Join HLM's 9th Annual Card Swap!

It's Card Swap season! I invite you to join in the 2016 Six Degrees of HLM Card Swap. 

Here are the details:

1. After I hear from everyone who wants to participate and I give you the signal, you'll have 7 weeks to make ten (10) greeting cards, most often somewhat identical in design (although this is not required).  These cards can be any shape or size, blank on the inside, themed... wherever your whimsy takes you. Every medium is welcome: fabric, stamping, painting, beads, collage, photography, papercraft.... Most important is that whatever you make fits into an envelope that can be mailed either domestically or abroad.

THEME:  This year's theme can be either "surprise" or "text." By "surprise," you can be literal if you'd like, but my idea for this theme is based on wanting to surprise the recipient with some aspect of the card. For "text" I mean something that integrates text into your design. You could pick one alphabet letter or word and build a design around it, or do like you may have seen me do several times and have words embedded in the background. Be creative! Interpret as loosely as you need to. (And if you're totally uninspired, just throw the theme out the window and do what you want!)

2. On or before the given postmark deadline, you'll send all the cards you make to me with enough envelopes for each card and five dollars. When you sign up, there is also a way to pay electronically if you prefer.

3. Once I receive everyone's cards, I'll divvy them up so that every person receives ten cards from other swap participants. Using your moola, I'll send them back to you.

4. You'll receive a set of handmade greeting cards to use over the next year in the mail for a limited cost and a ton of fun.

Here are the dates you need to know:

·   RSVP to participate in the card swap by clicking HERE.

·   Start thinking about/making your design as soon as you can.  You'll be surprised how quickly that deadline will be here.

·   I'll host a Work Party at my studio in Fort Collins, CO one weekend in March--anyone who participates in the swap is welcome to join us.

·   Monday, April 4 is the postmark date for getting those cards, enough corresponding envelopes, and cash (if you didn't pay electronically) in the mail to me. (If you're local, you obviously don't have to bother with the sending business--we'll just rendezvous!)  

·   I'll send out a reminder about 4 weeks through.

·   Around May 1 is when I will hopefully send your cards back to you. 

Please DO forward this invitation to any of your crafty or arty friends and have them sign up here if they'd like to participate.  Anyone is welcome (even if card-making is not your main means of artistic expression!).  My only request is that everyone who signs up follows through to make/swap their cards.

For inspiring close-up images from last year, click here.