Back in May I joined Swapbot I can’t quite remember how I found out about it, but it was probably seeing it used as a hashtag on Instagram on posts by people sharing photos of their handmade postcards. I was attracted by the idea of swapping handmade postcards with people from all over the world, which would give me another excuse to muck about with paper and paint. As a new member I had to complete 5 swaps and be rated postively by the recipients before I could take part in any more swaps. Being a keen bean I achieved this in a couple of weeks and then I was free to join in as many swaps as I wanted. Since then I have made and sent these…These 2 cards were for the same swap, 2 partners, theme : sender’s choice.
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theme : senders choicetheme : collaged postcard
theme: make 2 notecards for 2 partners, these went missing in the post to Canada, so I made 2 more and re-sent them. These are the 2 new ones, which happily did arrive..
front and back of handmade notecardhandmade notecardtheme : decorate an envelopetheme: senders choicetheme : collaged facetheme : senders choicetheme : butterfliestheme : butterfliestheme : senders choicetheme : multicoloured card, recipients profile said they liked elephantstheme : senders choicetheme : decorate an envelopetheme : use the inside of security envelopes, like you get from your bank, the small patterns make the contents illegible to prying eyes. I didn’t know this before, did you?theme : collaged landscapetheme : patternstheme : butterfliestheme : senders choice
Tell you what, sending all of these cards in the post has given me a newfound appreciation of postage stamps. Little did I know that I would become a stamp collector at the age of 54 ! I’ve been buying “special issue” stamps from the post office as they are released, and I was well chuffed when the post office person gave me a little calendar with the release dates on it. I then discovered that I could buy old, but unused stamps that were still usable for posting. Full blown stamp geekery commenceth!
I am also taking part in another thing called Postcrossing here are some of the stamps I’ve used for it..
Postcrossing mainly calls for shop bought postcards, of which I have admit I have started a collection of. Occasionaly a handmade card is acceptable, and here’s a couple of mine.
Of course, having sent all of these cards I have also been receiving some interesting mail. More of which in a future post.
You can see all of my handmade postcards here
4 thoughts on “philately will get you nowhere…”
Catherine de Seton
that looks and sounds magic…great way to either use up scraps or make scraps into other creative collage AND then mail them. I wonder where the missing swaps ended up…
This intriguing “exhibition” of your postcards is an inspiration. Thank you so much. I am not surprised some were “lost”. I would be hard pressed NOT to keep one if I found it.
Thank you, strangely the one that went missing was in a plain envelope, so was hidden from sight! However that means it had a return address on it (unlike the naked postcards) so it might return to base at some point .
"Just to say I received my jacket today. To say I am delighted with it would be an understatement. It is absolutely gorgeous, I will never have it off my back, I think, as I wear allsorts of denim & it will just go with everything. Thank you so much."
Lynn,Winchester UK
Customised Jacket
"I have to say I have been very impressed with Ms McAnarak's professionalism, . She checked with me at every stage to make sure I was happy with how things were progressing, and even braved a blizzard to take the photos! Highly recommended!"
Kaz,Surrey UK
Customised Jacket
"This afternoon a package arrived from Scotland. Inside this package I discover two of the most whimsical, most marvelous and colorful and unique jackets ever seen on this earth.
I've been looking closely at the jackets and I just can't get over the fabrics. Wouldn't I love to have 15 minutes unsupervised in your fabric stash!
Your photos did not begin to do them justice - each bit and scrap of fabric is marvelous , compounded by how you put them together. And my husband, and my son think they are quite
fantastic. Happy all around!"
India,Vermont USA
Customised Jacket
Wonderful! Love it. Wearable art which keeps me warm and happy - a perfect combination.
You interpreted my wishes and the jacket perfectly - the colours and style are just right. (Love all the compliments I'm getting too.) You're a true textile artist.
Hilary,Inverness
Handmade Buttons
"These buttons are amazing, colourful and so stylish. My parcel arrived super quick. Thank you, I love them! :-)"
Annie,Cork
Handmade Buttons
"I love my buttons. Each and every time I buy her buttons it's like opening a little package of treasures. I love the colors and how well they go together. They are always shipped in a timely manner."
Colleen,Washington
Handmade Buttons and Customised Hat
"I love McAnaraks beautiful and imaginative work. I have bought her amazing hand-made buttons to use in all kinds of projects as a decorative highlight. Each one is a like a miniature artwork.
I also ordered a very special customised felt beret as a gift, but just had to keep it for myself :-) Everything I have ordered has arrived very quickly and with good communication from Fran."
Anne,Essex
Handmade Bunting
"FRAN !! The bunting has arrived and I really can't put into words how DELIGHTED I am...Your attention to detail is really phenomenal, and your creative flair is truly inspiring ! You've totally transformed my space with incredible beauty, and have been so accurate to such a vague brief !
With much heartfelt congratulations and thanks"
M.S, Forres
Customised Gilet
"The gilet has just arrived! The garment is FABULOUS, thank you so much for a splendid job. I cried (... with joy)! My husband LOVES it.
It's been great, Fran. Your whole set up has been easy and I have absolutely no hesitation whatsoever about recommending you to people whenever I get the chance and I shall come back to you soon because I have an item of clothing of my own which could do with a new look!!! Actually, now that I adore your work I want to change my whole wardrobe!!!"
Jill,
Forres, UK
that looks and sounds magic…great way to either use up scraps or make scraps into other creative collage AND then mail them. I wonder where the missing swaps ended up…
I wonder too, the envelope had a return address on it, so maybe one day it will come back, and it will add a little to the story 🙂
This intriguing “exhibition” of your postcards is an inspiration. Thank you so much. I am not surprised some were “lost”. I would be hard pressed NOT to keep one if I found it.
Thank you, strangely the one that went missing was in a plain envelope, so was hidden from sight! However that means it had a return address on it (unlike the naked postcards) so it might return to base at some point .