PBS: Made For You: Handmade Profile Surprise

Welcome to our first in a series of handmade profile-based swaps.

The series "Made For You" was born out of a desire to have more specifically handmade swaps for the members of our group who enjoy creating and receiving art and crafts. While other swaps in the series may be more specific in the type of gift or method of making involved, this particular swap allows each participant complete flexibility to read her/his partner's profile and then decide what kind of handmade gift s/he would like to create, and which technique(s) s/he would like to use.

All group members maintain well-filled-out profiles and meet the requirement of at least a 4.98 rating to join. In the unlikely event that it's necessary, I will angel this swap after you have attempted to contact your partner and honestly rated them a "1" for a no-send.

Here are the rules:

As with all of our swaps:

♥ Read through your partner's complete profile; don't just latch on to the first idea you see, or you could miss out on something important (loves to be pampered but mentions that s/he's got a high sensitivity to perfumes?--probably best to save your famous homemade lavender bath salts for another swap), or an exciting idea that you'll enjoy even more. Please try to send them things related to their interests that will make them smile :)

♥Be certain to check for your partners' dislikes and avoid sending them, so you don't unintentionally spoil what would otherwise be an absolute delight

This is considered type 3 because it is a time-intensive craft swap, and is likely to be sent in a package.

Because your gift will be inspired by your partner's profile and made specifically for her/him, there is a full month's time between partner assignment and the deadline to send out your swap. This should be enough time to do proper planning, gather materials, create your gift while doing your best work, and package it with care so that it will arrive safely to your partner. Please include a little note to your partner about the gift you've created for her/him (why you chose this particular item to make, techniques or materials used, changes that happened during the process, etc.), along with your username and the name of the swap.

This doesn't need to be a huge or expensive project. What is required is that you send something thoughtful made with care especially for your partner, roughly in the $5-$10 range and of high quality. Please don't be scared off by your own perfectionism! This swap allows you to use your own skill set to do your best work within your comfort zone. There are tons of tutorials out there if you'd like to try something new as well, but be sure to give yourself enough time if you're attempting something you don't have prior experience with.

The one type of item I request that you don't send in these swaps is homemade food items (I know, I love to bake, and make candy, and do canning/preserves). These cannot be properly regulated, and some international laws prohibit their transfer into different countries.

Some ideas for types of techniques you might use:
papercrafting
quilling
decoupage
collage and mixed media
photography
painting
drawing
calligraphy
sculpting (e.g. fimo clay minis or jewelry, etc.)
jewelry making
beading
sewing
knitting
crocheting
cross-stitch
embroidery
woodburning
sculpture
carving
weaving
spinning
candlemaking
leatherworking (please thoroughly check profile in case your partner is vegan or has objections to the use of animal products)

♥if you think of more, please list them below! Thanks!

♥If you get stumped for ideas or have any questions or concerns, please send me a message to let me know and I'll be happy to help!

Happy Swapping! :)