zoev1975

In my absence from the world of Swap-Bot I have kept myself busy! the previously mentioned issues with my mum having breast cancer again, then resultant health concerns from the cancer treatment! I have also set up my own business on Facebook & Etsy selling my handmade jewellery and hand embroidered hoop art.. I also taught myself to embroider, and I totally fell in love with it! If anyone is interested in an embroidery swap, please let me know!

So, the rest of my profile is a condensed version of my old one, I just wanted to take the opportunity above to explain myself a little! Looking forward to getting to know all the new swappers that have joined in my absence, and really looking forward to touching base with some old friends xxxxxxx

Who Am I?

Zoe!! Zoe Victoria Richardson to be precise. I am now 43, but still haven't grown up. I share the house that I was born in with my mum, two dogs, eight birds, and whatever other creatures happen along. I live in a small town in Derbyshire, which is right in the centre of the UK. I am incredibly lucky to live in a beautiful part of the world. Derbyshire has a lot of countryside & fields, woods, rivers etc.

What Do I like?

Nature - animals, birds, forests, rivers and the sea and everything in between. My particular favourites are seahorses, foxes, owls, squirrels, badgers, mushrooms, flowers. I have also recently discovered a deep love for wombats, sloths, pangolins and armadillos!

Mythology and Fairy tales -I enjoy the traditional fairy tales, and love the illustrations by artists such as Arthur Rackham. Not too keen on Disney, but don't mind some of the older styles. I love, love, love Mythology. My particular favourite is Greek mythology, but also enjoy Egyptian and Norse.

Crafts - I lost my confidence in my crafting for quite a while after receiving some seriously belittling comments, but am gradually getting my mojo back. I make jewellery when the mood takes me, or when I can't find something to go with an outfit! I also really enjoy photography but I only really photograph nature -no people! I have zero drawing ability, but I have discovered an absolute love of embroidery! In fact my main crafting activity nowadays is embroidery, in its many forms.

Stationery - I am addicted to stationery. If I have a nice notebook, and a pretty pen to write with, all is well with my world. Love stickers of all descriptions (except reward)

Food & Drink - I drink tea and hot chocolate and that is about it! I am slightly addicted to chocolate covered mints - peppermint patties are the best! I could live on cheese, and I adore sweet potato. One thing I am completely jealous of is in the US you have so much pumpkin spice flavoured goodies! I would love to try something!

Swapping - I don't do many postcard swaps unless the theme really appeals to me, so most of the swaps I do are packages. I really enjoy putting together a package of goodies for someone along a theme, or a profile. Always up for private swaps. I don't join a lot of public swaps, so swap mostly in groups.

What Do I Not Like?

I am an animal lover, so please do not send me anything to do with fur or the fur trade, anything to do with hunting etc. I am not a vegetarian, but I do try to limit my meat consumption. I also only use products that are not tested on animals. If for a swap you happen to send any lotions or potions, please check before sending - thank you.

Please no items designed for children. I have a deep love for childrens stories, fairytales etc. but would prefer not to receive actual items aimed at children.

I cannot even stand the smell of coffee so would be very grateful if you do not send it me! Also don't like swaps that smell of smoke when they arrive, but that can be dealt with if it cannot be avoided.

Please, please do not send me loose memo pad sheets, loose note sheets, pads with 3 sticky notes, single sheets of letter writing paper etc. I am drowning under a sea of them! The same applies to random bits of fabric or embellishments. If you have something that you think I would love - great send it! If you are sending something for the sake of padding an envelope out, or extras to encourage a heart, please don't! I would much rather have one well thought out item, than 5 random bits.

My Beliefs;-

I respect any and all religions and belief systems, even if I do not follow them myself. If I was forced to say what I was, I would say Nature Worshipper.

I cannot stand intolerance of any kind. I do not care if you are black, white or pink with purple spots. I do not care if you are Christian, Hindu, Druid, Pagan, or Witch. I do not care if you are gay, straight, bi, or trans. All I am bothered about is the person inside - if you are nice to me, I am nice to you - that's all that matters. I do not like it if you try to cram your beliefs down my throat, but I will always defend your right to have those beliefs.

Ratings;-

I rate according to the Swap-Bot rules. I give hearts when I can see genuine thought and effort has gone into a swap, not because of extras. I am not unreasonable - if you are going to send late for a good reason, just let me know! But if you send late and don't let me know, or if you send a swap that doesn't meet requirements and have no interest in putting it right, please do not complain when you get the appropriate rating!