Swapping can be fun, as well as rewarding. You get a chance to get beads from someone near your home state, or, across the usa, even, the world!

The mechanics of a swap are simple... and here, I will show you how a swap works. Get ready to join in on the fun. We will have swaps every month.

The Mechanics of the Swap

The swap starts with a certian number of people, and one hostess. Our swaps will always be in groups of 6, so I will illustrate them using our swapper number.

Next, a bag value is decided. Our bags are always going to be $5.00, due to the fact that the number of bags is so small.

You must send 5 bags that are $5.00 in value, each. Pretty simple to remember, right?

Once you have your bags ready. You package your baggies, in a box, or envelope. You include an envelope or box with postage for return, and your address. Send it all off to your hostess. (you can always include just the cost of postage and handling when joining our bead swaps, $4.50, and we will package and ship your beads. You MUST, I repeat, MUST.... include something that identifies you as the swapper of each bag.

Once the hostess gets your beads, she divides them amoung the swappers.

The Hostess sends out the beads to each participant, and they get their new stashes! It's a wonderful way to share!

DOs:

1. Identify yourself in each bag, promote your site, etc.
2. Include postage for return, or a box addressed and stamped, remember that beads are not light.
3. Be sure to meet the value in each bag. Use the same beads in each, if it's easier for you.
4. Include a good amount to finish at least one project, if the reciever wants to use them all in one project.
5. Make the bags according to what you would like to get.

EXTRAs (optional):

1. Include directions for something you think they would like to make.
2. Include Promotions from your website, stickers, etc.
3. Include a small piece of jewelry... this is only an OPTION, and should not be used toward the total of your baggie.
4. String the beads so that they come on a strand, and not just poured in the baggie.
5. Add a charm. This is always a nice addition to any swapper baggie. And you can definetly add it to the value of the baggie.

DONT:

1. Forget Postage!
2. Include all seed beads. Avoid smaller seeds, unless adding only a few for embellishment.
3. Skimp on the baggies.
4. Forget to include something that lets the hostess know your name, address and email.
5. SEND PLASTIC!!!

Zparkley's June Bead Swap is under way. We only need one more swapper to get the first gorup going. Email Zparkleys to join in on the fun. Deadline: June 22, 2001. [email protected]