jamicam

updated Mar 2022

Hello! My name is Jacki and I'm happy to swap with you.

My creative outlets are swapping and sewing/quilting. I live in Michigan and work in education. I value kindness, diversity, equality, justice, the earth, animals, good books, and a hot cup of tea. I enjoy time with friends and family, but also need alone time everyday to recharge. I am trying to simplify and live a more minimalist life but find it most challenging in terms of fabric and swapping supplies.

Current favorites are crafting items for journaling (tags, pockets, journal cards, embellishments) and making/decorating envelopes. I enjoy decoupaging with napkins to create interesting textures, using papers that create crinkly sounds, and finding interesting ways to add fabric. Working on getting better at collage - practice helps! Would like to learn some techniques for incorporating inks and paints - both intimidate me.

I've lost interest in sending stuff without any crafting element. I prefer to use my goodies rather than pass them along. To me, just filing an envelope is not nearly as fun as creating a decorated envelope and slipping in a few goodies. Still, now and then, I will join tags/RAKs/wishes to de-stash when the piles start to get too high.

I love a good package swap with established swappers. International package swaps are such fun, even if the cost of postage can be ridiculous.

I adore handmade especially crochet, watercolor, or embroidery (none of which I can do).

Message me if you would like to do a private package swap or handmade item swap.

FAVORITE THEMES - Floral, botanical, nature, artsy, earth friendly, books, animals, bees, butterflies, watercolor, things with texture, uplifting words and phrases, paper with stitching. I prefer artistic/illustrations over realistic images.

JUNK JOURNAL - Appreciate any journaling tips or ideas. Always on the lookout for old book pages (any language), music paper, dyed paper, strips of lace or other trims, interesting images or phrases from magazines and books, tags, pockets, ephemera, embellishments.

YOUR ART - Anything handmade by you, in any medium, would be a joy to receive. Even if it doesn't reflect my likes/interests, the fact that it is handmade means it will hold a special place in my heart.

SEASONS vs HOLIDAYS - I don't care for holiday-related stuff. On the rare occasion that I join a holiday swap, feel free to go with autumn instead of Halloween, winter instead of Christmas, spring instead of Easter. This is just my preference, of course I would never down-rate you for following the swap as intended.

SNACK SWAPS - Milk chocolate with crunchy/crispy bits, effervescent candies like the fizzy Love Hearts from the UK or Brause-stäbchen from Germany, Fry's Turkish Delight from the UK, minty candies, salty and spicy snacks. Not a fan of dark chocolate, gummy candies, meat-based snacks, or herbal tea. Please do not send tea - I have more than I will ever manage to drink.

PACKAGE SWAPS - All kinds of bags (totes, pouches), non-slip fuzzy ankle socks, Vicks Inhalers (weird, I know, I love them), lip balm, sugar free gum, earth-friendly items, perfume samples, anything hand-crafted, list of recommended books (mysteries especially), chatty letter, washi stickers especially botanical, eyeglass wipes, hand wipes, anything from or inspired by my Etsy favs $5 and under. Please no jewelry, face masks, make-up, nail polish, bath bombs.

I will not make use of items that are childish, fantasy, mythical, celebrities, fandom, fashion, traveling items (friendship books, slams), memo sheets, touristy items (including postcards), jewelry, used postage.

I am religion-friendly but do not care for items related to religion or spirituality (angels, Bible verses, goddesses, tarot cards, astrology, etc).

I am creeped out by things with human faces (especially realistic) and have never been a fan of dolls for that reason - for example I love the moon but can't stand images like this.

Please no tea - have so much at the moment!

I typically rate as soon as I receive the swap - so if you are waiting on a rating, chances are it has not yet arrived. But please reach out if you are waiting too long.

I do not look for reasons to down-rate and try to be very understanding - all I ask is that you communicate with me. I don't look at post marks, so if you are a couple of days past the deadline I would honestly never even notice (no need to even mention it really). If you mess up on a swap, just message me, and chances are it will be fine. If I mess up, I will do everything I can to fix it to your satisfaction.

My goal is to encourage others in their craft, express gratitude for everything received, and live by the words of JM Barrie: "Be kinder than necessary." I try to keep the Golden Rule in mind to help keep this community safe, compassionate, and enjoyable for all.

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