The Work of Loving Hands: My Favourite Charity

Hello, crafters, and welcome to this exciting swap.

Many of us craft for charity, but some charities are better known than others. This swap is all about spreading the word and telling people in your country and abroad just what wonderful work volunteers like ourselves can do for our local charities, however big or small. It's not about "blowing our own trumpet"; rather, it's about highlighting the charities to which we contribute and telling people about their scope, goals, needs, and achievements. It's about information and inspiration.

For this swap, everybody will have two partners. Each person will send to their partners:

1. a small handmade item representing the work we do for our chosen charity. For example, if you make afghans, make a sample square; if you knit jumpers, make a doll-size one; if you make stationery, create a sample card; if you quilt, stitch, sew... you get the idea;

2. a handwritten letter, on pretty paper or card, stating: the name of your chosen charity; its Web site or contact address; its scope and purpose; and how volunteers can help. You may add a little note about your own involvement, but please, not blowing our own trumpet.

We will have no way of verifying this, but I would ask all recipients to give away the received items, either to charity, or as gifts. You can also incorporate the items in your own charity crafting. Perhaps you could mention what you did with the items in the comments once you have been rated, but this is not a requirement set in stone; rather, I though it would be a nice expression of passing good vibes on.

This swap is all-inclusive, which means that it is international, open to newbies and oldies, and open to all ratings. Obviously, I will ask everybody to consider the ethos of charity work and the efforts of their partners. Thank you for respecting that.

Please do not hesitate to e-mail me or leave a comment of you have any questions. I have tried to give swappers plenty of notice, realizing that you will all have previous commitments. I hope the timing is ok with everybody.

I am very excited about this swap and will do everything I can to make it a 100% success. I'm looking forward to working with you.

Greetings,

Keti :-)