17Papergoddess

I work at a University as a mail room supervisor which got me started collecting the 1 inch size piece of 'art work' that came into the office attached to envelopes from foreign places. I've always enjoyed writing letters & making cards and so this naturally progressed into passion for mail art. My friends/family know that I do not subscribe to the Hallmark calendar so even though I may miss a birthday or holiday, they will randomly receive my 'lagniappes' or care packages created especially for them when something I see brings them to mind. I was thrilled to find others of like mind that enjoy this passion! Crafts using recycled & repurposed materials really inspire me & get my creative juices flowing. I was raised 'green' before it became trendy. I consider it a creative challenge to find new ways of reusing things instead of tossing them into the trash.( my trash could be your treasure!) In like mind of supporting good stewardship of our natural resources, I am a member of various eco organizations such as Sierra Club & World Wildlife Fund.

I enjoy all kinds of music with the exception of heavy metal/rap/polka. I'm always open to recommendations on any genre. 80's music is the only thing that will get me motivated to exercise beyond a power walk or gardening. Supertramp & Eurythmics are the only 2 groups of which I own every CD. I was raised on Grand Ole Opry classic country/bluegrass/gospel in case anyone wants to swap trivia on the topic & it might explain my undying admiration for Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline.

I enjoy reading on topics of creativity/spirituality and mysteries with a literary topic or setting. I enjoy occasional streaks of young adult titles when the mood hits. I have a growing collection of craft reference books of course as no studio is complete with out them, a ginormous collection of children's picture books in various styles of illustrations & a continually expanding collection of anything with illustrations by Edward Gorey.( many of the care pkgs to friends/family include books of some kind) I'm starting to research picture/photo books on fashion from the 30's & 40's -- think classic Vogue or Harpers Bazaar covers, Hollywood actresses, designers of the decade. I include vintage Vogue sewing patterns on that shelf when I can find them

I dont watch alot of TV/movies although I've recently gotten hooked into' Bones' & 'House'. When I rent something it's usually a romantic comedy, foreign film or even documentary. Anything with Maggie Smith -- she's classic. This past year I enjoyed Mrs. Henderson Regrets & Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day. I like Merchant & Ivory films for the costume/cinematography. My New Year's Eve tradition for 13 years running is my all time fave, When Harry Met Sally.( name any scene, I can quote dialogue) I admit to being a member of public television & a die hard fan of anything pertaining to MASH or Pink Panther ( the cartoon version with a hat tip to Peter Sellers)

I enjoy all types of paper craft, fiber arts, altered books, am an avid reader -- basically anything related to paper makes me tingle. My cat & corgie often hang out in the studio with me when my creative flow is in full force.(I promise to do my best to leave stray cat hair out of any swap I participate in -- sometimes his curiosity is not welcomed for that reason, especially around glue sticks...) I dont know how to sew on a machine (yet) but am at an intermediate level on embroidery, crocheting & knitting ( fiber arts) and have quite a collection of wooden spools, fabric scraps & buttons. I collect old sewing notions & seek out button cards for the many styles of graphics manufacturers once used compared to the blank cardstock used today.

I also enjoy the illustration style of Jean-Jacques Sempe ( he's done alot of New Yorker covers as well as his own books) and Erik Blegvaad, Danish illustrator of childrens books & beyond.

I am a fiend for word search puzzles -- go through them like potato chips :)

Color preferences are for earth tones(sand, sky,evergreen,moss green, seafoam,colors that naturally appear in foliage of plants/flowers) but Love anything cobalt blue ( think Vic's mentholatum jars).

Enjoy both tea & coffee but not together. I am open to all variations of flavors but if anyone has access to Pickwick peppermint tea..... seems to no longer be available in my area :(

Married With(out) Children -- I prefer to spoil other people's children :) but have 2 wonderful grand nephews thus far.

I'm not a rule breaker but if we partner in a swap & have no common denominators which leaves you frustrated about how to deal with the swap, contact me for alternatives. I'm always open to exchange ideas or mutually agreeable modifications to the swap requirement so that both parties are fair & happy with the exchange. You're not crafty and I'm not familiar with where to acquire certain items on your wish list so lets compromise :) Maybe we find something in common that we dont have listed specifically on the profiles. If you have to deal with int'l shipping, I enjoy used postage stamps and easily aquireable ephemera such as art cards, fun graphics on food wrappers, matchbook covers, etc-- easy, lightweight things to put into an envelope. I dont get snarky about ratings if you're willing to communicate with me about options, lateness, things that Life drops into your lap without warning.