Big thank yous and a recap of a couple swap errors

I adored hosting the Nature's Blessing Journal swap. It was spectacular to have all the artwork coming into my studio. And I loved working on the journals. I do plan on hosting another book swap early in 2015, because this one was a joy to do.

Although, I did make three huge mistakes. Hopefully that is all? If I messed yours up somehow, PLEASE contact me.

1- I found a journal package ready to mail, behind my table where it had fallen and hidden from me. It was mailed very, very late.

2- I transposed the address on another package. It is lost and gone forever, but luckily was only a blank book, easy to replace and send along to the patiently waiting new owner.

3- I pride myself on gathering up pages that go together in a cohesive manner. But one book, I made the mistake of putting pages together that were too similar and weren't as pleasing for the new owner.  I think she had hoped for a wider variety of styles. My mistake.

There are some extra pages (that I will add into my own book if not needed) because a few freinds who joined the swap, made 6-8 because they were having so much fun creating, and then only took 4 from the swap piles. And a couple of other swappers contributed extra pages to be helpful. I also, gave away more of my own hand made pages (10) than I kept for my own book. I couldn't stop making layouts! 

So, I have a few extras to work with if there are problems.  If no problems come up, I end up with a deliciously FAT book of my own. Lucky me!

We've had tons of compliments on the work swappers have done and I've heard back from many of our artists. Hopefully, all are content.  Most have raved about what they received. (And I don't blame them, there was a lot to rave about).

 But if I have made a mistake somehow, I need to hear about it. I don't take my responsibility to handle other's artwork lightly. 

If for some reason, I' ve accidentally sent you two from the same artist, or you have some other problem with your book, I really, really, really, want to make it right, instead of hoarding all of these extra treasures to myself. So, please speak up. 

I'm already overly blessed by the treats that came in the mail with the swap pages.  

First of all, it is an honor that everyone trusts me with their precious art. I do my best with it, but I am a bit of a scatterbrain sometimes. So, I have lots of lists, and rituals, and am so careful, despite my natural inclinations to be haphazard. I really do try hard to keep it straight. But as you can see from the three mistakes I told you about, I do screw up some things.

Second of all, this wasn't a free swap. I do charge for entrants. Now, I'm not saying I make a big profit from it. I spend on supplies and postage. And of course, all my time goes into the swap instead of creating or selling other stuff  so I'm not making my normal income while I'm cranking out 75 books and filling them up with swap pages.

 But, I do not lose money on it.  

And the swappers are so kind. I get the nicest notes and cards. I love the little stories some ladies include with their pages about what they had as inspiration or the kind things they have to say about my blog or my grand fairies.

It's an extra big bonus when they also include gifties!  Wow, the girls and I were overwhelmed with the treats we got. 

Hand made items, vintage pieces, supplies, notebooks, Starbucks cards, ephemera scrap, all kindly thought out and much appreciated. I wait till I have the grand fairies with me to go through all of the gifts, after the swap is completely done. We have so much fun oohing and ahhing over all the generosity and thoughtfulness.

Thank you!

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ps- Want to come to my cottage studio for a Christmas class? I have two available, how to see you here!

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PS- Speaking of other income, I have bleached, dyed and glittered trees in the Etsy shop now if you need some!