Zombies in Oz!

Our theme is “THE WONDERFULLY HUNGRY ZOMBIES IN OZ!”

Here is what we are swapping: 

1.)You will create one Wizard of Oz themed zombie doll from your partner's choice list and then add 3 tuck ins (goodies) to round out the package.  ***ONE TUCK IN MUST BE A DOTEE DOLL.*** ask if you have questions about this part! 

2.)The other 2 tuck ins can be handmade, purchased, thrifted, re-gifted, etc. as long as they are clean and undamaged. 

*Please check out the answers to your partner's list to help you out before getting the tuck ins!

3.)The doll needs to be handmade and at LEAST 6 inches in height/length.   I have approved premade blank doll forms which are available to use as a base but you must hand make all the details and elements that make it into a zombie.

This is a USA swap only.
The sign up by date is August 14th so I can announce partners before the following weekend.  (I retain the right to close the swap early if I choose so please don't wait to join up.)

Ship date is September 25th so the dolls can arrive to their new homes in time for people to put out their Halloween decorations!  Feel free to ship earlier but PLEASE ship no later than 9/26/26.

Please note if an "angel" swap is needed for any reason other than crisis, that swapper will not be invited back.  An "angel" is someone other than the original partner who graciously steps in to fulfill the swap. 

New request:  Please do not procrastinate on making the doll.  We had SEVERAL late shippers last year and it made people worry about getting them in time to decorate.   I am announcing it a week earlier than usual to give you all more time.

If you want to join, leave a comment here and then email me at valpowery(at) yahoo(dot)com with the answers to these questions:

1. Name and address. Include phone if you would like text updates. (recommended)

2. List of 3 favorite characters for your partner to choose 1 character from.   

3. Choose either "creepy" or "cute" style.  

4. Small list of things you collect for Halloween and/or Fall.

5. Colors you decorate with for Halloween and/or Fall.

Please note:

My swaps are made to encourage creativity, not bust the bank.  That being said, your package should equate to a minimum of $30.00 before shipping.  

Please create a zombie doll that you feel certain your partner will adore and wrap it up in tissue. 

Also, be careful when wrapping items for shipping so they don't get damaged.  No one wants a busted up Zombie package. 
When shipping, I suggest using tracking and make note of the date mailed.  If the doll does not arrive within 10 business days of shipping, you will be responsible for making and sending a NEW zombie doll package.  

As always, thanks for participating and feel free to use the badge to help spread the word!

YARNIGRAS 2025 ANNUAL ZOMBIE DOLL SWAP !

                                                   

    

Okay everyone!  I've been wanting to do this swap for awhile  The Great Pumpkin is one of my all time favorite kiddie movies and I think all those big headed kids would make awesome zombies!  

So our theme is  "ZOMBIES ATTACK CHARLIE BROWN AND THE GANG!"

Here is what we are swapping: 

1.)You will create one Charlie Brown and the Gang themed zombie doll from your partner's choice list and then add 3 tuck ins (goodies) to round out the package.  

2.)The tuck ins can be handmade, purchased, thrifted, re-gifted, etc. as long as they are clean and undamaged. 

*Please check out the answers to your partner's list to help you out before getting the tuck ins!

3.)The doll needs to be handmade and at LEAST 6 inches in height/length.   I have approved premade blank doll forms which are available to use as a base but you must hand make all the details and elements that make it into a zombie.

This is a USA swap only.
The sign up by date is August 8th so I can announce partners before the following weekend.  (I retain the right to close the swap early if I choose so please don't wait to join up.)

Ship date is September 27th so the dolls can arrive to their new homes in time for people to put out their Halloween decorations!  Feel free to ship earlier but PLEASE ship no later than 9/27/25.

Please note if an "angel" swap is needed for any reason other than crisis, that swapper will not be invited back.  An "angel" is someone other than the original partner who graciously steps in to fulfill the swap. 

New request:  Please do not procrastinate on making the doll.  We had SEVERAL late shippers last year and it made people worry about getting them in time to decorate.   I am announcing it a week earlier than usual to give you all more time.

If you want to join, leave a comment here and then email me at valpowery(at) yahoo(dot)com with the answers to these questions:

1. Name and address. Include phone if you would like text updates. (recommended)

2. List of 3 favorite characters for your partner to choose 1 character from.   

3. Choose either "creepy" or "cute" style.  

4. Small list of things you collect for Halloween and/or Fall.

5. Colors you decorate with for Halloween and/or Fall.

Please note:

My swaps are made to encourage creativity, not bust the bank.  That being said, your package should equate to a minimum of $30.00 before shipping.  

Please create a zombie doll that you feel certain your partner will adore and wrap it up in tissue. 

Also, be careful when wrapping items for shipping so they don't get damaged.  No one wants a busted up Zombie package. 
When shipping, I suggest using tracking and make note of the date mailed.  If the doll does not arrive within 10 business days of shipping, you will be responsible for making and sending a NEW zombie doll package.  

As always, thanks for participating and feel free to use the badge to help spread the word!

CHRISTMAS IN JULY!!!!

 Okay ladies,  as per our vote last December (or early January) we are pushing our Annual 5 for 5 Handmade Ornament swap up to the summer!   This will help a few other swappers be able to join.  It's always such a fun time.  PLUS, since I will have this one out of the way, I may be able to squeeze ONE MORE swap in!  

This year's theme:

  "CHRISTMAS CRITTERS!"

If you need any inspiration, simply go to the kid's section at your local library and check out all the Christmas picture books.   There are some really cute ones!  Other ideas would be to use your state animal.  And yes! A bird, fish, bug, reptile also count as animals...

The info:

Once again, We are doing a "5 for 5" handmade Christmas ornament swap.

What this means is that you will be sending me 5 handmade ornaments and receiving a variety of 5 ornaments back. You may use ANY MEDIUM you want to create these little pieces of art!

You do not have to have a blog to join.  
There is no deadline to sign up, all you have to do is get the ornaments to me in time for me to ship them to their new homes early July.  

That being said, feel free to ship them as soon as you make them.  

To sign up, send me an email at valpowery(at)yahoo(dot)com with your name so I can put it on the sidebar.  I will send you instructions when I get your sign up email.  Don't forget I have moved so I will be sending everyone my updated address!

This will be a USA only swap due to shipping.

Please create something you would love to receive and be sure to package your ornaments in a nice, re-usable box so I can mail your new ornaments back to you in it.   

Be sure to include a self addressed return label for me.  It saves me a lot of time!

Try to keep your ornaments light in weight and please take care when wrapping to make sure they are cushioned, etc.  

We want all our ornaments to arrive in pristine condition!  

All ornaments must be either be in a clear treat bag or some other "holiday" type wrap with a tag from you.   It doesn't have to be fancy, but do take some time to do a good job, no throwing all the ornaments in a box with no gift tags, wrapping or tissue.  Remember, these ornaments represent hard work and all participants want to OPEN them as they would a Christmas gift.  

If ANY of your ornaments reach me broken, they will be returned to you in your return ornament variety.  That being said, if 2 break, you will get 2 of your own back along with 3 different ones for a total of 5.

*New Rule:  Many of us have become dear friends and I even have family members joining now too.  Please understand that in shuffling these ornaments around, your friend or family member may get an ornament you planned on giving them privately.   I ended up giving away my own ornaments from the swap to make sure everyone received a unique assortment.   I am no longer doing this.

May I suggest you either send in extra ornaments to keep this from happening or refrain from giving the ornaments privately until AFTER everyone receives their box.  (Some of you already do that, thank you!)

Return Shipping:  $10.00 is sufficient to cover the cost of sending ornaments back to you unless they are oversized or heavy.  In that case, please send in 2-3 dollars extra.  Again, please include a return address label already filled out.  

Ship in time for me to receive them by the end of June.  That way, I can get them in time to mail them out by the first week of July.  Sadly, I can't guarantee you getting an exchange box if your ornaments do not reach me in time.  (If that happens, I'll gladly return your own ornaments to you using the money you sent for shipping.)  
Shipping funds are important!  If you forget to include shipping, your ornaments can't be sent/returned until you have sent me the funds to send/return them to you.  I do accept venmo if that helps.

If you finish your ornaments early, PLEASE send them to me early so I can start organizing them.  The earlier the better!

If time gets away from you and you need to back out, no big deal, just drop me an email at 

valpowery (at) yahoo(dot) com and I'll remove you from the list.   That will keep me from chasing you down to see if you are still participating.

Invite your artsy/craftsy friends and family!

"Garden Party"

 Hello my lovelies!  

Time for our second quarter swap!

Signups end March 23 and Ship date is May 3

What we are swapping:

*One handmade garden themed item and 2 garden themed tuck ins for a total of 3 items.*

As always, this is about being creative, not breaking the bank.  I suggest a $30.00 minimum before shipping.  You can create more than the one item, thrift, regift, etc.  HOWEVER, all items must be in good shape.  If it is vintage, please ensure that it is lovely and clean, etc.  Wrap all items to protect during shipping.

Please read your person/partner info before beginning.

This is a USA only swap.  If you want to participate, answer the following questions and email them to me: valpowery(at)yahoo.(com)

1. Small list of garden decorations and goodies you like (plant pokes, fairy houses, gnomes, yard signage, wall art, wind chimes, etc.)

2. Style of decorations (country, classic, shabby chic, whimsical)

3. Is this for a tiered tray? A container garden/patio? A yard garden?  

4. Small list of garden tools you use: twine, plant stakes (to write on), gloves, arm protectors, etc.

5. Ship date is AFTER EASTER but if you'd like it to be Easter themed, let your partner/person know....you can store it away for next year :-)

"Cold Hands, Warm Heart Swap" hosted by Yarnigras!

 

              "Cold Hands, Warm Heart"

It's time for our first swap of 2025!!!        

What we are swapping:

1 handmade heart (it need not be a Valentine....just heart shaped)

1 pair of mittens, gloves, fingerless gloves....(not from dollar stores)

Check out your partner's profile for size, color and preference of style!

This is USA only due to shipping cost abroad.

Sign up closes January 11

Ship date is February 1    

email me at valpowery(at)yahoo(dot)com if you want to join.

Send me the answers to these questions:

Name and address

Hand size (S,M,L)

Color requested

Type favored

Yarnigras Annual Handmade Zombie Doll Swap

 

This year our theme is:

   "NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS ZOMBIES!" 

This movie has been a "requested" theme for years.  And I do mean YEARS.  So THIS is the year!!!!

Here is what we are swapping: 

1.)You will create one Nightmare Before Christmas themed zombie doll from your partner's choice list and then add 3 tuck ins (goodies) to round out the package.  Guys, this is an EASY theme for our swap....ALL the characters already look like Zombies!    By the way, HomeGoods has loads of "NBC" themed goodies right now!

2.)The tuck ins can be handmade, purchased, thrifted, re-gifted, etc. as long as they are clean and undamaged. 

*Please check out the answers to your partner's list to help you out before getting the tuck ins!

3.)The doll needs to be handmade and at LEAST 6 inches in height/length.   I have approved premade blank doll forms which are available to use as a base but you must hand make all the details and elements that make it into a zombie.  I found some at Joann's and Hobby Lobby.  

This is a USA swap only.
The sign up by date is August 17th so I can announce partners the following weekend.  (I retain the right to close the swap early if I choose so please don't wait to join up.)

Ship date is September 25 so the dolls can arrive to their new homes in time for people put out their Halloween decorations!  Feel free to ship earlier but PLEASE ship no later than 9/25/24.

Please note if an "angel" swap is needed for any reason other than crisis, that swapper will not be invited back.  An "angel" is someone other than the original partner who graciously steps in to fulfill the swap. 

If you want to join, leave a comment here and then email me at valpowery(at) yahoo(dot)com with the answers to these questions:

1. Name and address. Include phone if you would like text updates. 

2. List of 3 favorite characters for your partner to choose 1 character from.   

3. Choose either "creepy" or "cute" style.  Note: most of these guys are already CREEEEPY!  LOL.

4. Small list of things you collect for Halloween and Fall.

5. Colors you decorate with for Halloween and Fall.

Please note:

My swaps are made to encourage creativity, not bust the bank.  That being said, your package should equate to a minimum of $30.00 before shipping.  

Please create a zombie doll that you feel certain your partner will adore and wrap it up in tissue. 

Also, be careful when wrapping items for shipping so they don't get damaged.  No one wants a busted up Zombie package. 
When shipping, I suggest using tracking and make note of the date mailed.  If the doll does not arrive within 10 business days of shipping, you will be responsible for making and sending a NEW zombie doll package.  

As always, thanks for participating and feel free to use the badge to help spread the word!

Zombies CRASH "The Order of Legendary Figures" Board Meeting!!!

 Here is what we are swapping: 

1.)You will create one Legendary Figure themed zombie doll from your partner's choice list and then add 3 tuck ins (goodies) to round out the package.  

2.)The tuck ins can be handmade, purchased, thrifted, re-gifted, etc. as long as they are clean and undamaged. 

*Please check out the answers to your partner's list to help you out before getting the tuck ins!

3.)The doll needs to be handmade and at LEAST 6 inches in height/length.   I have approved premade blank doll forms which are available to use as a base but you must hand make all the details and elements that make it into a zombie.  I found some at Joann's and Hobby Lobby.  One swapper asked if she could alter a regular doll and again, I'm okay with it...but it must be a different creation from it's "former self."  (If you have questions, ask!)

This is a USA swap only.
The sign up by date is April 13th so I can announce partners the following weekend.  (I retain the right to close the swap early if I choose so please don't wait to join up.)

Ship date is June 1st!  Feel free to ship earlier but PLEASE ship no later than 6/1/24 because our FALL swap is announced in August!

Please note if an "angel" swap is needed for any reason other than crisis, that swapper will not be invited back.  An "angel" is someone other than the original partner who graciously steps in to fulfill the swap. 

If you want to join, leave a comment here and then email me at valpowery(at) yahoo(dot)com with the answers to these questions:

1. Name and address. Include phone if you would like text updates. 

2. List of 3 favorite Legendary Figures for your partner to choose 1 character from.   

List of Legendary Figures are:  Tooth Fairy, Jack Frost, Santa Claus, Cupid, Baby New Year, Mother Nature, Father Time, The Grim Reaper, The Great Pumpkin, The Easter Bunny, Uncle Sam,  Leprechaun, Thanksgiving Turkey, The Sandman.  Most are considered icons for our major holidays, along with other icons associated with childhood.

3. Choose either "creepy" or "cute" style.

4. Small list of things you love to collect.

5. Small list of hobbies you need "supplies" for or to add to your "stash."

Please note:

My swaps are made to encourage creativity, not bust the bank.  That being said, your package should equate to a minimum of $30.00 before shipping.  

Please create a zombie doll that you feel certain your partner will adore and then wrap it up in tissue. 

Also, be careful when wrapping items for shipping so they don't get damaged.  No one wants a busted up Zombie package. 
When shipping, I suggest using tracking and make note of the date mailed.  If the doll does not arrive within 10 business days of shipping, you will be responsible for making and sending a NEW zombie doll package.  

As always, thanks for participating and feel free to use the badge to help spread the word!

WHO-VILLE

 It's that time of year!  Once the zombies are flying to their new homes, I announce the Annual Handmade Ornament swap theme!

         "Christmas in WHO-VILLE!"

Now...don't be hung up on the Grinch or Cindy Loo-Who...

If you read the book or watch the movie, you'll see there is SO much more than just those two famous characters.  Plus, you can always make something up...just give it a Who-ish name!

Think of trees and Max and toys and food and snow and candy and ornaments and houses...oh my!  The list could go on and on...just don't forget to use WHO-VILLE colors and patterns in creating your whimsical creations!

The info:

Once again, We are doing a "5 for 5"  swap.

What this means is that you will be sending me 5 handmade ornaments and receiving a variety of 5 ornaments back. You may use ANY MEDIUM you want to create these little pieces of art!

You do not have to have a blog to join.  
There is no deadline to sign up.  That being said, I am allowing no more than 20 participants this year so if you know you want to join, do it now.  I reserve the right to close the swap at any time.

To sign up, send me an email at valpowery(at)yahoo(dot)com with your name so I can put it on the sidebar.  I will send you instructions when I get your sign up email.

This will be a USA only swap due to shipping.

Please create something you would love to receive and be sure to package your ornaments in a nice, re-usable box so I can mail your new ornaments back to you in it.   Be sure to include a self addressed return label for me.  It saves me a lot of time!

Try to keep your ornaments light in weight and please take care when wrapping to make sure they are cushioned, etc.  We want all our ornaments to arrive in pristine condition!  

All ornaments must be either in a clear treat bag or some other "holiday" type wrap with a tag from you.   It doesn't have to be fancy, but do take some time to do a good job, no throwing all the ornaments in a box with no gift tags, wrapping or tissue.  Remember, these ornaments represent hard work and all participants want to OPEN them as they would a Christmas gift.  

If ANY of your ornaments reach me broken, they will be returned to you.  That being said, if 2 break, you will get 2 of your own back along with 3 different ones for a total of 5.

*New Rule:  Many of us have become dear friends and I even have family members joining now too.  Please understand that in shuffling these ornaments around, your friend or family member may get an ornament you planned on giving them privately.   I ended up giving away my own ornaments from the swap to make sure everyone received a unique assortment.   I am no longer doing this.

May I suggest you either send in extra ornaments to keep this from happening or refrain from giving the ornaments privately until AFTER everyone receives their box.  (Some of you already do that, thank you!)

Return Shipping:  $10.00 is sufficient to cover the cost of sending ornaments back to you unless they are oversized or heavy.  In that case, please send in a little extra.  Again, please include a return address label already filled out.  

Ship in time for me to receive them by mid November...no later than Thanksgiving.  That way, I can get them in time to mail them out by the first week of December.  Sadly, I can't guarantee you getting an exchange box if your ornaments do not reach me in time.  (If that happens, I'll gladly return your own ornaments to you using the money you sent for shipping.)  
Shipping funds are important!  If you forget to include shipping, your ornaments can't be sent/returned until you have sent me the funds to send/return them to you.

If you finish your ornaments early, PLEASE send them to me early so I can start organizing them.  The earlier the better!

If time gets away from you and you need to back out, no big deal, just drop me an email at 

valpowery (at) yahoo(dot) com and I'll remove you from the list.  

Invite your artsy/craftsy friends and family!  

Yarnigras' Annual Handmade Zombie Doll swap!

This year our theme is:

   "CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS!" (aka Food That Fights Back!)

This book was both of my kiddos favs....and then they upped the game by turning it into one of the CUTEST movies imaginable...and even the sequel is good!  What are the chances of that happening!?  So...read the book and watch the movie.  It'll be soooo worth it!

Here is what we are swapping: 

1.)You will create one Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs themed zombie doll from your partner's choice list and then add 3 tuck ins (goodies) to round out the package.  

2.)The tuck ins can be handmade, purchased, thrifted, re-gifted, etc. as long as they are clean and undamaged. 

*Please check out the answers to your partner's list to help you out before getting the tuck ins!

3.)The doll needs to be handmade and at LEAST 6 inches in height/length.   I have approved premade blank doll forms which are available to use as a base but you must hand make all the details and elements that make it into a zombie.  I found some at Joann's and Hobby Lobby.  One swapper asked if she could alter a regular doll and again, I'm okay with it...but it must be unrecognizable as it's "former self."  (If you have questions, ask!)

This is a USA swap only.
The sign up by date is August 12th so I can announce partners the following weekend.  (I retain the right to close the swap early if I choose so please don't wait to join up.)

Ship date is September 23rd so the dolls can arrive to their new homes in time for people put out their Halloween decorations!  Feel free to ship earlier but PLEASE ship no later than 9/23/23.

Please note if an "angel" swap is needed for any reason other than crisis, that swapper will not be invited back.  An "angel" is someone other than the original partner who graciously steps in to fulfill the swap. 

If you want to join, leave a comment here and then email me at valpowery(at) yahoo(dot)com with the answers to these questions:

1. Name and address. Include phone if you would like text updates. 

2. List of 3 favorite characters for your partner to choose 1 character from.   With this theme, you can choose an actual character or food character.  Or you can make a person zombie holding "zombiefied" food.  LOL

3. Choose either "creepy" or "cute" style.

4. Small list of things you collect for Halloween and Fall.

5. Colors you decorate with for Halloween and Fall.

Please note:

My swaps are made to encourage creativity, not bust the bank.  That being said, your package should equate to a minimum of $30.00 before shipping.  

Please create a zombie doll that you feel certain your partner will adore and wrap it up in tissue. 

Also, be careful when wrapping items for shipping so they don't get damaged.  No one wants a busted up Zombie package. 
When shipping, I suggest using tracking and make note of the date mailed.  If the doll does not arrive within 10 business days of shipping, you will be responsible for making and sending a NEW zombie doll package.  

As always, thanks for participating and feel free to use the badge to help spread the word!

March's Spooky YOE Theme

 The "Winds of March be blowing" so with that in mind,  our next theme is

"Frightful Flyers!"

Think of anything that flies:  Ghosts, witches, evil fairies, cornish pixies, bats, ravens, owls....and what about those flying monkeys from OZ?  There are also vampires, gargoyles, dragons and thestrals.....oooo!  (But don't stop there, let your imagination take over and if you create something that doesn't fly....glue some wings on it!!!!  Then be sure to give your creation a name!)

You have until February 28th to join and the next day, I'll send out an email regarding partners!

Good news!   March is a 5 week month so ship date is March 25th

That's it for now, get February shipped out and sign up for March!!!!!

February Spooky YOE theme!

 Greetings everyone!!!

February's theme is "PERILOUS PLANTS!"

Think of all the itchy, pokey, prickly, poisonous plants out there!  We even have plants that are carnivorous!  

And those beautiful but deadly toadstools called Destroying Angels, what a name! Ooooo or the DEATHC CAP!

 Toadstools are my fav admittedly but I cannot fail to mention the most famous nasty plant of all....  Audrey from Little Shop of Horrors!!!!! 

The best part is that the plant doesn't have to  EXIST in real life!   Please come up with a horribly fantastic name so it's new owner will know what it is!!!!

Some of you have already joined so this post is mainly for people who stumble across my blog and want to play along.

You are required to send only ONE handmade spooky yoe ornament....any goodies/tuckins are up to the sender. (I have noticed most people are sending a little something.) 

Sign up deadline for the February swap is January 31st, 2023

Shipping date is February 18th, 2023

If you want to join, send your full name and address to valpowery(at)yahoo(dot)com asap!  

Bringing in a SPOOKY Year of Enchantment 2023!

 Greetings my lovelys!

For 2023, I had been asked to bring back my Year of Enchantment....a monthly swap all YEAR LONG!  I will also include quarterly creative challenges!

 A week before each month, I'll email current participants and post the theme for the following month.  Each QUARTER, I'll announce the creative challenge.  Its up to you to play or not...to swap or not. 

*For 1st quarter the CREATIVE CHALLENGE is for you to make yourself a PUMPKIN HEADED DOLL.  (You will NOT swap the doll.  It is a challenge for you to make for your own Halloween decor.)

What we are swapping:

** January's Halloween ornament THEME is "Something Haunted!"  Ooooo, I can think of so many haunted things:  headless horseman, ghosts, libraries or books via Harry Potter, houses, dark forests, attics, basements, just about anything.

You will be swapping ONE HANDMADE HAUNTED THEMED ORNAMENT.  Any media is acceptable.  Scrapbookers are welcome but please note that if you make a paper tag or canvas style ornament, it must be 3 dimensional and have a variety of textures.

Signups are open through December 30.  Ship date is the 3rd Saturday of January, please keep your reciept as proof of shipping.***  If you want to join the swap, all you do is email me your full name and address.   Leave a comment here and email me at valpowery(at)yahoo(dot)com

I will add you to the sidebar.  On the first of the month, I'll partner everyone up and send out partner info.   

I hope to see you!

*** If a swap box gets lost, please plan to replace it so we don't have to ask for angels.  We are only sending one item so cost should not be a huge factor.

Yarnigras! Annual Handmade Christmas ornament swap!!!

This year the theme is "HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!"

When I started thinking of the theme, I was thinking of what makes a home....a home!  I had the theme down pat and was ready to move forward.  But then this summer, while cleaning out my bluebird nesting box, I realized people aren't the only ones who have homes.  I mean, I knew it all along but I hadn't given it much thought as far as the swap.  BUT.... as I pulled out the nest, I found straw wrappers, leaf litter, straw and RED Christmas tinsel.  Some industrious little bird had woven red tinsel into her nest....along with a lot of those small crinkly candy cane wrappers.  (It made the springiest nest!)  Maybe they smelled of peppermint, or maybe she just hit the mother lode of wrappers...either way, it was one of the prettiest and springiest nests I'd ever seen!

So with that in mind, you do NOT have to stick with a human dwelling.  Wherever you live, people and animals build houses or some type of dwelling.  Be it human, animal, supernatural or even alien....make something SOMEONE would be excited to go home too.  

"People have homes, gnomes and fairies too. Birds, squirrels and owls make nests for their broods.  Mice in the garden, beavers in the pond, they all have homes, all year long."

The info:

Once again, We are doing a "5 for 5"  swap.

What this means is that you will be sending me 5 handmade ornaments and receiving a variety of 5 ornaments back. You may use ANY MEDIUM you want to create these little pieces of art!  This is especially exciting for house building!!!

You do not have to have a blog or be on social media to join.   So many times I want to join a swap but the deadline has passed so here is MY rule:
There is no deadline to sign up, as long as you can get the ornaments to me by mid November, you are in! 

I am a bit under the gun with time this year as we are moving our daughter back to TEXAS during November so the EARLIER you can send them to me, the better.

To sign up, send me an email at valpowery(at)yahoo(dot)com with your name so I can put it on the sidebar.  I will send you my address when I get your sign up email. Please reply to ANY emails once you join.  I try not to bug people but I do have to send out notices and ask questions from time to time.

This will be a USA only swap due to shipping.

Please create something you would love to receive.  

*All ornaments must be either in a clear treat bag or some other "holiday" type wrap with a tag from you.   It doesn't have to be fancy, but do take some time to do a good job, no throwing all the ornaments in a box with no gift tags , wrapping or tissue.  

Remember, these ornaments represent hard work and all participants want to OPEN them as they would a Christmas gift.  

*Also, be sure to ship your ornaments in a nice, re-usable box so I can mail your new ornaments back to you in it.   Include a self addressed return label for me, along with return shipping of $10.00.  If you send HEAVY ornaments, please send a couple extra bucks to cover shipping cost and take care when wrapping to make sure they are cushioned, etc.  We want all our ornaments to arrive in pristine condition!  

**If ANY of your ornaments reach me broken, they will be returned to you.  That being said, if 2 break, you will get 2 of your own back along with 3 different ones for a total of 5.

*New Rule:  Many of us have become dear friends and I even have family members joining now too.  Please understand that in shuffling these ornaments around, your friend or family member may get an ornament you planned on giving them privately.   I ended up giving away my own ornaments from the swap to make sure everyone received a unique assortment.   I am no longer doing this.

May I suggest you either send in extra ornaments to keep this from happening or refrain from giving the ornaments privately until AFTER everyone receives their box.  (Some of you already do that, thank you!)

Let me repeat...Shipping:  $10.00 is sufficient to cover the cost of sending ornaments back to you unless they are oversized or heavy.  In that case, please send in a little extra.  Again, please include a return address label already filled out.  

Ship in time for me to receive them by EARLY to MID November...no later than the week of Thanksgiving. That way, I can get them in time to mail them out by the first week of December.  

Sadly, I can't guarantee you getting an exchange box if your ornaments do not reach me in time.  (If that happens, I'll gladly return your own ornaments to you using the money you sent for shipping.)  
Shipping funds are important!  If you forget to include shipping, your ornaments can't be sent/returned until you have sent me the funds to send/return them to you.
You can send cash, check or Venmo.  Again, this is not a fee for me, it is a return shipping.  I love hosting swaps but don't feel I should incur the cost of shipping them all out!  

If you finish your ornaments early, feel free to send them to me early so I can start organizing them.  The earlier the better this year!

If time gets away from you and you need to back out, no big deal, just drop me an email and I'll remove you from the list.  

Update

 Good morning everyone,

I am going to be posting the theme and info for the annual Christmas ornament swap!  I know!  I can't believe this year is almost behind us.

I am having a few emails bounce back....so please double check your own.  Also, when signing up, feel free to include your cell number so if email fails, I can text.   

I cannot wait to announce the theme!

Also, I am hosting a SPOOKY Year of Enchantment next year so if you have friends or family who may want to participate, let them know.  Each month will be a new swap so you don't have to do them all and only 1 item is swapped (unless you WANT to send a tuck in, sender's choice.)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Yarnigras! Annual Handmade Zombie Doll Swap!

 

                                           

I've wanted to do a "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" themed zombie doll swap for ages but always had other themes that screamed "do me first!"   Well, thanks to a little trial I decided it was high time!  

The cast of characters is a hoot and I could easily see zombie Oompa-Loompas cavorting through a rank chocolate river of death!  I mean, right?  

You get the idea so here is what we are swapping: 

1.)You will create one Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory themed zombie doll from your partner's choice list and then add 3 tuck ins (goodies) to round out the package.  

2.)The tuck ins can be handmade, purchased, thrifted, re-gifted, etc. as long as they are clean and undamaged. 

*Please check out the answers to your partner's list to help you out before getting the tuck ins!

3.)The doll needs to be handmade and at LEAST 6 inches in height/length.   I have approved premade blank doll forms which are available to use as a base but you must hand make all the details and elements that make it into a zombie.  I found some at Joann's and Hobby Lobby.  One swapper asked if she could alter a regular doll and again, I'm okay with it...but it must be unrecognizable as it's "former self."  (If you have questions, ask!)

This is a USA swap only.
The sign up by date is August 17th so I can announce partners the following weekend.  (I retain the right to close the swap early if I choose so please don't wait to join up.)

Ship date is September 30th so the dolls can arrive to their new homes in time for people put out their Halloween decorations!  Feel free to ship earlier but PLEASE ship no later that 9/30/22.

Please note if an "angel" swap is needed for any reason other than crisis, that swapper will not be invited back.  An "angel" is someone other than the original partner who graciously steps in to fulfill the swap. 

If you want to join, leave a comment here and then email me at valpowery(at) yahoo(dot)com with the answers to these questions:

1. Name and address. Include phone if you would like texts regarding        upcoming swaps.
2. List of 3 favorite characters for your partner to choose 1 from. 
3. Choose either "creepy" or "cute" style.
4. Small list of things you collect for Halloween and Fall.

5. Colors you decorate with for Halloween and Fall.

Please note:

My swaps are made to encourage creativity, not bust the bank.  That being said, your package should equate to a minimum of $30.00 before shipping.  

Please create a zombie doll that you feel certain your partner will adore and wrap it up in tissue. 

Also, be careful when wrapping items for shipping so they don't get damaged.  No one wants a busted up Zombie package. 
When shipping, I suggest using tracking and make note of the date mailed.  If the doll does not arrive within 10 business days of shipping, you will be responsible for making and sending a NEW zombie doll package.  

As always, thanks for participating and feel free to use the badge to help spread the word!

SECRET PARTNER INFO SENT!

 Greetings everyone,

All "secret info" has been sent.  Given this is a SECRET swap, feel free to post some fun sneak peeks of your zombies in progress....otherwise known as zombification!   

If you don't have access to post, shoot me an email.  I've invited everyone participating to be an author but sometimes people forget to join and I have to resubmit.

I am super excited to get started!

Yarnigras! Annual Handmade Ornament swap!

     

(image from the internet)

I have wanted to do a candy themed ornament swap for AGES.  Well, this is the year!

The theme is  "Santa's Sweet Shop" and when I say sweets, I mean, any and all!  Traditional Christmas candy not your thing?  No worries, make some faux cotton candy in pink or blue!  Make muffins or cupcakes or ice cream or root beer floats or popcorn balls....the sky is the limit!  All colors are accepted.  The best part is that these sweets won't give you cavities!

The info:

Once again, We are doing a "5 for 5"  swap.

What this means is that you will be sending me 5 handmade ornaments and receiving a variety of 5 ornaments back. You may use ANY MEDIUM you want to create these little pieces of art!

You do not have to have a blog to join.  
There is no deadline to sign up.  That being said, I am allowing no more than 20 participants this year so if you know you want to join, do it now.  I reserve the right to close the swap at any time.

To sign up, send me an email at valpowery(at)yahoo(dot)com with your name so I can put it on the sidebar.  I will send you instructions when I get your sign up email.

This will be a USA only swap due to shipping.

Please create something you would love to receive and be sure to package your ornaments in a nice, re-usable box so I can mail your new ornaments back to you in it.   Be sure to include a self addressed return label for me.

Try to keep your ornaments light in weight and please take care when wrapping to make sure they are cushioned, etc.  We want all our ornaments to arrive in pristine condition!  

All ornaments must be either in a clear treat bag or some other "holiday" type wrap with a tag from you.   It doesn't have to be fancy, but do take some time to do a good job, no throwing all the ornaments in a box with no gift tags , wrapping or tissue.  Remember, these ornaments represent hard work and all participants want to OPEN them as they would a Christmas gift.  

If ANY of your ornaments reach me broken, they will be returned to you.  That being said, if 2 break, you will get 2 of your own back along with 3 different ones for a total of 5.

*New Rule:  Many of us have become dear friends and I even have family members joining now too.  Please understand that in shuffling these ornaments around, your friend or family member may get an ornament you planned on giving them privately.   I ended up giving away my own ornaments from the swap to make sure everyone received a unique assortment.   I am no longer doing this.

May I suggest you either send in extra ornaments to keep this from happening or refrain from giving the ornaments privately until AFTER everyone receives their box.  (Some of you already do that, thank you!)

Shipping:  $10.00 is sufficient to cover the cost of sending ornaments back to you unless they are oversized or heavy.  In that case, please send in a little extra.  Again, please include a return address label already filled out.  

Ship in time for me to receive them by mid November...no later than Thanksgiving.  That way, I can get them in time to mail them out by the first week of December.  Sadly, I can't guarantee you getting an exchange box if your ornaments do not reach me in time.  (If that happens, I'll gladly return your own ornaments to you using the money you sent for shipping.)  
Shipping funds are important!  If you forget to include shipping, your ornaments can't be sent/returned until you have sent me the funds to send/return them to you.

If you finish your ornaments early, feel free to send them to me early so I can start organizing them.  The earlier the better!

If time gets away from you and you need to back out, no big deal, just drop me an email and I'll remove you from the list.