Swaps are a popular way to trade supplies and creativity with other crafters to get a variety of new ideas and samples. Swaps are also a wonderful way to meet people within the crafting community. Handmade cards are the most popular type of swap, but swaps can be created around other crafts, as well.

A swap begins when a business or individual chooses to organize the event. The organizer, called the host or hostess, will announce her swap and invite others to participate. There are many ways to create a swap, so the host will specify which type of swap she is hosting and how the swap will be carried out.

Theme swaps are a favorite in which all of the items exchanged follow a theme. This is a great way to obtain a variety of supplies or original creations that might otherwise be difficult to acquire or create. For example, in a baby scrapbook swap a participant might have the option of signing up for pastel or baby-colored eyelets, buttons, fibers or other supplies that would be useful in creating a baby-themed layout such as handmade titles, journaling boxes, or deco squares. Each person would choose an item within the theme and notify the hostess of her preference.

Some theme swaps are based on a particular item such as supplies, handmade items or layouts. In all cases, the swapper will be asked to send a specified number of chosen item(s) to the hostess by a predetermined deadline. The hostess will then collect, sort and mail the agreed-upon items to each swapper in the group, ensuring that each person receives a selection of every item in the swap.

Another popular swap (that goes by many names) is a “secret pal” swap. This is a fantastic way to make new friends. Once all the participants have signed up, the hostess matches one swapper with another swapper. Each participant is then responsible to send a package filled with scrapbook goodies to her secret pal. These packages generally have a dollar amount requirement that is determined by the hostess.

The hostess of a “secret pal” swap also determines the length and details of the swap. Some swaps involve only one package exchange while others may stretch over a period of months with a new package arriving weekly or monthly until the swap ends. The identities of the swappers usually remains secret until either the scrapper receives her first package with the identity revealed inside, or until the end of the swap period.

Before signing up for any swap, be sure to read all of the details. If you have any questions, ask the hostess. Swappers need to be aware of the required level of involvement before committing to a swap. The other participants are counting on you to do your part. However, if “life” comes up, be sure to notify the hostess promptly so she can replace you in the swap. Finding a replacement can be difficult, so giving as much advance notice as possible is greatly appreciated.

For the enjoyment of everyone, don’t enter a swap unless you are serious about participating. It can be disappointing to your fellow crafters to have a swap be delayed or even cancelled because some of the participants did not complete their assigned task. Start early so you don’t run out of time. Mail your items early to allow for any post office delays. But most of all, have fun!