Am I Behind or What?!?

Okay, I haven't posted any photos in a while, so I'm going to try to do a few at a time until I get caught up.

First, we have The Georgia Bird. I wish I could say that I carved this fabulous stamp, but I didn't. Kirbert did. The Georgia Bird is a brown thrasher.

Dixie Land is next. I made this card for BNLBaliGrl's Home State ring. This card symbolizes the Civil War history that is so prevalent in the south.

Finally, I picked this image to represent the blowing wind. That's my favorite time of year. I soon realized, however, that this guy wasn't blowing a nice autumn breeze, so I decided to make winter the theme. Winter is actually my least favorite season. :o)

How to Trade LTCs Individually

*(Optional) Once your LTC is done, put each card into a clear plastic sleeve. The sleeve will protect your card while it waits to be traded, and it helps you present your card in a more “professional” manner.
*List your card on Atlasquest. Within 24 hours, you will probably get a few requests for your card. Graciously accept, and exchange addresses with the requester.
*If you want more people to request your card, you can announce on Atlasquest’s LTC Board that your card is available.
*Finally, you can request trades. Do a search for active LTCs on Atlasquest. When you find one that interests you, contact the owner and request a trade.
*After a trade has been agreed upon and addresses have been exchanged, simply address an envelope to the LTCer in question and send her your card. (I usually put my LTCs inside of blank greeting cards. That way, the receiver can reuse the card if she wishes.)

In a few days, your mailbox should be overflowing with little envelopes that will make your heart jump when you see them.

DISCLAIMER: Trading LTCs is extremely addictive. Participate at your own risk.

How to Prepare for an LTC Swap

The Bubble Mailer is very important. I keep about 5 of these guys on hand at all times.

*After you purchase a Bubble Mailer (5” x 7”), address it to yourself and from yourself.
*This step is very important to the longevity of your mailer: Wrap the entire thing in clear packing tape, including the outside and underside of the flap.
*Now, write the swap host's address on a small piece of paper. Using clear packing tape, tape the address over your own. When you do this, try to fold a corner of the tape under so that the host can remove his address easily to reveal yours underneath.
*Put your cards in a baggie, and write your address on the baggie. Pack the cards up in your mailer. (If you don’t know how many cards to include, just ask your host.)
*Before you seal the mailer up, remember to include return postage. (I usually include $2 or 5 stamps. It really depends on the size of the swap and the size of your mailer. Just ask your swap host what he wants you to do.)
*Use clear packing tape to seal the mailer up. Again, try to fold a corner of the tape under so that it can be easily removed.

Now you’re ready to hop in the car and book it down to the USPS. Pay your postage and mail your cards. (I usually try to mail my cards at least a few days before the launch date on the tracker. The earlier the better, I think.) The easy part is over. The hard part is waiting patiently for your set of beautiful handmade cards to arrive. Good luck with that!