Advent Exchange!

I've been searching HIGH AND LOW for an Advent exchange to participate in, and I cannot find one.  So it is with no little nervousness that I'm going to try and host my own.  Because I don't have enough to do, seriously, I'm finding this whole 'nursing-every-three-minutes-weaning-potty-training-moving-house-new-car-40hr-work-week-quilting-homeschooling' thing just so, you know, easy.

Anyway, if you would like to participate, here are the guidelines:

Please leave a comment that says you would like to get in on the exchange and an email address that I can use to reach you.  I will probably write all of your names down on bits of pre-chewed packing labels and have my toddler draw them from a hat to match you up with your exchange partner.

How The Exchange Will Work

On the 25th of October (that's one week from now.  Next Thursday.)  I will gather up the names of whomever has decided to join in the fun and assign partners.  I will send out emails letting everyone know who their partner is either on or very close to the 25th.  Maybe the 26th.  Anyway, it will be close.

The first Sunday in Advent this year is December 2nd.  For my non-Christian friends, this is a season of preparation for Christmas.

You have a month to make up a little care package with a winter/solstice/Advent/late fall/etc. theme to it and send it to your partner, who will in turn send you a little care package as well.  Who doesn't love mail?

Although you are certainly welcome to add a few very small store-bought items if you like, the idea here is to keep it frugal and home made as much as possible.

You must be okay with shipping internationally, since you may get a partner from who knows where.  Another good reason to keep it small.

All packages MUST be shipped by the end of November!

Remember that someone is working hard to make you something special.  So, you know, don't be a big meany and say you're going to sign up and then don't send anything.

Ideas Of What To Send

Small crocheted, knitted, quilted, cross-stitched, etc. items such as dishcloths, coasters, hats, mitts, small toys, etc.

Sketches, little paintings, small seasonal decorations

Craft supplies, like some particularly nice ribbon you found, or sparkly pens, or a little bag of fun buttons...

A fat-quarter of fabric

Something from your own stash of craft supplies.  Like a sheet of wool felt, or some roving...

Recipe cards with your favourite seasonal recipes on them.

Something you found at an antique store or flea market.

Here are some other places to look at for inspiration:

here

here

here

So, there you have it.  Now let's have fun!