Flat goodies swap!

this is an excellent idea. i also live in canada, and it is such a bummer when it is just over that 2 cm mark because then it has to be a small package. nonesense i tell you!

so we use the big envelopes, the 6x9" or 16x24 cm, and they should be 2 cm's thick (around). that will be awesome. i can fit tons of good stuff in that envelope!

just be sure when you are shipping it, to not let it all bunch up at the ends of the envelope, because then it will be 2cm or more in thickness

wee!

I love this idea!

Cool :D

I couldn't help myself... I already started filling an envelope. I have so much stuff! If this works well, I may do it again. :)

Other countries may have different limits, say they'll only accept 1cm of thickness or go by weight :-( I know that over here in Germany for instance postage is cheaper when the envelope weighs 100g or less. Still, it's a fabulous idea for a swap!

yes here in sweden its by both weight and size, but i am in anyway:)

fun idea:)

Well, whatever the minimum thickness is should be fine. If you've enclosed nice items in your envelope, I'm sure your partner will still be happy! :)

Er, oops... I mean the maximum thickness! :D

Wow -- what a rush. I just banned my first swapper. The thing with low ratings is that these people can raise them by fulfilling previous swap commitments. Pretty simple, no?? Ah well... Anyway, I'm amazed at the high ratings of most of the participants here (except the absolute newbies). That seems promising! :)

I hope to get notecards/greeting cards, maybe some handmade letter paper. Interesting fabric scraps and some stationery would be lovely too. Thanks! :)

This one looks like a lot of fun! Given the cost of overseas postage, it's become my new challenge to see what I can pack up small and flat for the cost of a $1.85 stamp. :)

This is terrific. I'm in! We're doing a similar swap in one of my Yahoo Groups--a 39cent swap of just whatever we can get in a regular envelope for a regular first class stamp.

I have lots of interesting flat papers and pictures, fibers and ribbons and stickers. I love small pieces of handmade papers, lace, foils, mylar(very thin and light!), gift wrapping papers, shiny or sparkly fabrics. I especially love letters and words cut out of sales flyers and magazines(colorful and interesting fonts!) But please no Christmas gift wrap or other religious papers, and I'm not into cutsy kid stuff, etc. either, thanks!

weeeeeheeee~lets get it started!im sooo excited with the idea..im a newbie with this swap thingy n i just know that im gona put an extra effort with my 1st swap :)

I'm in! :) I will go over my 39 cents, but who cares! LOL Not me :) The rest is just FYI if your interested.

In the US for mail to stay at 39 cents. Here are the following: dimensions; 3 1/2 to 6 1/8 in height and 5 to 11 1/2 in length. Thickness; minimum 0.007 to maximum 1/4 inch.

First-Class envelopes weighing 1 ounce or less require an additional $0.13 nonmachinable surcharge if any one of the following apply:

It is a square letter It contains very rigid items such as wood or metal It has clasps, string, buttons, or similar closure devices It has an address parallel to the shorter dimension of the letter It contains items such as pens that cause the surface to be uneven The length divided by height is less than 1.3 or more than 2.5 (calculate this below)

I did the math and a 6x9 is 1.5 :)

Thanks, Willow Tree :)

Whoa! 82 participants??? squee I can't believe my swap made it to the Top 10 list. :D I hope none of you will be disappointed. There are quite a few newbies but I'm trusting they'll all follow through. :)

to my swap partner, please could you check out my profile as I have listed my likes/dislikes. Thank so much, I'm looking forward to this one! :)

this sounds like fun!!

To my partner: Id love anything nice - paper scraps etc but some vintage images if you have any from 40's/50's old magazines or vintags childrens books would be super cool...

I just had to sign up for this one. As a scrapbook/paper artist, it was just too tempting. hehe I'll do the best I can by my partner. Off to rumamge!

I just found this site today, looking for places to trade Artist Trading Cards. This is a great idea! I'm always trading ephemera with other artists, very informally. I'm a papermaker & have lots of gorgeous handmade paper in piles all over my studio. I'd love to send some to someone I don't even know!

my son who's 11 will be trading through me by proxy. he is always wanting to see what I swap so he is the swapper who gets it all this time. Of course I will be looking over the entire process. :) He is already thinking about what to fill it up with. He is a pretty advanced crafter... - briana in ak

I'm so excited since this is my first swap ever, and I promise! I'll do good. As for myself, I'm a little like the person above who isn't the "cutsie" type. Mainly I love color, texture, vintage or not. Just looking forward to this.

..this is my first swap as well! I am so happy to find swap bot! I am already placing a few items in an envelope now!

I too am not really the 'cutsie' type. I agree with the color/texture comment! :)

Hi Hi! I'm new and would just love to join this swap!

What a great idea! I can't wait! I'm into card making and scrapbooking so i think this swap will be perfect for me, got lots of things to put in that envelope...

I sent my items today! I hope my partner really enjoys them. I tried to make it varied and different.

                  Enjoy!

One of our swappers just sent me the following useful information regarding international shipments.

"May I suggest that the admins be aware that in the U.S. packages going to certain countries, Mid-East, Far East etc must be labelled with a customs stamp not only listing contents but also the value. In some countries, packages are held until the custom value is paid. I know because my husbands family has had this problem. It is partly politics of our time and postal nonsense. But I'm mentioning this only out of concern as I ... was thinking how many honest swappers sent out packages that are sitting in some foriegn govt postal office that were either taken or could not be paid for. Perhaps posting a reminder to members to be sure to attach a customs label will insure delivery?"

Thanks, Rachelle!

Mine went in the post this morning - great fun rummaging through all my stuff. I hope my partner can make use of some or all of it!

MHLivin .... your goodies are on the way... mailed this am

Pootle - I\'ve sent your envelope out today.I hope you receive them in a timely manor. I hope you enjoy them. I took a look at your profile and tried to choose things you\'d like.

I was reading some of the comments and am wondering if anyone is using an envelope smaller than 6x9 (inches). The requirements mention the approx. 6x9 size. Also if we "fill it up" with flat stuff, it's going to cost more than $.39 here in the US. It'd cost a minimum of $.52 anyway just because it's an oversized envelope. I just wanted to mention this because as I understand the swap, we're using a certain size envelope (minimum) and "filling it up". The postage cost isn't set at $.39 as I understand the rules, and won't cost anything near it if one ends up stuffing the envelope to about a 3/4" thickness, like the rules state. My envelope will certainly be filled up and will probably cost about $1, probably more?, to mail here in the US. Also, there's no problem mailing anything that is a little "puffy" like a pen or pencil, or something with a bead on it or some sort of embellishment, because you can just ask your postal clerk to "hand cancel" the stamps so that it won't go through a machine and risk being torn or damaged. It's helpful to write "Please Hand Cancel" on the envelope, too, just to be sure it doesn't get machine processed. Here in the US, I've never had any extra trouble sending a 6x9 envelope full of stuff that made it puffy. It was simply weighed and postage applied. I'm just hoping noone is trying to keep their postage costs down to $.39, or the minimum of $.52 for an oversized envelope, here in the US because it's not going to be a "filled" envelope then. It'll be REALLY flat! :)

I used non-padded envi - i\'m in the US and I sent to the US. Total weight was 3.80 oz.. Total amount prior to the 60 cent confrimation was $1.11. I did what I could to keep it flat. LOL But my heart starts to swell and ohhh the heck with it! :D LOL

Still fun, still do it again! :) It\'s still cheap and easy!

Yeah your right Karla, if they do stay under 50 cents it will be pretty flat, unless they slip cookies to the mail man!

I just finished stuffing my envie for my partner and well the envie just would not hold what I am sending. This was a fun swap for me to do. Ummm but I am hoping I did not break the rules by sending a large envie! Since the post office is closed on Monday,ughhhh, I will send out on Tuesday. Also I just wanted to mention that my post office told me that items wieghing under 1 lb no longer require a customs label. Am wondering if anyone else has had this experience?? I still think a customs label is safer and insures it will get to the sender.

I had an international swap. Sent it out already. It went to Australia. It cost me $4.65. It\'s ok but it sure seems like every heavier item that I have to send goes international. Am I just lucky or what?

Hello! I didn\'t mean that the envelope should be flat -- just that you could easily send a lot of flat items in a 6x9 envelope. Granted, if you really pack the envelope tightly, the weight could be a factor in the postage costs, but in my experience, sometimes the size of the envelope makes the postage cost jump more than the weight does. Maybe that\'s just in Canada. My envelope (which I\'m mailing to the UK today) is pretty heavy and I expect to spend a few bucks to ship it... but there\'s a lot in there.

This swap was an experiment. Hopefully most people will be happy with the results. :)

Hmmmm... I think you should try to keep your packages under 200 grams, too. I just brought my package back home because it was 209 grams and postage was going to be $12. Sorry to seem stingy, partner, but I can cut that down $6 just by removing about 10 grams of stuff from the envelope.

Just a heads up!

Thanks VelveteenRabbit, I know now that 7 ounces is under 200 grams (198.4466...). I will keep this in mind next swap. This time I was at almost 4 oz. I think 5 ounces (141.75 grams) is a good number, for a 6x9 envi, that\'s alot of paper if that\'s all you sent. :)

Evie Roz, my last international swap cost me $30 to send! Not contents, but $30! LOL Guess the price of airlane gas is higher than I thought! LOL :D

airplane

I\'m not sure how much mine ended up weighing (I didn\'t ask), but I sent it domestic for about $2.00. I used an envelope that was approximately 6X9 (I got it from the desk clerk @ my college mail office) and filled it so that it was full but not heavy (if that makes sense).

Anyway, I hope the person that receives it enjoys the contents. That\'s the most important part, anyway.

Shelly, I sent your envelope out this afternoon - I hope you like what\'s inside!

Sending my envelope tomorrow. My partner only lives like fifteen minutes away so it should be there by Wednesday or Thursday! :)

You are so right ataventure, I agree with the part about the enjoying part. I was just trying to explain more for this swap, to help the admin take the egdes off for her next swap :) There seemed to be alot of questions, so with any information she has, she can use it for her next flat goodies swap, which I will gladly join in on! :)

My package went out this am and I had a great time with this swap and hope we can do it again! I hope my partner likes what she recieves.

my pkge is going out today!!!

my package to gracemom6 went out today!

I had fun! Let\'s do this again, Velveteen! It was a great \"experiment\". Perhaps next time we might have a US Only swap and then another International one. I was fortunate to only have to pay $2.31 for shipping here in the US, and I stuffed it (a 6.5 x 9.5 envelope). I\'m looking forward to receiving in this swap, too. But let\'s DO do this again! :)

Malinka:

I mailed our your goodies this morning from the USA. Please let me know if you would when it arrives. Thanks! Ashley

tiffany, your letter is in the mail today from sweden, i hope you like its contents! hugs from chilly sweden!!! noel p.s. please let me know when it finally arrives and hopefully everytthing is in good condition!

i sent my envelope just now at the post office.sory kristin but the post office only opens today from a longg long chinese new year holidays.it cost me about $20 so i hope it arrives safely..hope u like it kristin~

OMG nurulnurul! I sent a mini wish list BOX to portugal full of stuff that cost me $30 to send! Yours was flat?!? You have a big heart! :)

Theresa! I love my envelope of goodies. The tissue paper is perfect for an upcoming project! I\'d swap with you any day, lady :-) Thanks! Kelly

kinda flat but not so flat..the rate to USA is $1.80 for the first 20grams,and 70cents for every next 10 grams.so my envelope is 270grams.i just hope it gets to kristin :)

Kelly, glad you like the stuff!!! I had a good time gathering things up,

I sent out my package today. :)

I'm still having fun gathering goodies! Will send it out at the 1st of the week.

Merricat, I sent your envelope four days ago and it's going to travel a looooonnnnggg way so please lmk when it arrives. I hope you like its contents and find inspiration in it!

My confrimation said my partner got hers! :)

that 60 cents is a nice \"peace of mind\"

http://www.flickr.com/groups/whole-lotta-swappa/

if you want to, you can click for an invite, but send admins something that will help us see you have the 5 ratio. Perhaps copy and paste. :)

i have sent mine to my partner and since im in the u.s. it will take a long time to get to her cause shes was outside of the u.s.

Cartazon sent your package today. Hope you enjoy!

Thank you Caroline for a fantastic package of goodies! I especially like the pinups!

Wow! wow wow wow! I received an amazing parcel this morning from HandyOne - it was absolutely chock-ful of goodies. Thank you v much!

THank you so much Carter-Chan for my stuff! I love all of it, especially the awesome post its! I was out of post its, and totally needed some so thank you!

My package went out to katrynka this morning. Enjoy!

hello! my package to cheekywabbit56 went out today! hope you like it!

my package is going to be a little bit late because i didn't get my check from my boss until the other day so i have to scramble to get everything sent. sorry about this. money is tight, but i will get the package off. my package is for susi...sorry about any delays this will cause.

I mailed mine out to LN9813 on Monday. Found some awesome new papers we just started carrying at Michaels. Hope you like them.

Kelly

I mailed mine out to LN9813 on Monday. Found some awesome new papers we just started carrying at Michaels. Hope you like them.

Kelly

I mailed mine out to LN9813 on Monday. Found some awesome new papers we just started carrying at Michaels. Hope you like them.

Kelly

Hi Kelly, Thanks for your message about your multiple posts. I see them now. No worries -- it happens.

Just a note to everyone (I hope this won't sound rude): There are 133 people in this swap, so please don't send me a private message unless it's really urgent! I've been getting a number of messages, which I don't really mind, but I try to respond to them all and it can be a bit time consuming. Thanks for understanding! :)

Hi Ellawitch Just wanted to say thank you, I got my package today, I will put the items to good use...i love it!!!!

Hila, I sent out your package today, I hope you enjoy your goodies...this was my first swap!!! Please let me know when you receive it...

I received my goodies from Kathy P from Australia. Thanks so much! Yours is my very first ever mail from Australia! Gotta say I love the wombats on the stamps! Thanks again!

I received my goodies from baglady7849, thanks love the bottle cap.

I think it's great when people notify their partners that they received their package! Please continue to do that. :) However, you don't need to also send me a private message. :)

Lindalemon did you get my package? I hope it arrived safely.

i got my package from new york yesterday..happy~happy~happy~ :))) but i dun know who its from,no address label or anything..but i will find out soon when i rate her.thank you..whoever you are..u made my day!

i just would like to tell to my partner that i haven't a lot of time to send my items, but don't worry i'll do it this afternoon

Sent my envelope to tartlover on the first. Hope you like! My first swap and the package was a bit oversized and plump. Had a blast though and would love to do this again anytime. Could someone write here how to do a rating on someone when it is time?

Anya!!!!!!!!!!!! thank you so much! I recieved my package today and I love it all. You are a great swapper! You made my day. I would love to also know how to rate a swapper! Anya deserves a 5 plus a heart for this swap! Thank you again.

See http://www.swap-bot.com/rating_info.php

Nurulnurul, I got your package today! I love it! Thank you so so much. It is definately above and beyond. Thanks again!

Kristin

Yes, I sure wish people would acknowledge either here or in a private email when they receive something...I mailed mine 2 weeks ago here in the USA and still haven't heard whether or not it was received and no response to my email...I hope all is ok with my partner...

I still haven't received anything for this swap...I sure hope I do. I was really looking forward to this one and hate to think I'm gonna get burned... :(

I see that the Send by date is March 1st, so I won't worry yet... ;)

VelveteenRabbit, do you think you need a swap fairy? Let me know.

Got my flat package of crafting fun from BrendaLea this weekend. Clever to include the vintage playing cards and tiny paper umbrella. Even though I don't usually do paper crafts, this will inspire me to embellish my swap packages!

I have not received a package yet. :-( I noticed there were a few names left on the swap that have not sent yet. It sure was fun to search for random itrems to put in the package. Chy

Annie, Thank you so much for your full-to-burst envelope. You read my profile and managed to send all the things I love! Lots of inspiration for me. You are a great swapper. Thanks again!!!

Camilla, thank you so much for the stuff you sent me. I was as excited as a kid at Christmas :-D The red glitter has leaked but no major disaster, it was in another envelope anyway. I have just started to make ATCs, so the paper comes in very handy.

Hi Willow Tree, that's sweet of you! At first I thought you meant for me but I think you mean for the swap in general, right? It's a bit early to know, since the swap deadline was March 1. Let's wait another week or so... Thanks! :)

Maybe those who have mailed might mention it here along with the name of the person to whom they mailed it. That way those of us who have not received our package yet (like me!) won't feel anxious.

Thank you Mazzam for the wonderful assortment of things. I always am in need fo envies. And I especially like the gallery leaflet. I will be sure to make something of it. Ashley

ok I checked dc my package arrived safely................

Received a great package from Liz today! Thanks!

I see we still have 15 non-senders. That's 11% of the swap participants. I'll send a reminder to those who aren't marked "sent" yet. Hopefully a few of those just forgot to check back in after mailing their packages.

Kristin, thank you sooo much for the goodies! The ribbon was especially gorgeous!

Well, JennaPerry's profile has been deleted, so at least one person may need a swap fairy...

no worries FUN TO SCRAP... yours was sent before the 1st, it should be arriving at your door step anyday!!!!!!!!

My partner was Jenna Perry and I sent to her back in February. I hadn't heard whether it was received so I am assuming it was. Before her profile was deleted I was able to catch a view of it and Jenna's daughter Elizabeth (who was also using that screenname to participate in swaps) wrote that her mother was now in a coma and wouldn't be able to complete any swaps. I was confused when I sent to "Jenna Perry" whether I was sending to Jenna or sending to Elizabeth her daughter, but I just put the mother's name on it "Jenna Perry". I'm left confused about that entire situation but what I've written here is all I know about it.

Hi, I recieved a WELL OVER AND ABOVE parcel from Brittercat, Michele you are wonderful!!!! I sent to a different Michelle (Admin is this correct?) Michele who sent to me was from CA, and the Michelle I was partnered with was from Sparta TN, I do not know if this second Michelle has recieved her package?

Ok, its all sorted, too many Michel/les!!!! although its a nice name : ) xxx

This was a great swap. I had loads of fun finding stuff to send. Mrs D sent a great package that included some vintage vinyl pieces in eye-popping colors. Just great.

I have had the experience with swap-bot that its server seems to get overloaded at crucial times. I have tried to log-in to post comments or ratings multiple times and get errors or time outs. Anyone else have this experience?

so...it's not that I don't want to update my partners, I just don't have hours to hang about trying to do it!

Hi Tara, thanks for letting me know! I also find getting into Swapbot impossible at times, this place definitely needs a bigger server.

VelveteenRabbit- I would like to offer up my services if those 15 don't send theirs. I'll gladly pick up a couple.

That's a very sweet offer, jamesdean. A few have been in touch with me and their partners so I'm pleased about that. We'll see what happens with the rest, I guess. I haven't received my package yet but it's still a bit early...

NorahCaroline-your package is on its way! Hope you like it, I had fun putting together. I will also send another to those who are left out, just let me know.

I paid $.60 extra for the Delivery Confirmation so know it was delivered, I think it would be a good idea to pay for the del confirmation so you know it got to where it was going. I have not heard from my partner but I hope she liked what I sent!

Polkadotpebble, yes received and loved my package.

I paid $.60 extra for the Delivery Confirmation so know it was delivered, I think it would be a good idea to pay for the del confirmation so you know it got to where it was going. I have not heard from my partner but I hope she liked what I sent!

Polkadotpebble, yes received and loved your package.

I think we may need a few swap fairies so I appreciate it that there have been some offers. There are currently 11 people marked as "Not Sent". At least one of those profiles has been deleted and two of them are people who are currently non-senders in another one of my swaps (are they following me or did they sign up for everything??) Out of 133 people, I guess that's not a bad ratio, but it still means that at least 11 people may be gipped. Anyone who has not received anything by March 15, please let me know and I'll see if I can match you up with someone who is willing to "bless" you with a package. Thanks, everyone!

Robot Shop, I received your envelope yesterday.

I can help as a swap fairie also if needed. :)

I can help if needed. Yes Rabbit, let me know by bot-mail.

I read this today in my mail box. Did this secret swapper come from this group?

*Hi,

I mailed the package today. Yadda Yadda Yadda (unreleased info) Hope you enjoy the package.

Lee*

disregard, I found out what it is. :)

I guess I forgot to post, but I mailed my swap to Jane AKA jes in PA on Friday, March 1, 2007. I'm sorry that I forgot to post when I mailed it off. Hugs, Kelly :-)

I will be a swap fairy

My packages went out and I am sorry I forgot to say they were sent.
Hope my partners like my choices

A few of those marked "not sent" have great profiles and ratings so I'm going to wait and see if the people who are supposed to receive from them get their packages. For those who have very obvious flakers as partners, I will contact our volunteer "fairies" and arrange something by the end of this week. I realize that's a long wait for those waiting for their goodies (hey, I still didn't get mine either), but I figure a late package from a kind fairy is better than nothing, right? :) So sit tight everyone and I will do my best to sort things out.

I have been having computer problems, but I did send on time (going to Australia) and I received on the 7th. (thanks Jennifer!

just so you know mscraftyt, i already sent your package ages ago and please be patient cos it's gonna be coming from the other side of the world =>

NooOoOOoO! My partner was a "no send"!! cries

Hello everyone, I'm wondering if anyone knows "Jane Shofestall aka jes "? I sent a stuffed envie to her & I checked USPS.com & the DC# says she received it on 3/3/07. I emailed her through Swap-bot & directly to her email, but have gotten no response. I know that she got it, but I'm not going to get rated. :'( I put alot of good stuff in the envie, too. But, does anyone know of anything I can do? Thanks in advance for any/all help. Hugs, Kelly :-)

P.S. I won't send a swap w/o DC...this is a GREAT example of why.

I am rating today. My partner who was to send to me was Hannah aka ishba. Send by date was March 1st. Her parcel is't here. So sad!

Ugh, I think matching people with fairies/angels is going to be a bit of a nightmare...

I have these fairies so far: Willow Tree, jamesdean, mamaknits, Anomie, bombshell and myself. Is this right? Anyone else? [Willow Tree, since you and I both didn't get anything, maybe we can swap with each other? :) Let me know.]

I last counted 10 people as "not sent". But I need to know exactly who didn't get a package yet (the tricky thing here is if there's a package delayed in the mail, but I will check where the sender is located). If you don't post a comment here, I won't know. I will match fairies with the first people who indicate they haven't received anything. PLEASE BE HONEST! Don't say you didn't get a package if you did. (Would anyone even do that? Am I being too cynical?) Actually, I guess if you post a comment here, your partner would see it and sound the alarm so... okay... I guess this will work. :)

I would like to coordinate this by tomorrow night so please work with me! :) Thanks!

I'll be a swap fairy, if you need any more :)

...although I'm not even sure if MY partner received her package! hmmm?

Okay, I got my package. Rnwannabe sent me a very UN-flat envelope full of goodies. squee :D Thank you to the 100+ people who DID follow through on this swap and made it so fun. :)

P.S. Oops, I almost forgot: Thanks, dimanche! I'll add you to the list of fairies. I'm still waiting to find out who needs a swap fairy. Please leave a comment here, folks. Thanks!

Exactly why the 7 day rating system DOESN�T work! I have Ishba’s parcel in my lap and I haven’t even opened it yet!!!!!!

I haven't received anything, yet. No contact either. Velveteen Rabbit, I don't need a swap fairy! I enjoy just gathering up all the little tidbits, it was fun to be creative!

I got an awesome package full of Hello Kitty goodies from florspace in singapore, thank you!

sigh, i havent gotten anything

velveteen would you drop my partner a line...i was really looking forward to this swap too.

Hi Noel, Click on "Rate my swap partners" (the link is at the top of this swap) to get your partner's contact information. A couple of us got packages just yesterday, so there may still be a few on their way. However, I will arrange fairies for the people who were matched up with known non-senders as, realistically, there's no way they're going to get something from their original partners.

I've contacted 4 fairies so far and I will do one myself. I have 2 other fairies on stand-by just in case. :)

My partner, southernxpacific aka Carissa, sent a Swap-bot message to me on March 11th saying she was late but sent. She also Swapbot-messaged me on the 14th saying it should be here anyday. It's not here yet, but maybe it will arrive today (Saturday, March 16th). We're both in the States, I believe, but I know that even mail I've sent 1 or 2 states away has been taking 5 days to deliver. Looking forward to the package as I really enjoyed putting my own package together for my partner.

It's understandable that sometimes people are late, but it really helps to communicate that instead of leaving your partner wondering. Thanks for working that out Carissa and KarlaKC. :)

Got mine today but what a disappointment...

Haven't received anything yet. Will change the rating when I do, however.

Update March 17th: Finally received the envelope today, and though I do not like to say negative things about swaps, I feel I must in this case so you would understand why I was very disappointed. The swap requirements asked "Please DO NOT SEND JUNK!" and sure one person might consider something junk that another might not, but this was sad, not fun...

I was given:

• 5 Free Cards (Advertising postcards - not actually useable postcards) and one was very offensive to receive as it was Erotica. Not everyone enjoys these types of pictures, and I think most people would agree that unless you know your partner would appreciate such items, the appropriate response is not to send;
• 1 bent and old sticker sheet;
• 3 Garfield stationery sheets from 1978 yellowed with age;
• A Black and Blue handmade (by someone else it looks like - "thenerms2007") Valentine's Day card;
• Another handmade card - a postcard that looks as if it's been sitting around unloved;
• 2 little wooden tractor or train embellishments that looked like they came off of something (glue residue on the back)
• Notecards and matching envelopes (3) and the ONLY thing that didn't look like "junk" or something that had been laying around getting damaged, rubbed, or marked on.

I hate to give such poor feedback, Carissa, but I think most of your partners would rather that you take as much time as you need and send NICE things instead of things you have had sitting around and/or things you've received and don't like and want to get rid of. That's how I was made to feel when I saw what you sent - that most of this stuff was just "getting rid of" stuff. You sent late anyway, so I wouldn't have minded waiting a little longer for you to send a swap that you would have enjoyed receiving yourself. I do know that you took some time to put these in an envelope and actually mail, and for that I thank you. But overall, this was not "fun" like the spirit of the swap was intended and it was mostly "junk" which the rules specifically stated not to send. I'm sorry.

Hi KarlaKC, I'm sorry you got a disappointing package. I had a similar experience for a winter-blues care package swap (can't remember what it was called), and I got a box full of someone's junk; among the most offensive items were tattered novels (steamy ones at that), a package of CD envelopes (!?!) and a dirty stuffed animal.

I'm actually starting to compile a personal list of known flakers -- including their contact information in case they try signing on with new nicknames. I'm going to look out for these people anytime I join or organize a swap.

It's too bad there's no way of weeding out flakers before they join swap-bot -- you only really know once they've participated in a swap. :\

I'll be a swap fairy if you need one. I've always got loads of goodies hanging around.

I just wanted to report that I received a nice envie of stuff from Mandy. I really like the stuff and appreciate you sending it. Hugs, Kelly :-)

I never got anything :0(

Sorry I got cut off before I could state also that my partner is not marked as send either.. I read her page and it seems like she is having problems but it would have been nice if she would have kept me updated I mailed her a few times and nothing? :0( Looks like I lost out on this one!!

VelveteenRabbit,

I rec'd your great Fairy Package today!!!Thank you so much for being a fairy and sending out to me...that was truly kind, and you also sent great stuff!!!!

Thanks Again

You're welcome, hanjiwest. :)

Hey summerivy, I just checked your partner's profile, too, and she certainly doesn't seem like a flaker with that great track record of high ratings. Hopefully the explanations she's posted are sincere and you will get something soon. :)

velveteen, merricat hasent responded to my mails and nothing has come, if there is a fairy you could kindly put us in contact with each toher, thanks alot noel

VelveteenRabbit, do let me know if you need a Fairy. I wish I had never sent my package to JennaPerry and had sent it to her partner instead as I feel almost certain she reneged on her partner. I certainly never heard any acknowledgement from her that she received mine. I received a small envelope of junk myself from my partner - sorry, I know that sounds harsh, but I still stand by that - she said it was "stuff" ATC users like to use to make ATCs, but considering how, out of all the swaps she's performed, she's got not one ATC swap under her belt, and out of all the swaps I've done - I'm not an ATC maker either, I feel that it was just junk.

Having said that, if you still have anyone who has not received from someone, please let me know and I'll be happy to put together another package. Choose someone in the USA first, if possible, but if not, I'm happy to fulfill an international swapper's package, too. Just let me know!

My partner has still not gotten back with me :0(, will not answer my emails!

WOO HOO U GOT MINE LOL