AveryHart

Hey, everyone!

My name is Krista, though I'll also sign off as Avery. I'm a 30 year old English teacher living in South Korea, though I grew up in Florida. I am teaching 1st-6th graders, who have an English level from zero to intermediate. I also enjoy reading, and write little fantasy things sometimes. I like to go for walks and have begun to take photos of the things I see when I do. I play the trumpet, speak Spanish, and pretend that I one day I'll have pretty, flowy handwriting.

Swapping is still a mostly new concept to me, and I'm a craft-illiterate, so sometimes it's very difficult for me to understand what is expected, or where to find it in Korea. I will do my best to stay out of crafting swaps, though sometimes I may be brave and try, but if your profile only has craft-based likes on it, I will panic and send you a "please help me know what I can do for you" message, because I always try to be recipient-specific in my swaps.

Listing what I like is strange and difficult for me, but I've realized how much I appreciate it in others' profiles, and will give it a try! Feel free to offer any gentle guidance. :)

However, just because I've not listed it doesn't mean I wouldn't be grateful. I'm forever thinking of more things that I adore that could have been added to this list!

Best thing ever: I like to hear about people and the sentiments and reasons behind items. A letter included in any swap just absolutely makes my day! I'm less of a visual person and more of a words person. And I send the same. You'll probably be getting a letter from me if I'm to swap to you. And it's highly likely that I may ask if you'd like a post-written response, or I may just send one.

Item-Related:

• I have a number of penpals, and I love and use all forms of stationary because of this. (AND I love letters from folks! I can't help but to reply, and adore making new friends through post, so if you find me as a swap partner, and want to reach out in a letter, I'd definitely respond!)

• In Korea, the only postcards I can find that are of any quality are "tourist" postcards. Sets of blank postcards are awesome, because then I don't have to live in constant fear of getting a swapper who hates "tourist postcards" and having to receive them anyway.

• In Korea, there aren't any of the traditional holiday treats I'm used to in America. "Common" holiday treats from Americans are so, so loved and appreciated. (But I also love other cultures too, and would be thrilled to learn about your common holidays items if you're so inclined!)

• Keychains and mugs are my favorite sorts of souvenirs.

Decorative Ideas for Any Decorative-like Swaps!

Note: I'm not actually picky, but I know ideas are appreciated! In the end, I am very grateful just to receive a thoughtful swap.

• I gravitate toward "cool" colors, and sapphire blue is my favorite of them. Pastel "warm" colors are always nice as well.

• I love insects (butterflies, dragonflies, anything that's wouldn't be considered a roach or mosquito, really!).

• I adore outdoor scenes, especially of rivers and their surrounding plants. But anything 'nature' is loved!

• Transportation-themed things are really cool in my book, especially hot air balloons, ships, and trains.

• By extension, I love anything representing an area, especially it's nature or is an older monument of an area. (Not newer things like theme parks though!)... I do like touristy things, though not really advertising/multi-photo view sorts. Informational sorts are always awesome though, I love to learn.

• While I most certainly do have a "tomboy" streak in me (superheros and catching insects and running around like a woodland nymph, yay!), I love all things feminine (but those are things are also cool!).

• I would love KJV scripture items. KJV Bible is awesome, but I ask that other Christian-related materials not be the focus of any given swap. I'm neither Catholic or into fads that turn up, which I know is the easiest sort of materials to find.

• And I love quotes.

• I don't like pet images, really. If it's an animal that can be a pet, I feel all ready overly saturated with these things.

• I am from Florida originally, and really don't enjoy theme-park related things because of over saturation as well.

• If it's not "PG", I'm probably not the one to send it to, on the flip side, I wouldn't know what to do with baby-themed things. :)

I was that kid back in school that everyone knew was an artistic idiot. I will do my best to avoid craft swaps, and so craft items are not useful to me.

However, I DO love crafts, both doing and receiving them.

It tickles me to no end to receive something someone's obviously done themselves. So never fear that I won't like something. I'd probably think you're like the most amazing person alive.

If I do try to send something crafty as an addition to a swap, please be kind with it. It took a lot of care and time, but it came out looking like a 3 year old's work anyway.