Christmas card swap

[Winspiration]

Yes I know it's only July :rolleyes: :D

Just wondered if anyone was interested in doing a similar 5 card Christmas card swap, to the one we did last year?

Just as a reminder, or for anyone who didn't join last year, the idea is for each person to make 5 Christmas cards from our individual mountains of Christmas stash, send them to the co-ordinator (i.e. me) with an SAE (preferably A4 size) by the end of November, to beat the Christmas post, then I will redistribute the cards so we all receive 5 gorgeous hand made cards from fellow forum members.

All are of course welcome to join in this one off swap, and you don't need to commit definitely until mid - late November, but just wondered who might be interested this year?

[LorraineJ]

Really enjoyed this last year and want to do it again this and would recommend it to anyone dithering on whether or not to join.

The only snag I can see, is that someone may receive a card from the same person, as I was planning on co-ordinating a Secret Santa again this year, but this would not bother me.

[Pam]

I enjoyed it last year too and would be intersted in joining in again.
Can't really see that it would be a snag to receive a card from the same person as last year though. They would probably be different.lol

[Dips]

Well, I'm definitely up for it, as I said in the chatroom last night, I've had this idea that I am just sooooo excited about but I know that, apart from my Mother, it is only my chums on here that would really appreciate it. So, count me in Wins.

With regards receiving 2 swaps from the same person, that actually happened to me last year and it did not detract from my enjoyment of either swap at all. However, Lorraine, if you are concerned, you could let Wins know your swap list in advance of her redistributing the cards, if Wins doesn't think that this would over complicate things.

Also, yesterday, I was thinking wasn't it a shame that we hadn't organised a "Christmas in July" swap - perhaps a thought for next year, lol!

[Julie]

Count me in please.

Were you thinking of Santa in a thong Dips ?

[Dips]

Erm, no, that's an image that's now burned onto my retinas - hairy, old bearded man on a beach, opps, sorry that's not Santa, it's Peter Stringfellow!

[Winspiration]

:eek::D

Oooh good, glad people are interested, although of course I knew from last night that I already had one taker :cool:

As long as Lorraine doesn't have to shoot me after sharing the list :p that would be fine, or if people are happy to take pot luck, that's fine with me too. It's quite possible that people may very well get a card from the same person as last year though, as I'm afraid I haven't the foggiest idea of what got sent to who, now!

[artysam]

Count me in too please!!
Don't care who sends me cards just like recieving them LOL!!

[Rainbowwand]

Great fun last year, so yes please count me in again :)

[LorraineJ]

Just to clear things up, I can't see it being a problem receiving a card from someone who took part in Winspirations swap last year again this year. As for the Secret Santa, no one seems particularly bothered, so its best to run the swaps separately and if someone gets two from the same person we live with it.

[Rainbowwand]

Just to clear things up, I can't see it being a problem receiving a card from someone who took part in Winspirations swap last year again this year. As for the Secret Santa, no one seems particularly bothered, so its best to run the swaps separately and if someone gets two from the same person we live with it.

indeed, never saw a problem in the first place ;) :D

[Wellington]

Now let me see if I can remember...I don't think I did either Xmas card swap last year....definitely interested though :) Maybe this year I will start making my cards earlier - plus I ain't doing 2 scrapbooks this time LOL

[satincollie]

Yes I would like to join this please :D
Gill

[3BC]

Now let me see if I can remember...I don't think I did either Xmas card swap last year....definitely interested though :) Maybe this year I will start making my cards earlier - plus I ain't doing 2 scrapbooks this time LOL

Er Welly, didn't I send you a secret Santa swap last year? Did I send it to or have I got the wrong person? I was a bit stressed by December LOL!

I would like to join in but couldn't commit just yet until I see how I am getting on.

[Rentochops]

Count me on to all Xmas cards swaps, the cards I got last year were just fantastic":D

[Marzipan]

me me me me im in!!!!

[sugarplum]

I'd like to join in too please I really enjoyed the easter bunny swap

[Wellington]

Er Welly, didn't I send you a secret Santa swap last year? Did I send it to or have I got the wrong person? I was a bit stressed by December LOL!

.

You did I think! Senility has set in LOL I know I didn't do the multi-card swap. Or did I? :confused::confused::eek::eek:

[LorraineJ]

Can I just point out that I was thinking out loud about the Secret Santa swap and will post separately about it closer to Christmas, this thread is purely for Winspiration's brain child :D.

[3BC]

Can I just point out that I was thinking out loud about the Secret Santa swap and will post separately about it closer to Christmas, this thread is purely for Winspiration's brain child :D.

Thanks Lorraine, but I think it's just those of us with brains addled by small children (that's my excuse anyway) going off on a tangent :D

[Winspiration]

You did I think! Senility has set in LOL I know I didn't do the multi-card swap. Or did I?

You didn't, Welly :D

[LorraineJ]

Thanks Lorraine, but I think it's just those of us with brains addled by small children (that's my excuse anyway) going off on a tangent :D

Hate to tell you this, but as your child becomes a teenager, their problems are different but if they need you, their problems are yours.

[Colourarc]

This sounds like a really good idea, I'm interested ........ but won't commit fully until nearer the deadline ~ if that's OK?

[Winspiration]

Of course, Colourarc - just wanted to see if people were interested in principle, and give a bit of notice to those who are a lot more organised than me :D

[Anne]

I'm the same as colourarc - happy to semi commit at this stage. :)

[lovepaperstroking2]

Would like to semi-commit too:)

And have to say that as your children become adults their problems are still yours.No matter how old they are they still want us to sort it out and kiss it better:)

[LorraineJ]

Would like to semi-commit too:)

And have to say that as your children become adults their problems are still yours.No matter how old they are they still want us to sort it out and kiss it better:)

Thing is when can we stop being Mum and become their friend; my Mum still treats me as if I am about 12 and in a gym slip at times, not a grown woman of nearly 50 with a daughter of her own

[3BC]

When I was a new mom with a constantly crying baby, I used to think how much easier it would be when he could talk, then walk etc. I used to wonder why older mothers used to give my that 'look'?!!!
I now realise how much it easier it was when they stayed in the same place, didn't answer back and the 'on tap' food was enough! Never a dull moment though!

[lovepaperstroking2]

Thing is when can we stop being Mum and become their friend; my Mum still treats me as if I am about 12 and in a gym slip at times, not a grown woman of nearly 50 with a daughter of her own


I never had the luxury of my mother being a mum or a friend....I was bought up by my Grandfather.I havent seen my mother since 1987 and have stopped trying to be her daughter since then.Thats probably why I still wipe away the tears and pay the bills Lorraine:):)

[LorraineJ]

I never had the luxury of my mother being a mum or a friend....I was bought up by my Grandfather.I havent seen my mother since 1987 and have stopped trying to be her daughter since then.Thats probably why I still wipe away the tears and pay the bills Lorraine:):)


Thats a shame, I seem to spend my life ATM mopping away my daughter's tears and settling her bills, but its my job for as long as she needs me. I am acutely aware that my Mum won't be around forever, but to her I am still her baby and will be for as long as she lives; my sister gets the same treatment and also finds it galling, but fact is our Mum has an inbuilt need for caring for the family.

[3BC]

To have a caring mother and a daughter to care for must make you feel very lucky Lorraine. Sort of like the filling in a big warm lovey sandwich! Some people have only one of these connections and some neither.

[Spendsloads]

To have a caring mother and a daughter to care for must make you feel very lucky Lorraine. Sort of like the filling in a big warm lovey sandwich! Some people have only one of these connections and some neither.

I unfortunately have neither, having lost my mother when I was 21 and my father earlier this year and have so far not been blessed with children. However I thank my lucky stars that I was very close to both my parents for the time I was with them and therefore have lots of happy memories. Obviously I do feel sad that 2 very good and giving people who always did their utmost to help everyone and anyone did not live as long as most, but if you dwell on the rough knocks you get in life too long, it only serves to make yourself and those around you miserable.

[Spendsloads]

Win, I took part in last year's swap and loved getting my 5 lovely handmade cards, so would very much like to take part again.

[Ribbons]

I would also like to semi commit for the 5-card swap please!

[Winspiration]

Excellent - thank you both :)

I'd better start thinking about making some cards soon :p:D

[Phree]

Count me in please Wins.

Lets not complicate this anymore than it needs to be. I think if Lorraine goes ahead with the secret santa swap then we just bite the bullet on the fact that you *may* receive a card via win's swap and your secret santa swap from the same person.

[LorraineJ]

Count me in please Wins.

Lets not complicate this anymore than it needs to be. I think if Lorraine goes ahead with the secret santa swap then we just bite the bullet on the fact that you *may* receive a card via win's swap and your secret santa swap from the same person.


I agree, if it happens I think its something we will have to live with. Only brought it up in the first place to test the water, but it will make life a lot easier for Winspiration and myself this way.

[Anne]

Perhaps the only thing to do is to ask those taking part in both swaps to ensure that the cards they make for the swaps are all different. I don't think anyone would mind receiving two cards from the same person, but it would be a bit weird to receive two "identical" cards.

[turquoise]

Can you include me in the five card swap I have started my cards already, well I have made three

[Rentochops]

Sign me up Win :D

A big hug to Spendloads - sounds like you need one, we are always here.

[Spendsloads]

Sign me up Win :D

A big hug to Spendloads - sounds like you need one, we are always here.

How lovely of you Rentochops. You can never have too many hugs, so I will take them with thanks. I am very lucky in lots of other ways though, so I try to appreciate what I have rather than dwell on what I don't have.

[Rainbowwand]

Just giving this a bump, in case we have any newer members that would like to take part, hope you dont mind Wins :)

[Rentochops]

Win please can you remove me for now, I'm not sure now due to the obvious!

[von 2]

Count me in please. Really enjoyed it last year.

[Winspiration]

Thanks RW - I was going to bump it at the start of November, but a few days early is fine :)

Thanks von2 :), and ROC, I understand of course. If you do manage to have 5 cards spare by the end of November, just let me know ;)

Just as a reminder, or for anyone who didn't join last year, the idea is for each person to make 5 Christmas cards from our individual mountains of Christmas stash, send them to the co-ordinator (i.e. me) with an SAE (preferably A4 size) by the end of November, to beat the Christmas post, then I will redistribute the cards so we all receive 5 gorgeous hand made cards from fellow forum members.

If you'd like to join in, just post on the thread, or PM me - the more the merrier :D

[sheilaj]

I am definitely in please....have been making a few cards and have made a couple that I am pleased with but couldn't think of who to send them to!!

[Rainbowwand]

Yep can confirm i am in please,

Sorry i was a bit previous :D

[Winspiration]

Thanks Sheila, and no worries RW :D

[LorraineJ]

Have I made it clear that I'd now like to commit (and before some bright spark suggests it, yes I probably should be committed :D)

[Wellington]

OK, if we're up for a commitment now, please count me in :) I'd like a 'proper' excuse to make more than some licky sticky cards :D I wanna do some Crimble craft that takes me more than 5mins to whack it together LOL

I don't have 2 scrapbooks to make this year & having realised I've made 30 'standard' cards already, I'm happy to pay some attention to some decent cards in between some more licky stickies

[Dips]

Yes, now a bit confused as to whether it's clear that I'm in, and I am definitely in!!!!

[Pam]

I'm in too please.

[Winspiration]

OK, this is the list so far:

Definitely want to take part:
Anne
Artysam
Dips
Julie
Lala28
LorraineJ
Lovepaperstroking
Macey
Marzipan
Pam
Phree
Rainbowwand
Satincollie
SheilaJ
Spendsloads
Sugarplum
Turquoise
Von_2
Wellington
Winspiration

May commit nearerer the time:
3BC
Colourarc
Ribbons

If you've changed your mind, or would now like to definitely commit or join in, no problem, just let me know. If anyone needs my address, again just let me know.

If you're a new member, it would be great to have you joining in and there is still plenty of time to decide :)

I would like to receive your cards by the end of November at the latest (and you can send them whenever you have them ready), so that I can redistribute them in early December, before the Christmas post gets too manic.

Postage rates for large letters are:

Up to 100g: 52p for 1st class or 42p for 2nd class

101 - 250g: 78p for 1st class or 66p for 2nd class

I'd recommend a C4 SAE, stamped for up to 250g, to be on the safe side. If you want to send loose stamps so that I can return the extra if your cards weigh less than 100g, that's fine. If you haven't got a C4 envelope, that's no problem, I've got plenty ;) - just send the stamps.

I hope that covers most things, but if not, shout up :D

[Anne]

I'm in please. I was so envious of everyone getting 5 fabulous cards last year that I have to do it this year. :o

[Winspiration]

Thanks, Anne :)

I've edited the list so that it's up to date.

[lovepaperstroking2]

I'm in too please.

[Winspiration]

Thanks, LPS :)

[Winspiration]

Bump to see if anyone else would like to join in?

[lala28]

Hi

Can i join in please

thanks

Lynne

[Winspiration]

Yes of course, thanks Lynne :)

[blueshowbizz]

Can I join too please? :)

Is it 5 card of the same design we have to make or are they to be different?

[Pam]

Mine are different, don't suppose it matters really bsb. Nice to do different ones though.

[Anne]

Mine will all be different too, but it's entirely up to you BSB as no-one will receive two cards from the same person. The only thing I think you need to bear in mind if you're doing Lorraine's Secret Santa swap as well is that you don't do the same design there too. Hope that helps.

[blueshowbizz]

Mine are different, don't suppose it matters really bsb. Nice to different ones though.


Mine will all be different too, but it's entirely up to you BSB as no-one will receive two cards from the same person. The only thing I think you need to bear in mind if you're doing Lorraine's Secret Santa swap as well is that you don't do the same design there too. Hope that helps.

Thanks Pam and Anne - I'll make them all different then - I'll need to get my thinking cap on :D

[Winspiration]

Thanks blueshowbizz - have added you to the list :)

Any more for any more?

Anne
Artysam
Blueshowbizz
Dips
Joanne
Julie
Lala28
LorraineJ
Lovepaperstroking
Macey
Marzipan
Pam
Phree
Rainbowwand
Ribbons
Satincollie
SheilaJ
Spendsloads
Sugarplum
Turquoise
Von_2
Wellington
Winspiration

[Joanne]

Can I please join got loads of christmas stuff I should start to use.

[Winspiration]

That would be great, Joanne - have added you to the list :)

[Ribbons]

Can you add me to the list Win please? I am going to be so busy over the next few weeks but don't want to be left out, :)

[Winspiration]

Yes of course, Ribbons, thanks :)

[von 2]

This is going to be really good this year - there are more than 20 of us taking part. I'm really looking forward to it.

[von 2]

Winsperation - thank you so much for organising this.

[Winspiration]

This is going to be really good this year - there are more than 20 of us taking part. I'm really looking forward to it.

Thanks, von_2 - me too :)

I'm going to need quite a big space to sort them all out - last year I think I managed to fit all the piles of cards onto my bed, I might have to commission some of the floor as well this year :D

There is still plenty of time for anyone else who would like to join in to do so, as long as you can get your cards to me by the end of November :)

[sugarplum]

ok I apoligise now for being thick but can someone tell me if I am meant to sign the cards I send to Win or is it like the secret santa where the receipient has to guess and should each card be in an individual envelope for when they get redistributed? Sorry choked with the cold and have a throat infection (thanks Ross!) so my brain is more addled than usual

[Winspiration]

Hi Sugarplum - yes please, sign your cards. It doesn't really matter whether you send them in envelopes or not, although what I would say is that individual envelopes will give the cards a little more protection, since they have to make it through Royal Mail's systems twice. Hope you feel better soon!

[sugarplum]

Hi Sugarplum - yes please, sign your cards. It doesn't really matter whether you send them in envelopes or not, although what I would say is that individual envelopes will give the cards a little more protection, since they have to make it through Royal Mail's systems twice. Hope you feel better soon!

thanks I'll put them in envelopes as Igiess its nicer to have 5 individual cards to open aswell Will put them in the post tomorrow

[Ribbons]

Thanks, von_2 - me too :)

I'm going to need quite a big space to sort them all out - last year I think I managed to fit all the piles of cards onto my bed, I might have to commission some of the floor as well this year :D

There is still plenty of time for anyone else who would like to join in to do so, as long as you can get your cards to me by the end of November :)

Arghhhh! Whaaaat?! It's the 24th omg omg omg. Ok calm down, I'd better start getting on with them. Every year I swear I'll get organised and have everything done - and this year I really need to as my sister is getting married on 13th December and the reception is at my house, so was planning to get everything done by 1st December, better get off here and get on with it then hadn't I?! :D

[artysam]

Posted mine off today.

[LorraineJ]

Mine are now ready to go and will be in the post as soon as I can get off my back side and get them to the PO.

[lovepaperstroking2]

Mine went today as well :)

[Helen S]

Hi,

Is it too late for me to join in - I've been busy making my cards and have 5 that I can send in.

If I am not too late can you PM me the address for them to be sent?

Thanks
Helen

[Winspiration]

That would be great Helen - I will PM you my address :)