So excited to announce the new schedule of exchanges for 2015! This is a general overview of the Exchanges for the year. Each exchange will have a separate post announcing the opening for sign ups. This reference list will just give you a heads up of what is to come and explain each exchange. A list of the exchanges and dates is attached for download.
The sign ups will be different as well. I have set up a Sign Up Form which will be linked in each Exchange Announcement. ONLY those submitted via the form will be included. I will no longer accept emails or PMs for sign ups.
I will be adding these to the forum calendar as well.
We are going to have FUN!!!
2015 Flourish Forum Sharing & Caring Exchanges
Valentine's Day - Share a special valentine with your flourish forum friends!
Ransom Note - Hand Letter a Decorative Letter - Solve the puzzle of the ransom note! You will be assigned a single letter to hand letter and send to list members. You will receive several different letters which you then must arrange and glue to a sheet of paper to create a word or short saying.
Inspiring Quote - share your favorite inspirational quote - opportunity to use your favorite calligraphy style, color, etc.
Local Culture/Attraction/Landmark/History - Share something about your culture, special attractions, landmarks, or history about where you live, etc.
Five Things About Me - Share five unique things about you that no one knows! Another opportunity to get creative with your tools, styles, colors, medium, etc.
Favorite Book - Share a funny quote, inspirational passage, classic saying from your favorite book. Sure to be a popular exchange!
Bling! Bling! - Silver, gold, metallic - make it shine! Use any style just be sure to include a metallic ink or embellishment.
Halloween / Day of the Dead - an annual favorite!
Holiday / Winter - always the biggest exchange and a beautiful way to end the year.
ADVANCED EXCHANGES
There will be 4 advanced exchanges - one per quarter. While you do not have to be an advanced calligrapher, the topic themes are considered more advanced. So please feel free to join in even if you don't consider yourself an expert but want to try your hand at a more advanced challenge.
Mimic a Master - Reproduce a piece/word from an old master of your choice such as Madarasz, Courtney, Bloser, Lupfer, etc.
Offhand Flourishing - Show off your best bird or deer or ...
Ornamental Signature - Write your list members' names in your favorite style. Can be pointed pen or broad edge. (These lists will be kept to 5 maximum.)
Time Capsule / Year in Review - Create a piece of history. Write a letter detailing a few current events from the year or what life is like in general in 2015. In addition to exchanging letters, a copy of each list member's letter will be kept in a Flourish Forum Archive Scrapbook.
The sign up period for each exchange averages about 2 weeks and the turn around time from sign up deadline to post mark deadline is roughly three weeks for each exchange. I wish I could have included every topic but some will have to wait until next year. The good news is you can use many of the exchanges to include your favorite techniques, colors, broad or pointed pen style, zentangles, brush lettering, etc. Other than the theme, anything goes. You can go as elaborate or as simple as you would like. The only requirements are:
1. Although the cards do not have to be handmade, some kind of calligraphy should be used on either card or envelope.
2. You will send a card to every member on your list (typically 7-9 members).
3. Must be related to the theme.
4. All skill levels welcome!
5. If you end up not being able to participate, please contact me ASAP. If you don't send your cards after the list has gone out, you will not be able to participate in the next exchange.
6. You must sign up before the deadline. No late sign ups. (No early sign ups either. You can only sign up for the current open sign up.)
7. HAVE FUN!