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Softawoo

Softawoo
Date Joined: January 23, 2022
Last Online: February 21, 2023
Birthday: February 12, 1995
Country: United States
My crafty blog
My Pinterest
ATCs for All

About Me

I've now created a group called Assuming the Best. If you're interested in an open-minded community of swappers, feel free to join!

Hi, my name is Allison!

I'm 28 and I live in Minnesota.

Right now, I work as a freelance writer. I really like my job because I get to do something I'm good at and constantly be researching and learning new things.

I have a BS in applied math and an MA in English literature, so I have a pretty wide variety of interests. I'm considering going back to school for a doctorate in philosophy, but that's down the road.


I love all kinds of artsy things! So many of the swaps I join are centered around deco books, zines, ATCs, or the like. I'm also interested in writing, reading, philosophy, psychology, music, video games, etc.

I especially like modern twists on traditional things, so for instance, I like snarky and/or modern cross stitch, modern artistic quilts, and mostly contemporary music ('90s or newer).

I also have a math/science/technology interest, so when I can combine that with something artsy, I especially love it!

My favorite colors are the cool colors: blue, green, and purple. I also really like the combination of blue and yellow.


Always open to a private swap! PM me. :)

Updates

Last updated: 2/15/2023

Hello world! It's me, Allison. I'm trying to reorganize and rewrite my profile (in Jan '23) as I make my way back into Swap-bot-world. Hopefully it'll get less messy (and verbose!)

I'm taking out some of the hella detail, but I'm still going through a lot of medical stuff that started back in August of '22. The worst thing about chronic illness is that you become "flaky" almost by definition.

It's very difficult to predict how I'll be feeling even hours from now, much less days or weeks from now. So as much as I would love to commit to things or plan anything... that's not something I've been able to do since about six months ago.

This also means that I have some overdue swaps here, and it absolutely kills me to have let people down and kept y'all waiting for so long.

So I'm slowly but surely righting all these wrongs here on Swap-bot! It will probably take some time for me to catch up on all the overdue swaps, ratings, and messages, but I'll do my best.

I'm sorry to everyone I've kept waiting. I've never gone through something like this before. It was so far beyond what I was capable of handling that I underwent a painful transformation.

Please know that I take your trust and efforts seriously. Always.


Specific swap updates!

As of 2/15/23 my remaining late swaps are two WIYM ones; others are made up or finished but not yet mailed.

That said, if you're reading this wondering where your stuff is or why I haven't rated you, feel free to message me. I'll likely need to touch base to confirm addresses are still current at this point, so if you don't hear from me, I could have gotten my wires crossed somewhere.

Art style and interests

Overall, my style is usually minimalistic, abstract/geometric, and/or infused with some kind of humor incorporated in my art, whether it's just a sense of irony, full-on sarcasm, or some silliness.

I like to make weird art in any and all forms! Usually I'm bored by traditional approaches or subjects. I'm less of a planner and more of a "hey, this random thing looks cool, let's figure out how to incorporate it!"


Some more specific techniques and things I like to make:

-Graphic design (Canva/Affinity Designer/Inkscape)
-Cross stitch pattern design (Winstitch)
-Digital photography and photo editing
-Pixel art (Aseprite)

-Collage art (on postcards, ATCs, decos, etc)
-ATCs
-Deco books
-Zines

-Drawing (usually pencil)
-Zentangle
-Painting (usually acrylic, but I dabble in watercolor)

-Cross stitch and blackwork embroidery (both making and designing patterns)
-friendship bracelets (both making and designing patterns)


You're more than welcome to suggest any hobbies or techniques of your own! And it probably goes without saying, but I'd love to swap art with just about anyone, if you put serious effort into it.

I think that making and sharing art is one of the best things about life. What better way to connect with people, right?

Other current interests

-Reading & writing
-Found/blackout poetry
-Blogging, SEO, e-commerce

-Philosophy of any kind
-Existentialism
-Philosophy of Mind
-Philosophy of Science, Philosophy of Math
-Philosophy of Medicine, Philosophy of Psychology

-Psychology and mental health in general
-DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
-EMDR and trauma therapy concepts

-The Sims 4 and modding it
-House Flipper, SuchArt
-Other sims (PC Building Simulator, Powerwash Simulator, Civ V and VI, RimWorld, Tabletop Simulator, etc)

-DOGS
-Plants (esp succulents and indoor gardening)
-Music! (I play several instruments and am almost always listening to something)
-Podcasts, audiobooks
-Crossword puzzles and their design
-Jigsaw puzzles

Things I do not love

What hurts me more than anything is when people assume I'm NOT doing the best that I can. I firmly believe that approaching anyone and everyone with curiosity rather than judgment is the best way to be a social person in the world.

So, on a related note, I'm generally only bothered by schools of thought that are judgmental or intolerant of difference. For me, that means:
-Conservative politics
-Toxic positivity (and relentless negativity)
-Racism, sexism, or any kind of hatefulness
-Organized religion (and proselytizing)

Please don't send me anything strong-smelling (especially if it's Patchouli, mold, or smoke) as my asthma symptoms are easy to set off these days.

Collecting/looking for

-ATCs! and materials to make them (esp. thin cardboard for backing)
-playing cards (ideally regular-sized 2.5x3.5")
-book or magazine pages
-already clipped interesting words/pictures for collaging
-stickers
-envelopes
-postage stamps (real or fake, unused or canceled; my favorite ones tend to be bright and colorful)
-worsted weight yarn for crochet
-embroidery floss
-deco books
-zines
-brads (especially fun/pretty ones!)

I'm also not super hard to please because I like to collage with bits of anything! :)

Ratings

3
rating
Comment: Glad I finally received this! Really fun card, thanks!
ccmmsu rated for MM&L: Alien ATC #3 - Crop Circles on Mar 2, 2023
5
rating
Comment: Hi Alison! Thank you for the ATC and postcards. It made me laugh that you named it Unidentified Field Object. :) I'm glad you're feeling better and hope you have sunny days ahead! Looking forward to swapping with you again.
YooperHill rated for ABC: Fun w/Stamps #1 on Feb 28, 2023
5
rating
Comment: TY! Wishing you well my friend.
ensigncelery rated for AtB Grid Collage Handmade PC on Feb 28, 2023
5
rating
Comment: Bestie!!! This postcard is so rad!!! You used my colors, and you put in little splashes of rainbow, and all of the squares you picked out are so cool~ ๐Ÿ’œ And you are, in fact, my favorite. Seeing this in my mailbox made me so happy! When I'm feeling a little better (ahh, it's been a rough week) I really want to put this up on our corkboard wall ๐ŸŒˆ๐ŸŒˆ๐ŸŒˆ
3
rating
Comment: Thank you for making up for this swap! The inkbox card is very nice! And I like the plant-y touch of it. ------------ I haven't got anything. I will re-rate when I get something.
MuggleMom rated for CPG Move Any Deco 16 - Global on Jan 15, 2023
3
rating
Comment: No msg or communication to me about being late so I will rerate if swap is fulfilled. I hope all is well. 1/14 rec'd deco with a lovely letter preceded by email Softawoo sent on 8 Jan letting me know she was sending. Thank you for taking the time after your recovery to send me your art. So pleased you are doing well and I know art means a lot to you. Sorry to keep it a 3 but I appreciate your kindness & goodwill. xxMuggleMom
Response: Hey, Toni. I'm sorry about this. I keep thinking I'm about to make a triumphant return to making art and I just haven't been able to. I don't know when things will return to "normal" but hopefully soon!
5
rating
Comment: Sorry you've been so sick. Thank you for completing the swap :D
Response: No worries, Amy. I understand! I will do my best to get this sent to you when I'm able to make art again. Thanks for your patience!
Apelser rated for The Days of My Life - March on Jan 12, 2023
5
rating
Comment: At long last. I started thinking that the South African Postal Service didn't want to send me my mail. Luckily it arrived :)
rkassman rated for WIYM: ATC Themed Swap on Dec 5, 2022
5
rating
Comment: Thank you so much for sharing your art with me - particularly these 2 cards! I'm glad things are starting to get at least a little bit easier.
hazelwitch3 rated for SPCP: August Photos 2022 on Nov 26, 2022
3
rating
Comment: I'm sorry you're having such a tough time at the moment. I'll be happy to change the rating once you're able to send the swap. 18 November. Thanks for sharing your pictures. I particularly like the outdoor shot -- it's lovely.
3
rating
Comment: Hi Allison. I know youโ€™ve been going through some health issues, and I hope things will get better for you soon. Iโ€™m rating this as a 1 for now since you havenโ€™t yet sent and I havenโ€™t received any updates in a couple weeks. Will update to a 3 if/when I receive. Update 11/25/22: thanks for sending me the botanical illustration deco to make up this swap!! So glad to hear that youโ€™re doing better, and I hope it continues!
user6937 rated for SPCP: August Photos 2022 on Nov 17, 2022
3
rating
Comment: So glad you're feeling better and expect to feel even better in the new year!
5
rating
Comment: Thank you for your swap.
1
rating
Comment: Hi this swap was angeled by @DreamCloud thank you Eleanor!! But I did not receive the swap from Softawoo.
NatashaJane rated for Email - My Life According To ... on Sep 23, 2022
5
rating
Comment: Have definitely heard of Paramore and some songs. Im not big on music anymore but my partner is so might need to get him to save that amazing playlist you made. Heart for that extra effort girl
karlindarlin rated for PROFILE BASED POSTCARD SWAP on Sep 18, 2022
5
rating
 
Millia rated for ESG: My Favorite Photo - July on Aug 26, 2022
5
rating
Comment: Thank you for the photos! ๐ŸŸ๐Ÿš
Obstminkerl rated for ILL - 5 Lists July 2022 on Aug 23, 2022
5
rating
Comment: Thank you for your lists. I really enjoyed reading them โ™ฅ
5
rating
Comment: What a perfect letter!! The topic was interesting and spot on for me. I think I'm going to order the book you mentioned too. It sounds like we have very similar experiences. Sending you big hugs!
CookieMomster78 rated for Friendly Art Journaling on Aug 17, 2022
5
rating
Comment: Take Care of yourself, beautiful! Hugs ๐Ÿค— ~ Harmony

Rating Overview

Overall Hearts Stars Hosted
4.9420 230 24 24
Completed Fives Threes Ones
224 269 6 1
Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Uncategorized
17 69 138 0
View all

Currently Hosting

  • the user is not hosting any current swaps

Comments

DeboraCreates on Apr 19, 2023:

Thank you so much for returning my ATC Bag #106! I like the ATC you created!

ensigncelery on Mar 2, 2023:

OhHiMarch

Please pretend I sent this comment on March 1st instead, haha~ ๐Ÿ’œ

Sonya on Aug 31, 2022:

I'm so sorry to hear you are dealing with this crisis. Wishing you greatly improved health in the near future. My swap can wait! Take care, Sonya <3

9O96O on Aug 18, 2022:

Thank you for your meditative art postcard for the Handmade Postcard tag. It spurred me on to look up more meditative art techniques. Abstract work is great for mindfulness drawing and painting. I heard you're not doing well right now. I wish you a speedy recovery and I hope you're back into swapping soon. Maybe some mindfulness postcard making will help you heal. :) - Rome

teejlc on Aug 12, 2022:

Thank you so much for returning this adorable puppy deco to me! Every page is just so cute. I was delighted to find it in my mailbox. I'm making a thank you book for you so hopefully it will arrive in your mailbox someday soon!

circularlogic on Aug 7, 2022:

thank you for the vintage stationery! it is perfect! I appreciate your thoughtfulness for my birthday last month! all the best,
Jessie

OrigamiGrace on Jul 11, 2022:

Love the zeen you sent for Zeen tag!! And thank you for the fun extra pcs - extra special of you!!

MuggleMom on May 23, 2022:

Got my "at the movies" deco today and I absolutely love all the artwork!! Thank you for sending it home to inspire me!! I love your "some experiences can't be downloaded" what a great quote!!

xx

MuggleMom

ensigncelery on Apr 4, 2022:

Since my polaroid was so blurry, I wanted to show you my partner's cross stitch project here โ™ฅ

The image~

Disco BG

The stitch progress~

Wife Stitch

HausOfImps on Mar 25, 2022:

Let's Neural Blend! AI Generated Art Profile Deco

Please delete the other comment, I formatted wrong! Ugh, sorry!

Image #1: fractal origami for the blue and yellow dogs

dogs

Image #2: the snarky philosophy of minimalist composers

composers

Image #3: there's mathematics in my coffee but all i can do is write

coffee

Hope you like these! :) I'll be sending to you for the art challenge swap soon, and notice we have a lot of similar interests -- so lemme know if you ever want to private swap!

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