Hi all

I'm having a little break from swapping right now as my health has not been good and I also have lots of other things going on in my life which are taking up lots of time. Hope to return to swapping in the New Year.

I have lots of interests: feminism, psychology, history, art, art history and natural history but mostly I love to draw, collage and to make things: dolls, bags, softies, some jewelery - usually made from up-cycled or re-purposed and altered things...anything which takes my fancy really! I am spellbound by colour (though I often work in black & white) and take my inspiration from nature, people and the everyday. I'm in the process of setting up a website (link above) all about drawing - it's my secret mission in life to encourage and show people that they can draw with a little help and tuition. So if you want to learn - or improve - please visit!

I try to recycle reuse and re-purpose as much as possible. Most of my fabric stash is salvaged fabric from my old clothes or things I buy from boot sales, charity shops and garage sales because I like the materials.

I also re-use packaging, which some might like to know before they swap with me, but don't worry I always make sure the packaging is sound.

I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome which has placed some limits on what I can physically do, but fortunately doesn't hamper my creativity.

Although I've never belonged to an official swapping site before, I've traded artwork with people in France, America, Russia and Japan so I'm not entirely new to the concept.

And I have a few swap-bot swaps under my belt now!

I always send and obtain proof of posting so if ever something doesn't arrive please contact me. And I always rate :-)

I'd really appreciate knowing when something I've sent has arrived. You can rate me, and/or send me a message to let me know - please.

Birds birds and more birds :-)

old photographs of unknown people - I make drawings based on these and will love you forever if you send me one or two

old illustrated books of all kinds

old maths and science books

fabrics of all kinds - and I love retro patterns

Threads & yarns

old stamps

pages from non-english language books

handmade and coloured/patterned papers

blowsy floral patterns - old curtains!

fifties fabrics

Old jumpers which have already felted or can be felted

flowers

My favourite colours are: Red in all its variations, azure blue, black, variations on white; orange, olive green, leaf greens warm browns and russets, dusky or deep pink (but not sugary pinks) and silver and gold

In general I like strong saturated colours and neutral, soft colours.

films and film memorabilia - think black and white, film noir or contemporary American Indie and World films.

Music wise I like bluegrass (love, love, love the soundtrack to O Brother Where Art Thou?), blues, classical and choral music, contemporary alternative folk rock,and singer songwriters such as Nick Drake, Ani Di Franco, Dory Previn...

I also love pressed leaves and flowers

pastel colours

overly cute things - particularly cute animals, Disney - type things and kawaii(have I spelt that right??)

sweets and candy (I don't eat sugar at all) - any sweets will be re-swapped, sorry.

I have a lot of sensitivities so I'd rather not receive make up or any kind of cosmetics or toiletries

Anything tested on animals

neon colours

stickers

mini kits - for example mini coloured pencils/watercolours - sorry, I just find them irritating & fiddly so I'll re-swap any of these if I recieve them.