Just a general note - my Flickr & Etsy stores will occasionally contain spoilers - so if you are expecting a swap or tag & would like to be surprised, don't look!

June 7th, 2013
Do you have any old books of traditional fairy tales? I'm looking for the originals by Grimm, Andersen, Perrault et al (not abridged versions). in pre-1980 paperback editions - poor condition absolutely fine so long as not scrawled all over: wanted for re-crafting, so the tattier the better to alleviate literary guilt. I'm looking for private swaps, so please get in touch if you can help. :)

June 6th, 2013
I moved house in February this year - just a note for anybody who might have listed my previous address for future contact.

My dad passed away in May, after being diagnosed with bowel cancer and the condition deteriorating rapidly. I've been making items to sell in support of a bowel cancer awareness charity (items available here) - even a small donation could make a difference to somebody.

Life seems very full, at the moment, and I'm not really in swap-mode; but will still be checking in regularly.

Things I like to make & do:

I love books and fairy tales (but not fairies). I read a lot.
I love experimenting with crafts, letterfolds, faux postage and mail art.
I'm fascinated by fonts, creative hand-lettering and typography.
I can't use a sewing machine, but enjoy occasional small (& simple!) hand-sewing projects.
I used to do a lot of embroidery design, and small-scale tapestry weaving, too.
I love to discover new creative obsessions, but can never predict what will
capture my imagination next. I just love to create new things.
I love writing zines about the things I love.

A bit more about me:

I'm very fond of quiet space and time to think.
I'm a very grounded, earth-bound person who nonetheless
spends quite a lot of time in a world that's not quite this one.

I am very happy to live with my husband in a permanent state of 'creative disorder'.

I will always appreciate anything handcrafted, handwritten or (in the case of books)
pre-loved over something storebought. Bookmarks or anything that can be used as such are always very welcome.

Just for the record, and odd though it may seem, I don't collect ephemera.

I like stuff made out of kraft card & paper, simple stylised imagery, hand-printed, hand-drawn etc. I love relief prints & hand-carved stamps. I appreciate functionality (e.g. a card to send, an address book to use) over a purely decorative item. I appreciate multifunctionality even more! I have fondnesses for pockets & secret tucked away surprises, for all things postal, and for stylised bird imagery (not necessarily combined!). I enjoy zines about mail art and upcycled/recycled crafts.

These are some of my Etsy favourites:

I like simple organic motifs such as seed pods and dandelions.
I love garish retro wallpaper & curtain patterns from the 70s, like this:

Most of the swaps I do are within my groups, especially the one I founded:

Zines, mail art & other cool stuff.

But if you are interested in a private swap, these are some things I may be tempted by:

• Zines about mail art or upcycled/recycled crafts

• Old books of traditional fairy tales - the originals by Grimm, Andersen, Perrault et al (not abridged versions). I'm looking for pre-1980 paperbacks - poor condition absolutely fine so long as not scrawled all over: wanted for re-crafting, so the tattier the better to alleviate literary guilt.

• Re-imagined fairy tales - original artwork, stories, creative accessories etc.
  I write a semi-regular zine of revised fairy tales & am often seeking contributions for the next issue (see my We Make Zines blog for latest details).

• Back issues of ReadyMade magazine - I'm trying to collect them, but I only have 2, so if you can help at all, please send me a PM!

• Although I don't sew much, I do collect cool retro fabrics - anything from (approx.) 4" square up to a fat quarter would find a welcome home with me.

• Eco-bags(/totes) in interesting fabrics or with retro/quirky patterns are always greatly appreciated, handmade or otherwise. Long handles preferred! ;)

Tags I owe or have sent:

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Tags I'm waiting for:

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Flaked swaps & tags:

• Join the Club by @Christie1981
• A Month of Sundays by @halcigone
• Twice Upon a Time by @smilesandsunshine
• A Handcrafted Fairy Tale: Hansel & Gretel by @haveyoumetlisa
• An embroidered fairy tale bookmark (Once Upon a Time PIF tag, December 29th) - @haveyoumetlisa
• Rumpelstiltskin in a 32ct matchbox (Once Upon a Time Boxed fairy tale tag, December 29th) - @haveyoumetlisa - very kindly angelled by @HollyHox - thank you, Holly! :D
• Twice Upon a Time by @kayceeann

From the Mincing Mockingbird: