I don't know anything about how swaps work. Do you have to get together with people or do you do things through the mail? If you do it through the mail, can it be done internationally? What kind of things are swapped? Can you tell me your experiences with different kinds of swaps?
Thanks for your help Melissa
I have had mostly good experience with swaps but, I did get taken twice. I don't do much swapping anymore because I found that I just didn't use what I got. Not that I didn't like it, just that I didn't use it. But, I do like to do page kit swaps and if a topic comes up that interests me I sign up. I like them because you get everything you need to do a page, I've made several complete scrapbooks using kit swaps. I have some swap information on my site, if you'd like to take a look.
There is a swap page on our RCS website as well. You can see the directions as well as the results. Sure from time to time someone doesn't come through or they didn't read the instructions as well as they should have and they either have to do their pages again or someone, often the hostess has to pitch in a second set, but we always hope that things will go smoothly and for the most part they do.
It would seem that at least on this group, recipe swaps are the most popular.
I'm in Canada and I've done about a dozen swaps now. My pages have always gotten to the host within about a week. This last one only took 4 business days to get there, which really surprised me. I've been very VERY happy with all of the swaps I've been included in. I've only done the recipe page swaps because I don't have what I think it takes to do the others (no sizzix cutter, and not nearly enough stamps, fibers, etc for the other types of swaps, like the rainbow one they're doing now).
I've only done 2 but they've went great. They was both great hostess.
I've done many swaps and they have all been done through the mail. They have been from many different countries. It just sometimes cost a little more postage, but works out fine. I've done several recipe swaps, a tag swap, a title swap, altered notebook swap, punchie swap, fiber swap, eyelet swap, and a "Trading Pages" swap. I've been pretty happy with all of them. When there is a slight problem it's usually someone who either doesn't read the rules of the swap, doesn't understand the rules or for some reason decides not to abide by the rules. I think then it's up to the hostess to make the call on whether that person can remain in the swap. But these are happy fun things and I think if you have questions or concerns feel free to talk to the hostess. It will make everyone happy all around if you do so. The tag swap was my first swap and I was SO afraid my work wouldn't measure up... first of all I was a new scrapper and I had never done any tags. The hostess held my hand and cheered me on and the tag fit right in and was enjoyed by all. I say pick a swap and jump in you'll have fun. Each swap I've been in has scrapping levels of all kinds and every thing always looks so nice.
All in all I'm very happy with swapping and will continue to do so.
Lynne
Thanks to all for sharing your experiences, I'm going to check out the RCS website and think about hosting a swap so keep your eyes peeled!
Melissa
Can't wait always looking for new swaps.
HIYA... I have done about 100+ swaps. I have hosted several and joined in on several. At
~cowcchipper cowchipper ATT holstein DOTT net
Thanks for your help Melissa
Just a heads up, about the RCS rules regarding swaps and hosting swaps that are stated in our FAQs. These rules were created by RCS regulars to help protect our members from individuals that might otherwise come into RCS, post intensivelly for a few weeks, host swaps and never return the items. While not infalible, it gives us a little time to get to know someone before sending them items to swap.
When can I participate in RCS activities? We ask that you be a regular poster for 3 months before participating in swaps, Secret Bunny or Santa, Not-So-Secret-Scrapbooking-Friend (NSSSF), etc. It is recommended that you participate in a swap before hosting your own swap. As for having your BIO posted on the RCS website, you will need to be a regular poster for 3 months at which time you can email your info to the webmistress. These are guidelines formed by regular RCS members and are to be used with discretion. The length of posting required to join a particular activity is determined by the host(ess) and can range from 3 to 6 months or more of regular posting. This allows for a more active and engaged membership.
Who can host a swap? Before becoming a host of a swap, we ask that after a period of at least 3 months of being a regular poster that you participate in a swap. After you have completed your participation in a swap, then you are welcome to host a swap after being a regular poster for 6 months, if you feel comfortable. Hosting a swap is a big commitment and should not be taken lightly. Feel free to contact previous hosts concerning the duties required for a successful swap. Swaps must be scrapbook related.
Where can i find out more about swaps?
You will also note that our host(ess)s have taken the time to post their profiles to the website!
The only mail swaps I've participated in have been through RCS. It was a neat experience. I have participated in a LO swap every month through my crop group. Everyone that wants to participate does a LO (12x12) based upon a theme. We have a table set up for the swap and everyone puts their swap face down on the table. When your number is drawn you can pick a swap from the table or steal one someone else has already picked. Once it is stolen it's dead for that round until a new number is drawn. I've got several neat pages that way. Love getting someone else's work. Sandy
I read this after I posted that I might host a swap, terribly sorry for my jumping the gun! I wouldn't dream of breaking the rules on purpose, I will wait my 3 or 6 months and then participate in a swap. After I have participated in a swap how long do I have to wait before hosting one? I can't believe people are really so rude as to steal from other people when they have an agreement like in a swap, but then there's a bad one in every bunch isn't there.
Thanks for the warning. Melissa
Sounds like a lot of fun, I can't wait until I can participate too!
Thanks for sharing. Melissa
It had been a while since we reminded people of our swap rules, so you just reminded me that it might be worth mentionning considering that we've been lucky enough to meet a lot of new scrappers on the group recently.
As for hosting a swap, you can host a swap as soon as you've participated in one and have your three months with no problems. You can participate in a swap before your three months are up if the hostess is willing to include you. I look forward to seeing what kind of swap you come up with, Melissa!
M-C
Thanks a bunch for all the help! It's nice to get to talk to so many people who know what they're doing! I've got about 2 1/2 months to come up with a good swap.... I'm sure I can figure something out *lol* Looking forward to swapping in the future.
Melissa
Melissa, I have been here awhile and have participated in many swaps...paper doll swaps,tag , many sets,paper piecing and enough recipe swaps to fill three
3 ring albums ! I've done eyelet and brads, fibers, page swaps and participated in the NSSSF,the secret Santas,bunnies.leprechauns and I have been pleased with them all. This is really a nice group who take responsibility seriously and we have had few flakers. It is up to the person hosting the swap as to how long you have been here to participate. M-C posts the swaps on our site. If you see anything that sounds like you would enjoy doing it...well just jump right in! Itis fun to get goodies in the mail and fun to make or buy for ones on the group.Hugs, Sabrina in Kentucky
a good friend is a life long treasure
I love swapping... my favourite swaps are for page decorations or tags or similar small useful things - they're quicker and easier for me to make than a whole page kit, and it's easier to find a use for a tag or a set of serendipity squares or a border than it is to match photos to a specific page kit. They're also cheaper to mail.
Sometimes you get burnt on swaps and that sucks... there was one swapping group that I left because I kept sending out good quality stuff and getting garbage back in return (or worse, not getting anything because my partner bilked) I was on another one that was fantastic but it was Australian-only so I had to leave it when I moved. I haven't found any US swap groups to join yet, and I haven't been in this one long enough to play.
btw, in my mind the least satisfactory swaps to do are round robins... there's far too much chance of someone forgetting to mail it or losing it so it never finishes. I've started five for various things and I only ever got two of them back, so never again. ~Karen aka Kajikit Crafts, cats, and chocolate - the three essentials of life
Thanks for the tips - there's some other swap sites listed throughout these posts, you might want to check them out to find swaps in your area.
MElissa
The swaps I've been involved in were great and I wasn't disappointed in what I received or how quickly the turn around was. The ones I've been involved in were through the mail and we had some members from outside the US. They were all relatively small items that can fit in the largest a 9x11 envelope (not counting the NSSSF). HTH
Teresa in MD
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