PBS: From Me to You (USA)

Suggested by @shirleyinCA in our group forum, this one-ounce flat single-stamp swap has a delightful twist. The creative element of the swap is the reason I've classified it as a type 3 swap. Please take time and care accordingly to put together a thoughtful and high quality envelope for your partner.

Here's how it goes:

1. From me: Using a handmade or store-bought envelope, transform the outside of the envelope into a piece of mail art that instantly tells your partner about yourself. You can use drawing, painting, stamping, collage, and other techniques to create your "from me" envelope. Feel free to include a variety of your favorite things, or decorate it in one cohesive theme that you absolutely love. Basically, someone who knows you should be able to look at the envelope and immediately say "that's so (insert your name here), or (your name) would LOVE this. Just be sure to leave a white space (or attach a label with a light background) so that the postal machines can properly read your partner's address.

2. To you: The inside of your envelope should include at least 3-5 flat surprises inspired by your partner's profile (I try to get it as close to the 1 oz. as I can to use the postage to its full extent), and reflect things that interest or make your partner happy. It should also include a little note including the swap name, your name, and your partner's name.

As with all of our swaps:

♥ Read through your partners' complete profiles; don't just latch on to the first idea you see, or you could miss out on something important (hates Mondays but is creeped-out by cats?--best to save that Garfield comic for someone who will appreciate it), or an exciting idea that you'll enjoy even more. Please try to send them things related to their interests that will make them smile :)

♥Be certain to check for your partners' dislikes and avoid sending them, so you don't unintentionally spoil what would otherwise be an absolute delight

Items can be used, new, or handmade, but should be in like-new condition. Please send something of a quality you would like to receive.

In order to receive a 5, your items should meet the criteria of being related to your partner's profile interests and be thoughtfully put together (only sending a postcard or a quick "hello" note and nothing else does not qualify as being particularly thoughtful). You should be able to send at least a few nice items, no problem. Try to send a variety, and aim for at least 3-5 thoughtful items. While we go for quality over quantity in this group, you might be surprised at how many fantastic, fun little things you can fit in a 1-oz. envelope. :)

Please rate anyone a 5 as long as they meet these criteria. Hearts are of course at your own discretion.

Some ideas for items that will be under the weight limit and machinable for the USPS single-stamp rate:

ATCs
ATC blanks
inchies
stickers
bookmarks
ribbon
fabric scraps
recipes
stamped images
special mailing labels for your partner
swap cards created for your partner
stationery and notecards
greeting cards
envelope seals
die cuts
book pages
vintage paper ephemera
designer papers for scrapbooking/crafting
postage stamps
tags and blank labels
window clings
washi tape samples
journal cards
high-quality images, words, or quotes for collages, journaling, or smashbooks
poems, stories,photos, quotes, or images you think they'd like
a nice letter

We will have 2 weeks to put together and send these once partners have been assigned. Please do not sign up if you can't get your envelopes ready to send out by the send date. In this swap, it helps that you can get started on your "from me" envelope even before partners are assigned, since that part is all about you.

Here are the USPS criteria for a single stamp:

First-Class letter dimensions:

Rectangular (NOT SQUARE) At least 3-1/2 inches high X 5 inches long X .007 inch thick No more than 6-1/8 inches high X 11-1/2 inches long X 1/4 inch thick

Length is the dimension parallel to the address.

Maximum weight is 1 ounce for a 49 cent (forever) stamp.

Letters that are considered nonmachinable are subject to a surcharge. Square envelopes, envelopes which are very rigid, or envelopes which have buttons or clasps that might catch on machinery are considered nonmachinable.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Have fun swapping! ♥