Swap-bot Time: April 24, 2024 9:11 pm
www.swap-bot.com

New Year Postcards Japanese Style

Launch gallery slideshow

Swap Coordinator:beckra (contact)
Swap categories: Letters & Writing  Seasonal  Postcards 
Number of people in swap:19
Location:Other
Type:None
Last day to signup/drop:December 1, 2007
Date items must be sent by:December 29, 2007
Number of swap partners:10
Description:

I'm starting this swap since Autumn Moon's swap with the same name has been cancelled. The swap got me thinking of some ideas for cards; I was sorry to see it go, and maybe other folks were, too.

As I learned from Autumn Moon, in Japan there is a tradition of sending nengajo--postcards specifically for New Year's Day. So let's participate in this tradition ourselves!

You can buy or make your cards, but please try to have them reflect the spirit of nengajo in some way. For instance, they could incorporate a Japanese image (or Japanese-inspired image) or include a haiku.

If you Google "nengajo" you can learn more about Japanese New Year postcards and their history. If you do a Google image search you'll find a lot of examples.

Autumn Moon's swap had a fairly large number of swap partners; I'll put it at 10--so we each get a variety of cards!

It's the sender's preference whether or not to send the postcard in an envelope. People who decide to send handmade or delicate cards may want to use an envelope, and that's okay--as long as it doesn't fold like a greeting card it counts as a postcard for the purposes of this swap!

The fine print: 1) No newbies allowed for this one (sorry--but there's plenty of time to get ratings beforehand). 2) Swappers with a rating below 4.8 (rounding to the nearest tenth) will be dropped before partners are assigned. 3) This is an international swap!

Discussion

Nathalie 08/ 9/2007 #

What happened with the other swap. Why was it cancelled? Happy you're taking over hope the other partners will also signup again

aquariusmoon 08/ 9/2007 #

Thanks for resurrecting this swap! I was disappointed when she cancelled hers. You have saved the day!

beckra 08/ 9/2007 #

I don't know why the original swap was cancelled, but I'm glad that we can regroup!

mediatinker 08/ 9/2007 #

I'm back in. Thanks for hosting beckra.

coco8199 08/ 9/2007 #

Thank you! Thank you! I was really looking forward to doing this one.

emmajg 08/15/2007 #

I found these lovely Japanese image that might be useful ?? http://dyn.c-ij.com/english/greetings/browsing.page?lang=en&cat1=spe&cat2=character

beckra 08/15/2007 #

Thanks for sharing the link, emmajg!

CARROLL 09/28/2007 #

Hi Beckra, I just figured out that next year ( Feb 2008 ) is the year of the Rat. I've seen a few Japanese New Year's cards that feature the Chinese astrological signs for that year.

beckra 09/28/2007 #

Hi, Carroll--Yeah, it's going to be the year of the rat (aka known as the year of the mouse)! I have to admit that "year of the mouse" sounds happier to me than "year of the rat"--but either rats or mice (or, as you mention, their astrological signs) would be one possible motif for cards....

emmajg 10/12/2007 #

here's a link to write happy new year in japanese - you can download the japanese language bar for windows and write it yourself? Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu ����� ����� �����

http://japanese.about.com/library/weekly/aa120900.htm

I have origami designs of rat if anyone interested.

mediatinker 10/21/2007 #

As of this week, the bookstores in Tokyo are full of books (most with CDs) of nengajo designs and clipart. The card-making season has begun.

I'm looking forward to developing this year's cards.

beckra 11/ 1/2007 #

I love the idea of "card-making season" and stores filled with supplies & designs!

SparklyPinkStarSnowflake 11/14/2007 #

wow i just looked it up and this is a pretty cool site I found: nengajo greetings

I'm so in!

beckra 11/15/2007 #

Hello, Sugareyes! I'm glad you've joined us!

Moominbrooke 12/ 2/2007 #

Just so folks know in advance, I won't be able to rate on this until after Jan.8 due to travel.

Nathalie 12/ 3/2007 #

soepkip your PC is going in the mail today

Nathalie 12/ 7/2007 #

Wacky Stuff and Mediatinker your PC's are leaving today

mediatinker 12/ 7/2007 #

Wow, Nathalie, you are fast! I'm still in concept-mode and today DH and I will decide which of my designs to go with. You'll all be getting the same cards we send out to all our friends and family. :-)

Nathalie 12/ 7/2007 #

Happyichigo, marineko and Domino your PC are leaving on Monday

Nathalie 12/ 8/2007 #

Sugareyes and Emma yours are leaving on Monday as well

beckra 12/ 9/2007 #

I hope everyone is having fun, either sending their cards out or contemplating sending their cards out! I think that this may be the most international swap I've participated in on swap-bot yet: we have swappers from the US, Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK, Malaysia, and Japan. Yay for sending new year's wishes literally around the world!!

CARROLL 12/10/2007 #

Wow, I've got a lot of long-distance mailing to do. Sending one each to Japan and New Zealand, and two to Malaysia today to start the long trip.

mediatinker 12/13/2007 #

My cards are coming together and I should have them out in a couple of days. My card list has grown to over 70 people this year, in 9 countries. We've been getting around some.

mediatinker 12/17/2007 #

My ten cards are in the postal system. I sent them as postcards, rather than in envelopes; I hope they arrive safely!

Nathalie 12/21/2007 #

Ellen your card is leaving today

Nathalie 12/28/2007 #

Miscc your card is leaving today

emmajg 01/ 1/2008 #

sorry I'm still ill but doing my best - sorry their late - hugs

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to leave a comment. Click here to log in.

I received the item
I sent the item

Received from:
For multiple members, separate names with spaces

Description: