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Disclaimer: I came across this idea whilst randomly browsing the site and thought it would be a perfect fit for the Magpies! Please note that I did not "steal" this swap - the inspirational original version was hosted 2 years ago by a user who has since left Swap-Bot. The requirements here, however, are my own.
The Swap!
I thought it would be really nice to find a way to get to know one another both personally and creatively! And what better way to do that than to create a pocket letter all about you! So, for this swap, we will be creating 1 pocket letter for 1 partner. The pocket letter will be a full 9-pocket sheet. Requirements for each pocket follow:
Pocket 1: A pen pal letter. Most PL swaps require a short note or 1 page letter, but for this swap, write an introductory letter to your partner. Tell them about yourself! A lot of people say they have trouble with that first letter, but after reading so many of our profiles here, it's hard to see how you possibly could. ;) We're a wordy bunch. So, let the words flow. Letters should be no less than 8 pages of letterset or 4 pages of standard notebook paper (3 if you're in Europe using A4 size). Please note - front and back = 1 sheet or 2 pages! Of course, if you have more to say, say it! The page count here is a minimum standard. Pockets 2 - 9: An individual fact about you, the pocket decorated commensurately, and a small surprise that represents that fact to you. It can be something you talked about in the letter or something utterly random. For example, I have an air plant named Airy (don't judge...). Airy is the only plant to have survived in my care for more than a month and he's almost 1! If I chose to include this random fact, I would decorate the pocket with a botanical theme, write the fact on the back of the card - and include something small in keeping with the botanical theme. If you don't want to get that personal, other ideas include: your favorite color, favorite season, favorite holiday, etcetera etc.
In Summary
1, 9-pocket, pocket letter to 1 partner. The first pocket will contain an introductory pen pal letter not less than 8 pages of letterset, 4 pages of standard 8.5x11 notebook paper, or 3 pages of A4. 1 page = 1 side of the sheet of paper, so 1 sheet (regardless of paper size) = 2 pages front and back. The remaining 8 pockets will be designed around 8 random facts about you. Each pocket should be decorated to correspond to that fact, the fact should be written on the back of the card in the pocket, and the pocket contain 1 small surprise that represents that fact to you (e.g., if my favorite color is pink, I might send a sample of pink washi tape in that pocket) This is international. It's possible to keep costs low sending overseas if you limit the thickness of embellishments and keep the tuck-ins small and flat. Tuck-ins are senders choice with the caveat that you review your partners profile beforehand to ensure you're not sending something they would hate, are allergic to, etc. Send on time, rate promptly. If you're going to be late, communicate with both myself and your partner. Late sends without communication perfectly warrant a 3. Flaking will have you removed from the group. And of course, I will angel on the off-chance that someone gets flaked on. Note that it is NOT a requirement that you respond to the letter, but surely you signed up for this because you were hoping for a new letter friend anyway? If you don't feel that you and your partner would be a good match after receiving their letter, please at least do them the courtesy of DMing them to say that you won't be responding, but thank you for sharing.
Finally... Message me or comment below with questions!
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