were always sent with the flap tucked inside the envelope instead of stuck down and then they could go for a special rate which I believe was cheaper for christmas post only, but I could be mistaken on that. I do recall though that you couldn't stick down the envelope if you wanted to use that rate!

[jenty]

You're right Looby, I remember that! That must be why I have had to stop myself tucking flaps in on my Christmas cards. I bought £16 worth of second class christmas stamps and can't find them anywhere. Nothing to do with the swap, just wanted to share it with you!

Update: You will be thrilled to know that, after two days of frantic searching, have found my stamps and stuck them on the envelopes before I lose them again.

[budgie]

Mine are in the post now. braved the snow to put them in the letterbox. (Have to say it wasn't that brave, cos we have only got about half an inch!)

[kitten_with_claws]

Posted mine Thursday, so they should be either with you or arriving any mo Wins! :up:

[angela]

will post mine in the morning

[LorraineJ]

Will get David to post mine off in the morning too, as its slippy underfoot.

[Winspiration]

Just bumping as another reminder that the swap is taking place this weekend :)

Thanks for everyone who has got their cards to me - I have pm'd all to acknowledge receipt.

[Victoria]

Sent mine first class today, so they should be with you tomorrow!

[LorraineJ]

Sent my swap in Monday Wins, so hopefully you should be receiving it in the next couple of days.

[angela]

mine will be 1st class tomoz, couldn't get there earlier x

[Wellington]

Working on it Wins - many many many apologies for being a slow coach :sad:

[Julie]

Working on it Wins - many many many apologies for being a slow coach :sad:

Eek, ditto here !!!

[LoobyLou]

Thanks for letting me know they arrived safely Wins! Ye gods I only posted them 2nd class on Monday evening! Amazing

[budgie]

No pm for me but posted first class on Saturday. Hope they arrive today!

[Spendsloads]

I have been stranded by our office in the snow for the last 2 days, and haven't been able to get home, so didn't get my cards in the post to you as quickly as I liked Wins. Managed to make a bid for freedom this afternoon and made it home - so they are now in the post to you. Hope they manage to make it in time.

[angela]

posted wins

[angela]

I think I may have ballsed up on the stamp, I asked her which I needed for the envelope and she said large letter, so I bought 3 as I need one for something else, but it only came to £1.51 ;0 so, if you get charged extra Wins, let me know and I will either send you some stamps or paypal you the difference, sorry about that, but the PO was full and chaos with the snow x

[englishminx]

Sorry Wins, my village is snowed in, and I havent been able to get home since Monday, so havent been able to send you mine, I can always save them for next year. I had some spare ones at work, and was on my way there Tuesday and thought I could send them, but 3 hours on the road on Tuesday when I was due in work, turned around and came back to where I am now.

[Winspiration]

Oh dear, Englishminx - I hope you manage to get back home soon, what a pain that must be :sad: At least if you were in your own home it wouldn't be so bad :sad:

With the swap, there are still quite a few sets of cards to arrive, and I suspect the snow will delay those on the way / still to be posted.

What I'm going to do I think is do the swap in two parts this year - so I will do one this weekend with the cards that have arrived by then, as originally planned, then another the following weekend, to allow time for the remaining cards to arrive (I won't be able to leave it any later than that though, for personal reasons).

[Joanne]

Mine are ready but the post office is closed due to bad snow will go again on Friday

[Julie]

Phew, just sent you a pm Wins, so no need to reply to it !!!

I have posted mine but we have defo had no collections or deliveries today and I doubt we will tomorrow either.

Guess I can be in the Late Group then !!

[fabyon]

I was surprised how mines got there so quickly Wins ! I must have been very lucky as London is in a bit of a mess because of the snow ! :(

[englishminx]

Thanks Wins, Our snow isnt half as bad as some, but the back garden here, is about 10 inches deep, the main roads have been cleared quite well in the town where I am, but my village has some little roads, which I have been told my friend are trecherous

[Winspiration]

Lets hope that the thaw is on the way now for everyone snowed in / out - it's certainly a lot better here today :)

Anyway, round one of the swap has been done now - photographic evidence here (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1787721&l=b01711facc&id=1486455164) :tongue:

These will be going back into the post on Monday, so fingers crossed they get back to you quickly :happy:

I will continue to PM people as their cards arrive, and will do the second part of the swap next weekend, which hopefully should allow enough time for all of them to get here :D

[Wellington]

Bugger :sad: I'm assuming that as I haven't had a PM that RM didn't reciprocate the speedy service I had from you last week Wins; I was hoping that as I got my order the day after you sent it that you would get my package the next day after I left it with the PO last Friday...Humph...

[Winspiration]

You've just had a PM Welly, your cards arrived today :)

[Joanne]

Forgot to say mine are in the post nephew took them for me he seems to love walking on all the snow and ice lol and dont mind the -13 temp.

[sheilaj]

mine have arrived!!!!! and they are beautiful!!!!! will post soon. Thanks to Wins for all the hard work

[Dips]

Oh, I spotted my envelope on your bed, Wins (how sad is that) so I'm looking forward to receiving my cards v soon!!!

[budgie]

Mine have just arrived. They are really lovely. Will post them later. Thanks Wins x

[LoobyLou]

Mine have arrived and they are gorgeous. Thanks everyone and thanks Wins.

Wins, I can't do it today, but when I have taken pics, where do you want them to be posted???? On here I mean, lol

[angela]

Mine are here too, they are beautiful, will put pics on later, thanks ever so much wins x

[Princess4Wiz]

Mine arrived today also. They are all gorgeous! Thank you to all of you and special thanks to Wins for organizing the whole swap :D

[kitten_with_claws]

Mine have arrived too, they are utterly gorgeous! :clapping:

[Winspiration]

Glad they are starting to arrive :)

Haven't really thought about where to post the pics, I guess maybe one big thread in this section might be tidiest and easier for people to look through?

[kitten_with_claws]

Glad they are starting to arrive :)

Haven't really thought about where to post the pics, I guess maybe one big thread in this section might be tidiest and easier for people to look through?

OK Wins, straightaway or wait 'til they've all arrived.....?

[papercraftbycarole]

Mine arrived today!! Thank you ladies - they're all lovely!! Cxx

[Winspiration]

OK Wins, straightaway or wait 'til they've all arrived.....?

As soon as is convenient for you, Kitten :)

With the Christmas post and snow still causing problems in some areas, unfortunately we might be waiting a while for them all to arrive :(

[Maisie]

Mine arrived today too. They are all lovely

[scrappin'granny]

Mine have arrived and they are GORGEOUS. I've scanned them. Just got to figure out how to post pics.

[Rentochops]

Mine have arrived and they are GORGEOUS. I've scanned them. Just got to figure out how to post pics.

there are some instruction SG on how to that at the top of the boards.

[fabyon]

I've finally took pictures and want to thank you all for the gorgeous cards they're already on display as we're waiting to put the decks up (this weekend).

I'm so sorry Wins but I tried to upload a picture of your gorge card but it keeps me giving me an error ! :( I'll upload it somewhere else and add it later...sorry about that !

Here's Winspiration beautiful card as promised:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ygkqA__1rtY/TQD_4TfkEkI/AAAAAAAAI8E/o0--ORSWD6I/s400/R0013072.JPG

[sheilaj]

Gosh what an elegant collection.

[fabyon]

Gosh what an elegant collection.

I know Sheila I don't feel worthy of it ! :(

[LoobyLou]

Buggrit. I just started a new thread for the actual cards!!!

[LoobyLou]

I had written lovely things about each of my cards but the bloody thing has eaten it all and I am now jiggered so sorry ladies.

Firstly Lorraine

http://i705.photobucket.com/albums/ww54/TwistedWitch1957/Craft%20Telly%20posts/LorraineCom.jpg

Next Spends

http://i705.photobucket.com/albums/ww54/TwistedWitch1957/Craft%20Telly%20posts/Spendsloads1.jpg

Maisie

http://i705.photobucket.com/albums/ww54/TwistedWitch1957/Craft%20Telly%20posts/Maisie.jpg

Angie

http://i705.photobucket.com/albums/ww54/TwistedWitch1957/Craft%20Telly%20posts/Angie-1.jpg

[LoobyLou]

Finally Scrappin' Granny.

http://i705.photobucket.com/albums/ww54/TwistedWitch1957/Craft%20Telly%20posts/ScrappinGranny.jpg

I love them all, thank you

[angela]

I'll post mine on here at weekend, need the right light in this dungeon to get piccies, wow some beautiful cards so far.

[scrappin'granny]

Here's mine. I hope this works ok.
1st - Looby, 2nd Spendsloads, 3rd - Victoria, 4th - bsbizz and, finally Sheila J - closed

12271226122512241223

[scrappin'granny]

and Sheila J's open. They are just beautiful. Thank you so much.

[budgie]

12331234123112301229


Here are my beautiful cards. I have a bit of a forest going on here, which is lovely cos I like trees! Thank you everyone, they are beautiful.


They are from: Victoria, papercraftbycarole, fabyon, blueshowbizz, and princess4wiz.

I hope you all like them as much as I do.

[budgie]

1235


I also received this gorgeous card from Wins! Thank you Wins, and thank you for organising the swap again this year!

[sheilaj]

Here are my gorgeous cards...a very elegant collection this year. Thank you to all the talented creators
http://web.me.com/sheilajoss/CT_FCS2010/Christmas_5_card_swap_2010/Christmas_5_card_swap_2010.html

click on the album to open.

[LorraineJ]

Here are mine and are all very different, elegant and beautifully made:

First is made by papercraftbycarole, second by KWC, third by Looby

[LorraineJ]

Here are the rest (I hope). The crafters are Satincollie and Scrapping Granny

[budgie]

Lovely cards ladies!

[kitten_with_claws]

All the cards are amazing, such a variety of styles & colours, sooooo much more interesting & individual than what the shops seem to offer, absolutely brilliant! :star:

[kitten_with_claws]

Here are the beautiful cards I was lucky enough to receive:

Firstly, from Papercraftbycarole - a stunningly beautiful & very classy card in elegant shades of gold:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49506827@N03/5250134372/" title="2010_12100013 by Jane Kell1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5125/5250134372_873ce8e1fc_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="2010_12100013" /></a>

Secondly, from Spendsloads - a gorgeously vibrant & striking red creation with a clever fold (I only laid it flat to photograph to try & get the light better for the colour! lol):

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49506827@N03/5249538791/" title="2010_12100020 by Jane Kell1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5124/5249538791_a74cf9f85c_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="2010_12100020" /></a>

Thirdly, a lovely two tone card from Blueshowbizz - a very clever simple design but with loads of different textures & finishes to look at on it:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49506827@N03/5250136870/" title="2010_12100015 by Jane Kell1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5284/5250136870_d871abeb8f_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="2010_12100015" /></a>

[kitten_with_claws]

Fourthly, from Dips - a fantastically tactile (& very beautiful!) card in the most deliciously scrummy colours:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49506827@N03/5250142204/" title="2010_12100023 by Jane Kell1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5284/5250142204_e4f95dce7e_z.jpg" width="640" height="624" alt="2010_12100023" /></a>

Fifth & finally, from Rosy - an absolutely adorable card, with the sweetest Santa on it ever, fab colours & love all the different patterns here:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49506827@N03/5250139132/" title="2010_12100017 by Jane Kell1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5250/5250139132_5783abf98b_z.jpg"

Thank you all sooooo much, receiving these (& also my SS card!) didn't just make my day, it was the highlight of my week......! xx

[LoobyLou]

There are some very lovely cards here. I look forward to seeing more.

[budgie]

Gorgeous cards ladies. I know what you mean about receiving the cards KWC, it was the best bit of my week too!

[Winspiration]

Beautiful cards so far, ladies :D

Right, I believe that have now received all the cards for the second swap (if yours are in the post and you haven't had a PM from me, please can you let me know!), so I will get that done this weekend and the cards will be on their return journey on Monday :)

[Ephemera]

:bow:Hiya,

I want to congratulate you talented people for all the beautiful and stunning cards you have created. What a brilliant idea the card swap is because as much as it is lovely to make cards to send to people it is also great to receive hand crafted cards. Two of my friends send hand made cards at christmas and it is always more enjoyable opening these than shop bought cards!

:mysmilie_3:

[Spendsloads]

Sorry for the delay in posting folks - can you believe that I got stranded by the snow for the third time in the third different place (Glasgow, then Gatwick then CDG Airport in Paris) again this week! Anyway, the cards were waiting for me when I got back and they are all gorgeous:

Firstly here is a cheeky Scottie dog from Budgie

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x267/Spendsloads/IMG_1723-1.jpg

Then that lovely Noel card from Dips

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x267/Spendsloads/IMG_1724-1.jpg

And a fab teabag folded card from LorraineJ

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x267/Spendsloads/IMG_1725-1.jpg

[Spendsloads]

And here is such a cute Snowman family from Satincollie

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x267/Spendsloads/IMG_1726-1.jpg

Pretty glittery snow scene from Sugarbabe (much nicer than all the real snow I've been seeing lately!)

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x267/Spendsloads/IMG_1727-1.jpg

And finally another lovely snow scene from Winspiration, our fantastic 5-card organiser

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x267/Spendsloads/IMG_1728-1.jpg

A very big thank you to you all

[Victoria]

My 5 Card Swaps arrived today. Such a treat opening them. Thank you very much ladies, they're going to take pride of place in the living room this Christmas.

Right then, the first 4 as follows from left to right:

* Kitten with Claws
* Angie
* Satincollie
* Sugarbabe

[Victoria]

And last but not least, this wonderful creation from LorraineJ. I love the pop out tree inside the card. Thank you again.

[budgie]

Lovely selection of cards ladies!

[Sugarbabe]

I received my beautiful cards from Looby, Winspiration, Fabyon, Shirley, Scrappin Granny, and Maisie. I will scan them all, but sorry I don't know how to add pics to the forum. many thanks they are really wonderful cards, so pleased I joined in my first big swap.

[Maisie]

Here are the lovely cards I have received. They make a lovely display on my sideboard

!st SheilaJ
2nd Scrapping Granny
3rd Blueshowbizz
4th LoobyLou
5th Spendsloads

[papercraftbycarole]

I promise I will get my pics up either tomorrow or Monday!! All the cards are looking BRILLIANT - what a talented bunch we are!!! Cxx

[Rentochops]

I've just spent a fab time looking at all the cards, they are so beautiful - I look at the bought ones I've been sent so far and there is no comparison (apart from my Secret Santa which takes crafting into outer space level) - thanks for sharing, can't wait for mine to arrive!

[Victoria]

Yes I agree ROC. The variety is simply great.

[Dips]

Just confirming that my cards have been safely received, but I won't be able to post pictures until next weekend.

[kitten_with_claws]

They are all beautiful Maisie & I agree with ROC, shop bought ones really pale into insignificance beside these handcrafted creations! :star:

[jenty]

All the cards are wonderful. I wish I had been in the swap now to receive cards like that would be great. Maybe if I start making now I will be ready for next year? :grin:

[satincollie]

Will try again Sorry I'm late posting this but I have been away for a couple of days I have recieved my cards and will post pictures shortly

[fabyon]

Receiving your fabulous cards really lifted my spirit too and got me into the Christmas mood straight away ! :) So much so that I've decided to start again making samples so watch out on Dec the 31st on C&C ! ;) I'm right in the middle of making them but enjoying it ! :)

[scrappin'granny]

This is the 2nd year I've done this swap - and it's the only one I do :happy: - and it's fabby. :happy:A ll the cards are beautiful. I shall do next years as well, if it's running, of course. :grin: Thanks for running the swap, it must be a huge undertaking.

[satincollie]

Here are my wonderful cards
From Maisie
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v88/Willowish/cards/DSCF1119.jpg
from Sugarbabe
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v88/Willowish/cards/DSCF1117.jpg
from Spendsloads
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v88/Willowish/cards/DSCF1116.jpg
from Angie
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v88/Willowish/cards/DSCF1115.jpg

[satincollie]

and lastly but by no means least
From Fab
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v88/Willowish/cards/DSCF1114.jpg

[LoobyLou]

More stunners and that bauble stamp is simply devine

[Winspiration]

The second round of swap cards are now on their way back, so hopefully will be with you soon, ladies!

In the meantime, here are my cards from the swap (I held mine back to the second swap):

From Lothiancrafts:

http://www.i-lovechocolate.com/ctxmas14.jpg

From Welly:

http://www.i-lovechocolate.com/CTxmas15.jpg

From Joanne:

http://www.i-lovechocolate.com/CTxmas16.jpg

From ROC:

http://www.i-lovechocolate.com/CTxmas17.jpg

[Winspiration]

From Julie:

http://www.i-lovechocolate.com/CTxmas18.jpg

Thank you ladies, they are beautiful!

A number of people were kind enough to send me a card as well as the five cards for the swap, here they are:

From Spendsloads:

http://www.i-lovechocolate.com/CTxmas19.jpg

From Fabyon:

http://www.i-lovechocolate.com/CTxmas20.jpg

From Blueshowbizz:

http://www.i-lovechocolate.com/CTxmas21.jpg

[Winspiration]

From Budgie:

http://www.i-lovechocolate.com/CTxmas22.jpg

From Dips:

http://www.i-lovechocolate.com/CTXmas23.jpg

From SheilaJ:

http://www.i-lovechocolate.com/CTxmas24a.jpg

http://www.i-lovechocolate.com/CTxmas24b.jpg

[Winspiration]

From Sugarbabe:

http://www.i-lovechocolate.com/CTxmas25.jpg

From ROC:

http://www.i-lovechocolate.com/CTxmas26.jpg

Thank you all - they make a gorgeous display!

Thank you to everyone who took part in the swap this year, I hope that you all enjoyed it and that all the cards get to their destinations soon :D

[budgie]

Wow Wins! What a fabulous selection of cards! Many thanks for organising the swap!

[Julie]

Here are my fabulous five !!

A stunning comtemporary card from Wins

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m120/juliew_01/DSCF0046.jpg

A beautiful classic chrimbo scene from Lothiancrafts

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m120/juliew_01/DSCF0045.jpg

A beautiful elegant lady looking out over a wintery sky from our ROC

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m120/juliew_01/DSCF0043.jpg

[Julie]

and there is more !!!

A sophisticated stunner from Welly

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m120/juliew_01/DSCF0052.jpg

Last but by no means least the cutest of cute cards you could receive from Joanne, the dangly charm is beautiful !

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m120/juliew_01/DSCF0036.jpg

Many many thanks girls, you have really cheered up my week !!!

[budgie]

More gorgeous cards, a lovely selection there!

[Princess4Wiz]

These beautiful cards were received by me a while back. I apologize most sincerely to both them and Wins for taking so long to post them. I've had a bit of a stressful time of late and only just managed to find time to take the photos and post them here.

Each card is just stunning in it's own right and I feel honoured to have received such delightful cards.

From Blueshowbizz

http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a472/Princess4Wiz/Christmas%205%20Card%20Swap%202010/th_Blueshowbizz.jpg (http://s1039.photobucket.com/albums/a472/Princess4Wiz/Christmas%205%20Card%20Swap%202010/?action=view&current=Blueshowbizz.jpg)

From Dips

http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a472/Princess4Wiz/Christmas%205%20Card%20Swap%202010/th_Dips.jpg (http://s1039.photobucket.com/albums/a472/Princess4Wiz/Christmas%205%20Card%20Swap%202010/?action=view&current=Dips.jpg)

From Papercraft by Carole

http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a472/Princess4Wiz/Christmas%205%20Card%20Swap%202010/th_PapercraftbyCarole.jpg (http://s1039.photobucket.com/albums/a472/Princess4Wiz/Christmas%205%20Card%20Swap%202010/?action=view&current=PapercraftbyCarole.jpg)

[Princess4Wiz]

From Sheila J

http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a472/Princess4Wiz/Christmas%205%20Card%20Swap%202010/th_SheilaG.jpg (http://s1039.photobucket.com/albums/a472/Princess4Wiz/Christmas%205%20Card%20Swap%202010/?action=view&current=SheilaG.jpg)

From Victoria

http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a472/Princess4Wiz/Christmas%205%20Card%20Swap%202010/th_Victoria.jpg (http://s1039.photobucket.com/albums/a472/Princess4Wiz/Christmas%205%20Card%20Swap%202010/?action=view&current=Victoria.jpg)

Thank you all for my truly beautiful cards. xxx

[kitten_with_claws]

(Firstly, I must apologise to all you wonderful creative peeps out there as I was sure I had replied to Satincollie & Win's posting of their pics already but apparently not.......must've missed thweir posts somehow - I'm sure the 'new posts' feature doesn't like me as I swear it misses some posts out....! lol)

Anyway, a fantastic selection of cards received by Satincollie, Wins, P4W & Julie, all absolutely gorgeous, delightfully inventive & beautifully made! :star:

[Dips]

Apologies for being tardy, but here at last are my piccies

No guessing who's the manufacturer of these papers and embellishments, as the creator is the fabulous Fabyon, a really classy but modern interpretation on monochrome

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g193/dips6/DSCN1765.jpg

From Maisie, a lovely FlowerSoft card - I've not seen many cards using this medium and I have to say it is delightful, it really brings the image to life

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g193/dips6/DSCN1767.jpg

From Princess4Wiz, a really cute little fella - what die did you use to cut the mat, I LOVE it!

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g193/dips6/DSCN1768.jpg

From Budgie, such an elegant, graceful card. Budgie, where did you get the stamp from, it is wonderful?

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g193/dips6/DSCN1769.jpg

[Dips]

From Rosy, a Kanban Classic, just my cup of tea, lots of sparkiling jewels!

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g193/dips6/DSCN1770.jpg

Lastly, Gill very kindly also sent me a cheery Santa Escapades card, not sure if you can see but the backing is a reall lovely embossed text card (would love to know if that was pre-bought that way or if it was an embossing folder?)

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g193/dips6/DSCN1766.jpg

Thank you so much, 5-Card Swappers, I love my cards and thank you, Wins, for once again organising it.

[kitten_with_claws]

A beautifully made & very varied selection there Dips, all absolutely gorgeous! :star:

[Princess4Wiz]

Absolutely stunning cards everyone!

Dips The stamp is Papermania Christmas Cheer Bauble Wooden Stamp and I've just bought one from here (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Papermania-Christmas-Cheer-Bauble-Wooden-Stamp-/230554564963?pt=UK_Crafts_RubberStamping_RL&hash=item35ae1f7963), the only place I've managed to find it!

[budgie]

I replied earlier but it has disappeared.

This is where I got the stamp Dips.

http://www.craftydevilspapercraft.co.uk/crafts/18903-papermania-baubles-decoration-k.asp

[Dips]

It's a stunning stamp, Budgie, you must be thrilled with the results you've acheived with it.

[budgie]

It has been the most used stamp this Christmas. I think it will become one of my favourite Christmas stamps.

[papercraftbycarole]

I AM SOOOOOOOO SORRY that it's taken me so long to get pictures of my cards posted. I feel really bad - BUT I do appreciate all the hard work that went into them, so here they are :

ScrappingGranny - Love the funky colours and the inking round the edge of the card:
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z325/papercraftbycarole/IMG_4877.jpg

Budgie - Love the cute little snowmen!!
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z325/papercraftbycarole/IMG_4885.jpg

Kitten with Claws - Great colours - very contempory
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z325/papercraftbycarole/IMG_4878.jpg

Cxx

[papercraftbycarole]

SugarBabe - A lovely traditional feel to this one
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z325/papercraftbycarole/IMG_4882.jpg

LorraineJ - The teabag folding is brilliant
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z325/papercraftbycarole/IMG_4881.jpg

Thank you so much ladies. They are now in prime place on my sideboard.

Cxxx

PS Can someone please tell me how to use thumbnails from phobobucket??

[Rentochops]

ok sorry it's late but here they are (there are ones from Wins and Fabs which got added!

Starting with Julie, love the decorations, looks better in real life cos it's tactile and soft.

<a href="http://s239.photobucket.com/albums/ff318/Rentochops/Christmas%20Cards%20Craft%20Telly%202010/?action=view&amp;current=DSCF1113.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff318/Rentochops/Christmas%20Cards%20Craft%20Telly%202010/DSCF1113.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Now this is a picture of us all atm from the lovely Elaine, made me laugh:

<a href="http://s239.photobucket.com/albums/ff318/Rentochops/Christmas%20Cards%20Craft%20Telly%202010/?action=view&amp;current=DSCF1114.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff318/Rentochops/Christmas%20Cards%20Craft%20Telly%202010/DSCF1114.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Elegant embossing from Welly:

<a href="http://s239.photobucket.com/albums/ff318/Rentochops/Christmas%20Cards%20Craft%20Telly%202010/?action=view&amp;current=DSCF1117.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff318/Rentochops/Christmas%20Cards%20Craft%20Telly%202010/DSCF1117.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[Rentochops]

Lovely purple and silver from Rosy:

<a href="http://s239.photobucket.com/albums/ff318/Rentochops/Christmas%20Cards%20Craft%20Telly%202010/?action=view&amp;current=DSCF1118.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff318/Rentochops/Christmas%20Cards%20Craft%20Telly%202010/DSCF1118.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Joanna - some lovely colouring and stamping:

<a href="http://s239.photobucket.com/albums/ff318/Rentochops/Christmas%20Cards%20Craft%20Telly%202010/?action=view&amp;current=DSCF1122.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff318/Rentochops/Christmas%20Cards%20Craft%20Telly%202010/DSCF1122.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Lovely card from Fab and Vince had to show you:

<a href="http://s239.photobucket.com/albums/ff318/Rentochops/Christmas%20Cards%20Craft%20Telly%202010/?action=view&amp;current=DSCF1124.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff318/Rentochops/Christmas%20Cards%20Craft%20Telly%202010/DSCF1124.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Lovely card from Wins who looks like she's been bugging too:

<a href="http://s239.photobucket.com/albums/ff318/Rentochops/Christmas%20Cards%20Craft%20Telly%202010/?action=view&amp;current=DSCF1125.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff318/Rentochops/Christmas%20Cards%20Craft%20Telly%202010/DSCF1125.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[kitten_with_claws]

Lovely cards received by ROC & PCbC, a great selection of styles & ideas! :cool2:


I replied earlier but it has disappeared.

I was certain I'd replied to some posts too, which seemed to then 'disappear'........ooh err, spooky eh? Glad it's not just me then, thought I was going a bit (more!) doolalley than I already am! lol

[Wellington]

I thought we used to do separate threads for the pics for the 5 card swap??

Anyhoo, on with the show...

First a group shot (cos I couldn't resist tee hee):

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff110/Wellybobs/Card%20Swaps/5cardswap10-groupshot.jpg

Featuring...

From Wins:

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff110/Wellybobs/Card%20Swaps/5cardswap10-Wins.jpg

From ROC:

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff110/Wellybobs/Card%20Swaps/5cardswap10-ROC.jpg

From Lothian Crafts:

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff110/Wellybobs/Card%20Swaps/5cardswap10-LothianCrafts.jpg

[Wellington]

From Julie:

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff110/Wellybobs/Card%20Swaps/5cardswap10-Julie.jpg

From Joanne:

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff110/Wellybobs/Card%20Swaps/5cardswap10-Joanne.jpg

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn245/marie01_08/Thank%20You/AnimatedChristmasNoel.gif

[blueshowbizz]

Here are my 5 fabulous cards. Sorry for the delay in posting the pictures.

Card 1 - from LoobyLou
Card 2 - from SheilaJ
Card 3 - from Satincollie
Card 4 - from Angie
Card 5 - has not been signed, but I'm guessing it's from Maisie?

[blueshowbizz]

And also a festive Santa card from Winspiration.

Thank you all for your cards. It's lovely to have so many handmade cards on show at Christmas xx

[Maisie]

I'm so sorry Blueshowbizz that I didn't sign the card you got from me I thought I signed all of them

[Rosy]

Finally, I got around to mine!!!

134813471346

The first isn't signed, then Victoria, Wins, Princess4Wizz and Kitten with claws.

Thankyou everyone!!!!

[kitten_with_claws]

Gorgeous cards received by Welly, Rosy & BSB, a really fabulous selection of styles & ideas! :star:

[Winspiration]

Lastly, Gill very kindly also sent me a cheery Santa Escapades card, not sure if you can see but the backing is a reall lovely embossed text card (would love to know if that was pre-bought that way or if it was an embossing folder?)



Thank you Dips :) It was embossed using a Sizzix Texturz plate, which I seem to have amassed rather a large collection of, this year :blush: - what I particularly like about them is that they cover a much larger area than most embossing folders :happy:

Thanks to everyone for taking part in the swap this year and for posting pics of all the beautiful creations received :sun:

[scrappin'granny]

The thanks must be all ours, Win, to you for hosting this swap.

[LoobyLou]

I agree with Scrappin Granny. As usual Wins, you have put in a lot of effort to make this swap successful. Thank you

[angela]

better late than never, just remembered the pics were on my phone, please forgive me for not adding names but I can't remember who made what and they have been put away.