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.

Partnered up!

I've sent all partner information out today, please confirm!

Now to get us in the mood....here is something my brother sent LAST YEAR that I've been dying to share!

Enjoy!!!!

A VERY ZOMBIE HOLIDAY...turn on the speakers for this "instructional" video!

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.

Thank you Clare!

When I got home from school today I had a zombie package waiting. This is one of my favorite swaps each year! I enjoy creating a zombie and I'm always excited to see what everyone made for the swap.

This package doesn't disappoint, Clare sent me the cutest zombie party girl and so many fabulous Halloween goodies. My zombie is named Jacey. She is made with different fabrics, trims and textures. She is the cutest little work of art!  I LOVE her! Thank you for an amazing package Clare!!!

Now I need to pull out the other zombies in my collection and set them all up. Hopefully I can do that this weekend.

We're not in Kansas anymore...

  Now that my partner has received her package I can show what I made. Mandy was wanting a Zombie Wizard of Oz doll and I just happened to have a 1976 Bucilla Tin Man craft kit, and no memory of why I bought it in the first place, it was Karma.

Photo 1 is what it was suppose to look like and Photo 2 is what I did to it.

A couple of the tuck-in's I made (big cat not included).

  The Wizard of Oz image I found on line and added it to a frame I painted. The doll head is a "non-traditional" flower pot.

I look forward to doing this swap every year.
Chris =]

QUEEN of the ZOMBIES!

Iara out did herself.  I mean seriously.   The doll she made me is AMAZING!
I named her Anastasia.
She has gorgeous hair and a crown and a scepter and and and....well you get the picture.

I can go on and on but I'll just show you.

See?  She even has FLIES in her hair!!!!

And she didn't stop there...she included all sorts of goodies including some "wool?" roving from her OWN bunnies!

I guess everyone knows I like to add poems and/or  back ground stories to my dolls.   She started a poem and it made me laugh out loud so I had to include it with the photo...TOO funny!

Thank you Iara!!!

Tiny Sneak Peek

The zombie I created is on its way to its new home :0) I am trying really hard not to give it away. This one was as challenging as it was fun. I fell in love (as always) while making it.

Here is a tiny peek. I can't wait for Barbara to get her package. I hope she really does like gruesome!

Thank you Valerie for hosting this awesome swap.

Debbie

Arrival of a New Zombie

For this swap you were supposed to ask for a zombie you've wanted to add to your collection. I gave my partner a few ideas to choose from. Tiffany went with my zombie woodland creature idea and created the cutest little zombie bunny complete with his own woodland scene. I’ve made lots of zombies but I never thought about creating a matching scene, it’s a brilliant idea!  Tiffany crocheted both the doll and the red and white mushroom background(did I mention that I love red and white mushrooms.) I also love the little bunny leg bone that's sticking out. Both the zombunny and the mushroom are awesome additions to my zombie doll collection. Thank you Tiffany!

Tiffany also included Minecraft mini-figures and Mike and Ike Zombie candy. My daughter claimed the mini-figures and my husband got the candy. I get to keep the mushroom and the zombunny so everybody wins! 

Tiffany wanted a My Little Pony Queen Chrysalis zombie so I used Abby Glassenberg’s unicorn puzzle ball pattern but zombified it a bit. I really enjoyed creating this doll and had so much fun collecting tuck-ins to include. I didn’t take pictures of the whole package but I did take a few of the doll.

Thank you for a great Swap Tiffany. And thank you Val for hosting, this is one of my favorite swaps! My other favorite is the ornament swap so I can’t wait for that one. Thanks for being the best swap hostess!

little zombie ready to go . . . .

Noting like finishing at the last minute . . . 

but this little zombie is ready to go.  

I am looking forward to seeing everyone's dolls.

Zombies - Getting Started

I finally have a plan for creating my zombie doll.  I bought some fabric, I have a pattern and I'm ready to get to work.  That's right, I'm actually planning to use a pattern, I rarely do that! I typically create my own patterns as I go. I think it's because when it comes to crafting I like to make my own rules. Or maybe I just don't like to follow patterns, not sure. Either way, wish me luck! 

I'm getting ready to start cutting into my fabric,  but I'm wondering what everyone else is working on. Do tell . . . 

-Jill

a little update!

Announcement from zombieland!!!

We have an uneven amount of swappers as of today.  I am going to give it til tomorrow to see if we can get ONE MORE swapper to join!  That would give us all partners and make my job oh so much easier!  

I have sent out several blog invitations.   If you accept the invitation, you will be able to post on this swap blog and show us  some sneak peeks, some fun Halloween oriented things...a zombie video, etc.

One more day gals....I'll be sending out emails with swap info THIS WEEKEND!

Yarni Gras 8th Annual Halloween Swap!

I am BACCCCCK!  I have been gone a long long time and decided to come back by hosting my annual zombie doll swap!

This year we are swapping "MISSING ZOMBIES"

A missing zombie is a zombie you don't currently have in your collection and REALLY want.  

What we are swapping:

*1 HANDMADE  zombie doll based on your partner's profile.  As always, the doll must be at least 8 inches in length and completely handmade. 

*3  tuck ins.  These tuck ins should be chosen from your partner's profile.  They can be newly purchased, thrifted, re-gifted or handmade.  Use good judgement.

The package needs to be worth/valued at $25.00 before shipping.  As always, my swaps are meant to challenge your creativity, not bust your budget. If you can handcraft everything, I encourage it!  

Shipping has gotten outrageously expensive so this is a USA only swap and I am limiting it to 20 participants this year.

The join by date is August 31st.  That gives you time to invite some of your artsy pals to join in this year.  

I will email your partner info during the week following registration.  I will send out a confirmation email so please reply to it.

Ship date is October 1st.  This gives it time to arrive for Halloween display!  

Please wrap your items up nicely and ship on time.  If you are going to be late, contact me so I know what is going on.  
Please use priority mail so you can track your packages.  If your package is lost or stolen, it is your responsibility to send a replacement package.  It is only fair to do so. 

I'll email all participants before the swap for confirmation.  Please reply and confirm to that email.  
 

To register:

Leave a comment here and email me at valpowery(at)yahoo(dot)com with the following information:

1. Name and mailing address
2. Cute or gruesome style? Some people prefer cute due to small children in the household.
3. To help us with tuck ins, give us a small list of things you like and use for Halloween including: crafts/arts, colors, candy, collections.
4. Tell us which type of zombie is missing from your zombie doll collection that you REALLY want.  Give us 3 choices!  (Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, Prom, Nursery, etc....get the idea?)

I will send a confirmation email, please reply to it!

Zombie Dress Up

My partner iara, sent a fabulous zombie package.

The outside of the package was decorated and the goodies inside were cheerfully wrapped to look like jack-o-lanterns.

This cute little zombie came with two outfits so I can play zombie dress up. She has a casual dress and a formal dress for those times when a zombie wants to dress up. Like when a cute zombie boy comes along.

My package included lots of goodies including gummy worms, a chocolate candle, baubles (odd & ends – which I love) and a skeleton globe. They are perfect for Halloween decorating. Thank you iara for a fabulous zombie package!

               

Zombie Swap - what I sent and what I received

HI!!
  It's been awhile since I've done a swap, it feels good to be back crafting for Spring my swap partner. Besides the fact I like making zombie dolls. =]  ( I apologize for the awful photos).

  Starting with the guy in the middle, my original idea for this primitive zombie was to go as natural as possible with my craft supplies. It's head is a dried fuji apple from the tree in my backyard, I carved his face then shrank the apple by baking it on low for 4 hours and leaving it out in the unusual, unwanted, unloved, unrelenting hot hot sun for 2 days. The body is a neat looking tree root also from my back yard and the hair (which you can't really see) is a mohawk made from pine needles, not found in my backyard.
  The first doll is my simple dirt,paint,tea stained homage to junkerjane. The last photo is a group of plastic zombie figures that I found last Christmas(?) They needed a makeover so I painted them to give them a little more personality.

  I got my package from Spring today, I forgot to take a picture of the Pasturized Zombie Tonic bottle she sent, one of my zombies is sitting on it. Thanks Spring!!

TTFN,
Chris =]

Zombie Estelle

Look at what I received from our new swapper!   Clare, you most certainly outdid yourself !

I love this sweet little girl....

and all the goodies are amazing!  I am already using the tote bag!  The pumpkins are awaiting my Halloween decorations and the little pumpkin box had some m&ms in it!

The little "wagby" thing?  Well, let's just show it off, shall we?

 Osa LOVES it!  She prances around like she is miss fancy pants!

Thank you Clare!

Woodstock Wendy and a big fat goof

Clare got her package so I can share here now!

Let me introduce "Woodstock Wendy."

Thought a throwback to Woodstock would be funny.

Here is the other stuff.....toadstools, soup mix, yarn, a journal, some stickers and a flowery headband.

The tag on the soup mix:

I put her in a doll like plastic box and included this info sheet on her.  I wanted it to read like a doll insert you get.  You'll have to click on it to read it...

Then I made two pieces of paper, like you get when something with a toy you bought might have a missing piece.   I slipped one into the box with her and taped one to the outside.

I made her to be naked but at the last minute added a little dress.  
Okay, so here is the GOOF!
I got my package from  Clare (I'll post a thank you soon) and upon opening it, I realized that I hadn't put ANY HALLOWEEN GOODIES in my package to her.

Never fear, I made amends and it is winging it's way to California this week.   I can't show what I sent her but I think she will approve.

Clare, I apologize for the oversight.  I sampled some of Wendy's mushroom tea and got confuuuuuused!

Primitive zombies!

Now that everyone has been emailed about their partner, I thought I'd touch base on what a PRIMITIVE zombie is.  Here is a link on How to make a primitive doll, then you can go wild turning it into a zombie!

Typically, a primitive doll is made from muslin or some other fabric that has been distressed by immersing in tea or coffee.  Then it is painted.  Some artists use vanilla or coffee or cinnamon to impart a little fragrance but that is optional.  (Remember that since it is NOT a secret swap, you can feel free to ask your partner all types of questions to help you create the perfect package for her! Check with her if you do a fragrance, I forgot to ask that question on the registration form.)

After the body is dry, you can do whatever you want, paint, sew, pin, etc. to give it the zombie look.

If you are having difficulty with the theme, google primitive zombie dolls for inspiration.

Here are a few examples, this top one is from Junker Jane, a doll artist.  I would consider this guy on the "creepy but cute" side.  



There is a seller online called The Morbid Dollhouse (thanks for the nightmares, Kerry!)  Let me tell you, if you like creepy, check her out!  Here is just ONE of her's.  Check her website out.  Amazing.



These below are what I consider cute creepy...OH MY GOSH, how cute are they????



the ones on the swap badge are primitive but cute, thank you Kerry!



a couple more cute n creepy types....



I hope these photos and the links above can help you out!  Feel free to give your doll a name and bio.  You could include a card telling the person receiving the doll his or her "life story..."
Most importantly, just have fun and make a doll hard to part with....maybe make yourself one along the way too!

Remember to pack things up nice and tidy.  If mailing chocolate, check the heat index or place in a ziplock baggie for the trip!

August's challenge met, altered cigar boxes!

I had fun with this month's theme and altered a couple cigar boxes.  First, I made a zombie purse and a cute tassel to jazz it up:

I even lined the interior, like a proper purse:

Then I got into decoupage...haven't done that in YEARS!
I made a couple things for school, we have a superhero theme this year:


I found a giant paperboard "P" at Wally World and covered it with comics.   
It hangs outside my door.  Most of my students cannot pronounce my last name so they all call me Mrs. "P."  

I also covered a cigar box to hold junk that is on my desk...I forgot how much FUN it is to decoupage something.  Easy to go crazy and start covering everything!

Zombie doll swap! Registration CLOSED

The votes are in and the PRIMITIVE theme won!  Here is a link to some ideas...

What we are swapping:

*1 HANDMADE prim zombie doll based on your partner's profile.  As always, the doll must be at least 8 inches in length and completely handmade. 

*3  tuck ins.  These tuck ins should be chosen from your partner's profile.  They can be newly purchased, thrifted, re-gifted or handmade.  Use good judgement.

The package needs to be worth/valued at $25.00 before shipping.  As always, my swaps are meant to challenge your creativity, not bust your budget. If you can handcraft everything, I encourage it!  

Shipping has gotten outrageously expensive so this is a USA only swap.  

The join by date is August 29th.  That gives you two weeks to invite some of your artsy pals to join in this year.  If registration stalls, I reserve the right to close registration and start the swap early.

I will email your partner info during the week following registration.  I will send out a confirmation email so please reply to it.

Ship date is September 26th.  This gives it time to arrive for Halloween display!  

Please wrap your items up nicely and ship on time.  If you are going to be late, contact me so I know what is going on.  
Please use priority mail so you can track your packages.  If your package is lost or stolen, it is your responsibility to send a replacement package.  It is only fair to do so. 

I'll email all participants before the swap for confirmation.  Please reply and confirm to that email.  
 *If you have never swapped with us before, you must have a referral to join us.  If you don't know anyone who can refer you but still want to join, there is a one time fee of $10.00 to join our group.   (This will cover a portion of my expenses if I have to cover  for you.)  I have just started doing this after having 3 people flake in one swap.

To register:

Leave a comment here!
Add the swap badge to your blog or page if you have one.

I will send a confirmation email, please reply to it!

THANK YOU!

Kerry sent me the BESTEST birthday gift EVER! 
This sweet birthday surprise came in the mail today!  This is hubby....wifey was sent to me in the spring!

Here they are, reunited!  "reunited and it feels so goooood..."  Sing it with me, zombie style!

check the cute notepad she made...even the pen! and the letters are handmade too!

Kerry, you made my day, sweetie and I thank you SO MUCH!