Swap 17- "Frame your Quote"

 Tejal here with a brand new swap!! For this month of august, We wanted something different.

So the theme is "Frame your Quote"
How it works.

When you sign up, send us and email with your postal address and favorite quote that you would love to hang in your room.
That quote will be sent to your partner and your will get a quote from your partner to be worked upon.
It made no sense for us to send you a quote that someone else likes...so we want you to email your favorite quote to us, so it actually resonates with you.  

What to do with the Quote

You have to create an A4 size page using that quote as the highlight. Create something like an Art journal page. No Canvas please. Heavy weight CS or 300gsm Watercolor paper or thicker.
It is not necessary to use mixed media. You can simply use inks and stamps to create the page too. If you like doing mixed media, you can do that too. You can use any supplies that you have...no restrictions.

Here is an example of what you can make with just inks and stamps..

Now the nitty gritty details..
1. A4 page only. Not bigger, not smaller. 
Please use a heavy weight paper (300gsm or more) or back your paper with another sheet of paper...so that it doesn't become all floppy

2. Please use a cardboard to pack  your paper, so that it does not get bent in transit. If you use 3D elements in the page, pack it accordingly with bubble wrap. Before your start making, plan how you will pack it. 3D elements will get squished in transit, so plan your page accordingly..or pack accordingly.

3. You all will receive your quotes on 8th August. As soon as the link up closes. We expect sneak peeks within the next 10 days. Last date to send any sneak peek is 23rd August.
One reminder email will be send on 24th if we don't hear from you. After that , we will simply drop you.
So please think and join the swap. We are tired of long lengthy excuses.

We expect your swap to reach your partner no later than 5th September . 

The rest of the rules are the same. No sharing of swaps till we reveal them  on the swap central blog. Once it is on the blog you can share it on your personal space.

We have no issues if you want to watermark your work with a stamp or a sticker to declare it is made by you.

NO PERSONAL MESSAGES ON WHATSAPP OR FACEBOOK OR OUR PERSONAL EMAIL ID'S. ANY COMMUNICATION, QUERIES, DOUBTS HAS TO BE DONE THROUGH THE SWAP CENTRAL EMAIL ID- swap.central.india@gmail.com.

For any further queries feel free to email us and we would help you in the best manner we can.



Hope to see loads of fabulous Arty pages!!


Tejal

Swap #16=>Notebook

Hello everyone,

Sorry for the delayed post.. Just got back from a holiday and took a while to settle back to my normal routine. A big thank you for everyone who joined us in our comeback swap of choosing your own elements to build your card. We have gotten such fabulous entries.. Cannot wait to show off the amazing work done by everyone.

Next month is friendship day so like last year we thought of swapping something which would be memorable and special.. This month we would be swapping notebooks.. Preferably shop bought ones which you would alter although we are not averse to the idea of getting a spiral bound one done by yourself.

POINTS TO NOTE:-

1) The minimum size of your note book is to be 6"x8".

2) A minimum of 100 pages to be there in the book.

3) if you are getting a spiral bound one done, make sure you use either chipboard of card stock of 400 gsm or higher for the cover to ensure that it is sturdy and durable.

4) You have to embellish one side of the insides. Basically personalising the insides too maybe with an image or a quote or anything but make sure that it is flat. That means no pearls, rhinestones or anything 3-d inside.

5) Since we give a minimum size please do not expect the same size like the one you have made for we don't know who is making what size.

6)How you do the cover is upto you. Make sure you make something which someone would like to get in return.

7) Pack your swap well. Last time we had some swappers sending in cards with flowers in flat envelopes which were bound to squash them. Please consider your own hard work when packing to ensure you do not end up damaging it yourself in transit because you did not pack it well.

8) Last but not the least have fun. It was such an amazing experience to have the opportunity to see some amazing creations.

The last date for registrations is 7th of July and We need the final pictures by no later than 23rd July. Sneak peeks are to come in as soon as you begin working. It really isn't that big an ordeal to click pictures while working is it. I get tired asking for sneak peeks and having excuses thrown at me.

Your partner has to receive the swap no later than 5th of August. 

The rest of the rules are the same. No sharing of swaps till we reveal them  on the swap central blog. Once it is on the blog you can share it on your personal space.

We have no issues if you want to watermark your work with a stamp or a sticker to declare it is made by you.

Please drop in an email with your postal address when you have joined the swap.

NONE OF US WILL ENTERTAIN ANY PERSONAL MESSAGES ON WHATSAPP OR FACEBOOK OR OUR EPRSONAL EMAIL ID'S. IF I HAVE ONE MORE PERSON DOING THAT WE WILL BAR YOU FROM THE SWAP IMMEDIATELY. ANY COMMUNICATION IS TO BE DONE THROUGH THE SWAP CENTRAL EMAIL ID- swap.central.india@gmail.com.

For any further queries feel free to email us and we would help you in the best manner we can.

Thanks and hope to see a lot of you join us..


Hugs,
Khush

Swap #15=> Choose Your Pick

Hello Guys,

We are back after a very short break ( JUST 8 months, LOL!!). There was just a major upheaval in all our lives. Saumya got busy with work, Tejal was shifting, I was married.. SO basically all of us got lost in our own web of things. Now slowly and steadily things are getting back to normal and we are hoping that we can we can get swap central up and running as it was very very soon. There were a lot of requests from you guys  asking us to get back and we are trying to do just that.

This time we are doing a card swap but with a twist. We are giving you a list of elements to choose from to make your cards. We never have enough cards ready when we want to give it to someone. So, here is your chance to get yourself back to the crafting groove.

What you have to make

5 cards of minimum size 4x6 with envelopes using the elements being listed below. Each card has to be different. Please Do Not Give us 5 of the same. You might want to repeat the elements in your cards which is ok. But it has to be different in design. Ensure good sturdy card stock is used to make your cards. We will now be getting strict with the kind of materials and swap you create.

The Elements are as listed below. You have to choose one element from each Row to make your card. One element from each is COMPULSORY.

You may use 2 elements from a particular column too which is ok with us. The bottomline is one element from each column. Anything over and above that is a bonus.
 For e.g I might be making a birthday card with the option of layers. From embellishments I might use flowers, butterflies and bling with say dies and colored image.

NOTE:- Just distressing edges would not count as using distress inks. A more visible use is to be made when using that product to work with.

For general rules please read the FAQ post before joining the swap.

From this swap on we would be sending you only ONE reminder email for the status of your swap. If for any reason you do not give us a reply within 48 hours, you will be removed from the list of swappers. We got tired of hounding after some of the miscreants.

Make something you would like to receive. Use good quality products. We would be keeping a keen eye on the kind of products you use. Like we always say. Please make something you would like to receive in return.

We now reserve the right to stop someone from joining a swap. 

Registrations begin from the 1st of June and would be on till the 7th . From now on registrations would be open for a week. 

Work in progress pictures are to be sent as soon as you finish 25% of your work. When and how soon we leave it to you... 

The final pictures are to be emailed to us by the 23rd after which you get your partner names.

The package has to reach your partner no later than the 5th of July. If we receive complains for late delivery, Black mark.

Please ensure that you pack up the swap well.

SWAP #14 - Money Envelopes

Sorry about this post being one day late...Life happens!!

So onto our newest swap...With the festival season coming along, we know how much we need our money envelopes or Shagun envelopes as we call them. So how about making some, and sending some!!

What You Need to Do:

1. Create 10 Money envelopes (size 7x3)
Or any other shape if you wish to. Make sure it is big enough to hold a folded 1000 or 500 Rs. note. 

And of course we wouldn't make it that easy on you...would we? We want you make the envelopes from a scratch...no buying ready envelopes and decorating them...Score, fold and make your own envelopes and decorate them.

2. You can decorate as much as you want, or as little as you want. But make something that you would like to receive yourself.

3. All 10 have to be different. There is no theme from our side, but if you wish to, you can make with a common theme. But again, all 10 envelopes have to be different on the decor

4. Do keep a space on the envelope for the sender/user to write a msg before gifting the envelopes. 

5 .Pack the envelopes well when you dispatch them. 

Some of the examples of envelopes......

The Rules remain the same

Newcomers to the swap, Please check the rules and regulations on the blog..

Registrations close by 11th September. 

Please send in your sneak peaks by 20th September and final pics to arrive by 29th September....and your project should be mailed out by 30st September!!!!

Your partner names come to you only when you send us your final pics!!!

Also very importantly...we notice that a lot of people register and then at the end of the month we get a mail saying they would want to withdraw as they have personal commitments....we would like to say that please check in advance your schedule and plan whether you will be able to fit the swap in your schedule or not...also we give enough time for a swap....so that even if you have a sudden emergency of events you can still finish your projects!!! You need to start work after you have registered and not wait for our reminder mailers or last date to kick your imaginations!!!!!

Swap # 13: Ornate Tags

Hello people....

How has the last month gone by with the rains? In Mumbai, the rains Gods seem to be more than generous and my Mojo God seemed to be flowing with the weather and has been damn gloomy with loads of work to finish with no enthusiasm. But finally I have found my kick and am back with renovated  Mojo....

We have had some wonderful cards from last swap and am sure you will agree once Tee does the reveals soon....so stayed glued to this space!!

This month we are swapping "Ornate Tags. Am sure we all are aware of what tags are ....now when we add the word "ornate" all we want is layers and textures. Add as many layers as you can....

Examples of some ornate/layered tags

Lets us know if you need more examples for references......

What You Need to Do:

1. Create 3 tags of size 8 i.e (6*3 inches)

2. Add as many layers or textures you can.

3. See that the base of your tag is strong enough to hold the layers and does not bend with the weight.

4. Pack each tag separately in plastics so that they do not get entangled with each other and destroy the decors. 

The rules remain the same.....
Registrations close by 10th August. Please send in your sneak peaks by 20th August and final pics to arrive by 29th August....and your project should be mailed out by 31st August!!!!
Your partner names come to you only when you send us your final pics!!!

Also very importantly...we notice that a lot of people register and then at the end of the month we get a mail saying they would want to withdraw as they have personal commitments....we would like to say that please check in advance your schedule and plan whether you will be able to fit the swap in your schedule or not...also we give enough time for a swap....so that even if you have a sudden emergency of events you can still finish your projects!!! You need to start work after you have registered and not wait for our reminder mailers or last date to kick your imaginations!!!!!

Having said all of this...do have fun with the swap.....

Hugs

Saumya

Swap #12 - Clean and Simple Cards (CAS cards)

Hello Everyone,

Its been a long time that I said hello here..and its fun getting back into the routine of swaps...I have been drooling over all the magnets that were swapped...and so so wished I could have been a part of that swap. Finally now I've shifted, the house is in good shape (don't ask about the craft room, still not done yet) and now am ready to start crafting! :D

So for this gorgeous month of July  we are swapping something that is close to my heart....Clean and Simple Cards!!!

So the Do's and Don't of this Swap...

1. 10 Clean and Simple Cards  with envelope. We do not want one layered cards. ( So no stamping two flowers and one sentiment and saying you're done. NO!! not allowed)
 I'll be showing you examples of cards that will be allowed and won't be allowed, so you get a fair idea of what we want.

2. Sentiments are optional...you are welcome to put them or leave them blank.

3. Standard A2 card size - 5 x 4

4. Last Date to register will be 10th July. And last date to send in your  final pictures will be 25th July. Send in your sneak peeks as soon as you start on your cards.  

Other rules remain the same.

Please ensure that your work standard is something you would like to get in return.

All communication to be done on swap.central.india@gmail.com

I would be sending you a maximum of 2 feedback emails. Failure to respond leads to automatic removal of your name from the swap with no further intimation.

Kindly commit to the swap only if you are confident. We understand family emergencies and health emergencies happen but you are given sufficient time to make your swap and you decide to inform us a week before the swap is supposed to close is completely irresponsible and will not be tolerated any more. If you back out, the 3 of us might take a call to debar you based on our talks. Our decision to debar remains final and we will not give explanations as to why it is done.

Now let me get on to a few words about Clean and Simple cards..

Clean and simple cards are not over the top. They are simple and clean as the name says, and without having too much embellishments it stays elegant and understated. Read a fabulous 101 on CAS cards HERE

Of course you can add a ribbon, a brad, a flower, or some glitter, some sparkle, some gems, but it should add to the card and not take the focus away from the main image or sentiment.

This card has a lot ... embossed CS, layers, ribbon, flowers, rhinestones, pearls, but yet all of that supports the main focus, that is the sentiment and still stays CAS.

And this is something we want to see in  your cards.

source - Pinterest

 Layers and ribbons...YES!!

 This again is an example of a card that is CAS, but it is layered. This is YES.

This is a one layered card, which is a NO! 

 Again a one layered card... NO

So to summarise,

A clean and simple card, but no one layered cards. Use at least 2 layers, which is your CS plus one or more layers on top.
White CS is not necessary, We want you to break out of the box and work with colored CS, but white is fine too.

Experiment, search for sketches, and feel free to bug us if you have any doubts. 

Swap #11=> Multiple use of CDs

Hello,

Welcome back to swap central once again. Thanks for everyone who joined in for the fridge magnets swap.. reveals will start soon.. There were some amazing fridge magnets made ( I haven't seen any but going by the past work records at swap central, I am at the liberty to make such a statement.. :P)

So welcome to a brand new swap.. This time we are going to use old and discarded CDs to make different creations. We started off at swap central with a CD mini and feels like we are back again, reliving old memories...

So, coming back to the main point.. what all you will have to make.

1) A CD hanging- either a car accessory or a wall hanging ( the choice is yours). If you choose to do a car hanging you will have to embellish one CD but on both sides. If you choose a wall hanging, it will be 3 CDs, embellishing one side of each CD.

2) A CD notebook of a minimum 20 pages.

3) A CD magnet

4) A CD coaster ( you can embellish the edges of the coaster). Please ensure that you have modge podged the coaster else it reduces the durability of the coaster). Do not have a modge podge, don't worry and no need to buy. At the swap central facebook page we discussed how to make home made modge podge. Please scroll down the posts to find that discussion.

5) A CD cover with a CD in it with your favourite songs or a movie or anything that you want to send across as the contents of the CD as a gift for your partner ( spreading some more love). The choice of how you want  the CD cover is upto you. Please do not buy a CD sleeve and embellish it. You have to make it from scratch.

So in total you will be making FIVE things and sending to your partner.

The other rules remain the same..

Please ensure that your work standard is something you would like to get in return.

All communication to be done on swap.central.india@gmail.com

I would be sending you a maximum of 2 feedback emails. Failure to respond leads to automatic removal of your name from the swap with no further intimation.

Since CDs are delicate kindly ensure that you pack them up properly before shipping. Failure to do is a negative mark in your name.

Kindly commit to the swap only if you are confident. We understand family emergencies and health emergencies happen but you are given sufficient time to make your swap and you decide to inform us a week before the swap is supposed to close is completely irresponsible and will not be tolerated any more. If you back out, the 3 of us might take a call to debar you based on our talks. Our decision to debar remains final and we will not give explanations as to why it is done.

The last day of final submission of pictures is 25th June. Kindly send in sneak peeks as soon as you begin working on your swap.

Register by adding your name onto the inlinkz below and most importantly have fun.

Swap 10# Fridge Magnets

Hello Peeps....its been so busy busy for me...two months of crafting and orders with a long vacation with parents after marriage and then trip to Bhutan...and now setting up my own house and waiting for my supplies to be sent to Mumbai....Phew!!!! Plus is soo soo soo HOT in Mumbai....

Before I announce the swaps, ...Swap Central Celebrates its 1st Birthday today...so Woo-hooo...thank you to all of you swappers who've made this such wonderful place to be!!!

But in this whole busy schedule and heat we Gossip Girls have not forgotten you- our most loyal friends ......so here we are with our new swap...........FRIDGE MAGNETS!!! We have kept it fairly simple this time just to beat the heat and create the mood for crafting !!!

1. The magnets have to be 3x3 in size and in total you have to make 10 of them....
     please remember each of them needs to be different ....

2. When packing your magnets, please ensure each magnet is packed in separate clear bags.

Please also ensure that the base of your fridge magnet is strong enough to sustain the weight of your embellishments . (keep testing while you make them)

In case you need help with acquiring magnets ...let us know...we will provide you with the best sellers around who could send you the magnets....

The rules remain the same.....
please send in your sneak peaks by 20th May and final pics to arrive by 29th May....
and your project should be mailed out by 30th May!!!!
Your partner names come to you only when you send us your final pics!!!

Also very importantly...we notice that a lot of people register and then at the end of the month we get a mail saying they would want to withdraw as they have personal commitments....we would like to say that please check in advance your schedule and plan whether you will be able to fit the swap in your schedule or not...also we give enough time for a swap....so that even if you have a sudden emergency of events you can still finish your projects!!! You need to start work after you have registered and not wait for our reminder mailers or last date to kick your imaginations!!!!!

Having said all of this...do have fun with the swap.....

Hugs

Gossip Gurls ....(we are sadly no more the BB Gossip Gurls as our BBM group broke up....:( sad....but we are still connected through whats app!!! :) ....)

Swap#9=> Envelope mini album

Hello everyone,

We are back with a brand new swap here at swap central and it is celebration time.. Swap Central is going to be one year old and we (the gossip girls) are just so excited. Never did we imagine in our wildest dreams that we would get so much love shown to us through our swaps. It means a lot to us.

So, to begin the celebrations we bring to you a mini album swap, specifically an envelope mini. You can use any tutorial you find to make your mini- in short go wild and try something which you have been wanting to but haven't so far.. :P

Just keep in mind the following points when making your envelope mini:-
1) The minimum size of your mini has to be 4"x6".

2) Well, we cannot really have a swap without a twist... an envelope mini with a color tone.. We give you the following option, pick any one and make your mini using those tones. Please ensure that you DO NOT mix the color tones. Stick to the one you have chosen. The color tones for you are
* Bright and Bold
* Vintage
* Monochromatic
We would be doing a color tone post to make it easier for you to understand what we mean.

3) Since it is cerebration time, we thought we'd keep the theme as CELEBRATION. Now let us see how innovatively and creatively can you use the theme. You have to embellish a minimum of 5 pages + 2(front and back cover)/ that equals to 14 sides.


4) This is going to be a one and a half month swap, running from March15th to April 30th. We would announce the new swap on the 1st of May. Sneak peeks to start coming in ASAP. Final pictures by the 20th of April. Partner name as usual will be given out only after receiving the final pictures.

4) Kindly enter your name in the inklinkz and send in your details to swap.central.india@gmail.com. Old swappers, just drop in a line if the details remain the same else update us with the new details.

5) Please ensure the quality of work you send out is something you would like to receive. Despite urging you guys, we have come across some seriously shoddy work. We do not want to judge but you give us no option. It just isn't a nice feeling to receive something in which no effort has been put in whereas on the other the other person has put in a lot of effort. At swap central, we believe in quality over quantity and would continue to do so.

6) In case you are interested in sending to an international participant, let us know then maybe we would have some international entries too.

7) Like last time, I would be communicating to you twice for updates. With a failure to respond to either, your name would automatically be cut off from the swap list with no further intimation.

8) Just go ahead and have fun..


Once you get your partner name, kindly keep up in the loop regarding dispatch and receipt of your swap.

Hope to see some amazing work for this swap too. Happy crafting and happy swapping.


-The Gossip Girls

Swap #8=> Multi-fold note cards

Hello,

Time flies doesn't it.. One month of the new year already gone and about halfway of the second month too... phew..!! And it is the 100th post on the blog... WOW...

The kind of work being done for the swaps is mind-boggling and totally awe-inspiring.. Thank you so much for  all the love you have showered on us....

This month we are concentrating on Multi fold MINI cards..

So the criteria:-

1) You have to make a total of 20 multi-fold note cards, 4x4 in size.

2) 5 different kinds of folds, each fold would have 4 note cards. For example, I choose a fold 1 and make four cards using that same style of fold but embellish each of the 4 cards differently..... then fold 2 and make another set of 4 differently embellished note cards..... .. and so on and so forth...


3) No sentiment on any of the note cards.

.Rules to keep in mind:-

1) Join in by putting in your name in the inklinkz.

2) Send in your address details to us within 24 hours at swap.central.india@gmail.com. We would revert back with a confirmation mail.. If you receive no confirmation then please understand you have missed some vital point. This rule is for our new swappers only. Old swappers.. a line saying... details remain the same help. KINDLY REGISTER WITH A VALID EMAIL ID.

3) From this swap onwards, we would get stricter. You would be getting a maximum of two reminder emails for feedback after which your name would be removed from the swapping list with no further notice. I know it sounds barbaric but it becomes rather difficult to chase every one around like cattle.

4) Since February is a small month, registration would close a couple of days earlier.

5) Sneak peeks to start coming in ASAP.

6) Final pictures by the 5th of March after which you would be given your partner names.

7) Parcels to be dispatched by 15th March

8) For any correspondence, please use the email ID mentioned above. No query on personal email ID or FB shall be entertained.

9) Most importantly have fun.

Swap 7# Name Plates

Hi All,

Its definitely a very pleasant cold morning with beautiful chirping birds on my window .....and am happy to be back on Swap Central among you all!!! Its New Year's and we return with a new swap after a break so "Happy New Year" to all and welcome back ....and we hope you continue to support us like the last year with more creativity, more unique ideas and greater presentation qualities......

All said and done now lets get going with our swap!!! As the title suggests this month we are swapping handmade Name Plates ......

Specifications and Special Rules: 

1. Minimum Size- 4"x 12" (this dimension is excluding the framing or binding etc....you are not expected to frame or bind it but if you want to do it...you are most welcome to but remember that courier charges may go up due to weight issues)
2. One can use any material- thick cardboard, MDF, wood etc
3. Make sure the material you use for the base and the end product both can sustain the trauma of Indian Courier services.
4. Please remember the highlight is the "Name" of your partner and the not the embellishments.
5. Packaging should be well done keeping in mind the Indian Courier services....any damage caused during transit will not be our responsibility. We would depend on the receiver to comment on the packaging after which we would decide whether the sender deserves a negative mark or not!!
6. Only for this swap you would get your partner names immediately after the registration ends!!
7. When you mail us with your postal address ...kindly also mention how would you like your name to appear on the name plate ...eg. "Saumya" or "Saumya Mohanty" or a pet name etc.


The rest of the rules remain the same as the previous swaps..
Registrations close by 25th January

 All project Sneak peeks are necessary....photographs to reach us way before 10th February. Sneak Peak can be at any stage while you are doing your projects but must arrive before the final picture submission or the person is entitled for negative marking!!! Sorry for being stricter guys!!!

We would need your projects to be sent out by 15th February latest!!! No delays pleases. 

We will send out a confirmation mail to all registered participants after we receive their inlinkz link and address both. No confirmation mail means your have not registered properly or not followed all the steps for registering!!

Kindly email us your full address with contact number once you have registered within 24hours. 

 A sincere request to the swappers, please take some care while packing your final project before sending off. Indian Postal system is not well renowned for safe delivery so to ensure the well being of your hard work, please devote some time to carefully sending off your parcel.

All communications regarding the swap through emails or FB personal messages please!!! We do not entertain calls, sms or FB posts.

Most importantly, enjoy. It is such a  pleasure to receive the emails with the final pictures. I swear if I could only get to keep each and every one of it I would be in crafty heaven for sure. 

Hope you guys enjoy this swap and join us. In case of any suggestions and queries do email us and we would get back to you at the earliest.

Cheers,
The BB Gossip girls

Swap # 6 - Calenders

Happy Diwali and A very happy new year everyone!!!

I hope everyone had a rocking festival time, and its not easy to get back on the wagon, but after holidays its hard!
So one month before the year ends...how did the year fly by sooo fast???? With 5 awesome swaps under our belt, this is our 6th swap!!

This month, we are making Calenders! Yes that's right Desktop calenders.

1. Minimum size is 5x5... you are welcome to make any size/shape above 5 inches.. be it a 5x7 rectangle, 5x5 square....

2. Make sure it is sturdy...It has to survive a whole year... so please use good support material in fabricating your calender.

3. Registrations will close on 25nd Nov. After you register, please email us your current address and email. No matter if you are a new participant or a older one....we need that email.(our data base has gone for a toss)

4. This swap will run from Nov 15 to Dec 15 following which Swap Central Will be on a break for one month

5.We have time and again requested you, please take part  only if you are sure of your commitment and you know you can finish it. Please don't give us flimsy excuses at the last minute. You would be penalized for it.

6. Sneak peeks should begin arriving as soon as you start on your project and final pictures by 9th of Dec

Do read the rules of the Swap Central over HERE

Just to give you an idea of the various calenders out there on the blogosphere, I'm posting a few pictures taken from a google search....linking to the respective blogs as well.

Blog link

Blog link

Blog link

Blog link

Blog Link

I think these should give you an idea. If you have any questions, queries or doubts, email us at swap.central.india AT gmail DOT com 

NOTE: FOR ANY COMMUNICATION KINDLY MAKE USE OF THE EMAIL ABOVE FOR WE ANSWER EMAILS ALMOST INSTANTLY. NO SMS OR FACEBOOK MESSAGES WILL BE ENTERTAINED.

Swap #5 birthday Planners

Hello everyone,

We are in our 5th swap already.. Seems like yesterday when we were working out the concept of Swap Central and reaching the 5th swap is super.. It's all thanks to everyone who participates.. Thanks for joining us and keeping our morale going and forcing us to put on our thinking caps... :D

This time we are concentrating on birthday planners... This seemingly small book is very important especially for people like me who have the tendency to forget birthdays.. ( Although Facebook does save me from getting killed time to by time by informing me of the birthdays).. it is still my favorite book...So why not make one for ourselves to note down the birthdays of our someone special and not-so-specials too.. *wink*

How you design your planner is upto you with conditions apply of course.. The conditions being

1) Minimum size of the planner has to be 5x7
2) Minimum 6 pages with 2 pockets on either side of each page...so that makes it 6 pages and 12 pockets in total!
3) Make two tags for every month for the pockets labelled "birthday" and "anniversary"
4) Theme- kids, teenagers, adults ( your choice which theme you choose and based on that the way you do your planner)


A few sample pictures to show you how the pockets would be made...

 The pocket

This is how the pages would look

This is going to be a one a half month swap... So enough time to plan and execute and send on time...

The rules remain the same as the previous swaps..
Registrations close by 10th October

 All project Sneak peeks necessary....photographs to reach us way before 10th November. Sneak Peak can be at any stage while you are doing your projects but must arrive before the final picture submission or the person is entitled for negative marking!!! Sorry for being stricter guys!!!

We would need your projects to be ready by 10th November after which you would get your swap partners names and the swaps to be sent out by 15th November latest!!! No delays pleases. 

We will send out a confirmation mail to all registered participants after we receive their inlinkz link and address both. No confirmation mail means your have not registered properly or not followed all the steps for registering!!

Kindly email us your full address with contact number once you have registered. Swappers who have joined us previously, just drop in a line informing us whether the address remains the same or has it changed.

 A sincere request to the swappers, please take some care while packing your final project before sending off. Indian Postal system is not well renowned for safe delivery so to ensure the well being of your hard work, please devote some time to carefully sending off your parcel.

Most importantly, enjoy. It is such a  pleasure to receive the emails with the final pictures. I swear if I could only get to keep each and every one of it I would be in crafty heaven for sure. 

Hope you guys enjoy this swap and join us. In case of any suggestions and queries do email us and we would get back to you at the earliest.

Cheers,
The BB Gossip girls

Swap #4- Create your own PP (Pattern Paper)

Wooow! I simply cant believe that we have entered our 4th swap ...how soon time flies...and all thanks to you all.

Now lets get going about the swap...and let me tell you am damn excited with this one...I mean I have been excited about all our swaps but this one has a special place in my heart!!! Anyways, enough of small talk ...now for the main thing!

The basic need for us crafters is "Paper"...and buying pattern paper can sometimes really dig a hole in your pockets....it surely does in mine and so in this swap we decided why not try creating our own PP! Doesn't it sound like fun!! It sure does for me !!

Okie now for what you need to do....we are attaching a list of ways that one can create their own PP!

You are to choose any 5 techniques that you would want to try out and make 2 PPs (size 4"X6") of each of the 5 techniques that you choose!! So that makes it 10 PPs in total!!!

Techniques to choose from :

1. Stamping

a. Rubber/Acrylic/Foam/Cling Stamps- Stamping with various small stamps on CS or PP to create a new design. (Kindly note: no single background stamps to be used...one can use a background stamp ONLY in combination with other small stamps)

b. Natural Stamps- Vegetable/Leaf/Fruit Stamping- Use any natural or environment present elements to stamp on CS or PP.

2. Emboss Resist

3. Crayon Techniques
a. Crayon Resist
b. Crayon Stamping
c. Crayon Melting

4. Tissue Paper Transfer

5. Bargello- using your scraps of paper

6. Washi Tapes

7. Mixed Media

8. Paints
a. Marbling
b.Watercoloring with Doodles or Zentagling
c. Spray Painting
d. Misting
e. Thread Painting
f. Bubble wrap

9. Mix it Up

Mixing any of the above two or three categories would come under this ....eg. paints and stamping, stamping with misting or Bargello and washi tapes with stamping etc.....the combos are plenty and it all depends on your imaginations and creativity!!!

We shall be posting tutorials/inspirations/samples/photographs and links for your references so keep watching out this space for more and more :)

Rules for the Swap!!

You are to follow all the basic rules laid by us for the swaps throughout!!! Main being the deadline and quality of swap  Plus there is a small addition!!!

When you register please mail us your address, alternate mail id (if any), phone numbers, and a confirmation if you are available on FB within 24 hours of your registration. Failure to do so will result in the deletion of your name from the swap.

We would need your projects to be ready by 25th September after which you would get your swap partners names and the swaps to be sent out by 30th September latest!!! No delays pleases. 

Sneak Peaks of projects is compulsory ....so we definitely need them to start pouring in before 25th September ...Sneak Peak can be at any stage while you are doing your projects but must arrive before the final picture submission or the person is entitled for negative marking!!! Sorry for being stricter guys!!!

We will send out a confirmation mail to all registered participants after we receive their inlinkz link and address both. No confirmation mail means your have not registered properly or not followed all the steps for registering!!


 Call for International Partnering!! 

Anyone who is fine to send swaps abroad ..please mention the same along with your address mail....we do not want to burden anyone but believe me its fun to know your Indian counterparts abroad

Swap #3- Bookmarks

Firstly, thank you all for the enthusiasm that has made us come through two successful swaps and we are ready for our third one to kick off!!! Am excited and hope you guys continue to show the excitement you have shown in the previous swaps and rock it this month too!!!

Okie enough of blabbering of the past swaps..lets come to the current one!!!

This month we are looking at "Bookmarks" ...yeah simple is it??? but we have a twist here...sorry guys cant be so plain and simple with us BB Gossip Gurls and yes as said before our aim is to try new stuff and pull ourselves and you from the comfort zone that we prefer living in!!! So get ready for the twist!!!

Kindly find below a few varieties of bookmarks .....now each one of you who register for this swap is to make atleast 5 different kinds of bookmarks following the list given below!!! You can choose any 5 as per your feasibility!!! You cannot repeat the variety/style at any cost!!!


** WARNING: this is a picture heavy post!!!


A. Paper Bookmarks:
1. Normal Bookmarks- 6 inches X2.5 inches

2. Corner Bookmarks- anything above 3 inches square

3. Magnetic Bookmarks- final end product after the middle fold should be 6 inches X2.5 inches

Magnets attached only at the edges (the black strip that you can see in the inside side...need to attached on both ends)

You cant see the magnets here ...but this is made in the similar fashion as above but magnetic dots are used instead of strips.

The full bookmark has magnetic attached....this is the most sturdy magnetic bookmark!!! I can vouch for this one!!!

Another magnetic bookmark


B. Beaded/Jewellery Bookmarks

1. Hooked Jewellery Bookmark- as per teh normal hooks available in the market

2. Stringed Beaded Bookmark- length of full string should be 12 inches.

C. Fabric/Ribbon Bookmark-  12 inches full length of ribbon

You may or may not add beads below!!! please look down for another sample in ribbon and fabric bookmark with simple addition of flowers and embellishments!!!

These ribbons in all above examples can be replaced with "good quality" fabric....by "good quaity" we mean that even if you are using leftovers please ensure that they are not dirty and messy!!!


D. Others 

1. Ice Cream Stick Bookmarks- standard ice cream stick

2. Clip Bookmarks- standard clips available in market

Rules for  swap-an addition!!!!

You are to follow all the basic rules laid by us for the swaps throughout!!! Main being the deadline and quality of swap (let me warn you...negative marking for the same has started from our second swap) !!! Plus there is a small addition!!!

When you register please mail us your address, alternate mail id (if any), phone numbers, and a confirmation if you are available on FB within 24 hours of your registration. Failure to do so will result in the deletion of your name from the swap.


We would need your projects to be ready by 25th August after which you would get your swap partners names and the swaps to be sent out by 31st August latest!!! No delays pleases. 

Sneak Peaks of projects is compulsory ....so we definitely need them to start pouring in before 25th August ...Sneak Peak can be at any stage while you are doing your projects but must arrive before the final picture submission or the person is entitled for negative marking!!! Sorry for being stricter guys!!!

Please mail all your queries and addresses etc to swap.central.india@gmail.com or feel free to connect with us on the Blog Post's comment section or our FB Page!!!



Hugs

The BB Gossip Gurls!!!

Swap #2 - Friendship Day Swap

First of all, let me thank and Congratulate you all on such amazing swaps!!! I mean, I am feeling pretty insignificant at the talent that I've seen!! Simply amazing!! Everyone give yourself a pat on your back for a job well done!! A swap well done!

I am sure you're eyes will pop when we upload the images of the minis!!

Coming to the next one...its a Friendship themed swap. You will be making 3 items to send to your swap partner!
1.  A Handmade and Embellished Notepad. 
     You can choose to die cut 20 pages and embellish the covers and bind with a ring or ribbon, or you         can choose to buy a ready made notepad and embellish it.
  The notepad size will be at least  5x5 size ..not small than that.
   And 20 pages minimum.
A sample made by Saumya ...Here she has used thick printer papers as in the inserts and CardStock for the cover.

2. A Set of Four Handmade 4x4 notecards...(envelopes are optional)
     We would like if you could package the note-cards with a belly band or twine. 

3. A Handmade Friendship Band...
the kinds we used to make in school, with embroidery threads...that is our suggestion...you can braid yours..use leather etc...its upto you...but please do not buy from the market and send.

Our emphasis is on handmade and everything that can be handmade, should be handmade.

So these are your Swap for the month of June-July.

Registrations are open till 25th June and you will have time till 30th July to send out your swaps.

And like this time too....your partner's names will be sent out on 25th July...So go ahead have fun....and do post in all your queries....We will answer them in the next post...I'm assuming you will have queries!
Sign up with the Inlinkz below to register. 

Swap # 1 => CD-Mini Album

Hey guys,

Welcome to the very first swap of Swap Central... I am just so excited to make this post I cannot even tell you... Blogging opened a whole new world for me and Swap Central is just a way to move even further...

So what is the first swap all about.. Well it has re-cycling and unleashing your creativity at the same time...

We'll be altering CD's into a mini-album... We all have some waste CD's at our disposal so let's utilize them to turn it into something beautiful...

The Criteria to be met for this swap:-
1) a max of 5 Cd's for the mini...

2) the over-all cost of the CD should be a maximum of INR 400.. It includes- the PPs used, Embellishments, binder rings, ribbons.. In short just about everything you use while making this mini-album

3) The theme for this CD mini album would me "ME".. Yepp you read it correctly.. More often than not we make albums for friends, birthdays, anniversaries, so on and so forth but never have we ever sat down to make something for ourselves.. So we brainstormed why not one for our self... Moreover, keep n mind when you work on your project that if the CD were to be used by you, how would you like it to be..

4) Just have fun.. This swap is for fun and to learn something new together.. More often than not we are constricted by our inability to break free of our comfort zone and move out to try something new.. so let go of your inhibitions...

Rules:-
1) Please put in your 100% while making a project. Make something you would like to receive in return..

2) Negative marking criteria would begin with the very first swap.. If the recipient feels that you did not meet the theme and other criteria.. It adds a red mark against your name BUT, the recipient would have to give us a pictorial proof of it.. If the 3 co-ordinators feel that the negative marking is justified then it is accepted else we can veto the complain.

3) your partner names would be given to you 5 days before the new swap is announced. The whole point being we don't want any favoritism cropping up...You must put in equal effort for a recipient you don't know, the same way you would put in an effort to make something for a recipient you do know!!

4) this being the first swap and a mini album swap, you would get a month to make and dispatch it..
If you complete it before time.. Please feel free to email any of us with the picture and we would let you know your partners..

5) Please do not post your completed mini-albums till the recipient has informed you of it's receipt else it nullifies the whole surprise factor of the swap!!

Here is the timeline to be kept in mind...
Register for the swap - May 1st- May 10th.
Time to make your albums  May 11th - June 10th..
Partners announced - June 11th
New Swap announced - June 15th. 


ETA: I've had queries for samples so am putting up a sneak of some of the mini's Saumya has done so that you get an idea..

So you have one month to complete your mini...

Have fun and Happy Swapping


Hugs,
The 3 stooges