So I have a list of 23 people interested in joining the Time for Tea swap which is just thrilling! I’m very excited about this and I will be looking for some more information from everyone over the weekend.

In the meantime, I’ve had a few questions which I’m going to attempt to answer.

I would like to do this but I has no crafty blog. Can I still play please?
Of course! The reason I asked for a link to your crafty endeavours is purely so I can make sure everyone involved in the swap is legit and unlikely to welch on their commitment. If you don’t have a blog/folksy/etsy set up, you can still get involved if you are either known to me or known well to someone else involved in the swap who will vouch for you.

Sounds good but I’m mainly a coffee drinker and not much of a tea drinker…
Then we can either match you up with another coffee drinker or with someone sympathetic to your requirements (you heathen!)

So, would a lace doily, a teapot cozy, or a take-out cup cozy apply for the “time for tea-related handmade item”?
The “Time for Tea-related item” is totally open to interpretation. Maybe you would like to send something you’ve drawn or painted that represents time for tea. Maybe you make jewellery with little cakes and teacups involved. Maybe you’d like to send an apron, or coasters. Maybe you’d like to send a massive stuffed teacup. The crucial thing is that you have discussion with your swap partner and that you answer your questionnaire fully in order to help your swap partner.

I’ve thought about doing a swap for awhile but I don’t really know how it works.
In terms of how it works, you will be emailed with your swap partner’s contact details and answers to their questionnaire. You then have until the 27th March to put together your package and send it off to them and you can also get in touch with your partner for more information or inspiration. The general idea is that you and your partner will co-ordinate your parcels so you should hopefully receive on the same day.

I’d love to take part in a swap….i’m scared I’ll be rubbish though!
Relaaax! When I took part in the Owl Swap I told my partner that I was so nervous about what I was making, but in the end it’s all meant to be fun and an opportunity to get to know another crafty type. Besides, your partner’s questionnaire should give you all the help and support you need to make your swap ace.

Also, do you mean a crafting supply of some type when you say “Something your swapping partner can use in a crafty fashion”?
Yes. Some fabric, some yarn, stickers, some buttons, a canvas – something that your partner can use to create something.

Are there usually min-max value/costs for these types of things?
Yes, for this swap you’re looking at a retail value of around GB£10 I’d say. Anything above that is down to your generosity.

For inspiration I would definitely recommend searching flickr, a simple search for “swap” will bring up lots of groups and images to inspire you. Craftster has a whole sub-forum dedicated to swaps with a section just for people to post what they’ve sent and received for you to peruse.

If you would like to participate there is still time. Email me using this link to note your interest (PLEASE use this email address as it is one I have set up purely to deal with the swap and it’ll save me getting confused!) by Monday 2nd March 2009 at 12noon. I will send out the questionnaire email on Monday evening to all participants and I’ll need it returned by 8pm Wednesday 4th March in order to delegate swap partners on Wednesday night.

Posted under swaps