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!

"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 :-)

A Sender's Choice Christmas!

  It's that time of year!  "SENDER'S CHOICE"

WHY this particular theme?  Because we all have different interests and I didn't want to pigeon hole anyone.  The only request is that it is CHRISTMAS oriented!

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 December.  

That being said, I am going to be out of town for Thanksgiving for the first time in years so please make and ship them as soon as possible.  

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 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 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.  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.  

Invite your artsy/craftsy friends and family!  

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!

May's theme!!!

 I have been waiting for this month!!!

                                     "SOMETHING IN A WITCH'S CUPBOARD!"

I hosted a Witch's Cupboard swap the first year I had a blog.  IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!

This will be a mini version of that.  

Just imagine, you are looking for a jar of Troll boogers and grab a hairy spider just hanging out in your cupboard!   Or maybe, you need that jar of  "Love potion #900"  (cuz you are an ugly, OLD hag and plain old #9 won't work on you anymore) but all you have is Ursella's old spell that turns lover's into sea-worms.  SUCH DRAMA!  Or....maybe you really DO have a chocolate covered finger of a man named "Clark"  (nod to Hocus Pocus)

Ok, enough of that....you get the idea.  Have fun with this!  Ship date is the 3rd Saturday of the month!

We have an odd number of players this month so we will NOT have partners this time.  Check your in box for your "send to" information today.

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!  

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.

Yarnigras! Annual Zombie Doll Swap!!!!

                                                                 

SURPRISE!   I'm hosting my annual Zombie Doll Swap a little early this year!  Feel free to spread the word!!!  

Can you believe I've been hosting Halloween/Zombie swaps for 12 years?  I'm sort of blown away.  I have made so many good friends through this old blog!!!  Okay, so on to the announcement, this year the theme is:

                    "MAD MAD MAD MEN ZOMBIES"

I've wanted to do a "Mad Men" style zombie doll swap for ages simply because my husband was in advertising so we watched (and loved) the show!  I finally decided this year is the year. Can you just see Don Draper as a zombie?  I mean, with the sheer amount of booze in his system, he already walked like one!

Here is what we are swapping: 

1.)You will create one cocktail/beverage themed zombie doll, complete with cocktail or beverage and then add a minimum of 3 tuck ins to round out the package.  

2.)Tuck ins need to be Zombie/Halloween/Cocktail/Beverage themed in nature.  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.

3.)The doll is designer's choice this time.  It needs to be handmade and at LEAST 6 inches in height/length.  REMEMBER that the COCKTAIL is the main event here so it needs to be part of the doll.

This is a USA swap only.
The sign up close date is July 30th so I can announce partners that weekend or the first week of August.  I retain the right to close the swap early if I choose so please don't wait to join up.

Ship date is September 11th so the dolls can arrive to their new homes by the 1st week of October.

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
2. List of 3 cocktails/beverages for your partner to choose 1 from. 
3. Colors you decorate with for Halloween 
4. Choose either "creepy" or "cute" style
5. List what you decorate with at Halloween
6. List any things you collect for Halloween/Fall for "tuck in" ideas.

Please read:

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

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

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!

Cold hands Warm hearts swap

                        Cold Hands Warm Heart!!

                            

I haven't hosted a regular swap in ages so here goes!

What we are swapping:

-A swap box worth $30-35 minimum, not including shipping.

-The package needs to have a minimum of 5 "Cold Hands, Warm Heart" items and at least one of these items has to be handmade.  (It doesn't matter how you break down the cost.  Buy 1 nice thing and make everything else; make 1 nice thing and buy everything else; spend a few bucks per item; etc.  (NO DOLLAR STORE ITEMS!)
 *This is not a Valentine's swap but if you want, you may add something "Valentinesy" to the package.

Then, you need to wrap each item up individually and include a note to your partner.
This is supposed to be a pretty package!

As always, my swaps are meant to challenge your creativity, not bust your budget.  That being said, your package should be valued at $30-35 BEFORE shipping.  NO regifting unless is it something the person has mentioned on their list if you want to add it as an extra item you think they would like. If you send a re-gifted item, it MUST be clean and brand new looking.

This is a USA only swap.  I will not angel this swap.  If someone flakes, they are banned from joining ANY of my other swaps.
The join by date is January 8th.  I will email your partner info the following week.

The shipping date is February 6th.  Please use delivery confirmation or priority mail so you can track your packages.

You may send earlier but no later than that.

Okay, so if you want to join along, simply email me your name and address at valpowery(at)yahoo(dot)com.  I'll reply and then send an email confirming everyone right before the swap.  You'll need to reply to any emails I send during the course of the swap.

When you email me you need to answer these questions:

1) Full name and physical address

2) Your favorite colors to wear 

3) Things you use to keep cozy (scarves, blankets, etc.)

4) What hot beverages do you drink? Be specific...if you drink caffeine free, note it.

5) Do you like candles...if so, what flavor? Do you like a good soak in the tub?  If so, what scent do you like in the tub?

"INTO THE WOODS"

I have decided to announce my Handmade Christmas Ornament Swap here this year.  I simply don't use my other blog (Yarni Gras!) right now and people get confused.

This year's theme is "INTO THE WOODS"

I think the forested areas are simply magical so for this swap, gain inspiration from things you would find in the woods!  Things like owls, songbirds, hedgehogs, trees, flowers and sprites, pixies, elves, gnomes, acorns, pine cones, toadstools...pinterest (LOL)   

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.  
The deadline to sign up is October 3rd.  I am allowing 20 participants this year so do not delay signing up!

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 fancy, but do take some time to do a good job, no throwing all the ornaments in a box with no gift tags and no wrapping or tissue.  Remember, these ornaments represent hard work and all participants want to OPEN them as they would a Christmas gift.  Last year, I spent way too much time actually wrapping ornaments after fixing them.  I work so don't have that kind of time on my hands.

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.  When it started happening, I made a few extra ornaments but in an effort to give everyone a unique package, I ended up giving away my own ornaments from the swap to do 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 buck 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. 

Yarnigras' Annual Zombie Doll Swap! REGISTRATION CLOSED!

                                                                           

         

It's that time of year again!   I'm hosting my annual Zombie Doll Swap!  Feel free to spread the word!!!  This year we are swapping Zombies from our favorite Dr. Seuss book.

This swap will make you look at your favorite Dr. Seuss book in a whole new light! Just imagine Yertle or Gertrude or Bartholemew as zombies.  

Here is what we are swapping:  


1.)You will create one "Seuss character" zombie doll for your partner and then add a minimum of 3 tuck ins to round out the package.  The doll is to be at LEAST 6 inches in height/length.
 
*The add 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.  This will help you.   

This is a USA swap only.
The sign up close date is August 20th so I can announce partners that weekend.  I retain the right to close the swap early if I choose.
If interested, please don't wait to join up.

Ship date is September 26th so the dolls can arrive to their new home by the 1st week of October.

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

1. Name and address
2. List of 3 Dr. Seuss books/characters for your partner to choose (one) from. 
3. Colors you decorate with for Halloween 
4. Choose either "creepy" or "cute" style
5. List what you decorate with at Halloween
6. List any things you collect or hobbies you have for "tuck in" ideas.

Please read:

My swaps are made to encourage creativity, not bust the bank.  That being said, your package should equate to about 30 bucks before shipping.  Please create a zombie doll that you feel certain your partner will adore.  (Wrap it up in Halloween colors.) 

Also, be careful when wrapping items for shipping so they don't get damaged.  
When shipping, I suggest using tracking.  If the doll does not arrive within 10 business days, you will be responsible for making and sending a NEW zombie doll package.  Any flakers will be banned from future swaps.

2020 pre-ornament swap announcement

Greetings!

All the ornaments have arrived and they are SO CUTE!  

I will be mailing them out on Saturday to give any late shipped ornaments time to arrive.

This year's ornament swap box will include a note with some simple changes to my annual ornament swap.   One being that I've already sent an email announcing the theme...

"INTO THE WOODS."

As a child, the woods held particular interest for me....the sights,  little creeks,  the little rustling in the leaves caused by small animals scurrying about, the smell of pine.  I adore pinecones and acorns and leaves and toadstools.   I think of these things each Christmas....but don't let YOUR imagination stop there....deer, squirrels, fox and other beautiful animals live in the woods.   (Across the pond, there are hedgehogs too....just sayin')

So, let your imagination run wild and go "Into The Woods" with your ornaments in 2020!!!!

As always, thank you all for joining again this year!!!  See you sooooon!

What a naughty boy!!!!

"Green and little and naked, OH MY!This little guy needs a poke in the EYE!What could he be? Where will he live?Who gets the zombie I'm waiting to GIVE?"

LOL!  Hoping everyone is having as much fun creating their teeny zombies as much as I am!

Mine turned out a little over 5 inches tall....and that was HARD to manage!

Cackle cackle, till next time.....

Please read!

I'M LOOKING FOR YOUUUUUU!!!!

All you lovely zombie doll swappers PLEASE REPLY to the email I sent with your partner information.

I have yet to hear from several of you and it makes me nervous!

Much thanks and again, happy creating!!!!

Humble Heart Swap

My Humble Heart swap partner is soooo talented!    Look at all my painted goodies!

I must admit that the snowmen are my favorites.  But I love everything.  Kaela stole the sunflower notebook right out of the box...sunflowers are her favorite.

Thank you Sandi and again, thank you Amy for hosting!

Humble Heart Swap

I participated in a winter swap hosted by Amy of Bumble Bee Lane Cottage.   It was fun participating this time and not being responsible for anything other than crafting!

Here is what I made for my partner:

Prim hearts and a bunny
Snowman ornament
Crocheted coffee cozy
Cider mix
I added a few tuck ins to round out the package :-)

A Tale of 2 Zombies

We had a zombie creator who couldn't continue the swap so I stepped in for her.   

Because of that, I am the HAPPY recipient of not just 1 but 2.... yes, that is TWOOOOOOO amazing zombie dolls!

I have Rosa, a lovely little Day of the Dead Girl Scout sent all the way from Cali by Julie.  She is all jazzed up and ready to sell some cookies to poor unsuspecting people leaving the local Whatevermart!

I love everything about this doll!

She is so sassy and insisted she take center stage on the piano!

  
And then I have the Starbucks Barista Braniac made by Kerry.   Brainiac loves Starbucks as much as I do!!!   

And here Brainiac is.... I swear he is checking out Ms. Prom Queen 2016!

Both ladies seriously spoiled me with an abundance of tuck ins that I can't wait to use!

I want to thank both Kerry and Julie for creating such amazing dolls for me this year.   I love them both soooooo much!!!!     And yes....I already have NEXT YEAR'S THEME ready!!!

2018 Zombie Doll Swap

Registration is CLOSED...try again next August!

It's that time of year again!   I'm hosting my annual Zombie Doll Swap!  Grab the badge and spread the word!!!

This year's theme: " EMPLOYABLE ZOMBIES!"


This swap will make you look at your waitress, repairman, pool boy, doctor, personal trainer, banker and hairdresser (this list could get seriously long) in a whole new light!  Just thinking of a zombie with a name tag on cracks me up for some reason.  Maybe you have a co-worker you'd like to turn in to a zombie for some reason....well, here's your chance!

Here is what we are swapping:  


You will create one "EMPLOYABLE" zombie doll for your partner and then add a minimum of 3 tuck ins to round out the package.
Please give your zombie doll a NAME TAG of some kind.   
*The add ins need not be handmade.  They can be purchased, thrifted, re gifted, etc as long as they are clean and undamaged. 

This is a USA swap only.
The sign up close date is August 11th so I can announce partners the following week.  I retain the right to close the swap early if I choose.
If interested, please don't wait to join up.

Ship date is September 22nd so the dolls can arrive to their new home by the 1st week of October.

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
2. List of 3 occupations for your partner to choose (one) from. 
3. Colors you decorate with for Halloween 
4. Choose either "creepy" or "cute" style
5. List what you decorate with at Halloween
6. List any things you collect or hobbies you have for "tuck in" ideas.

Please read:

My swaps are made to encourage creativity, not bust the bank.  That being said, your package should equate to about 30 bucks before shipping.  Please create a zombie doll that you feel certain your partner will adore.  Also, be considerate when wrapping items for shipping.    
When shipping, I suggest using tracking.  If the doll does not arrive within 10 business days, you will be responsible for making and sending a NEW zombie doll package.  Any flakers will be banned from future swaps.

Annual Handmade Ornament Swap

It is time for my annual Christmas ornament swap!  As always, this swap is for handcrafted ornaments. Any medium is allowed!  You don't have to be an artist to join in!  

This year the theme is "Traditional!” Think Snowmen and Santas and candy canes and such.

We are doing a "5 for 5"  swap.
What this means is that you will send me 5 of the same handmade ornament.  Then you will receive a variety of 5 ornaments back. 

Once you join, I'll send you an invite so you can post on the swap blog.
You do not have to have a blog or webpage to join.
The deadline to sign up is Oct. 28th. I am limiting participants to 20 this year.

To sign up, send me an email at valpowery(at)yahoo(dot)com with your name and blog or flickr link/info.  

This will be a USA only swap due to shipping.

The do's and don'ts: 

Please DO 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. 

Please DO NOT send any one dimensional tags as ornaments.  If you do paper crafts, you must have layers and glitter and gorgeousness.    Tags are great and I have a few lovely ones on my own tree but they were created as gift tags, not ornaments.  I just chose to USE them as ornaments because they were so nice.

Please DO take care when wrapping to make sure the ornaments are cushioned, etc. please put each ornament in it's own baggie or cellophane wrap so it doesn't get tangled with the others in shipping.   We DO want all our ornaments to arrive in pristine condition!  

Please DO double/triple check your ornaments before shipping to me.  I had several 6-8 that needed fixing or replacing.  Some I replaced with ornaments that were actually sent to me as a gift.  I had to make more ornaments to replace the others with.  

Please DO NOT join if you are unable to commit to making something you would enjoy receiving in return.  

Shipping: Please send in $10.00 to cover the cost of sending ornaments back to you.  This will also cover tracking.   Please include a return address label already filled out.

Ship in time for me to receive them by Thanksgiving.  That way, I can get them in time to organize, repackage and 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.

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.  

Also, don't forget to grab the badge to put on your own blog to spread the word!