Package Pals!

I love creating things by hand, and I love that the Internet has allowed for  virtual handmade communities, marketplaces, and sharing spaces to exist. I read about Swap Bot a while back – it’s basically an online community with different, specialized “swaps” that are set up by other users. I was excited, especially since I love sending and receiving mail, but didn’t have the greatest experience. Obviously it is luck of the draw on who you’re partnered with (although there is a ‘rating’ system that strives to keep people honest). I had two ‘okay’ swaps and then a third where I never received anything at all. Womp womp. I put Swap Bot on the back burner, but a month or so ago I saw on the  C.R.A.F.T.  blog that she runs a somewhat similar handmade swap every few months, Package Pals!

I signed up, figuring I had just enough time before the baby came to get something pulled together. It was more difficult than I thought to try and think of what someone else would like! I was paired with Jessica, who doesn’t blog but shared her Pinterest with me and some of her hobbies. I loved that she upcycles thrift store clothes like I did and had fun going through her pins for ideas.

Here is what we swapped! I was thrilled when I opened the package but compulsively started putting things away – so this is a hasty picture of some of the things I hadn’t already stashed. I loved the handmade coasters she made from tiles and mod podge, we never have enough spots for water glasses! I can’t wait to use that chevron fabric too, one of my favorite prints.

Here is what I sent her! I made a few handmade key fob, pincushion, and bags out of fabric scraps to contain all the “stuff”, a DIY Fabric Tape Kit with ribbon, tape, and spools, and then a bunch of fun supplies for jewelry and sewing.

All in all it was fun! There is a link-up for others to share what they sent and received, so check it out here.

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