sweetypiedie

Have been to post office and sent and picked up lots of group tags. I'm exhausted from the current heat wave. Will post properly to everyone when I recharge. Thanks for understanding. I have done correspondence for swaps as I see them as higher priority. (21st Nov 3am)

Hi, I'm Diane. I have been here a few months and I'm loving it so far.

I'm trying not to take on any more swaps until after Christmas.

Aussie heat wave is making life very difficult for me right now. It's 1am and I'm sitting in front of a fan.

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I became interested in swapping things as I am stuck at home a LOT due to an auto-immune disease. (Currently not specified by the professionals but probably Fibromyalgia). A change in medication means that I now actually have energy enough to make some of the things that I have had ideas and materials for. (This energy comes and goes though).

I like painting and drawing but am not that confident in my own abilities. I am often surprised with how well my pieces turn out. I often just let the shapes or colours guide me and it turns into an interesting scene. I am learning new skills and rediscovering old ones as I learn new crafts. I am happy that I can now sew without stabbing myself!

I believe all things happen for a reason.

I believe I am the only person in control of my experience of life because I choose how I react to any given situation.

If you have any questions, please ask me. If I've said I've sent something and you think it should be there by now please send me a message. (I try to write details of everything down - swaps and tags).

I'm updating this as I go along, discover new things and remember others.

If you are wondering what my tiny avatar looks like, here she is full size:

I made her using this website

I upload most of my ATCs and Craft swaps to Flickr. (Don't look if you like surprises and are expecting something from me). I do get distracted with other things (like swapping) at times so there may be a lag.

Finally uploaded stuff to Flickr. There's even photos of ME. Scary huh?

Profile last updated 21th Nov 2009

• ATCs
• Drawing - I love my Derwent Inktense and Watercolour pencils.
• Painting - Acrylics
• Card-making
• Beaded jewelery
• Collage
• Crotchet (haven't done much lately due to health issues)

• I don't do much photography these days but with the price of decent cameras coming down I may take it up again soon.

• Vintage Holiday Crafts is really cool for paper crafts. Awesome free downloads (no I'm not affiliated with them I just like their stuff!)

• 80s
• 90s
• JJJ Hottest 100 .... (90s ones)
• Jazz
• Swing
• Fiona Apple
• Tori Amos. Just saw her in concert at the Sydney Opera house on the 16th November. Awesome! (I cried like a girl to one song).
• Norah Jones
• Dead Can Dance
• Ambient
• Classical - Tchaikovsky, Baroque, Beethoven, etc
• Madonna (80s, Immaculate Collection, 90s, Some Recent)
• Fat Boy Slim
• Chemical Brothers
• The Prodigy
• The Beatles (ballads mostly)
• REM
• Ben Folds Five
• Crooked Fiddle Band
• Missy Higgins
• Blondie
• Bowie (also awesome live)
• Gwen Stefani
• Cyndi Lauper - old and NEW (Funniest Woman live!!)
• Siouxsie & the Banshees (and the Creatures)

• Spirited Away. Never tire of this film.
• Amelie
• Pirates of the Carribean
• The Nightmare Before Christmas
• Labyrinth
• The Princess Bride
• The Devil Wears Prada
• Harry Potter and the......
• Finding Nemo
• Nanny McPhee
• The Last Unicorn
• The Goonies
• The Breakfast Club
• Curse of the Golden Flower
• House of Flying Daggers
• Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
• Pretty Woman
• Old movies with the Fred and Ginger style dancing.
• Lost in Austen (need to own this)
• Tipping the Velvet (this too!)

• All the BBC Austen adaptations (Need to buy on DVD!)

• I also watch things like Spicks N Specks, Rockwiz, Time Team, Artscape, Gardening Australia, Mythbusters, So You Think You Can Dance (NO SPOILERS from the USA please!!!), The Iron Chef (Original), Top Gear (UK only), Who Do You Think You Are?

• Whimsical things and fantasy things, fairies, butterflies, forests, rainbows, unicorns, dragons, elves, snails, ladybirds, the moon, stars, merry-go-rounds, tea pots etc.

• Post cards from around the world.

• Indigenous cultures of the world.

• Beautiful, positive affirmations.

• Being kind to the planet

• Being kind to animals

• Being kind and respecting the basic human rights of all people

• Acting in a way which reflects my values.

• Cats, their cuteness and their craziness. I live with two very special felines.

• Animals I like: Cats, Giraffes, elephants, snails, butterflies, sea horses, horses, butterflies, owls, encounters with wild animals and birds

• Pirates (Arrrrrgh!) (not those real ones though)

• Bright colours. (Like pink, purple, lilac, light blue, electric blue, emerald, teal and turquoise). (All colours have their place if used in the right way!)

• Polka dots and rainbow stripes.

• I love chocolate... all chocolate, I'm not too fussy. I especially like flavours like caramel, hazelnut, coconut and strawberry. I like real cherry but not artificial cherry or cherry liquer. I like cherry ripes). I like other nuts in chocolate but prefer almonds.

• I let my inner child out to play - she likes colouring in and rainbow paddle pops. (Yes, I am in my late twenties now but I don't care). She also likes finger-painting... it's more fun with friends.

• I like cup cakes... and normal cakes... and ice-cream and gelato.

• I used to like coffee but my tummy doesn't like caffeine so I drink tea instead. (The slight chemical difference makes a difference with me). I like chai, and T2's Turkish Apple. ALDI's organic tea bags are the house staple. Fruit teas are yummy too.

• I like my little ponies because I had them back in the 80s.... I like 80s stuff and music. I own a pair of leg-warmers. (I want more)

• I used to love dancing, now I just watch it on TV.

• I used to be a bit of a goth, I still like some of the fashion and some of the music.

• Hats. I have many different ones.

• I like being a tom-boy at times.

• I like good architecture and design, particularly Art Deco.

• Robots. I used to have one when I was a kid.

• Sir David Attenborough's nature documentaries. I've added these to my Amazon wish list since making one. I am curious about science and nature and how amazing some creatures are. I loved Biology in high school but didn't study it at Uni because my maths wasn't so strong.

• Authors

  • Louise L Hay (Have read but don't own, see wishlist).
  • Marriane Williamson (Have The Gift of Change, have heard bits and pieces of A Course in Miracles).
  • Doreen Virtue (have her Unicorn and Fairy Decks, and Healing With The Fairies book).
  • Paulo Cohelo (Have The Zafir, The Valkyries and my copy of The Alchemist keeps getting lent to people and not coming home).

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

• Beautiful curvy ladies of burlesque (old and new).

• Beautiful shoes and boots even if I can't wear them. (Most shoes and fashion these days are not to my taste.)

• I think hugs make the world go round.

• Steam Punk (Love Firefly/Serenity)

• Kawaii - I like stationery, stickers, etc with the following themes...

  • Matroyshka Dolls
  • Alice in Wonderland
  • Zoo Animals
  • Ice cream, Cupcakes and Dessert
  • Watermelon
  • Strawberries
  • Mushrooms
  • Cats (black and white cat)
  • Rainbows, Clouds, Raindrops and Umbrellas
  • Skulls, Hearts, Music notes and Stars
  • Giraffes
  • Elephants
  • Butterfly, dragonfly, lady beetle
  • Hello Kitty
  • Polka dots
  • Tea pots and tea cups
  • Fairies
  • Coloured leopard print (pink, blue, purple)

  • Some Zakka design stuff :)

  • See my Etsy favourites page to see what I like

  • NOT much of a fan of : Bambi, Dogs, "Posh Princess", cherry, lace patterns (unless it's fabric or fabric tape), Jetoy White Cat, Diddl, Cars, Trucks, Trains, Eiffel Tower, Hamburgers, Teddy Bears, Seal-Like characters, Animals that are stretched or have really big heads or school girls.

• I like Space photography and space-themed stuff.

• Sci-Fi. I'm a fan of Red Dwarf, Star Trek (Voyager and Next Gen.), Babylon 5 and Firefly. I like the series but don't really collect stuff unless it's DVDs, of which I don't any have yet.

• I like pretty paper. I especially like the Japanese art paper and origami paper with patterns. I love cherry blossoms, paper cranes, fans and little Kimono paper dolls. I like thinks with sparkle, shine and texture.

• George. He's awesome - he's the one who takes care of me. He cooks, cleans, shops, vacuums, hugs me, supports me and kicks my butt when I need it. He takes me to Dr's appointments and anywhere else that needs a car. He likes spiders, roosters, thick black woollen socks, hot chilli sauce or paste for cooking up awesome Asian dishes or bean dishes (that I can't eat because of my chilli allergy). He likes organic, fair trade tea, preferably loose leaf. He likes savoury stuff. If in Aussie land and not summer he loves blue cheese. Occasionally he likes good dark chocolate.

I've just added an Amazon wish list to my profile! Lots of cheap but heart-worthy items here! (As well as some things for me to spoil myself with when I save up).

• Girl Scout Cookies (never tried them and I hear they're good. Also heard of them in movies and such)

• "You Can Heal Your Life" by Louise L Hay. (Novel version, not illustrated affirmation version... but that's cool too). Good used condition is fine. Any Louise Hay books I would love - new or used.

• Deco tape (would adore fabric! - It's in my Etsy faves and cheaper than I expected!) Have received some from @MP and another cute lucky clover one which got separated from it's sender in a confusion of packages.

• Anything on my Etsy Wishlist. Lots of stuff less than $5

I would particularly love:

Retro 80s CUPCAKE with Cherry and Sprinkles - Mounted Rubber Stamp

Please Recycle, 3 Rs Symbol Stamp

One Planet is All We Get rubber stamp

Japanese Small Memo Pad (300 Sheets) - Traditional Floral Prints

56 sheets of Origami Paper (6 x 6 inches) - Safari Animals

Japanese Fabric Cloth Deco Tape - Sakura Trees in Bloom- Peach

Fairy Rubber Stamp Kit - DIY

Pretty Bird on a Leaf Branch Stamp

• Anything you have in good used condition that is the same/similar to my Wishlist.

• I can use loose stickers, used stamps and ink pads, scraps of pretty/textured/interesting paper and fabric, loose buttons (especially bright colours and big buttons), ribbon and ric rac scraps. It all helps and I can use it all!

• Free trade, loose leaf tea, organic if possible. (Must be sealed with list of ingredients if sending from outside Australia). I have found organic tea bags (in ALDI of all places!)

• Strawberry, tea pot, unicorn, fairy and cat charms

• Any mounted rubber stamps new or used you think I may like. (Thank you @macka for the 2 you sent!)

• From one of our Swap-Bot sponsors: MUSICAL NOTE CARD SET

• If you're in the UK, I'd love anything from Meggymoos , except soaps, body oils, scrubs, particularly would love ribbons.

• I know I have a long wishlist. I don't expect everything on it. I just like to give people lots of options. I'd be ecstatic with just one or two items in a wish list, swap or profile surprise. I try to update my wish list regularly.

Thank you for taking the time to read this :)

I try to credit people who have granted wishes but I may forget some.

Granted Wishes

• I adore ribbons of all sorts and colours and patterns. I will use them to make cards, post cards, ATCs and alter things. I have received an awesome assortment in swaps from @Mistuk and others and wishes granted by @Kokopelli @MP and @Bearynice but you can never have too much and I am using them :)

• Brads/Embellishments for making cards and ATCs - Thanks for Christmas ones @VetTechMommy and @MP

• Dotee supplies. Thanks for all the bits and pieces that are helping me to get started. - @lala @mappy @neca84 @DebP

• Used children's books, travel brochures (of anywhere), text books, dictionaries, encyclopedias, medical texts, etc to change into things. (Even a few pages would be great - and cheaper to post). I have received a good used children's book from @ButterflyDreams and a great variety of pages from @neca84 thankyou!

• Stamped images to use on cards/ATCs (multiples of the same welcome!) This wish has been granted by @blueackerson @kokopelli @OzRob and @mappy but would love some more.

• Return Address Labels (with new Addy). I have some awesome ones from @Neca84 and @Kokopelli Just got some cute ones from @MP and may have more from @Kokopelli on the way :) You guys are awesome!!!

• Memo pads (cute/pretty) or any nice stationery to write swap notes on. Granted by @DebP in the Orange and Purple swap. Will keep me going for a little while... and they are gorgeous!

• Avon Moisture Therapy A-C-E Body. Lotion Granted by @dorsetdumpling ! Such a lovely, generous lady sending me two!

• Filled Matchbox - granted in a Tag from @Jeepers thank you.

• Due to Australia's strict custom regulations DO NOT send any raw plant/animal material. See link at the top of my profile for more info.

• This includes pressed flowers, seeds, feathers, bees wax, homemade jams, honey, some tea (with any flowers, like hibiscus, nuts, seeds or fruit pieces or peel). If you do it will either be send back or destroyed (and that would be sad). Processed packaged food is ok so long as it is heat treated, sealed and has a list of ingredients. (Usually plastic/vacuum sealed).

• Please don't send me perfumed things, I have sinus problems and what I can smell usually makes me sneeze. Sorry, no scented candles. I'm not so good with soap are other bath products because of my eczema.

_ Locally posted real lavender, real rose oil and rosewater are excepted and very welcome._

• Jewellery with metal chains or earrings. I am allergic to most metal and don't have pierced anything. Soft leather/suede or plastic/glass beads are ok.

• Hair ties - I have very short hair at the moment. Slide clips are ok but combs are too big.

• Feminist/man-hating stuff. It may be funny but I am not into it. I would rather expect positive things from my man rather than put him down because of his gender. Thank you.

• Other political stuff. Politically influenced artwork is ok. (Unless it is environmental or humanitarian - like Oxfam, Amnesty International or World Vision)

• Religious/Anti-Religious stuff. You have a right to your personal beliefs, as I have a right to mine. Evangelism and doctrine turns me off. Positive, non-denominational affirmations and quotes are welcomed. I will save my personal beliefs for my close friends or groups for that particular purpose. I don't mind if your artwork has this in it's content or influence but I'm not likely to read any printed material which is sent to me. Thank you for understanding.

• Alcohol. If it's in a chocolate or food product that's ok but I can't drink due to my medication.

• Licorice or anything aniseed.

• I'm allergic to chilli. (Even trace amounts will give me a rash). George loves it though. The hotter, the better!

• I'm telling you all this because I think you want to send me something I'll really like, appreciate and use, not because I'm fussy and don't appreciate your efforts. :)

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• ATCs hand drawn/painted
• ATCs other media
• Button Fairies
• Stickers (sheets, flakes)
• Postcards (store-bought, hand-made, hand painted and altered)
• Stuff from Australia (Tim Tams, stamps, NO Vegemite to the USA because it's banned).
• Profile surprise
• Craft papers/card stock
• Letters
• Ribbon
• Whimsy jars (Within Australia for now)
• Handmade jewelery
• AVON samples... Perfume, Lipstick, Bath oil etc. (I was a Rep but since I've been sick it's been too much to handle).
• Handmade notecards cards
• Handmade bookmarks
• I will be uploading some photos to flickr of what I can swap soon. (Need to borrow a friend's camera).
• Tiger Tail wire in various colours.
  Violet, 'Dark Green', 'Cranberry', 'Dark Crimson', 'Rusty Brown', Dull Silver, 'Deep Sky Blue' (electric blue colour), Bright Blue
• Cotton cord (1.0 mm) by the meter
• Round leather thonging 1mm x 1m (0.03" x 1.09 yard)

I believe hearts are awarded for someone who puts their heart into their swap or for a swap received that is extra-special to you. I do not like being told to put in extras to buy a heart. It is not what I believe swap-bot is about.

If you are swapping something handmade, like an ATC with me I will rate you on that alone. If you send me extras AND you have put your heart into the swap (for example by being creative, reading my profile or putting thought and effort into the swap) you will get a heart.

Late swappers : If you are friendly, communicate with me and let me know you're running late you can still earn a heart.

Extras are lovely but NOT necessary. Not everyone can afford to spend money, not everyone has a huge stash. Especially newbies. I try my best to be a newbie-friendly swapper.

I may send you extras. This is not to buy a heart. This is probably because when I read your profile something jumped out at me, or because I saw you liked or wanted something that I have in my stash that I don't currently have plans for. Or I could just be in the mood to give you stuff.

I expect that the swap is for what the swap description states and ratings should be based on that alone. ATC swaps are just that... if I want to swap materials I will join that kind of swap.

As with everything, if you have questions please message me.

Thank you :)

Other notes:

• I reuse packages, envelopes etc. so don't wonder if you receive a package which looks a bit shabby. I do this because I try to be a good tenant here on this Earth and not use excessively more resources than I need to.

• I will re-gift swap-items, if I have something which is perfect for another partner (or my best friend). Please don't think, I don't like the items you sent me. I am not a very fussy person. But I love to give away beautiful things! If you don't want me to resend things you sent me, please tell me & I'll keep them for me. Most handmade things I will keep, especially ATCs and post cards.

  • You are more than welcome to re-gift or swap anything I send you - even if it is handmade. If you think it's good enough for someone else then please share!

• If you don't receive a swap from me, please contact me before rating. I will always resend