Swap Worries

Well Lo, I've been swapping for a while now and felt pretty much the same when I first started swapping. Nothing seemed to match up with all the awesome things I received. So I actually started getting interested in new techniques, trying new things and ideas, and above all following all the amazing tutorials we have here on CO+K (which are the reason I signed up in the first place).

I think a swap is all about making new friends and learning new things. When I receive something I really like in a swap, or I see from the pictures somebody else made or received something I really like, I try and duplicate it. This way I never run out of ideas and I'm always learning new things.

But, this said, if you feel like sticking to smaller swaps I don't see a problem in that. Nobody forces you to swap a huge amount of stuff, and little swaps are simpler and nicer to start with. So, do whatever you feel suits you, but if you want to join a bigger swap and feel uncertain, I suggest you contact the host and ask for advice. I'm sure together you can work out a way for you to take part in the swap without feeling "not awesome enough" ^___^

PS I'm currently available for the Newbie/Vet swap, so if you want to test your swapping qualities with an easygoing Vet, just PM me ^___^

I'm the same but I've done a few swaps now and everybody seems to like my stuff... I've always thought its not the item but the thought that counts and if you put a lot of love, effort and time into something it will shine through no matter how good or bad you think it is x x x

they are both right for sure :]

I'd say it's right to feel anxious - it shows you care!
the others are right on the button too - most people probably feel they're 'not good enough', but looking at your projects they're awesome you have no worries (in my humble opinion)

go on take the plunge - don't be put off by the *what if's*! They get in the way of a lot of fun stuff!!!!

Lo- do what you want to do and have fun.

You make amazing things and I understand the time and commitment that goes into everything you create.

BTW the spider and poem you wrote for me is still makes me smile every day.You bead work has been admired by museum curators when spider sat on the top of my display.

You can do so much and share so well.If you fancy a new challenge go for it.

You should never be worried or ashamed about what you can or can't do. If you make something with love and send it to someone, the love is what shines through, not the technique or the amount.

My favourite gifts I have ever recieved are some hand drawn pictures and a couple of I love you's written by my god children and nieces and nephews.
Anything hand made is worth a thousand store bought gifts.
I have never looked at anything sent in a swap and thought it was 'not good enough' I have loved everything I have ever had sent to me, some of the pieces have been coveted so much by my friends that I ended up having to give them away to get some peace and quiet.

This is a huge and caring community and anything you make and send will be appreciated.

Be gentle with yourself and believe in yourself.

Your harshest critic will always be you, don't let that inner critic stop you from being the very best you that you can be.

K/x

Beautifully put Kimmi !

Lo I was the same when I started swapping, I mainly made things from felt and fabric painted bags or t-shirts and stuff, but now I'm only just learning to make jewellery and learning to use polymer clay and stuff.

Everyone always said they like my stuff. It depends on what the person you're swapping with is like. I haven't been on here a while so I'm not sure what everyone is like on here now, but the group of mates I made with people originally from here were all brilliant and kind, so you might find like-minded people.

If all else fails you could arrange private swaps with people commenting on this thread that feel the same as you, so that you swap with people you may feel on the same kind of crafting levels as yourself??

Just a thought

what are you talking about? You have lots of cool stuff! I especially love the beaded spider,the silhouette art and the misfit plushie.

Aw thanks everyone! I guess my doubt comes from seeing the tons of awsome things that get swapped and made everyday and saying "No way I could do that!" But I guess that's what makes the world go round - it is always more fun to receive things that you can't make yourself so I guess swapping one of my handsewn felt plushies like the Misfits face to a jewelry maker who can't sew would make us both happy ^^

The good thing is that after reading your nice comments I hit the dollar store for more beads and random little goodies, the thift store for awsome one of a kind trinkets, and the craft store for everything else and I feel inspired to craft and swap again!

I already have some ideas of what I'm going to make and the person with whom I swap with next is sure to get some sweet little goodies as an added bonus!

To the swap boards away!

I agree with Sellie, you have some great projects! I love the silhouette art, didn't even know it was yours until just now. I remember when it was posted I thought how simple and how wonderful this is. I wanted to make them right away!

one thing i have noticed from lurking and the few swaps that i have done is that people like to send what i call "extras" little bits of craft things/food for the other person. i think it's an unspoken rule, and that it adds fun when u get something unexpected. i can only make plushies, my last attempt at cooking fimo burnt it, i cant knit or crochet, or make jewellry. i sew by hand because im scared of the machine and i feel like i have more control over how it is going too look (although if i make a bag/cushion i use a machine for straight lines and tougher stitching). i dont have cool things, just random buttons i bought off ebay (600 for £5)
most of the things i have made are from tutes on here, so people dont tend to get something different.
i dont know how to make or bind journals either.
if u ever want to swap with me you can

Personally, I don't mind what the person's skills are, anything received in a swap is greatly appreciated and I love it, regardless of how good or bad it is. It makes me so happy just knowing that someone went through the effort of making me something and posting it to me. I know that most, if not all, of the other swappers feel this way too =]

i would add, packaging is important!! be on the safe side and pad it up! if theres something breakable that is separated (like a peg) then pad around and in it. that's just my suggestion though