jamicam

updated Jan 2021

My name is Jacki and I'm happy to swap with you!

I live in Michigan. I am a lifelong learner and work in education. Autumn is my favorite time of year. I value kindness, diversity, equality, justice, the earth, animals, good books, and a hot cup of black tea. I enjoy time with friends and family, but also value alone time every day for sanity. I am trying to simplify and live a more minimalist life but find it most challenging in terms of fabric and swapping supplies!

Current favorite swaps are making items for journaling (tags, pockets, journal cards, embellishments) and making/decorating envelopes. I enjoy decoupaging with napkins to create interesting textures, using papers that create crinkly sounds, and finding interesting ways to add fabric. Would like to get better at collage - looks so easy but is somehow such a challenge for me.

I've lost interest in swaps designed only to exchange crafting supplies. Learned that I'd rather actually use my papery goodies rather than just give them away. Still, now and then, I will join tags or RAKs or wishes to destash when the piles start to get too high.

Beyond paper crafts, I do craft sewing and quilting (quilts, pillowcases, place mats, table runners, bags) and relish any opportunity to go fabric shopping. I welcome private swaps for handmade items - crochet, embroidery, and watercolor are favorites and I would happily swap for something sewn.

FAVORITE THEMES - Floral, botanical, nature, artsy, earth friendly, books, animals, bees, butterflies, watercolor, things with texture, uplifting words and phrases, paper with stitching. I prefer artistic over realistic images.

JUNK JOURNAL - Having fun with junk journaling and appreciate any tips or ideas. Always on the lookout for old book pages (any language), old music paper, dyed paper, strips of lace or other trims, interesting images or phrases from magazines and books, tags, pockets, ephemera, embellishments.

YOUR ART - Anything handmade by you, in any medium, would be a joy to receive. Even if it doesn't reflect my likes/interests, the fact that it is handmade means it will hold a special place in my heart.

SEASONS vs HOLIDAYS - I don't care for holiday-related stuff. On the rare occasion that I join a holiday swap, feel free to go with autumn instead of Halloween, winter instead of Christmas, spring instead of Easter. This is just my preference, of course I would never down-rate you for following the swap as intended.

SNACK SWAPS - Milk chocolate with crunchy/crispy bits, effervescent candies like the fizzy Love Hearts from the UK or fizzy Brause-stäbchen from Germany, Fry's Turkish Delight from the UK, minty candies, salty and spicy snacks, black tea. Not a fan of dark chocolate, gummy candies, meat-based snacks, or herbal tea.

PACKAGE SWAPS - All kinds of bags (totes, pouches), non-slip fuzzy ankle socks, Vicks Inhalers (weird, I know, I love them), lip balm, sugar free gum, anything from or inspired by my Etsy favs $5 and under.

Items that land in my recycling bin are childish, Disney, fantasy, mythical, celebrities, fandom, fashion, sports. I am religion-friendly but do not care for items related to religion or spirituality (angels, Bible verses, goddesses, tarot cards, astrology, etc). I am creeped out by things with human faces (especially realistic) and have never been a fan of dolls for that reason - for example I love the moon but can't stand images like this.

Unless specified in the swap description, please do not send traveling items (friendship books, slams), memo sheets, touristy items, jewelry, used postage.

Most swappers are good people with good intentions. I will not look for reasons to down-rate and can be very understanding when things do not go as planned. I presume positive intent and give the benefit of doubt whenever possible.

Communicating solves a world of problems. If you mess up on a swap, just message me, and chances are it will be fine. If I mess up, I will do everything I can to fix it to your satisfaction.

Be the type of swapper who encourages others in their craft, expresses gratitude for everything received, and lives by the words of JM Barrie, author of Peter Pan: "Be kinder than necessary."

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