fishsteak

As of May 30
I'll be taking a break for the summer after I send out the swaps I'm signed up for (after June 5). Mail delivery times are driving me crazy and the mail service in my area isn't the best. I will follow through with swaps or ratings I'm waiting on but won't be actively swapping. I might take the time to do more Postcrossing instead, since I'll be traveling a lot this summer.

My Swapping Approach
I rate when I receive and avoid waiting until the last few days to send. Please message me if there are any problems on your or my end (postage due, late sends, damaged mail, possibly lost mail, etc.). I angel all swaps I host. I don't rate based on extras and don't need any!

Private Swaps
I’m usually open to private swaps for anything from exchanging recipes, mail art, snacks, to even makeup/skincare. It doesn't have to be a 1:1 trade! I do ATCs, postcards, and decorated envelopes/mail goodies.

About Me
I love food, reading, and traveling, including road trips. My guilty pleasures include tasting menus and kooky tourist traps like the Biggest Ball of Twine (still on my list!). If you don't know what to write in a swap, tell me something about your local area or recommend me something to see, eat, or do! :)

My Goodreads - books I want to read

Some of my digital art:

General Likes

I can always use unused postage. I’m building a frankendeck so any playing cards are much appreciated, especially if they’re in a theme I like!

Cards I need:
Spades: 1, 7, 8, 9, K
Hearts: 1, 2, 4, 8, 10, Q, K
Clubs: 2, 4, 5, 7, 10, K
Diamonds: all except 3, 6, J, K

⋆ assorted things I like: architecture and good design, aerogrammes/postalettes, blackout poetry, cats, calligraphy, cherry blossoms, diecuts, the Golden Gate Bridge, fairytales, fountain pens, Flow magazine, geocaching, FriXion pens, handmade/unique papers, hand-carving, hot air balloons, illustrations, ink or gel pens, Japan, landscapes, lighthouses, mail art, mountains, mythology (any culture), national parks, outer space, pin-ups, Pokemon (favorites: food, cat, cute, pretty plant-types, fluffy, Ditto as other Pokemon), postage stamps, sharks, shiba inu, themes (I'll like almost anything if it's a whole theme!), typewriters, trains, Japanese/Taiwanese washi, wax seals, watercolor, long staircases, vocaloids, zentangles, fashion/couture/streetwear

⋆ I like puns, sarcasm, satire, parody, and sometimes dirty humor.

Package Swap Likes

These are just things I know I like. I love trying new things and supporting small businesses and local brands.

⋆ eat and drink: aerated chocolate, single origin chocolate, cookies and cream flavor, chips/crisps, crackers, sour candies, spicy foods, tea (loose leaf preferred), regional snacks, instant noodles; generally salty snacks more than sweet candies

⋆ makeup/skincare: I prefer mini/trial sizes. I like full sizes for sunscreen or Korean skincare brands like cosrx or banila. I use nail polish, colorful/unique eyeshadows, scar-removal products, makeup removers, and skincare products.

⋆ random useful things: double-sided tape, command hooks, books on my very long to-read list or related to my likes

Postcard Info

⋆ If I'm in a swap for naked postcards, I'd love a tourist postcard from your area with a long message! I prefer tourist PCs written and stamped from place of origin (postcards sent on vacation are my favorite).

⋆ Otherwise, I prefer 4" x 6" unwritten/blank postcards sent in an envelope. I like: gotochi, neat postmarks and stamps (on the outside of the envelope), illustrated cards, vintage travel poster, maxi cards
⋆ Specific postcard wishlists/favorites: one and two

Dislikes

⋆ religious sentiments (inspirational quotes welcome, just not faith-based quotes)
⋆ loose sticky notes/page flags
⋆ dystopian novels with romance in them
⋆ cigarette smoke or strong floral
⋆ teas with cacao husks or mint
⋆ lip gloss
⋆ kids cartoon stickers

Favorite Reading:

Chew (comic book series); Discworld series by Terry Pratchett; books about food, textiles/fashion, or urban planning; favorite manga subgenre: isekai food slice-of-life

Favorite Crafting:

I love art and would love to receive anything handmade by you. Watercolor and letterpress are near and dear to my heart.

Favorite Playing:

Rune Factory, Professor Layton, Touch Detective, Genshin Impact, Shining Nikki

Favorite Stationery Brands:

Sakura of Japan, mt Japan, Pilot, Cavallini & Co., Papaya, Rifle Paper Co., Paperchase, Chronicle Books, Q-Lia, Mind Wave, Paper Source, Peter Pauper Press, Punch Studio

Favorite Characters:

Nameko, Gudetama, Totoro, Catbus, Jiji, Paddington Bear, Calvin & Hobbes, Miffy, Garfield, Bugcat Capoo, Yotsuba, Llama from Shirokuma Cafe, Moomin, Bluey and Bandit

Favorite Artists and Musicians:

Roy Tabora, Thomas Kinkade, James Coleman, Sarah Gibb

Vance Joy, Jeremy Loops, ABBA, Léon