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Sharing and Caring Exchanges => Exchanges - General Info & Questions (Start here.) => Topic started by: Erica McPhee on January 15, 2015, 11:47:28 PM

Title: OMG - I signed up for an exchange ... now what?!
Post by: Erica McPhee on January 15, 2015, 11:47:28 PM
Since we have so many new members joining in on the Valentine Exchange, I wanted to post some details on what to do.

First and foremost - have fun! Don't sweat it! No worrying your work isn't good enough or who will be receiving it. Enjoy the process!

Important:

What goes inside?

People send a whole range of things from a simple piece of paper with their signature to elaborately designed cards.

What style/pen do I have to use?

Unless the exchange is designated as a specific style or pen (for example, broad pen exchange or spencerian exchange), all styles and tools are welcome!

Guidelines:

1. Please sign your exchange so people know who it is from.
2. A return address on the envelope is highly recommend as sometimes exchanges go missing.
3. Meet the postmark deadline!
4. Although not required, many people like to send a PM or post in the exchange board a thank you or notification they have received someone's exchange.
5. Complete your commitment to the exchange. If you don't send your exchanges, you will not be able to participate in the next exchange.

6. Enjoy receiving all the beautiful mail!!!
Title: Re: OMG - I signed up for an exchange ... now what?!
Post by: schin on January 16, 2015, 01:11:36 AM
I find it helps to mark on the envelope or inside what exchange it's from... I join many different exchanges at the same time so it may get confusing which is from which list..
Title: Re: OMG - I signed up for an exchange ... now what?!
Post by: ExtrasbyAlaina on January 16, 2015, 06:38:14 AM
Thanks for all the advice! First exchanger nerves set in yesterday, but now I feel much better!
Title: Re: OMG - I signed up for an exchange ... now what?!
Post by: chiarag on February 10, 2015, 02:22:01 PM
Thanks Erica
I read your suggestions every time  before preparing an exchange.
It helps me to Find the right approach basing in my level (which is beginner)
C
Title: Re: OMG - I signed up for an exchange ... now what?!
Post by: davinach on August 04, 2015, 08:02:08 PM
Thank you Erica,

I won't be nervous and worried to do this exchange, eventhough i'm beginner. I will follow what you have said and do my best!
Title: Re: OMG - I signed up for an exchange ... now what?!
Post by: Thary on September 28, 2015, 05:05:33 PM
I was wondering about a technical issue...
What is the general procedure for sending out these letters?

1. Do you put it in another plain envelope so it doesn't get damaged and just put a stamp on it?
2. Have you experience any issues with sending dark envelopes? My bling submissions are all on black envelopes and I just realized there might be issues when I send it...

Hope you can help.

Thanks,
Thary
Title: Re: OMG - I signed up for an exchange ... now what?!
Post by: MomofFour on October 26, 2015, 01:19:18 PM
good question!
Title: Re: OMG - I signed up for an exchange ... now what?!
Post by: Inked botanicals on October 26, 2015, 01:35:12 PM
I have done and received all my exchanges so far in just a single calligraphied envelope. No need for two envelopes. Any issues with dark envelopes too. Last exchange, Halloween, you can imagine was full of dark envelopes. I received them all with no problems! The only thing is that you are sure to put enoght stamps on it, they could need more that white plain envelopes for not being "machinable".
Title: Re: OMG - I signed up for an exchange ... now what?!
Post by: Erica McPhee on October 26, 2015, 06:07:29 PM
No need to put in an another envelope. The post office is usually very adept at mailing whatever creations we calligraphy. I have done many different colored envelopes with all kinds of inks, white, silver, gold, watercolor, etc. And they have always arrived. (knock on wood)

I will say though, if you think your calligraphy is difficult to read, you may want to either pencil in the address at the bottom or add a strip of masking or washi tape with the address neatly printed on it. But this would only be if the envelope was either highly decorated or difficult to read.  :)

Hope that helps!
Title: Re: OMG - I signed up for an exchange ... now what?!
Post by: Empty_of_Clouds on April 10, 2016, 05:12:58 AM
This idea of exchanges sounds intriguing, challenging, scary <excuse me while I grab my Roget's>, daunting... well, you get the drift.   I think there may be only certain limited types that I may be able to manage.  The Valentine one, for example, which I missed.

The other thing is, what is the average length of time from list to post?  Time may be an issue for me. 
Title: Re: OMG - I signed up for an exchange ... now what?!
Post by: Erica McPhee on April 13, 2016, 10:16:45 AM
You can check the full schedule here:  Flourish 2016 Exchanges  (http://theflourishforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=4209.0). It lists the post date, the sign up deadlines, and the mailing deadlines.

However, since people have been busy, I'm delaying the start of the next exchange (which is the maps exchange) and will also extend the deadline.

The exchange can be as complicated or as simple as you would like it to be.  ;D
Title: Re: OMG - I signed up for an exchange ... now what?!
Post by: talonso23 on October 09, 2016, 02:40:24 PM
How does Florish Forum know if we really sent our exchanges? Do we need to post it somewhere? Do we need to report if someone on our list didn't send theirs? I'm new at all this. Thanks.
Title: Re: OMG - I signed up for an exchange ... now what?!
Post by: Erica McPhee on October 11, 2016, 10:54:32 AM
This is a great question @talonso23 ! While it is not required, it is considered good manners to let your list members know when you receive their exchange, either by sending them a PM via the forum or posting to the exchange thread.

In terms of whether we know you really sent the exchange, it is best practice to take a photograph of your exchanges completed with postage prior to sending. This is
for several reasons:
1. It is a record of what you did for your own personal portfolio.
2. If an envelope goes missing or your whole batch (goodness no!), you can trouble shoot to see if something was wrong with the address.
3. It's proof you actually mailed your exchanges.

I do ask from time to time for people to let me know if they do not receive their exchanges. I can then see if there are repeat misses or if perhaps one or more was just lost in the mail (it happens). This way I can decide if they can participate in the next exchange.

Sadly, this summer we had people sign up and then halfway through say, "never mind I'm too busy." But they would still be receiving. Not fair. While too late to do anything about it, those people are not able to participate in future exchanges.

On the flip side, things do come up, emergencies, jobs, children, etc. As long as those folks let their groups know and eventually send their exchange (even if late), they can still participate at a future date once their exchanges are complete.  ;D
Title: Re: OMG - I signed up for an exchange ... now what?!
Post by: Taitu1 on August 15, 2018, 12:08:33 AM
Hi I have just joined and want to find out how to sign up for the next exchange.  Thanks!
Title: Re: OMG - I signed up for an exchange ... now what?!
Post by: Erica McPhee on August 15, 2018, 03:45:19 PM
Welcome! Our next exchange sign ups will be opening up soon (early September). We’re trying to fit in a Halloween exchange, too, because that was a fan favorite. I may bump up the Wine Label exchange so we can still do the Halloween one. Stay tuned for more info.  ;D
Title: Re: OMG - I signed up for an exchange ... now what?!
Post by: Taitu1 on August 15, 2018, 11:33:50 PM
Great thanks . I'll be practicing in the meantime.
Title: Re: OMG - I signed up for an exchange ... now what?!
Post by: Aries M on May 17, 2021, 12:45:17 AM
Do/can you send the same thing to each person on your list?
Title: Re: OMG - I signed up for an exchange ... now what?!
Post by: Erica McPhee on May 18, 2021, 10:47:36 PM
Yes, most send the same thing to each participant. The choice is yours but that is very common. I always send the same thing.  :D
Title: Re: OMG - I signed up for an exchange ... now what?!
Post by: Aries M on May 19, 2021, 12:31:49 AM
That makes sense! Thanks Erica :)