Penpals, Scrapbookers, Postcard Artists and Other Creative Types

[Lyte]

So it was 'bout the first week of February that I mailed Breathless' parcel to the wrong address in Canada. Since then ... either the wrong address never claimed it or they did as I requested and REJECTED so that it would be RTS ... but in either... guess what showed up in my mail box yesterday ... almost 90 days later?! I have twinchies! :p

[Gemme]

So it was 'bout the first week of February that I mailed Breathless' parcel to the wrong address in Canada. Since then ... either the wrong address never claimed it or they did as I requested and REJECTED so that it would be RTS ... but in either... guess what showed up in my mail box yesterday ... almost 90 days later?! I have twinchies! :p

I bet they have one heckuva story to tell. What an adventure!

[Bèsame*]

Ok, I've started! And I started with Yellow! Things that make you go hmmmmm.....

[nycfem]

When does the sign up end? I'm so eager to get started!

[clay]

When does the sign up end? I'm so eager to get started!

the 4th, sweetheart! Me, too!!

[Gemme]

Ok, I've started! And I started with Yellow! Things that make you go hmmmmm.....

Sunshine!!!!

[Bèsame*]

Sunshine!!!!

ummmm....no!

[Gemme]

ummmm....no!

Bananas!!!

lol

[clay]

Ok, I've started! And I started with Yellow! Things that make you go hmmmmm.....

hmmm...lemons....lol

[Bèsame*]

Yellow is such an off color for me to use. And you all are way off base...lol

So no, no and no.

When you see it, you will go..aha! Yellow!

[Gemme]

Well, I can't wait to see what your brain cooked up.

[nanners]

When does the sign up end? I'm so eager to get started!

nycfem, go ahead...start! The only thing that would change is the number of ATC's you need to make and the due date if there are over 12 to make.

Ok, I've started! And I started with Yellow! Things that make you go hmmmmm.....

Sunshine? Daffodils?

[nycfem]

Tomorrow is last day for sign up :-)

[nycfem]

Here is the list as it stands:
1. nanners
2. Clay
3. CCB
4. NYC
5. Breathless
6. Gemme
7. GeorgiaMa'am
8. Kätzchen
9. Tommi
10.Bèsame*

[candy_coated_bitch]

I think I'm feeling inspired by yellow!!!

[Breathless]

well everyone else put in their guesses.. I'm humming... 'it was an itsy bitsy tiny weinie.. yellow polka dot bikini..that she wore for the first time today...'Yellow is such an off color for me to use. And you all are way off base...lol

So no, no and no.

When you see it, you will go..aha! Yellow!

[clay]

SignUps were officially closed as of MN.

Looks like we have an incredible & very talented group of participants and I know I am super excited!!!

On your mark, get set, go!!!!

Let's get 'er dun!!!!!

[nanners]

Welcome to the 2018 ATC Nature Themed art project!!

Participants:

1. nanners
2. Clay
3. CCB
4. NYC
5. Breathless
6. Gemme
7. GeorgiaMa'am
8. Kätzchen
9. Tommi
10. Bèsame*


Quantity: one for each person that signs up minus yourself.

Theme: NATURE. You can use any medium you choose & design the ATC any way you wish, just so long as theme is nature!!

Instructions: Procure your ATC's as soon as signups end.. Sometimes, there are shipping issues, so you'll want to get a jump on it as soon as possible.

Parameters: Design theme must be NATURE! Interpret that as you wish!

An Artist Trading card is 3.5" by 2.5" and this must be the only size you use.

Note: You can address each ATC to someone specifically OR leave choice up to wrangler.

Your design can be same for all the ATC's OR you can do a variety of designs.

Newbies to ATC's : You can google Artist Trading Card designs to get ideas!

Dates to Remember:

Signup: Starts 4/29/18 and ends 05/04/18

Deadline for finished projects : 06/01/2018 (in my hands)

Officially late, and on the naughty list, if not received on/by one week after official finish date 06/08/18.

Completed projects will be mailed out on/before 06/11/2018.

Postage: Send $7.00.

"For 2018, the rule is if one of our projects is received by the wrangler more than seven days after the due date, or one of us drops out of a project for whatever reason, that person is welcome to continue posting but is not allowed to sign up for a group project again until six months from the latest date that the project was supposed to be due. No exceptions. This rule applies to participants and to wranglers. Wranglers must mail out projects within one week of the latest date that the projects were supposed to be due.

****** In addition to waiting six months before being able to join a penpal project, the person who has not met the latest deadline must post directly on the penpal thread within a week of missing the latest deadline stating that they have not adhered to the deadline (reason is welcome to be included or does not have to be) and, most importantly, the date on which they will be able to return to participating in the penpal projects. They must scroll back and add themselves to the bottom of the list of any other participants who have not met the late date for any project for 2018. If that is not done, then the member is welcome to participate in the thread with "thanks" and reps and thread chat but not to participate in any future projects for 2018. *************
The reason for this is personal responsibility, so that we have a running record right on the thread that is easy to refer back to when needed. And for the purposes of clarification, if someone drops out before the deadline to sign up has been closed then they are not excluded from future projects because they are still following the rules.

Example: Bitsy misses the late date for a project. Within a week of that late date she must scroll down and find the most recent list of people who have missed the late date in 2018 and copy that list to a new post and add herself. Bitsy's post would look something like this:

'Sorry, I had the bird flu and missed the late date of 2/21/18. I can start participating in new projects on 8/21/18. I have added myself to the list below:

1. Tony (missed the late date of 1/28/18, able to participate 7/28/18)
2. Bitsy (missed the late date of 2/21/18, able to participate 8/21/18)'

This rule must be posted in its entirety at the bottom of all new projects that are being wrangled so that members can thoughtfully consider whether we wish to commit to a new project."

[Kätzchen]

Nanners, when you have a chance, will you send your address to me, via private message? I've got mine started and plan to have them shipped to you, shortly after Memorial Weekend. Thanks!! :)

[nanners]

Nanners, when you have a chance, will you send your address to me, via private message? I've got mine started and plan to have them shipped to you, shortly after Memorial Weekend. Thanks!! :)

Katzchen, Good question! When you're a newbie it helps to know the entire process! Usually about 3/4 into the timeline of the project the Wrangler sends their address to all the participants by private message. Yes, I'll send it to you, and thank you for asking!

[Kätzchen]

Today I spent the afternoon putting together the ATC's for our group art project. I've got them lying on my dining room bistro table, drying in the late afternoon breeze. I've got to laminate them and put a finished touch to them, but I plan to ship them to you next week Nanners..... on the 17th, so you get them before Memorial weekend. I'll zip a private message to you with the USPS tracking number next week. I'm excited to get them finished and hope everyone will enjoy them.

K. :hk28:

[Gemme]

Today I spent the afternoon putting together the ATC's for our group art project. I've got them lying on my dining room bistro table, drying in the late afternoon breeze. I've got to laminate them and put a finished touch to them, but I plan to ship them to you next week Nanners..... on the 17th, so you get them before Memorial weekend. I'll zip a private message to you with the USPS tracking number next week. I'm excited to get them finished and hope everyone will enjoy them.

K. :hk28:

Laminate them? You're serious about sealing those suckers, huh? lol

[Kätzchen]

Laminate them? You're serious about sealing those suckers, huh? lol

well, maybe if I can find those plastic card holders, maybe I will do that instead. You'll see, once manners ships them out in June. :jester:

[Gemme]

well, maybe if I can find those plastic card holders, maybe I will do that instead. You'll see, once manners ships them out in June. :jester:

You have options. There's a chemical sealant, like Mod Podge, spray sealant or gel medium, that would seal everything on the card. We usually do put our crafts in some sort of containment, be it a zip lock baggie or a paper wrapping.

I can't wait to see what you come up with!

[Bèsame*]

Yellow and 3-d.

[Kätzchen]

You have options. There's a chemical sealant, like Mod Podge, spray sealant or gel medium, that would seal everything on the card. We usually do put our crafts in some sort of containment, be it a zip lock baggie or a paper wrapping.

I can't wait to see what you come up with!

ok, I will go see about getting some spray sealant tomorrow. .....I stayed up late last night and put more finishing touches on the ATC's. Thanks for that very helpful tip, Gemme! :rrose:

[Kätzchen]

So, after I got home from PT today, I decided to go over to the closest Target store. While there, I used the big chair to cruise around the store, looking for card sleeves or that spray Gemme told me about.

The store clerk took us over to the collector's sports card display, but they didn't have what I was looking for. All of a sudden, this tarot card lady came up beside us to get sports cards for her husbutch. She asked me what I was looking for, then said "I've got what you want. Lemme call out to the RV."

Sure enough, she had exactly what I needed. Her husbutch gave me nine card cases. I asked if I could repay her somehow, she said "No way, just pay it forward." So I showed her the ATC's I made for you all, told her about our group art work projects, and our community. She was so excited!!! They have two son's and I'm going to make two ATC's for their boys and design them just for their sons.

So, I don't know when, but they're gonna check out our group and join the community, soon.

So .... Nanners? My project envelope went out in the mail this afternoon. You'll get it by Saturday. I'll send the tracking number to you, in just a moment.

Who could know that I'd get exactly what I wanted, and make new friends too???

Cheers,
:cheer:

PS/ my new femme friend's name is Jennifer. She's pretty sweet and I know you guys will like her. I've got seven Jennifer's now, in my phone directory. She goes by Jen, so I put her in as Jen7. :)

[purepisces]

My matchboxes arrived and they are HAWT! :firetruck:

Clay- mad props to you for tackling burgers, not an easy one! I love the burger fabric and the burger paper. Super cool! Also, I love how you always include a handwritten note. Fun!

Nan- My little NYC Fem zipper pull (or could be used for whatever!) is mad hot! Also love my watermelon pin and the little inspiring sayings on the box. Thank you!

Purepisces- Your matchbox is done so professionally, and I love the "secret" key! Awesome vintage perfection! Will save forever! I hope you'll continue to participate as much as you can, because it is so great to have your art back!

Breathless- Your body positive theme and DOUBLE handles rocked my world! Can't thank you enough! Thanks for caring.

Georgia- That "all purple" is delicious, especially love the paint, and the stamps are rockin'! :tea:

Gemme- That glittery inside of the box was mega eye candy, so hot! I loved the teal color of the box and how no surface was left untouched. I also adored the design of the box. Do you mind posting about how you did that? I love it so much! I really love the scroll (and wire!) of inspiring sayings! I am so gonna save that and look at it whenever I need a pick me up! That means a lot to me! Also, who can argue with those steam punk gifts! I loved how packed the box was! Dammmmnnn, awesome in every way!

CCB- Rubber chicken! Popcorn! Loved the "milk"- how did you make that please? Of course, I loved the "vigour" hamburger quote! When I open something from you, I feel like I'm opening me! LOL, thank you!

Besame- I LOVE how steampunk BLINGED out my box is. That's just so insanely tantalizing that it makes me forget I have a care in the world! The steampunk goodies inside are VERY unusual and shall be so fun to enjoy! And can we talk about how cool the handle is?!

Thanks, everyone, receiving the finished package in the mail is pure magic! Thanks for awesome wrangling, Gemme!

(f)(f)(f)(f)(f)(f)(f)(f)(f)(f)(f)(f)(f)

I'm sorry to be checking in so late, but I wanted to thank everyone for the personalized matchboxes! They were amazing. I absolutely love them. :)

Thank you for hosting Gemme, and thank you also for still including mine in the packages that went out, even though I missed the deadline. I'll miss being able to do an exchange with y'all the next six months.

[nanners]

Kätzchen, your ATC's are safe in my hands! I opened mine and I really liked it! I'm so glad you've joined in.

My idea has come to me! I'm going to start working on mine tomorrow.

How is everyone else doing?

[candy_coated_bitch]

I just finished mine. I'm gonna need your address nanners bananers.

[Gemme]

I'm still working on mine, in between other stuff.

[Breathless]

Mine are a few finishing touches away from being done, hoping to mail out by Friday.. I leave for vaycay on 23rd.. and excited to see what's going in the mail when I return... btw nanners, no rush to ship back to me as I won't be back to receive till 6/13. (I say this as I know when I ship international I am given multiple delivery times and price points .. take the cheapest option)

Gemme & match box participants! I received my goodies the other day, and WOW-- love the creativity! Thank you!

[GeorgiaMa'am]

How is everyone else doing?

I was ready (I thought) to start working on mine last weekend, and realized I hadn't ordered the most important part - the cards themselves! Those are supposed to arrive today, so I will be getting started today or tomorrow.

[candy_coated_bitch]

All packed up and ready to go out tomorrow! Loved this project. :)

[Bèsame*]

OMG...you are all stressing me out!

Mine have turned out to be labor intense. So far, 2 hours on each one!


and they are still yellow..giggling. (only two and a half have been worked on)

[candy_coated_bitch]

OMG...you are all stressing me out!

Mine have turned out to be labor intense. So far, 2 hours on each one!


and they are still yellow..giggling. (only two and a half have been worked on)


Your labor of love will show, Besame* I chose a less labor intensive route this time so it was quicker. Plus I got a wild hair last night and was determined to get them done! I can't wait to see yours.

[Gemme]

OMG...you are all stressing me out!

Mine have turned out to be labor intense. So far, 2 hours on each one!


and they are still yellow..giggling. (only two and a half have been worked on)



That's too much work for me for ATCs.

Can't wait to see what your secret yellow theme is!

[candy_coated_bitch]

Mine are in the mail, expected to arrive Saturday.

[Kätzchen]

I know it's early yet, but I can hardly wait to see other people's ATC's! :rrose:

[nanners]

I got CCB's project in the mail yesterday!

I gotta get a move on here...tomorrow will be devoted to doing mine. I have an awesome idea and can't wait to start them!

[GeorgiaMa'am]

Hey nanners,
Would you PM me your address, please?
Thanks!

[Kätzchen]

I have an vintage craft work project for Christmas Wreath and Christmas Card Tree which was printed by Phillip's 66, back in the late 70s. I tried to google the craft project but it's not online anywhere. I bought it for $1, but the year it was printed the cost was 39 cents. It's very cute and adorable, so if any of you crafter's would like to have this original craft project, complete with pictures and directions, then send me an p.m. or leave me a rep note and I'll send it to you, ok? :)

[Kätzchen]

I am terribly curious and very excited to see everyone's ATC art! Hope everyone is well and had a fun weekend. :rrose:

[nanners]

Just a reminder that the clock is ticking!

If anyone did not get my address please PM me.

Deadline for finished projects : 06/01/2018 (in my hands)

Officially late, and on the naughty list, if not received on/by one week after official finish date 06/08/18.

1. nanners -
2. Clay -
3. CCB - recieved
4. NYC - in route
5. Breathless - in route
6. Gemme -
7. GeorgiaMa'am -
8. Kätzchen - recieved
9. Tommi -
10. Bèsame* -

[Gemme]

Mine have been done for a couple days and will go out tomorrow!

[GeorgiaMa'am]

Nanners, mine are in the mail, and should get to you no later than Monday.

[Gemme]

Nanners, mine are in the mail, and should get to you no later than Monday.

Mine too! Monday at the latest, she said.

There's another package from another participant that went into the mail today so Saturday and Monday should be great mail days for you, nan.

[nanners]

Deadline for finished projects : 06/01/2018 (in my hands)

Officially late, and on the naughty list, if not received on/by one week after official finish date 06/08/18.

1. nanners -
2. Clay - in route
3. CCB - recieved
4. NYC - in route
5. Breathless - in route
6. Gemme - in route
7. GeorgiaMa'am - in route
8. Kätzchen - recieved
9. Tommi -
10. Bèsame* - in route

[Gemme]

I'm stoked to see what everyone came up with!

[nanners]

Deadline for finished projects : 06/01/2018 (in my hands)

Officially late, and on the naughty list, if not received on/by one week after official finish date 06/08/18.

1. nanners - Wrangler
2. Clay - in route
3. CCB - recieved
4. NYC - recieved
5. Breathless - in route
6. Gemme - in route
7. GeorgiaMa'am - in route
8. Kätzchen - recieved
9. Tommi -
10. Bèsame* - in route

[candy_coated_bitch]

I'm stoked to see what everyone came up with!

Me TOO!!! I finished mine too early, I barely remember them lol

[Breathless]

I'm starting to freak out a little bit to be honest.. mine are not there yet and they should be.. I mailed them 11 days ago. .. done early and they are still almost late.. grrrr

[candy_coated_bitch]

I'm starting to freak out a little bit to be honest.. mine are not there yet and they should be.. I mailed them 11 days ago. .. done early and they are still almost late.. grrrr

Oh no! I am sure they will arrive any time now. You still have a week before you're late so hopefully you will be ok. I hate that freaking out feeling. *hugs*

[clay]

Just tracked mine.....PO said would arrive by today BUT tracker says by Monday by 800pm. :)

[nanners]

Deadline for finished projects : 06/01/2018 (in my hands)

Officially late, and on the naughty list, if not received on/by one week after official finish date 06/08/18.

1. nanners - Wrangler
2. Clay - received
3. CCB - received
4. NYC - received
5. Breathless - in route
6. Gemme - received
7. GeorgiaMa'am - received
8. Kätzchen - received
9. Tommi - in route, will arrive 6-7-18
10. Bèsame* - received

It was like my birthday or something yesterday...I got 4 packages! Besame, I love your use of "yellow"!

I'm so excited for you all to see the AMAZING ATC's that
we have all made!

Breathless, I'm getting nervous for you...do you have a tracking number?

[Gemme]

Breathless' tracking number will only take the package to the border, I think.

*crossing fingers that everyone's packages make it by Friday*

[Breathless]

Unfortunately as mentioned by Gemme, the tracking numbers only are valid as far as the border, after that it changes from Canada Post to the USPS, and their numbers are not compatible with each other in this case especially since it is letter post vs package post. Super sucks as I had this sent out before I left Canada with well over 2 weeks window to be received. Other mail that I sent on the same day was received in other parts of the USA within 5-8 days. So here's to fingers crossed, saying a little prayer, and sending speedy delivery thoughts.. that some how it arrives TODAY. If not, I guess I have no choice but to take my lumps, but shit.. and grrrr!

[Gemme]

You still have 2 days, Breathless!

*fingers and toes crossed*

[candy_coated_bitch]

Sending you all the good mail juju I have, Breathless!!!

[nanners]

Deadline for finished projects : 06/01/2018 (in my hands)

Officially late, and on the naughty list, if not received on/by one week after official finish date 06/08/18.

1. nanners - Wrangler
2. Clay - received
3. CCB - received
4. NYC - received
5. Breathless - in route
6. Gemme - received
7. GeorgiaMa'am - received
8. Kätzchen - received
9. Tommi - received
10. Bèsame* - received

I got Tommi's today....
Breathless, hoping for tomorrow for yours. The bad part is that if it doesn't fit in my mailbox, the postman takes it up to the office which is only open until 5pm, so if I'm not home I won't get it until Monday. It will not be late if it is delivered tomorrow but is in the office of my apt complex until Monday. I sure hope it arrives.

[nanners]

I'm feeling sad but I have to say this...Breathless, I didn't get your project in the mail yet. I was home in time to check in the office and there were no packages for me. It seems so unfair when you mailed it well ahead of time. I'm so sorry. :watereyes:

I will wait until the mail comes on Monday to see if it arrives before sending the packages out to everyone. I'm putting them together this weekend.

[Breathless]

It is what it is.. there is nothing that I could do to change it from here. Had I been home, I could have redone my project and overnighted it.. however silly me thought 3 weeks was enough time for a simple envelope with no customs declaration needed as it was just paper and glue and a bit of sparkly ink to make it to the southern regions of the USA.. Lesson learned.. I hope that it is received by Monday, and I really wanted you all to receive them.. I really liked this project.
Well.. more time for homework I guess.. :( (insert a really pouty, yet pointless pouty face)

[Bèsame*]

I'm going to throw this out to our group..

I think there could be a special exception for Breathless. She planned far in advance. We had 6 weeks and her project has been traveling for half of the time spent of the project. I really don't think we should time her out. Think of all the times she has been on time. Yet alone the money she spends on shipping.
Perhaps the collection of cards already received could still be sent. Once hers arrives, they can easily be sent in a letter envelope.

I'm willing to let any outside the country crafter have a little more leeway, if the need should arise.

Anybody else?

[candy_coated_bitch]

I'm going to throw this out to our group..

I think there could be a special exception for Breathless. She planned far in advance. We had 6 weeks and her project has been traveling for half of the time spent of the project. I really don't think we should time her out. Think of all the times she has been on time. Yet alone the money she spends on shipping.
Perhaps the collection of cards already received could still be sent. Once hers arrives, they can easily be sent in a letter envelope.

I'm willing to let any outside the country crafter have a little more leeway, if the need should arise.

Anybody else?


I was thinking the same thing. Breathless sent her project out well in advance and it's not late because of anything within her control. She wasn't late, didn't send things out at the last minute. I think sometimes there are exceptions to a rule. I agree with Besame.

[GeorgiaMa'am]

I was thinking the same thing. Breathless sent her project out well in advance and it's not late because of anything within her control. She wasn't late, didn't send things out at the last minute. I think sometimes there are exceptions to a rule. I agree with Besame.

I agree with Bèsame* and CCB.

[Gemme]

It is what it is.. there is nothing that I could do to change it from here. Had I been home, I could have redone my project and overnighted it.. however silly me thought 3 weeks was enough time for a simple envelope with no customs declaration needed as it was just paper and glue and a bit of sparkly ink to make it to the southern regions of the USA.. Lesson learned.. I hope that it is received by Monday, and I really wanted you all to receive them.. I really liked this project.
Well.. more time for homework I guess.. :( (insert a really pouty, yet pointless pouty face)

You know what? The envelope may have been the issue. Stuff I've sent up there tends to get there faster when I do send it in a package through customs. It still takes 7 forevers, but not as long as the envelopes I've sent up. I think there's one that never even made it to the person I was mailing.

Nan's the wrangler, so I'm comfortable leaving decisions regarding this particular round up to her.

I would suggest in the future to maybe give more time up front for projects involving sis or Breathless or if someone else from outside the US joins in. That would give more time for travel purposes and prevent holding anything up in the back end. We always like more time, right?

[Lyte]

For whatever my thoughts might be worth on this project ...

You'd think getting stuff in/out of our closest neighbor would be fairly easy... oy, it's not. So... Canada deserves an accommodation and special dispensation!* :)

*I know... redundant ... I just like saying ... special dispensation. :p

[nanners]

I took a night to think about this after reading all of your responses about making an exception for Breathless. It is important to me that we are being fair, and not letting one person be late and still participate, yet waiting a few days and sending the project out late and banning that person for 6 months. (This happened to PurePisces last project when she was sick and was a couple days late, and she is on a 6 month time out).

Can we please have a discussion about this and find a way to make it fair for those who live outside the US? I do understand it is not Breathless's fault her project is not in my hands yet, but I would like something in black and white decided on and written out before the next project is completed.

I don't feel the wrangler should have the responsibility (burden) of making this kind of decision. If they ban someone for 6 months they look like an ass, if they go the other way and give special consideration to someone they are not following the rules. My mail concern is fairness, and having the rules followed so no one has to feel like they are favoring or not favoring someone.

With that said most are in favor of not penalizing Breathless, so this time hers will be sent out separate when I get them, and we will not have to wait to start another project...in which she may participate.

I'll be sending the rest out tomorrow in a padded smaller gold envelope.

I'm OK with ideas for the next project, any ideas?

[Gemme]

I took a night to think about this after reading all of your responses about making an exception for Breathless. It is important to me that we are being fair, and not letting one person be late and still participate, yet waiting a few days and sending the project out late and banning that person for 6 months. (This happened to PurePisces last project when she was sick and was a couple days late, and she is on a 6 month time out).

Can we please have a discussion about this and find a way to make it fair for those who live outside the US? I do understand it is not Breathless's fault her project is not in my hands yet, but I would like something in black and white decided on and written out before the next project is completed.

I don't feel the wrangler should have the responsibility (burden) of making this kind of decision. If they ban someone for 6 months they look like an ass, if they go the other way and give special consideration to someone they are not following the rules. My mail concern is fairness, and having the rules followed so no one has to feel like they are favoring or not favoring someone.

With that said most are in favor of not penalizing Breathless, so this time hers will be sent out separate when I get them, and we will not have to wait to start another project...in which she may participate.

I'll be sending the rest out tomorrow in a padded smaller gold envelope.

I'm OK with ideas for the next project, any ideas?


Very well spoken, nan, as always! I know I put it in your lap and that may have been a bit unfair as well but this is your wrangle and I didn't want to stomp all over it.

Honestly, I know I can be a bit harsh when it comes to rules. My first instinct was that it wasn't on time, end of story. We've laid out rules for this very thing and those rules were put in place for very good reasons.

That being said, to my knowledge, there was an effort to get them here in a reasonable amount of time. Pure got dealt a bad hand. She was doing the projects and came down sick. Not much one can do about that. I appreciate that she took some time to get better, for herself and for the recipients of her project. I think the difference is that Breathless' projects were completed well within the time frame. The problem was in the distribution method.

What I would suggest for Breathless that she use DHL every time she sends a package to us. She's used it before on my wrangles and that worked out well. I'm sure it's more costly but most guaranteed things are. For us in the US, I recommend ALWAYS sending something that can be tracked with priority or whatever.

The hard part is when the wrangler initially puts their idea out there, there's no way of knowing right away if there will be an international participant or not, so it's hard to come up with a set time frame that would be accommodating to the participants but still keep things moving so the next round isn't held up. Maybe change the time frame of when we post the dates and details? Give an outline about the project but hold off on dates until the final sign up is tallied?

Right now, we're basing the time allotted on the projects. Some projects are obviously easier to finish than others. That seems fair to me. I wouldn't want to wait 2 months for an ATC or Post Secret project to finish but I would expect it, or longer, for matchbox or other time intensive projects.

We've always been democratic here so what are the suggestions? For us to say, let her eat cake!, I think we should have something in play if this situation comes up again. Or, we leave things as they are and if it does come up again, there's a 6 month vacation, no discussion.

For the next project, I'm pretty open. I did one not too long ago, so I'll wait to see what's out there in our swirly brains.

BUT

I do have to say, I've loved watching CCB go through her 30 Days of Mermay (or whatever the official title is). I would love for us to do something simple like that, to have one topic plus a prompt, and to see what everyone comes up with. It wouldn't have to be mermaids (but, they are awesome!) but it should be something that could be interpreted in unlimited ways. So, when my turn comes around again, I would love to do something like that.

[nanners]

I'm getting ready to leave home for a few hours (I start work again tomorrow after 5 weeks off) and I appreciate your input Gemme. I;m kind of a stickler for rules as well, they are there so the group/wrangler doesn't have to be in a hard place making a decision like this. How do the rest of you feel.

I'll catch up with y'all later, until them HUGS!

[candy_coated_bitch]

Speaking as someone who's been timed out, it sucks. But I took my medicine when I didn't get my project out. There is a part of me that's a stickler for the rules, too. We kinda had the rule in place with the idea that no exceptions were to be made, period. Maybe we should keep it that way.

However, I do feel for Breathless. It's not a matter of her being late on the project, or sending it out last minute. Those things are within one's control, the horrible mailing system from Canada cannot be helped. That's what makes me think special dispensation for out of US participants, as Lyte put it.

Honestly, I'd be ok either way with what the group decides. But I can see both sides of the issue.

NOT helpful, I know. Typical Pisces.

[GeorgiaMa'am]

Honestly, I'd be ok either way with what the group decides. But I can see both sides of the issue.

NOT helpful, I know. Typical Pisces.

Good arguments all around. Well, now I don't know what I think. I think I will once again go with CCB - whatever everyone else decides is okay with me.

(Not a Pisces. But my inner bull has made peace with my Taurean instinctual love of rules.)

[Lyte]

Just two thoughts...

Six months seems like a very time... just on the face of it... and therefore I feel for anyone who would have to suffer such a fate. But... admittedly... I don't know how many projects are typically completed in six months. I'm going to guess, depending on on the project, between two and three? Why aren't people sidelined by X number of projects, rather than a time period.

Everyone needs a free pass now and then. So, going forward everyone gets one ... only if... the project is no more than X number of days late.

Okay, three thoughts... :p

If it's well established what works... eg: time frames and modes of shipping... then it's not "unfair" to set expectations. Now, if it's discovered that what worked before no longer does... then new parameters must be set... and in turn... new accountability standards reestablished. <~ maybe it's time for that? ;)

[candy_coated_bitch]

Just two thoughts...

Six months seems like a very time... just on the face of it... and therefore I feel for anyone who would have to suffer such a fate. But... admittedly... I don't know how many projects are typically completed in six months. I'm going to guess, depending on on the project, between two and three? Why aren't people sidelined by X number of projects, rather than a time period.

Everyone needs a free pass now and then. So, going forward everyone gets one ... only if... the project is no more than X number of days late.

Okay, three thoughts... :p

If it's well established what works... eg: time frames and modes of shipping... then it's not "unfair" to set expectations. Now, if it's discovered that what worked before no longer does... then new parameters must be set... and in turn... new accountability standards reestablished. <~ maybe it's time for that? ;)

I think part of the problem with this is the rule really does need to be short, sweet, to the point, and have no exceptions except perhaps in an extreme case such as this. Maybe we need to decide NO exceptions really means no exceptions.The more I think about it, the more I am leaning that way. I sat out six months and it goes by quicker than you think. It seems harsh but I think it's fair because being late is just not ok to the other participants who put the time in to be one time and we even have a grace period! That's what the additional week is for--unforseen little blibps and blops so you can still get your project in. I think that the way it's set up now is fair. I don't think the punishment is too harsh.

Maybe chalk it up to learning how to mail things from Canada in order to expedite the process? Gemme had some good thoughts on that.

[Kätzchen]

I'm not always able to participate in group art projects, due to certain constraints (economic means or because of post office USPS concerns), but as an bystander, I felt terrible for both Purepieces and ccb, and now I feel badly for Breathless. :(


The past two times I've participated, I knew our postal services might be an deal breaker, so I just made up my mind to get my post secret and atc's done and sent off, asap, because I worried that the postal service would not deliver my art envelope in timely ways. Last summer, because our postal carrier retired, I didn't get mail for nearly an whole month, and when our mail boxes were robbed last winter, it was three months before I could get mail at home.

My heart goes out to those who've not been able to complete art projects or faced unintentional postal service issues. (f) (f) (f)

In other art related news: I most likely won't be able to participate in an group art project until maybe fall or around the winter holidays due to big changes in my life that need my full attention.

I look forward to seeing everyone's art and until next time, may the Art Goddess be with you all. :rose: :rose: :rose:

[Gemme]

Just two thoughts...

Six months seems like a very time... just on the face of it... and therefore I feel for anyone who would have to suffer such a fate. But... admittedly... I don't know how many projects are typically completed in six months. I'm going to guess, depending on on the project, between two and three? Why aren't people sidelined by X number of projects, rather than a time period.

I think the time period is the easiest way to say 'stop, start' but this is an option as well. I would be open to discussing this further.

Everyone needs a free pass now and then. So, going forward everyone gets one ... only if... the project is no more than X number of days late.

Too difficult to keep track of who is on their pass(es). We can barely get folks to put the 'on a 6 month hiatus' notification in their posts as it is plus we didn't come up with the hiatuses right off the bat. People continually sent stuff in late, with no money, et cetera. We've used free passes in the past. I'm a veto for this.

Okay, three thoughts... :p

If it's well established what works... eg: time frames and modes of shipping... then it's not "unfair" to set expectations. Now, if it's discovered that what worked before no longer does... then new parameters must be set... and in turn... new accountability standards reestablished. <~ maybe it's time for that? ;)

We set these parameters after years of dealing with some of the issues I mentioned above and more. Though I started this thread here in 2009, we were doing this on the previous site too so there's a LOT of history. Newcomers haven't been privy to that history, so I'm sure that it seems we're a bit bullheaded about it all when, in reality, we've just seen a lot more and have had the heartbreak of having our projects just lost or forgotten and that's a bitter pill to swallow.

[clay]

So, I have watched & read all the posts, vascillating back & forth. So I will now weigh in...with my own $.02
I agree with all that has been said in Gemme's previous post.

It is especially disheartening trying to get folks to post their hiatus period, as was all agreed upon in the original discussion & acceptance of these parameters!

These rules were not hastily made, we continually had late, missing, and even moneyless projects.
No matter how I express my thoughts, I run risk of being the "ass" as nanners so elegantly said...:). But it has really been heavy on my heart & mind, so I will try to explain my thoughts, kindly & gently.

IN NO WAY am I trying to point a finger or make anyone feel badly, but the facts are the facts.

I think the world of Breathless, and in this instance, it is that particular package arrival that is the delay. I WANT her to be able to come in again. By that same token, we made the rules, all agreed, and I feel if we have to keep making decisions, making allowances for this and not for that, then we kind of shoot ourselves in the foot.

That rule came about after more than once several projects by a few participants were either late, never received, etc. for whatever the reason.

If this were an isolated incident that had happened, by all means, allow special consideration. But, and again, am NOT trying to be the meanie here, it has happened on more than a couple of occasions with mail either being totally lost or arriving post deadline. To her credit, Breathless did do a hurried up remake of one of the projects & spent the extra $$ to get them here.

I wholeheartedly know it sucks for Breathless to have to wait 6 months to participate in projects. I can only imagine having to wait, but it WAS a collaborative group effort with input to put the 6 months wait into effect. It was done by a fairly consistent group of participants, and everyone got a say so..


That came about after more than once several projects by a few participants were either late, never received, etc. I know for myself, it was always disheartening to never get some of the projects for whatever the reason.
Everyone had their reasons, and I understand sometimes things will just happen with receiving projects from Canada. I agree they should most definitely be sent in a package form, by DHL. That way it CAN be tracked.

I am all for adding in an extra 2 weeks for Breathless & Sis, for future projects. I am okay with that. Be it at front end of or back end of projects.


Most projects are at the very least 6 weeks timeframes....that is ample time to get projects done...and again, allow an extra 2 weeks for out of country participants!

As I said, I am all for the extra time, but I can honestly say, sometimes, we are all probably in that frame of mind, thinking, oh I have x number of weeks, so I can wait to get it done & in mail, etc. or to start them, then send "rapid mail delivery"..so procrastination can sometimes happen with the longer time frames...and bring us back to the same issue once again later down the pike.




I feel it would only be fair to give both purepisces & Breathless special dispensation for this time...or neither gets a pass.
. I would not feel it fair to give dispensation to one and not the other.

I am just wanting the rules to be fairly applied to everyone.......either all or none...:)




And I have one extra accolade for CCB.

I am so proud of CCB, she took her "medicine" & she has made every effort to be on time, every time, and usually she is first in with returned projects! Good job, kiddo!




Now, what is our next project, and who wants to wrangle...:).

[candy_coated_bitch]

And I have one extra accolade for CCB.

I am so proud of CCB, she took her "medicine" & she has made every effort to be on time, every time, and usually she is first in with returned projects! Good job, kiddo!




Now, what is our next project, and who wants to wrangle...:).

Thank you, clay! I learned my lesson LOL, now apply it to knowing I have to be on the front end of things or it won't get done.

I'd like to try and wrangle this next one. Gemme mentioned my Mermay project which was a challenge issued by artist Jane Davenport to create a mermaid for every day of the month of may. Each day had a different prompt, up to the person doing the artwork to interpret. I'd like to come up with a prompt and have everyone do an original work of art based on that prompt but I still have a little thinking about logistics and how to work out doing a project which is a larger undertaking.

I'm thinking each person makes and receives one original work of art, people to be randomly assigned. Sized the same, same prompt. But I just can;t see doing an original work for an entire group of people. Also, it would allow for more people to participate because we won't have to be worried about creating 6, 7, 10 individual paintings.

Therefore this would be a project where we have to be REALLY careful to sign up for because you will leave your assigned partner emptyhanded if you don't follow through.

These are my initial thoughts. I am thinking either mermaids or unicorns. If I wrangle I decide and decide the prompt. That's the catch. :P

[clay]

Thank you, clay! I learned my lesson LOL, now apply it to knowing I have to be on the front end of things or it won't get done.

I'd like to try and wrangle this next one. Gemme mentioned my Mermay project which was a challenge issued by artist Jane Davenport to create a mermaid for every day of the month of may. Each day had a different prompt, up to the person doing the artwork to interpret. I'd like to come up with a prompt and have everyone do an original work of art based on that prompt but I still have a little thinking about logistics and how to work out doing a project which is a larger undertaking.

I'm thinking each person makes and receives one original work of art, people to be randomly assigned. Sized the same, same prompt. But I just can;t see doing an original work for an entire group of people. Also, it would allow for more people to participate because we won't have to be worried about creating 6, 7, 10 individual paintings.

Therefore this would be a project where we have to be REALLY careful to sign up for because you will leave your assigned partner emptyhanded if you don't follow through.

These are my initial thoughts. I am thinking either mermaids or unicorns. If I wrangle I decide and decide the prompt. That's the catch. :P

YVW my friend! While it isn't meant to be a "bitter pill", the rules have to be in play!

NOW, this sounds really cool, BUT I do not know if I can "afford" to do one every day for a month, etc. BUT I will wait to see how, what, why, where, & when...you know, all those pesky little parameters to keep us all on the straight & narrow....:).

I haven't been on very much last few weeks for various reasons, BUT I DO always check for this thread & my amazing friends here...I love us all!

[candy_coated_bitch]

YVW my friend! While it isn't meant to be a "bitter pill", the rules have to be in play!

NOW, this sounds really cool, BUT I do not know if I can "afford" to do one every day for a month, etc. BUT I will wait to see how, what, why, where, & when...you know, all those pesky little parameters to keep us all on the straight & narrow....:).

I haven't been on very much last few weeks for various reasons, BUT I DO always check for this thread & my amazing friends here...I love us all!


Oh, I didn;t mean do it for a month. Just ONE piece. I was just using the mermaid prompt story as the jumping off point for this project.

[sis]

Well, I'm wading in to comment on the 'timeout' thingy. I took a self-imposed timeout when we did the CD project. Breathless was the wrangler, I was living in China and very concerned my pieces wouldn't arrive on time so she graciously gave me the project info early. So early, that my project was almost winging its way to Breathless when it was posted for the initial sign-up. Breathless in turn sent our projects to one of our group (I can't remember who it was) who agreed to receive all the US participants AND divvy everything up and send the packets back to those who participated. Unfortunately, the packet Breathless sent to the US wrangler did not get received (actually, I don't know if it was ever received).

And NO ONE SAID ANYTHING!

I took it upon myself to take a timeout AND re-do the project at my own expense. I was extremely embarrassed however did feel better after it was received by each of the US participants. Even though NO ONE SAID ANYTHING I took the rules very seriously. I had no control over it and the others participating would not be getting my contribution. It doesn't matter 'why' it was late - that equates with 'timeout' according to our rules.

I'm going to do the 'Canadian thingy' that I hear others talk about and apologize if I sound a bit grumpy/cranky/perturbed. We have rules that we ALL agreed on at the time. We should follow them or re-visit the rules to modify them.

Deb (who is in desperate need of a cup of :tea:)

[clay]

Deb...I remember this project and that was what I was talking about when I said one project wasn't ever received...knowing how you must have felt, when no one got yours, so I said nothing, but I very much know...Besame was the one who volunteered to wrangle that for Breathless! I personally thanked you for the redo so we would get a project!
I did not think you should do a self imposed time out...but respected your choice. I did know, and I felt badly, for that untimely event! To my knowledge, no one ever got that particular package. It was well beyond your control however.

Anyway, I am sorry for not saying anything....sometimes, I feel I should be quiet, so as to not to sound like a rabble rouser.

I am sorry if we let you down by not saying anything, one way or another, and I think Gemme said it best, each wrangler has final say so, so to speak. I think each wrangler should shoulder the responsibility to keep things transparent, above board, and keep us all well aware of what & how things happen.
Please accept my humblest apology, Deb.....I am truly sorry we made you feel that way......hugs....Well, I'm wading in to comment on the 'timeout' thingy. I took a self-imposed timeout when we did the CD project. Breathless was the wrangler, I was living in China and very concerned my pieces wouldn't arrive on time so she graciously gave me the project info early. So early, that my project was almost winging its way to Breathless when it was posted for the initial sign-up. Breathless in turn sent our projects to one of our group (I can't remember who it was) who agreed to receive all the US participants AND divvy everything up and send the packets back to those who participated. Unfortunately, the packet Breathless sent to the US wrangler did not get received (actually, I don't know if it was ever received).

And NO ONE SAID ANYTHING!

I took it upon myself to take a timeout AND re-do the project at my own expense. I was extremely embarrassed however did feel better after it was received by each of the US participants. Even though NO ONE SAID ANYTHING I took the rules very seriously. I had no control over it and the others participating would not be getting my contribution. It doesn't matter 'why' it was late - that equates with 'timeout' according to our rules.

I'm going to do the 'Canadian thingy' that I hear others talk about and apologize if I sound a bit grumpy/cranky/perturbed. We have rules that we ALL agreed on at the time. We should follow them or re-visit the rules to modify them.

Deb (who is in desperate need of a cup of :tea:)

[nycfem]

My opinion is:

Rules stay exact same and are followed precisely the same for everyone. If at the beginning of a project, someone from outside the US chimes in that they would appreciate an extra 2 weeks (or something that seems okay to everyone), I'm cool with that, but once the start date for the project is agreed on by everyone, the rules are firm.

[clay]

My opinion is:

Rules stay exact same and are followed precisely the same for everyone. If at the beginning of a project, someone from outside the US chimes in that they would appreciate an extra 2 weeks (or something that seems okay to everyone), I'm cool with that, but once the start date for the project is agreed on by everyone, the rules are firm.

I like the way you think! Thanks nycfem

I agree wholeheartedly. It gets way too confusing...so
precise, clear, & simple...period!

[nanners]

The projects are in the mail with the exception of Breathless’s because I don’t have her address yet. They should arrive on Saturday for most of you. I do have tracking numbers on all of them.

When I receive Breathless’s, I’ll send hers out to all of you and send yours to her.

I vote for keeping the rules as is and enforcing them. Adding an extra week for non-US mail is ok with me. Ya, just call this mostly sweet girl a hard ass. LOL!

[Gemme]

Thank you, clay! I learned my lesson LOL, now apply it to knowing I have to be on the front end of things or it won't get done.

I'd like to try and wrangle this next one. Gemme mentioned my Mermay project which was a challenge issued by artist Jane Davenport to create a mermaid for every day of the month of may. Each day had a different prompt, up to the person doing the artwork to interpret. I'd like to come up with a prompt and have everyone do an original work of art based on that prompt but I still have a little thinking about logistics and how to work out doing a project which is a larger undertaking.

I'm thinking each person makes and receives one original work of art, people to be randomly assigned. Sized the same, same prompt. But I just can't see doing an original work for an entire group of people. Also, it would allow for more people to participate because we won't have to be worried about creating 6, 7, 10 individual paintings.

Therefore this would be a project where we have to be REALLY careful to sign up for because you will leave your assigned partner emptyhanded if you don't follow through.

These are my initial thoughts. I am thinking either mermaids or unicorns. If I wrangle I decide and decide the prompt. That's the catch. :P

I, as you know, love this idea. I wouldn't have brought it up if I didn't. I vote for mermaids, if we're adding our input. I'm fine with you wrangling and I'm fine with you choosing the prompt and if there are mailing issues, I'm close enough to just drive the damn thing to you.

What size were you thinking?

:rubberducky:

Well, I'm wading in to comment on the 'timeout' thingy. I took a self-imposed timeout when we did the CD project. Breathless was the wrangler, I was living in China and very concerned my pieces wouldn't arrive on time so she graciously gave me the project info early. So early, that my project was almost winging its way to Breathless when it was posted for the initial sign-up. Breathless in turn sent our projects to one of our group (I can't remember who it was) who agreed to receive all the US participants AND divvy everything up and send the packets back to those who participated. Unfortunately, the packet Breathless sent to the US wrangler did not get received (actually, I don't know if it was ever received).

And NO ONE SAID ANYTHING!

I took it upon myself to take a timeout AND re-do the project at my own expense. I was extremely embarrassed however did feel better after it was received by each of the US participants. Even though NO ONE SAID ANYTHING I took the rules very seriously. I had no control over it and the others participating would not be getting my contribution. It doesn't matter 'why' it was late - that equates with 'timeout' according to our rules.

I'm going to do the 'Canadian thingy' that I hear others talk about and apologize if I sound a bit grumpy/cranky/perturbed. We have rules that we ALL agreed on at the time. We should follow them or re-visit the rules to modify them.

Deb (who is in desperate need of a cup of :tea:)


Honestly, I'd have to go back through the thread to find out how everything panned out but I do remember the project. I had a hard time with that one. Did you do the watermelon magnet? It's on my fridge but there's no name on the back.

Again, without going back to check I can't be 100% certain, but I think that you were very upfront about it all so there wasn't anything else to say. I could be wrong as it's been a while but I thought you were great about the whole situation and agree that we can't start bending the rules here and there because eventually the weak spots will break and it'll all go to Hell in a handbasket.

Some people don't take these projects as seriously as others. Maybe I take them too seriously. They are important to me and I know the time and thought that I put into them, even if the finished product doesn't look like it, so I respect the time and effort others put into their work as well. In fact, I still have EVERY project that I've participated in.

Maybe that's why I have so much crap in my craft room.
:blink:

I think you make excellent points in the underlined text. If the majority want to tweak the rules, I have no problem working that out but am usually of the 'if it's not broke, don't fix it' mentality.

I went back to the first project I initiated here in January of 2010--it was a GREAT way to start off the New Year!--and the rules initially said that the projects must have a post date of a particular date.

If memory serves me, even when they had an 'on time' post date, projects were held up as they came in from different parts of the world and that's part of how we evolved into our current rules and time frames. We wanted to make sure that the participants knew exactly when their projects were due, exactly when they arrived, exactly when they would be put together and exactly when to expect them in their greedy little hands. Why participate if you didn't know if you were going to get anything back? So we worked those rules out.

The time outs came along because the process wasn't being completed in a timely manner. What was the ramification if one was late and held everyone else up? Nothing. So we did something about that so there was an incentive to get them in on time. That's how we got to the time out clause and it's worked without issue up to this point.

My fear is that we will begin to judge one another's situations. For example, I was late because my kid was in the hospital versus I was late because I lost my job and had to wait for funds to come in to mail it out, but it was done on time. Both situations SUCK and both could lead to projects being received late. IMO, both should take some time off. Granted, these are extreme examples but I think they need to be for my point to get across. I don't want to be put in that situation of having to choose who is more worthy of a 'free pass' (stealing Lyte's phrase). I respect all of my co-participants equally and don't want anyone to feel less than for any reason.

My opinion is:

Rules stay exact same and are followed precisely the same for everyone. If at the beginning of a project, someone from outside the US chimes in that they would appreciate an extra 2 weeks (or something that seems okay to everyone), I'm cool with that, but once the start date for the project is agreed on by everyone, the rules are firm.

This is good! Beauty and brains.

Going forward, is everyone okay with making a modification to the time frame if we do it before the final sign up closes?

How it could work is CCB writes out her time frame for the Mer/corn Project and if sis wants to sign up, she'll add a note onto her name.

Sign up
1. CCB
2. Gemme
3. nyc
4. clay
5. nan
6. sis----please add 7 days to the project for mailing?
7. Besame

so on and so forth

If no additional time is requested by the date of the final sign up, that's it.

We've actually added two time frames for folks. The one in which the wrangler is supposed to receive the project and one additional week for mailing and whatnot. The other option is to automatically extend the LATE LATE time frame to TWO weeks beyond the initial time frame.

Projects are due in CCB's hands by July 31st. Projects are late and you will be on a timeout by August 14th. Normally, it would be August 7th as the final final deadline.

I'm okay with either option but only with ONE option, not both. Then it gets into waiting months for the projects to come back and that's what we were trying to avoid.

[clay]

Excellent points, Gemme. Thank you!

I am in agreement with your stated option...as suggested by nycfem that you bolded.

I would like to see us emphasize "vacation"posting rule......."I am on a 6 month vacation from future projects, beginning 07/01/18 until January 01/2019! Transparency & clarity helps keep things rolling!

I am up for CCB's project, I prefer mermaids versus unicorns...:)... and for CCB to wrangle it!

[candy_coated_bitch]

I agree with the aforementioned handling if the rule. Everyone gets their time out, no exceptions. And if someone is mailing from another country, and feels they need extra time to ensure mailing, then the request is made at sign up, at the beginning of the project.

I will think on how to word my project and write it up by tomorrow. I was also leaning towards mermaids so since two other people have said they prefer mermaids, that's good enough for me.

The size of the finished pieces needs to be consistent, so I could use input on sizing. Keeping in mind that you will be creating ONE special painting. I think it needs to be substantial but not too big obviously. I am not a good one to answer this because I am used to working a very large scale. I don't know what would be a reasonable size for everyone.

[sis]

Somehow I don't have the quote thingy figured out ..... I'm quoting Gemme here: Honestly, I'd have to go back through the thread to find out how everything panned out but I do remember the project. I had a hard time with that one. Did you do the watermelon magnet? It's on my fridge but there's no name on the back. Yes, I did the watermelon.

And, again, I'm quoting Gemme here: Again, without going back to check I can't be 100% certain, but I think that you were very upfront about it all so there wasn't anything else to say. I could be wrong as it's been a while but I thought you were great about the whole situation and agree that we can't start bending the rules here and there because eventually the weak spots will break and it'll all go to Hell in a handbasket. I wasn't 'upfront' about anything. I made the decision to take a timeout, re-do my project, and send it out directly to all US participants who had sent their project to Besame. Frankly, I think nothing was 'great' about the whole situation. Again, NO ONE SAID ANYTHING, not even me.

Perhaps some folks think I'm being a witch about stating/clarifying my point.

I will also state that when I was living Overseas the projects I participated in were my lifeline to the Western world. I would share them with co-workers who were amazed at what I had received. I felt like this aging, Femme, single-crochet-hooker actually had some talent that could be shared and, in turn, be appreciated. My participation in this group encouraged me to start up an exchange with local people (co-workers of all nationalities) that still continues and to which I occasionally participate.

Until 'rules' were implemented EVERY exchange I was a part of had people not sending in their pieces - yes, this one AND the one I started in China. However, the group in China was/are able to meet face-to-face and speak to how they were/are doing to make their commitment and this seemed to help with staying focused and project completion. Depending on the Wrangler, there was/are also physical check-ins which greatly improved project completion - I send photos to the Wrangler for transparency! Now, there are actually three groups of 10 that intermingle and exchange art three times per school year. But, they are a stickler for the rules.

We have a great thing going here but we do need to step-up, be transparent, take responsibility, and take our lumps. With the CD project I fell into a grey area - I did send it to the official Wrangler however it didn't make it to the US Wrangler (out of my control). I did ask Besame for her mailing address so I could mail it directly to her but I wasn't prepared to wait and mail it for the time period she was available to be on be-on-the-lookout-for-BF-packets (My decision; I was concerned it would arrive late).

Still, NO ONE SAID ANYTHING, including me. And, typically, I wouldn't say anything but I realize I am distancing myself from participating. If we're going to talk about rules, maybe ALL packages need to be TRACKED regardless of whether you are in the next city over or halfway around the world. I was able to track all packages I sent from Mainland China to wherever they were going in the world (and they ALL made it to their destination). DHL is a wonderful company. For those in the USA, USPS was fantastic when I lived in NC and WI. Perhaps the cost is prohibitive for some - this is one of the reasons I'm not participating in many projects; perhaps for some it will mean they can't participate. However, TRACKED packages should eliminate the postal service being the cause of projects NOT arriving.

Thank you for reading/listening.

Deb still drinking that :tea:

.

[candy_coated_bitch]

I agree with the aforementioned handling if the rule. Everyone gets their time out, no exceptions. And if someone is mailing from another country, and feels they need extra time to ensure mailing, then the request is made at sign up, at the beginning of the project.

I will think on how to word my project and write it up by tomorrow. I was also leaning towards mermaids so since two other people have said they prefer mermaids, that's good enough for me.

The size of the finished pieces needs to be consistent, so I could use input on sizing. Keeping in mind that you will be creating ONE special painting. I think it needs to be substantial but not too big obviously. I am not a good one to answer this because I am used to working a very large scale. I don't know what would be a reasonable size for everyone.

What about 4 x 6 inches, the average size of s piece of cardstock. Though I would advise cutting watercolor paper down to size if you are going to use wet media at all. Cardstock just can't hold up.

[clay]

So I am okay with the 4x6 size. I am still trying to figure out how this works....BUT am certain the candy coated one will explain it in more detail...(clay is sometimes unable to "see the big picture" (translate 2x4 butch) anyway0.

I am so excited for this next project! Thanks CCB & Gemme for spurring this one on....:).

[Gemme]

I agree with the aforementioned handling if the rule. Everyone gets their time out, no exceptions. And if someone is mailing from another country, and feels they need extra time to ensure mailing, then the request is made at sign up, at the beginning of the project.

I will think on how to word my project and write it up by tomorrow. I was also leaning towards mermaids so since two other people have said they prefer mermaids, that's good enough for me.

The size of the finished pieces needs to be consistent, so I could use input on sizing. Keeping in mind that you will be creating ONE special painting. I think it needs to be substantial but not too big obviously. I am not a good one to answer this because I am used to working a very large scale. I don't know what would be a reasonable size for everyone.

Yaaaay! Mermaaaaiiiiids!!!

Yes, I did the watermelon.

I liked that one. As I said, I still have it on my fridge.

I wasn't 'upfront' about anything. I made the decision to take a timeout, re-do my project, and send it out directly to all US participants who had sent their project to Besame. Frankly, I think nothing was 'great' about the whole situation. Again, NO ONE SAID ANYTHING, not even me.

Perhaps some folks think I'm being a witch about stating/clarifying my point.

No, not a witch. I'd be upset too.

We have a great thing going here but we do need to step-up, be transparent, take responsibility, and take our lumps. With the CD project I fell into a grey area - I did send it to the official Wrangler however it didn't make it to the US Wrangler (out of my control). I did ask Besame for her mailing address so I could mail it directly to her but I wasn't prepared to wait and mail it for the time period she was available to be on be-on-the-lookout-for-BF-packets (My decision; I was concerned it would arrive late).

Still, NO ONE SAID ANYTHING, including me. And, typically, I wouldn't say anything but I realize I am distancing myself from participating. If we're going to talk about rules, maybe ALL packages need to be TRACKED regardless of whether you are in the next city over or halfway around the world. I was able to track all packages I sent from Mainland China to wherever they were going in the world (and they ALL made it to their destination). DHL is a wonderful company. For those in the USA, USPS was fantastic when I lived in NC and WI. Perhaps the cost is prohibitive for some - this is one of the reasons I'm not participating in many projects; perhaps for some it will mean they can't participate. However, TRACKED packages should eliminate the postal service being the cause of projects NOT arriving.

I mentioned this point earlier.



What about 4 x 6 inches, the average size of s piece of cardstock. Though I would advise cutting watercolor paper down to size if you are going to use wet media at all. Cardstock just can't hold up.

I think either 4x6 or 5x7 would be good. Big enough to show something nice but not too big to be overwhelming.

So I am okay with the 4x6 size. I am still trying to figure out how this works....BUT am certain the candy coated one will explain it in more detail...(clay is sometimes unable to "see the big picture" (translate 2x4 butch) anyway0.

I am so excited for this next project! Thanks CCB & Gemme for spurring this one on....:).

Okay, now stop trying to make things more complicated than they are. That's my job.

:eyebrow:

We will be doing ONE piece. That one piece will be exchanged with one person. Basically, CCB will play artsy matchmaker. You make your mermaid (yaaaaay!) for that person and that person will make a mermaid just for you (yaaaaay!). It's like a matchbox project without the matchbox. lol Totally distinctive and designed with the recipient in mind. I think it's an awesome idea.

Now, question. What happens if we have an odd number of participants? Will we have a group of three that will exchange if that should happen?

[nycfem]

I like 4 by 6.

Oh, and I also loved the watermelon magnet. It was a stand out.

[candy_coated_bitch]

Yaaaay! Mermaaaaiiiiids!!!





I think either 4x6 or 5x7 would be good. Big enough to show something nice but not too big to be overwhelming.



Okay, now stop trying to make things more complicated than they are. That's my job.

:eyebrow:

We will be doing ONE piece. That one piece will be exchanged with one person. Basically, CCB will play artsy matchmaker. You make your mermaid (yaaaaay!) for that person and that person will make a mermaid just for you (yaaaaay!). It's like a matchbox project without the matchbox. lol Totally distinctive and designed with the recipient in mind. I think it's an awesome idea.

Now, question. What happens if we have an odd number of participants? Will we have a group of three that will exchange if that should happen?

I am going to randomly assign people so the person you make for will not be the person who makes for you. It will be even more interesting that way I thought! I have a system devised already.

I will post details tomorrow, I PROMISE. Everything should then be clear.

[FireSignFemme]

Since we'd only be making a project piece for one person how will we decide who gets who for a partner? Also as far as an uneven number of participants goes how about the wrangler, or someone who volunteers to, sits out if there aren't enough participants for every one to have a partner. I'd be willing to do it. Say seven people sign up I'd just sit out so six people could be partnered up. But if eight people sign up before the deadline then I'd make one for the whichever person I'm assigned to. I wouldn't want to do it all the time for every exchange but I'd volunteer to take a turn at it. It's not like we have a lot of these one on one projects. Lastly, I liked the idea of people making either a mermaid or a unicorn to give – their choice, rather than everyone has to make the same thing. Everyone would make a painting just we'd have a choice about which of the two mythological creatures we make to give. Well unless anyone has a mermaid or unicorn phobia. In which case you have your partner now work it out amongst yourselves via private message.

[candy_coated_bitch]

If there's an uneven number of participants I will partner twice and create two paintings. I will randomly pair people together myself as Wrangler.

The theme is mermaids. I'm not budging on it at this point. The whole point is we all do the same exact prompt and see how each person interprets it differently. Sorry but I'm a hardass when it comes to my projects.

Also, can we PLEASE save questions and comments until I have posted the description of the project tomorrow? Most things will be cleared up once I post.

Also also, please remember I am now officially Wrangler so it's my project and my guidelines from this point on. Sorry if people feel butthurt about it, but that's just how I am. If enough people don't want me to wrangle this project I'll step down.

[nycfem]

I liked the idea of people making either a mermaid or a unicorn to give – their choice, rather than everyone has to make the same thing. Everyone would make a painting just we'd have a choice about which of the two mythological creatures we make to give.

I was thinking the same thing.

[candy_coated_bitch]

I was thinking the same thing.

It kind of misses the whole point of the project though, which is to have everyone interpret the same prompt. If you're picking and choosing between mermaids and unicorns, it's no longer the same prompt. That's my only issue with it. Does that make sense?

The point is to have the same exact jumping off point and have everyone interpret it. When I said I was choosing between mermaids and unicorns I meant in my head I'd been deciding whether the prompt would be about mermaids OR unicorns, not that we were doing both. I apologize if that was unclear.

[candy_coated_bitch]

Ok, I'd like to post the project guidelines/my vision BEFORE we start hashing out details. I'm going to do that at 5AM because frankly I'm a little cranky about all the comments and questions when I specifically asked people to please wait until I posted the project. I'm also on my period, so please excuse my lack of more patience LOL. I'm gonna work on the project right now and get it up ASAP but will probably take a while to type up.

I will *NOT* be posting sign ups yet, to let people speak their minds but I also feel too many cooks in the kitchen can be a bad thing better than a good thing but I also know we've been a democratic thread so I will CONSIDER other points of view before finalizing the project for sign ups.

[candy_coated_bitch]

***MERMAID PAINTING EXTRAVAGANZA***

This project was born out of a personal project I did myself during the month of May with another online art group. The fabulous mixed media artist Jane Davenport started a project called "Mermay" and the idea was this: It was centered around mermaids, hence it being "Mermay". For every day of the month of may she issued a prompt for the day for everyone to interpret in their own way with the only restriction being that it had to be a mermaid. For instance one prompt was "Spectacles and tentacles" one was "Hello sailor" and another was "Musical scales". I did do a mermaid every day for the month of May and Gemme followed this on Facebook, which brings us here.

She said she enjoyed seeing my mermaids every day and would like to see a project where everyone interpreted the same prompt, like I did for Mermay, in this thread. So I of course jumped on it and said wow, I'd love to wrangle that. Perhaps I did so prematurely, but stick with me folks until the end before we discuss the project.

Now, what made Mermay fun is that it was a Facebook group of 20,000 people interpreting the SAME prompt every day and coming up with such diverse works of art. You wouldn't believe some people's ingenuity. I'd love to do that here.

The idea for our project is thus: create ONE painting for your partner interpreting the prompt/challenge I issue to the group. For this project I would like to introduce the prompt of creating a mermaid with FRECKLES AND SPECKLES in mind. This can be interpreted in any way you see fit. Use your imaginations! (Again, the whole point being seeing how people interpret the same prompt). Everyone will create their painting for their partner, which will randomly be assigned by me. I will NOT be personally be pairing people together to be fair. It will be more of a pick names out of a hat type of dealio. In the event of an odd number of participants I volunteer as wrangler to partner with the extra person as well and make two paintings. I'll end up getting two paintings in my possession in the end, which may not seem fair, but I will also be putting forth twice the work not to mention wrangling so that's my way of dealing with an odd number of participants.

THE PAINTING: should be 5 x 7 inches in size to allow enough room to do a proper painting but still be easily mailable. PLEASE be thoughtful in your process as everyone will be working very hard on this and wants to receive something as special as they made so bring out your bells and whistles! It's not a contest about ability, anyone can join, but just be sure to put your best foot forward and put time and thought into your painting. Please make sure the painting is the correct size and flat enough to mail reasonably. I like my embellishments as much as the next girl or guy, and you can use some but please don't try and send something through the mail that's 3D or super heavy.

I suggest everyone cut a piece of watercolor paper down to size instead of using cardstock, as cardstock tends to buckle when anything wet is introduced. So if you want to use paint or even Mod Podge, please consider this suggestion. If you are using only dry media, such as colored pencils or crayons or fabric, cardstock should suffice but good quality paper is always a nice touch. That's just my plug.

THE TIMELINE: I suggest 8 weeks to complete this project. It's involved and I want to allow people to really use their imaginations and create something that showcases their best ability and effort. The sign up (once I post it) will be up for one week, then the 8 week period will commence. If anyone out of the country feels they need extra time to allow for longer mailing periods PLEASE mention it at the front end of the project when you sign up and we will add an extra week (I think this is what we decided) for you. All rules and regulations apply to this project but I'm not going to ass the blurb now.

Ok, feel free to discuss: the mermaid vs. unicorn dilemma (knowing I STRONGLY feel it should just be mermaids), size of project, timelines, etc. I will try to check my impatience and be open to suggestions and what the majority of the group wants. The one thing I will NOT budge on is my prompt of SPECKLES AND FRECKLES.

[Gemme]

I like it. I feel the same as you in that the subject should be the same but you're going to be the only one who sees that all of them are the same. Would everyone be willing for CCB to post a pic on the site (there's a spot for our stuff in the gallery already) once we've received them back to show the different interpretations?

The other option is that each pairing do the same subject but that could get very complicated for CCB.

Other than that, I think the time frame is good. The size is good. I can work with the prompt.

Sorry for the questions. You know how we get.

:blink:

You did good, kid!

[clay]

I am on board with all of the parameters mentioned. I DO have several cold pressed watercolor tablets and LOVE it. I use it on our projects often! I also have a plethora of watercolors in my studio apt!

I like we all have the SAME subject...mermaids....

I like how the pairings will be random drawings, and how "odd number" signups will be done. I agree you should get two and do two if the signups turn out odd numbers!

I like the timeline!

Clear, precise parameters!

Proud of you, kid!! Good job!!

[GeorgiaMa'am]

I agree with everything CCB. The only thing I ask that you add is Gemme's suggestion of posting pics of our artwork after we have received them. It feels very unfair (!) and also misses out on an important aspect of the project if only you get to see all the artworks and different interpretations, and we each only get to see one. I realize this is also asking you to do extra work, but I would personally appreciate it very much. One alternative I can suggest - everyone could send in their original artwork, and enough photocopies for everyone else. That way, each person would receive one original artwork and photocopies of all the others. (This is just an alternative idea for everyone's perusal, I am equally open to either the pics in the gallery or photocopies.)

[candy_coated_bitch]

Thanks for your input clay, Gemme, and GeorgiaMa'am.

I agree that an esstential part of the project is lost when you only get to see one person's interpretation of the theme. I like GeorgiaMa'am's idea of submitting enough photocopies with the original for the other participants so everyone gets to see what everyone else did!

[nanners]

I have some ideas but no time to post right now. I will post this evening sometime. One of my ideas was that maybe I could photograph my painting, and have it printed out in five by sevens for the other participants. This could get to be a little more expensive than I want, but maybe a photo of that is 4 x 6 would work. I have a feeling if I use watercolors they’re not going to copy well, hence the photograph instead.

[Kätzchen]

I won't be able to participate in the next group art project, but I like mermaid art and will look forward to reading about ccb's latest group artwork project.

Also, I just want to express my appreciation to all members (past and present) for the genuine commarderie among everyone and to say also, that I am proud of everyone for expressing their views and assisting in negotiating for equity among members of the art group, and for clarity and application of rules for member participation.


--K. :bunchflowers:

[clay]

I haz got some truly unique "pieces" of nature. My package came today...:)

One is not signed and one I am unable to read the signature...BUT I am fairly certain I know whose it is....:)

Every piece is truly unique & I love the variances of "nature".

Yellow indeed! hehe

Thank you everyone on doing this project! I heart you all and I too, have every single project we have ever done. I keep each on in an envelope with the list of who was in it...and I LOVE them all. I take them out often to look at them, smile, and remember where we all were at any given time, so far as projects go!

One in particular was a tiny zen garden, replete with tools, etc..I LOVE that one!

[clay]

Agree with Georgia Ma'am on the photo copies of the projects to share with the others. I really do wish I could see the other projects for each one.

Mine will have to be photocopy WHEN I can get my password back into my copier...:(. It is wireless and screen to type into is size of postage stamp...:(

I loved when the projects got posted in the gallery made esp for this thread!!! I just know I can't post in the gallery....I iz a dummy...lol

[Kätzchen]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, for all the precious ATC art I received today in the mail!!!

Each ATC was an joy to see and I loved the personal notes and cards that came with them. :stillheart:

What an group of amazing artists we have in our community!

I treasure each one and I thank each one of you from the bottom of my heart.



--K. :hk2:

[nycfem]

CCB, first (and I put this in rep but mentioning here too), you and I were posting at the same time, so I missed your post reminding folks to wait on the input and gave input! How embarrassing. My apologies!

I'm good with mermaids. I'm good with 5 by 7. I'm good with photocopies. I personally prefer photocopies because I am a little more private with my art and like to keep it amongst the group, but that's just me.

I have some questions / clarifications:

1) If I am understanding correctly, it can be a watercolor painting but alternatively the participant is allowed to choose a different type of paint or dry media only (pens, pencils, crayons, markers). Is this correct?

2) Is collage another option, and if so can it all be collage, and if not, what is the ratio that generally could be collage? I am thinking along the lines of something like tiny torn paper collages, that kind of thing. With a 5 by 7 background of course.

3) Will we know who we are making the art for once the sign-up has closed and you have had time to draw the names from a hat? I am hoping yes, as I like to use that individual as a muse while I work on the art.

4) Is it okay to integrate words into our projects?

[candy_coated_bitch]

CCB, first (and I put this in rep but mentioning here too), you and I were posting at the same time, so I missed your post reminding folks to wait on the input and gave input! How embarrassing. My apologies!

I'm good with mermaids. I'm good with 5 by 7. I'm good with photocopies. I personally prefer photocopies because I am a little more private with my art and like to keep it amongst the group, but that's just me.

I have some questions / clarifications:

1) If I am understanding correctly, it can be a watercolor painting but alternatively the participant is allowed to choose a different type of paint or dry media only (pens, pencils, crayons, markers). Is this correct?

2) Is collage another option, and if so can it all be collage, and if not, what is the ratio that generally could be collage? I am thinking along the lines of something like tiny torn paper collages, that kind of thing. With a 5 by 7 background of course.

3) Will we know who we are making the art for once the sign-up has closed and you have had time to draw the names from a hat? I am hoping yes, as I like to use that individual as a muse while I work on the art.

4) Is it okay to integrate words into our projects?

1) It does NOT have to be a watercolor painting, I was just saying watercolor paper usually makes the best base. You can color pencil, crayon, marker, acrylic your little heart out. There are NO rules as to what can be used.

2) Collage is absolutely an option. I'd like to keep it to the 5x7 size, but that's the only constraint. What you described sounds perfect.

3) I will announce the partners as soon as I have assigned them so you can know who you are creating for. Using one another as muses is exactly what I want,!

4) Of course :)

Also, no worries about posting a question while I was reminding people to wait, it happens and it was mainly out of my own crankiness anyways, which I apologize for.

I really have ZERO rules or exceptions as far as what materials be used as long as it's notunusually heavy or thick. I don't think that would be a problem with anyone but just keep in mind it does have to be mailed.

I hear you on keeping the copies of art within the group. I think color photocopies is the way to go.

[nycfem]

Thank you very much, CCB. Very excited for the project!

[candy_coated_bitch]

I will wait to post final details and sign ups until we have heard from nanners, as she said she was coming back. Also allow others to chime in with questions or concerns.

[nanners]

And I'm back. The only other idea I had was if we have an odd number of people sign up we could do it like, (example...Gemme makes one for nyc, nyc makes one for nanners, nanners makes one for Clay, Clay makes one for CCB, CCB wraps up the circle by making one for Gemme.

I'm excited for this project and already have some ideas!!
When will the sign up be? If it happens this weekend, please add Thank you CCB!


With that said, I received Breathless's project in the mail today. In light of being transparent as the wrangler, it was postmarked 06/07/2018. I, as the wrangler decided to send out everything to you all without hers until I got them, and send your projects to her when hers was received. I'm going away for the weekend, but I will have them in the mail by Tuesday, in a small envelope with nothing else inside it.

[nycfem]

it was postmarked 06/07/2018.

What does it mean that it is postmarked 6/7/18? That it wasn't mailed until the date of 6/7/18? My apologies for not knowing all the mail terminology :blink:

[candy_coated_bitch]

And I'm back. The only other idea I had was if we have an odd number of people sign up we could do it like, (example...Gemme makes one for nyc, nyc makes one for nanners, nanners makes one for Clay, Clay makes one for CCB, CCB wraps up the circle by making one for Gemme.

I tried figuring it out that way too and for some reason it didn't add up for me. One person was always left out, but your idea seems to have worked here. hmmmm. My mind is NOT good with this stuff, but if doing it in a circular way works we will do it that way so I don't have to do two paintings. Will someone else check the math on nanner's method for me and make sure it really does add up? Like with 7 or 9 participants?

I'm excited for this project and already have some ideas!!
When will the sign up be? If it happens this weekend, please add Thank you CCB!

The sign up will go out Sunday and I will sign you up.


With that said, I received Breathless's project in the mail today. In light of being transparent as the wrangler, it was postmarked 06/07/2018. I, as the wrangler decided to send out everything to you all without hers until I got them, and send your projects to her when hers was received. I'm going away for the weekend, but I will have them in the mail by Tuesday, in a small envelope with nothing else inside it.

..............

[nanners]

What does it mean that it is postmarked 6/7/18? That it wasn't mailed until the date of 6/7/18? My apologies for not knowing all the mail terminology :blink:

That is correct. It was mailed on 6/7/18 from Canada.

[candy_coated_bitch]

That is correct. It was mailed on 6/7/18 from Canada.

Ok, so I'm just going to address this bluntly and be like Denzel Washington in Philadelphia, "so explain this to me like I'm a five year old."

Projects were due June 1st, correct? And officially late and on the naughty list on the 8th, correct? So we're saying Breathless mailed out her project, from Canada, one day before the late and on the naughty list cut off point? And she's been lying about it?

Because I feel like we should call this a spade where there's a spade and be super transparent about this. Because it personally does not sit right with me. At all.

What does the group think? Am I the only one scandalized by this? Should special consequences exist? I hate to be the ass hole to completely call this out, but I mean, wtf?

[Gemme]

2) Is collage another option, and if so can it all be collage, and if not, what is the ratio that generally could be collage? I am thinking along the lines of something like tiny torn paper collages, that kind of thing. With a 5 by 7 background of course.


This is SUCH a good idea!!!! I love this and just may have to steal it.

1) It does NOT have to be a watercolor painting, I was just saying watercolor paper usually makes the best base. You can color pencil, crayon, marker, acrylic your little heart out. There are NO rules as to what can be used.

2) Collage is absolutely an option. I'd like to keep it to the 5x7 size, but that's the only constraint. What you described sounds perfect.

3) I will announce the partners as soon as I have assigned them so you can know who you are creating for. Using one another as muses is exactly what I want,!

4) Of course :)

Also, no worries about posting a question while I was reminding people to wait, it happens and it was mainly out of my own crankiness anyways, which I apologize for.

I really have ZERO rules or exceptions as far as what materials be used as long as it's notunusually heavy or thick. I don't think that would be a problem with anyone but just keep in mind it does have to be mailed.

I hear you on keeping the copies of art within the group. I think color photocopies is the way to go.

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!

Small print kind of clarification, please. We are just doing this on some sort of base like we normally use or can we use canvas? I'm thinking that might not get too thick if we're just sending one or two pieces out at a time. What say you, oh wrangler goddess?

Not that I plan on using canvas but I feel I haven't been difficult enough lately, so there you go.

:blink:

CCB said: I tried figuring it out that way too and for some reason it didn't add up for me. One person was always left out, but your idea seems to have worked here. hmmmm. My mind is NOT good with this stuff, but if doing it in a circular way works we will do it that way so I don't have to do two paintings. Will someone else check the math on nanner's method for me and make sure it really does add up? Like with 7 or 9 participants?

Let's work this out! 9 below, with the top person sending to the person below and the final person on the list sending to the top person.

CCB
to
nyc
to
Gemme
to
nan
to
clay
to
Besame
to
Tommi
to
FireSignFemme
to
Pure to CCB

I think it works, if we wind up with an odd number. What do you think?

Ok, so I'm just going to address this bluntly and be like Denzel Washington in Philadelphia, "so explain this to me like I'm a five year old."

Projects were due June 1st, correct? And officially late and on the naughty list on the 8th, correct? So we're saying Breathless mailed out her project, from Canada, one day before the late and on the naughty list cut off point? And she's been lying about it?

Because I feel like we should call this a spade where there's a spade and be super transparent about this. Because it personally does not sit right with me. At all.

What does the group think? Am I the only one scandalized by this? Should special consequences exist? I hate to be the ass hole to completely call this out, but I mean, wtf?

Nor I.

This does sound disheartening. To play Devil's Advocate, is the postmark of 6/7/18 the original postmark or the postmark from it crossing the border?

If it's the original postmark from when it was originally mailed, then we all need to have a very serious discussion. If it's a postmark from when it crossed over into the US, then that gives more credibility to what Breathless said.

[Abigail Crabby]

I'm not going to go back and read all the posts. Can someone explain to me how this all works?

[clay]

I'm not going to go back and read all the posts. Can someone explain to me how this all works?

Let me give this a shot!

1. We get an idea or a theme for a project!
2. A wrangler is decided on...usually one of the "longtimers" here who is familiar with, has experience in wrangling, and can handle the dispensation of said projects in specified time frame.
3. The wrangler gets everyone's addresses, sorts & packages up the goodies once all are received, and mails them back out.
4. A monetary fee....agreed upon by group, is sent in with projects once completed, to the wrangler. This money is to package said goodies up, mail back out. Depending on the projects, sizes, embellishments, etc...the mailings generally go back in smaller boxes OR padded envelopes. Once in a while, we get really "creative" & zealous (don't we,clay?!) and things require bigger packaging. Most all projects get returned a week or less after wrangler gets them all.
5. The wrangler is usually who has the choice of project parameters, and once concensus is reached on said project, parameters are then set forth by said wrangler. We have usually 1 week to sign up. During that said week, one can decide to unsign up, and still be able to participate in other future projects.
6. Once the week of signups is closed, and someone signed up, then is not able to participate, that person would not be allowed to join in on any projects for 6 months. BUT can still post in the thread.
7. Anyone who does get a 6 month sit out, is required to come on thread to post their time period...example....Susie will post...I wasn't able to meet my commitment for said project for 6 months, beginning May 23, 2018 until November 23, 2018. THIS is for clarity, transparency, and to ensure consistency in continuity of projects successfully!
8. Anyone considering signing up should read all the rules/parameters/deadlines explicitly, so as to assure their participation in project.
9. Hope this helps. I am certain others will be along to post as well. I think I got it all covered.

Thanks for coming by & inquiring. May you be considering joining in? Welcome...

[clay]

Thank you for being brave enough to open this dialog.
It has not & did NOT sit well with me..AT ALL!
The postmark is the only one on the envelope, and clearly reads name of town she lives in, and IS postmarked June 7, 2018!
I am extremely upset by all of this and even more so by fact no apology & ownership has been made..nothing.
This IS NOT the first time a project was alluded to being sent on xyz date, & once received, wasn't mailed at all when was stated it was. One other project I wrangled, the wax resist one, this happened as well. Project was mailed out after specified timeframe, and was supposedly held up at customs....but came in by DHL...postmark was nowhere near stated time it was sent..was postmarked 5 days before final due date......anyway....I delayed sending projects back out...then mailing her package back cost $26....far more than the $5 fee we had going then.
My point is we have had more "issues" than not with projects being late or not even received.
I feel so down about all of this & have been troubled by it, and to find out the package actually wasn't even mailed til one day before final due date!.No Bueno.

I do not know how to multi quote, but to go off Gemme's post. NO, it has only ONE postmark and is postmarked by the post office where she lives! June 07, 2018! Had it been "sitting in customs", there would be all manner of postmarkings, etc...
CCB, I am so very proud of you for starting this and having the guts to post. I absolutely agree we should discuss this as a group & that TRANSPARENCY is a must!!! Unfortunately, it HAS to be even more so now. I am all for making photocopies of the future projects & sending to everyone in our group. I respect keeping that artwork within our group. Thanks everyone.

[nycfem]

Not speaking related to Breathless but just reflecting on the general issues some of the concerns raise, this is why we need to follow the rules without exceptions, both for participants and for wranglers. All that we can know for sure is if we have a package in our hands by a certain date.

[candy_coated_bitch]

This is SUCH a good idea!!!! I love this and just may have to steal it.



Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!

Small print kind of clarification, please. We are just doing this on some sort of base like we normally use or can we use canvas? I'm thinking that might not get too thick if we're just sending one or two pieces out at a time. What say you, oh wrangler goddess?

Not that I plan on using canvas but I feel I haven't been difficult enough lately, so there you go.

:blink:

I wouldn't stop someone from doing it on canvas if their dear little heart were set on it, but I wouldn't love it either lol.

CCB said: I tried figuring it out that way too and for some reason it didn't add up for me. One person was always left out, but your idea seems to have worked here. hmmmm. My mind is NOT good with this stuff, but if doing it in a circular way works we will do it that way so I don't have to do two paintings. Will someone else check the math on nanner's method for me and make sure it really does add up? Like with 7 or 9 participants?

Let's work this out! 9 below, with the top person sending to the person below and the final person on the list sending to the top person.

CCB
to
nyc
to
Gemme
to
nan
to
clay
to
Besame
to
Tommi
to
FireSignFemme
to
Pure to CCB

I think it works, if we wind up with an odd number. What do you think?

Works for me! I will mix the names all up so it doesn't go by sign up order and then we will send them out in a big circle. I swear I tried doing that myself and couldn't get it to work. Thank you and thank nanners!

Nor I.

This does sound disheartening. To play Devil's Advocate, is the postmark of 6/7/18 the original postmark or the postmark from it crossing the border?

If it's the original postmark from when it was originally mailed, then we all need to have a very serious discussion. If it's a postmark from when it crossed over into the US, then that gives more credibility to what Breathless said.

Thank you for being brave enough to open this dialog.
It has not & did NOT sit well with me..AT ALL!
The postmark is the only one on the envelope, and clearly reads name of town she lives in, and IS postmarked June 7, 2018!
I am extremely upset by all of this and even more so by fact no apology & ownership has been made..nothing.
This IS NOT the first time a project was alluded to being sent on xyz date, & once received, wasn't mailed at all when was stated it was. One other project I wrangled, the wax resist one, this happened as well. Project was mailed out after specified timeframe, and was supposedly held up at customs....but came in by DHL...postmark was nowhere near stated time it was sent..was postmarked 5 days before final due date......anyway....I delayed sending projects back out...then mailing her package back cost $26....far more than the $5 fee we had going then.
My point is we have had more "issues" than not with projects being late or not even received.
I feel so down about all of this & have been troubled by it, and to find out the package actually wasn't even mailed til one day before final due date!.No Bueno.

I do not know how to multi quote, but to go off Gemme's post. NO, it has only ONE postmark and is postmarked by the post office where she lives! June 07, 2018! Had it been "sitting in customs", there would be all manner of postmarkings, etc...
CCB, I am so very proud of you for starting this and having the guts to post. I absolutely agree we should discuss this as a group & that TRANSPARENCY is a must!!! Unfortunately, it HAS to be even more so now. I am all for making photocopies of the future projects & sending to everyone in our group. I respect keeping that artwork within our group. Thanks everyone.

I think we do need to have a very frank, serious conversation about this. I think there needs to be consequences and that more people in the group need to chime in. It seems that what has happened was not only has a project turned up late, but the mailing date on the project was lied about. For me, personally, this goes beyond a six month time out.

So, I am going to hold off putting up the sign up and new parameters for my project up until the situation with Breathless has been dealt with. I don't want too much commotion at once and for either to get lost in the shuffle.

[nycfem]

CCB, would you consider the option of canvas or something on the heavier end (I had even been envisioning or toying with the possibility of working with beads), if the individual is willing to send you in advance the extra money that a little bit heavier piece would cost?

[Kätzchen]

It's very unsettling to see the timeline of events.

The member in question posted on June 2nd that they mailed their project envelope 11 days *BEFORE* they posted on June 2nd (see post no. 7056).

Then, Nan posted that she received their package, which was post marked on June 7th, 2018.

I'm an bonded courier who works with sensitive mail for my employer. Here's what I know about technical mail issues:

1) an article of mail, whether it's an envelope or package, is only post marked once. Once.

2) That post mark cancellation stamp appears on the article in question and it's the post mark cancellation anyone sees on any letter, bill or official correspondence. That post mark cancellation stamp is administered by the postal facility from where the article in question is mailed.

3) Each postal office, whether it's here in the US or in another country, applies that cancellation date stamp to articles mailed from any specific place that provides mail services. The place of origination shows usually as city, state, and subsequent country, as viewable on the post mark cancellation stamp applied by that specific mail issuer.

In some instances, as an example, our company has its own Pittney-Bowes mail room machinery that processes outgoing mail. On that post mark cancellation stamp from our facility is the subsequent city, state and country (US), but also contains an set of alpha numeric characters as an identifying set of ID which ID's our mail room to official postal inspectors.

Conversely, in ordinary postal mail services, all that is necessary to trace place of origination is the singlely applied date cancellation stamp which verifies the place where the article in question is mailed. If there is an set of alpha numeric characters on a thin strip of sticker-type ID at the bottom or side of the article, all that means is that it's just another set of ID belonging to the mail services issuer.

All that matters, in most cases of mail, is the single post marked cancellation stamp on the article in question which is found in the upper right hand corner of any article mailed from an postal mailing station (here in the US or anywhere in the world).

To post in the thread that one has mailed their package eleven days before June 2nd, yet when the wrangler receives the article post marked and date stamped for June 7th, constitutes an exaggeration of the truth (my professional opinion).

False facts presented: "(sic) I mailed it eleven days ago, per post on June 2nd" (see post no. 7056).

FACT ON RECORD: Article in question is post marked and date stamped (cancellation stamp) on June 7th, 2018.

Fact on record supercedes false facts provided by member on June 2nd, 2018.

In my own professional work experience and opinion, the only fact believeable in this particular case is the post marked date stamp on the article in question.

--K.

[candy_coated_bitch]

CCB, would you consider the option of canvas or something on the heavier end (I had even been envisioning or toying with the possibility of working with beads), if the individual is willing to send you in advance the extra money that a little bit heavier piece would cost?

Yes, I guess as long as the extra postage is taken into consideration that will be ok.

[nycfem]

Yes, I guess as long as the extra postage is taken into consideration that will be ok.

Thanks, I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet (obviously) but just nice to know possible options.

[clay]

I think this is a rather nasty post! No doubt you mean well but just the same! As with any postal service it's a crap shoot! You surely know that from experiences you've mentioned!

There is a whole lot more going on here, that involves the participants of this project. There is much more to this...multiple instances of either project being late OR never being received at all. I understand maybe once in a while, BUT NOT several times! and I didn't find her post nasty, at all.

The point is...WHEN package was ACTUALLY mailed....we were told that it was mailed around 05/18 BUT the one AND ONLY postmark from her hometown Post Office was June 07, 2018! Which is when it was GIVEN to them....period. Its all there in B&W, my friend!

[nycfem]

Moderation

Homoe, please do not address Katzchen directly on this or any thread. There is a personal history between you and Katzchen that there is no need for me to describe publicly. Please stay away from her. I expect better from you.

Thank you.

[Breathless]

I have read the posts made on this thread in regards to my ‘participation’ To state that I am hurt and very upset about the way some of my ‘friends’ have spoke about me and the accusations made would be the understatement of the century. To those same friends, who are also on my Facebook, and could clearly see that I left the country on May 23 for NZ and did not return until June 13 as I posted with time stamp and location! Seriously! Give your head a shake! How dare you call yourself my friend and call me a liar in the same breath! Anyone who actually knows me, would also know that I do not like negative attention, it stresses me out! So why would I allow myself to be in any highlight, asking about the status of my package if I knew different?

Fact. I did not ask for any special treatment or any additional time.

Fact. I stated myself, that when my package wasn’t received that I was acknowledging that I would be timed out. That was ME accepting responsibility for my mistakes. I do not want and will not accept any special treatment for being late, not matter the reason the package did not arrive on time.

I can not explain why the date stamp says what it says, I’m baffled as well, (reminder I was on the other side of the world when someone decided to finally stamp it and send it.) however that does not give anyone the right to come on here and discuss and bash me publicly to the length I have been.
This was my thread go to when I needed to feel included in something, be a part of something, and now.. not so much!
Time out accepted!

[nycfem]

Everyone, let’s please move on at this point. If we want to revisit some of the issues in a few months, I think that’s reasonable. But right now let’s all simmer down and focus on projects.

[candy_coated_bitch]

On a bright note, I received my ATCs today and they are just wonderful!!! I love each and every one and the package, with all the cards and notes, was such a joy to open! Everyone's love and talent and individuality just shone through. Thank you!

Thanks for wrangling nanners bananers!

I will post the updated guidelines and sign up for my project tomorrow.

[Gemme]

I think we do need to have a very frank, serious conversation about this. I think there needs to be consequences and that more people in the group need to chime in. It seems that what has happened was not only has a project turned up late, but the mailing date on the project was lied about. For me, personally, this goes beyond a six month time out.

So, I am going to hold off putting up the sign up and new parameters for my project up until the situation with Breathless has been dealt with. I don't want too much commotion at once and for either to get lost in the shuffle.

I'd say, like nyc, to just go ahead and move on. I'm super excited about this project, girly!

Thanks, I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet (obviously) but just nice to know possible options.

Don't lie; you wanted to be difficult like me!

:tease:

[Gemme]

On a bright note, I received my ATCs today and they are just wonderful!!! I love each and every one and the package, with all the cards and notes, was such a joy to open! Everyone's love and talent and individuality just shone through. Thank you!

Thanks for wrangling nanners bananers!

I will post the updated guidelines and sign up for my project tomorrow.

Me too! I got mine today and am super happy. I love them all!!!

[nycfem]

I got my ATCS!!!

Tommi- super creative how you open the card through the clouds. Leave it to you to come up with something so creative. Also loved the :rrose:!

Katzchen- love the packaging and the kitty :rrose:. Beautiful work!

Clay!- Both cards were stunning, and I loved the quote!!! It was very special how you included the bark. I always love your personal notes.

CCB- Loved the mushrooms! The owl is so cute! Thank you!

GeorgiaMa'am- I got one that says "For: CCB" It's incredibly cool but if you personalized yours, maybe I can find who got mine and mail CCB hers?

Nanners- Wow, so starkly beautiful are the Northern Lights. Truly exquisite. Immediately touched me.

Besame- I love both what you wrote and the awesome art. You amaze me!

Gemme- I can't say enough how much I loved your ATC. It evokes so much feeling. Also gotta say how much I loved that you used a card from a card deck. It's truly exquisite.

Thanks everyone, and big thanks to Nanners for wrangling a very special project!

[nycfem]

Adding: or if they are all the same, I can just keep the one I received.


GeorgiaMa'am- I got one that says "For: CCB" It's incredibly cool but if you personalized yours, maybe I can find who got mine and mail CCB hers?

[GeorgiaMa'am]

GeorgiaMa'am- I got one that says "For: CCB" It's incredibly cool but if you personalized yours, maybe I can find who got mine and mail CCB hers?

nycfem, they are all more or less the same. It would be fine with me if you keep the one you have, as long as it's okay with whoever got yours instead of their own.

[nycfem]

nycfem, they are all more or less the same. It would be fine with me if you keep the one you have, as long as it's okay with whoever got yours instead of their own.

Sounds good to me, less work :D! And thank you for an amazing ATC! Really creative idea with the photo! Plus the pin (swoon).

[candy_coated_bitch]

Sounds good to me, less work :D! And thank you for an amazing ATC! Really creative idea with the photo! Plus the pin (swoon).

I checked and I got yours! I'm fine with keeping the one I have if both if you are fine with that. The one I got is awesome. But I'm also willing to swap them out.

[candy_coated_bitch]

***MERMAID PAINTING EXTRAVAGANZA***

This project was born out of a personal project I did myself during the month of May with another online art group. The fabulous mixed media artist Jane Davenport started a project called "Mermay" and the idea was this: It was centered around mermaids, hence it being "Mermay". For every day of the month of may she issued a prompt for the day for everyone to interpret in their own way with the only restriction being that it had to be a mermaid. For instance one prompt was "Spectacles and tentacles" one was "Hello sailor" and another was "Musical scales". I did do a mermaid every day for the month of May and Gemme followed this on Facebook, which brings us here.

She said she enjoyed seeing my mermaids every day and would like to see a project where everyone interpreted the same prompt, like I did for Mermay, in this thread. So I of course jumped on it and said wow, I'd love to wrangle that.

Now, what made Mermay fun is that it was a Facebook group of 20,000 people interpreting the SAME prompt every day and coming up with such diverse works of art. You wouldn't believe some people's ingenuity. I'd love to do that here.

How it will work: We will each be randomly assigned *ONE* partner and create "ONE* original painting of a mermaid using the theme FRECKLES AND SPECKLES. Once sign ups are over I will jumble up all of our names and make a list where we "pay it forward" and send out paintings in a circular fashion. (We've tested it, it works for an uneven number of participants!) This way the person you create for will NOT be the same person who creates for you. That keeps it even more interesting. Everyone will be notified of their partner here in the thread after sign ups close so please keep an eye out for that!

In addition to your original piece, please include enough photocopies for the rest of the participants so we can all see everyone's beautiful artwork and how each person differently interpreted the theme. This is part of the fun so please don't neglect this part!

We will have eight weeks to finish our paintings. An additional week will be added on as our usual buffer, and any project received late or if any person who drops out after the sign up has closed they are officially timed out and on the naughty list. I will mail the projects out TWO weeks after the final due date, instead of one, because I want to make sure I take a lot of care packaging up everyone's beautiful pieces to ensure they arrive safely and undamaged.

*DATES TO REMEMBER*
-Sign up starts today, Sunday, June 17th and will close in one week on Saturday, June 23rd at midnight.

-Projects are due in my hands Saturday August 25th. Ofifcially late and on the naughty list on Saturday September 1st. Again, if extra time is needed please speak now or forever hold your peace.

-I will mail projects back out as soon as possible by September 15th, or I am timed out and on the naughty list.

*GUIDELINES* Please create *ONE* original painting for your assigned partner sized 5 x 7 inches on the substrate of your choice, using the theme of a SPECKLED AND FRECKLED mermaid. I highly recommend using a high quality watercolor paper, but there is room to get creative. Use cardstock, cardboard, wood, canvas, etc. The only catch is if your piece is thicker than cardboard, or heavier like wood, or because of lots of embellishing PLEASE include extra money for shipping. The cost for this project will be $7 and $10 if your project is thick, heavy, or exceptionally fragile for some reason to allow for extra packaging and shipping on my end. I'd prefer if folks keep it simple, sturdy, and relatively thin though. Remember, this project has to go through the mail twice. Please don't make my life extra difficult if you can help yourself.

As far as media--you can use anything you wish from watercolor to acrylic to stamps and rub ons to crayons and markers to string art, collage, beading, fabric, and whatever you imagination can think of! Please keep in mind if your project is very heavily embellished or fragile to add the additional shipping cost.

The only real rules are:

1) The size is 5 x 7.

2) It has to be your interpretation of a mermaid with SPECKLES AND FRECKLES.

3) Be your best and most thoughtful work. Look, this is not an art contest. But I do expect people to put a lot of thought and work into your projects. You have eight weeks, use your imagination and make it spectacular! You have a partner who will be working every hard on their work and deserves to recieve your very best in return. Please do NOT sign up for this project without thinking it through whether or not you can do a kick ass 5 x 7 inch piece in eight weeks. If for whatever reason someone drops out or flakes, I will do an extra painting for the participant affected by that.

RULES AS AGREED UPON TO BE ADDED AT THE END OF EACH PROJECT:
"For 2018, the rule is if one of our projects is received by the wrangler more than seven days after the due date, or one of us drops out of a project for whatever reason, that person is welcome to continue posting but is not allowed to sign up for a group project again until six months from the latest date that the project was supposed to be due. No exceptions. This rule applies to participants and to wranglers. Wranglers must mail out projects within one week of the latest date that the projects were supposed to be due. In addition to waiting six months before being able to join a penpal project, the person who has not met the latest deadline must post directly on the penpal thread within a week of missing the latest deadline stating that they have not adhered to the deadline (reason is welcome to be included or does not have to be) and, most importantly, the date on which they will be able to return to participating in the penpal projects. They must scroll back and add themselves to the bottom of the list of any other participants who have not met the late date for any project for 2018. If that is not done, then the member is welcome to participate in the thread with "thanks" and reps and thread chat but not to participate in any future projects for 2018. The reason for this is personal responsibility, so that we have a running record right on the thread that is easy to refer back to when needed. And for the purposes of clarification, if someone drops out before the deadline to sign up has been closed then they are not excluded from future projects because they are still following the rules.

Example: Bitsy misses the late date for a project. Within a week of that late date she must scroll down and find the most recent list of people who have missed the late date in 2018 and copy that list to a new post and add herself. Bitsy's post would look something like this:

'Sorry, I had the bird flu and missed the late date of 2/21/18. I can start participating in new projects on 8/21/18. I have added myself to the list below:

1. Tony (missed the late date of 1/28/18, able to participate 7/28/18)
2. Bitsy (missed the late date of 2/21/18, able to participate 8/21/18)'

This rule must be posted in its entirety at the bottom of all new projects that are being wrangled so that members can thoughtfully consider whether we wish to commit to a new project."

Please if you are currently timed out put yourself on the list and the dates of your time out because I am not responsible for doing that.

All that being said, let the sign ups commence! Have fun!!

1) CCB
2) clay
3) nanners
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
etc. There will be no cap on participants since we are only creating one original piece for one partner.

[Kätzchen]

***MERMAID PAINTING EXTRAVAGANZA***

This project was born out of a personal project I did myself during the month of May with another online art group. The fabulous mixed media artist Jane Davenport started a project called "Mermay" and the idea was this: It was centered around mermaids, hence it being "Mermay". For every day of the month of may she issued a prompt for the day for everyone to interpret in their own way with the only restriction being that it had to be a mermaid. For instance one prompt was "Spectacles and tentacles" one was "Hello sailor" and another was "Musical scales". I did do a mermaid every day for the month of May and Gemme followed this on Facebook, which brings us here.

She said she enjoyed seeing my mermaids every day and would like to see a project where everyone interpreted the same prompt, like I did for Mermay, in this thread. So I of course jumped on it and said wow, I'd love to wrangle that.

Now, what made Mermay fun is that it was a Facebook group of 20,000 people interpreting the SAME prompt every day and coming up with such diverse works of art. You wouldn't believe some people's ingenuity. I'd love to do that here.

How it will work: We will each be randomly assigned *ONE* partner and create "ONE* original painting of a mermaid using the theme FRECKLES AND SPECKLES. Once sign ups are over I will jumble up all of our names and make a list where we "pay it forward" and send out paintings in a circular fashion. (We've tested it, it works for an uneven number of participants!) This way the person you create for will NOT be the same person who creates for you. That keeps it even more interesting. Everyone will be notified of their partner here in the thread after sign ups close so please keep an eye out for that!

In addition to your original piece, please include enough photocopies for the rest of the participants so we can all see everyone's beautiful artwork and how each person differently interpreted the theme. This is part of the fun so please don't neglect this part!

We will have eight weeks to finish our paintings. An additional week will be added on as our usual buffer, and any project received late or if any person who drops out after the sign up has closed they are officially timed out and on the naughty list. I will mail the projects out TWO weeks after the final due date, instead of one, because I want to make sure I take a lot of care packaging up everyone's beautiful pieces to ensure they arrive safely and undamaged.

*DATES TO REMEMBER*
-Sign up starts today, Sunday, June 17th and will close in one week on Saturday, June 23rd at midnight.

-Projects are due in my hands Saturday August 25th. Ofifcially late and on the naughty list on Saturday September 1st. Again, if extra time is needed please speak now or forever hold your peace.

-I will mail projects back out as soon as possible by September 15th, or I am timed out and on the naughty list.

*GUIDELINES* Please create *ONE* original painting for your assigned partner sized 5 x 7 inches on the substrate of your choice, using the theme of a SPECKLED AND FRECKLED mermaid. I highly recommend using a high quality watercolor paper, but there is room to get creative. Use cardstock, cardboard, wood, canvas, etc. The only catch is if your piece is thicker than cardboard, or heavier like wood, or because of lots of embellishing PLEASE include extra money for shipping. The cost for this project will be $7 and $10 if your project is thick, heavy, or exceptionally fragile for some reason to allow for extra packaging and shipping on my end. I'd prefer if folks keep it simple, sturdy, and relatively thin though. Remember, this project has to go through the mail twice. Please don't make my life extra difficult if you can help yourself.

As far as media--you can use anything you wish from watercolor to acrylic to stamps and rub ons to crayons and markers to string art, collage, beading, fabric, and whatever you imagination can think of! Please keep in mind if your project is very heavily embellished or fragile to add the additional shipping cost.

The only real rules are:

1) The size is 5 x 7.

2) It has to be your interpretation of a mermaid with SPECKLES AND FRECKLES.

3) Be your best and most thoughtful work. Look, this is not an art contest. But I do expect people to put a lot of thought and work into your projects. You have eight weeks, use your imagination and make it spectacular! You have a partner who will be working every hard on their work and deserves to recieve your very best in return. Please do NOT sign up for this project without thinking it through whether or not you can do a kick ass 5 x 7 inch piece in eight weeks. If for whatever reason someone drops out or flakes, I will do an extra painting for the participant affected by that.

RULES AS AGREED UPON TO BE ADDED AT THE END OF EACH PROJECT:
"For 2018, the rule is if one of our projects is received by the wrangler more than seven days after the due date, or one of us drops out of a project for whatever reason, that person is welcome to continue posting but is not allowed to sign up for a group project again until six months from the latest date that the project was supposed to be due. No exceptions. This rule applies to participants and to wranglers. Wranglers must mail out projects within one week of the latest date that the projects were supposed to be due. In addition to waiting six months before being able to join a penpal project, the person who has not met the latest deadline must post directly on the penpal thread within a week of missing the latest deadline stating that they have not adhered to the deadline (reason is welcome to be included or does not have to be) and, most importantly, the date on which they will be able to return to participating in the penpal projects. They must scroll back and add themselves to the bottom of the list of any other participants who have not met the late date for any project for 2018. If that is not done, then the member is welcome to participate in the thread with "thanks" and reps and thread chat but not to participate in any future projects for 2018. The reason for this is personal responsibility, so that we have a running record right on the thread that is easy to refer back to when needed. And for the purposes of clarification, if someone drops out before the deadline to sign up has been closed then they are not excluded from future projects because they are still following the rules.

Example: Bitsy misses the late date for a project. Within a week of that late date she must scroll down and find the most recent list of people who have missed the late date in 2018 and copy that list to a new post and add herself. Bitsy's post would look something like this:

'Sorry, I had the bird flu and missed the late date of 2/21/18. I can start participating in new projects on 8/21/18. I have added myself to the list below:

1. Tony (missed the late date of 1/28/18, able to participate 7/28/18)
2. Bitsy (missed the late date of 2/21/18, able to participate 8/21/18)'

This rule must be posted in its entirety at the bottom of all new projects that are being wrangled so that members can thoughtfully consider whether we wish to commit to a new project."

Please if you are currently timed out put yourself on the list and the dates of your time out because I am not responsible for doing that.

All that being said, let the sign ups commence! Have fun!!

1) CCB
2) clay
3) nanners
4) Kätzchen
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
etc. There will be no cap on participants since we are only creating one original piece for one partner.

CCB??? I am on board. :hk20:

[Gemme]

***MERMAID PAINTING EXTRAVAGANZA***

This project was born out of a personal project I did myself during the month of May with another online art group. The fabulous mixed media artist Jane Davenport started a project called "Mermay" and the idea was this: It was centered around mermaids, hence it being "Mermay". For every day of the month of may she issued a prompt for the day for everyone to interpret in their own way with the only restriction being that it had to be a mermaid. For instance one prompt was "Spectacles and tentacles" one was "Hello sailor" and another was "Musical scales". I did do a mermaid every day for the month of May and Gemme followed this on Facebook, which brings us here.

She said she enjoyed seeing my mermaids every day and would like to see a project where everyone interpreted the same prompt, like I did for Mermay, in this thread. So I of course jumped on it and said wow, I'd love to wrangle that.

Now, what made Mermay fun is that it was a Facebook group of 20,000 people interpreting the SAME prompt every day and coming up with such diverse works of art. You wouldn't believe some people's ingenuity. I'd love to do that here.

How it will work: We will each be randomly assigned *ONE* partner and create "ONE* original painting of a mermaid using the theme FRECKLES AND SPECKLES. Once sign ups are over I will jumble up all of our names and make a list where we "pay it forward" and send out paintings in a circular fashion. (We've tested it, it works for an uneven number of participants!) This way the person you create for will NOT be the same person who creates for you. That keeps it even more interesting. Everyone will be notified of their partner here in the thread after sign ups close so please keep an eye out for that!

In addition to your original piece, please include enough photocopies for the rest of the participants so we can all see everyone's beautiful artwork and how each person differently interpreted the theme. This is part of the fun so please don't neglect this part!

We will have eight weeks to finish our paintings. An additional week will be added on as our usual buffer, and any project received late or if any person who drops out after the sign up has closed they are officially timed out and on the naughty list. I will mail the projects out TWO weeks after the final due date, instead of one, because I want to make sure I take a lot of care packaging up everyone's beautiful pieces to ensure they arrive safely and undamaged.

*DATES TO REMEMBER*
-Sign up starts today, Sunday, June 17th and will close in one week on Saturday, June 23rd at midnight.

-Projects are due in my hands Saturday August 25th. Ofifcially late and on the naughty list on Saturday September 1st. Again, if extra time is needed please speak now or forever hold your peace.

-I will mail projects back out as soon as possible by September 15th, or I am timed out and on the naughty list.

*GUIDELINES* Please create *ONE* original painting for your assigned partner sized 5 x 7 inches on the substrate of your choice, using the theme of a SPECKLED AND FRECKLED mermaid. I highly recommend using a high quality watercolor paper, but there is room to get creative. Use cardstock, cardboard, wood, canvas, etc. The only catch is if your piece is thicker than cardboard, or heavier like wood, or because of lots of embellishing PLEASE include extra money for shipping. The cost for this project will be $7 and $10 if your project is thick, heavy, or exceptionally fragile for some reason to allow for extra packaging and shipping on my end. I'd prefer if folks keep it simple, sturdy, and relatively thin though. Remember, this project has to go through the mail twice. Please don't make my life extra difficult if you can help yourself.

As far as media--you can use anything you wish from watercolor to acrylic to stamps and rub ons to crayons and markers to string art, collage, beading, fabric, and whatever you imagination can think of! Please keep in mind if your project is very heavily embellished or fragile to add the additional shipping cost.

The only real rules are:

1) The size is 5 x 7.

2) It has to be your interpretation of a mermaid with SPECKLES AND FRECKLES.

3) Be your best and most thoughtful work. Look, this is not an art contest. But I do expect people to put a lot of thought and work into your projects. You have eight weeks, use your imagination and make it spectacular! You have a partner who will be working every hard on their work and deserves to recieve your very best in return. Please do NOT sign up for this project without thinking it through whether or not you can do a kick ass 5 x 7 inch piece in eight weeks. If for whatever reason someone drops out or flakes, I will do an extra painting for the participant affected by that.

RULES AS AGREED UPON TO BE ADDED AT THE END OF EACH PROJECT:
"For 2018, the rule is if one of our projects is received by the wrangler more than seven days after the due date, or one of us drops out of a project for whatever reason, that person is welcome to continue posting but is not allowed to sign up for a group project again until six months from the latest date that the project was supposed to be due. No exceptions. This rule applies to participants and to wranglers. Wranglers must mail out projects within one week of the latest date that the projects were supposed to be due. In addition to waiting six months before being able to join a penpal project, the person who has not met the latest deadline must post directly on the penpal thread within a week of missing the latest deadline stating that they have not adhered to the deadline (reason is welcome to be included or does not have to be) and, most importantly, the date on which they will be able to return to participating in the penpal projects. They must scroll back and add themselves to the bottom of the list of any other participants who have not met the late date for any project for 2018. If that is not done, then the member is welcome to participate in the thread with "thanks" and reps and thread chat but not to participate in any future projects for 2018. The reason for this is personal responsibility, so that we have a running record right on the thread that is easy to refer back to when needed. And for the purposes of clarification, if someone drops out before the deadline to sign up has been closed then they are not excluded from future projects because they are still following the rules.

Example: Bitsy misses the late date for a project. Within a week of that late date she must scroll down and find the most recent list of people who have missed the late date in 2018 and copy that list to a new post and add herself. Bitsy's post would look something like this:

'Sorry, I had the bird flu and missed the late date of 2/21/18. I can start participating in new projects on 8/21/18. I have added myself to the list below:

1. Tony (missed the late date of 1/28/18, able to participate 7/28/18)
2. Bitsy (missed the late date of 2/21/18, able to participate 8/21/18)'

This rule must be posted in its entirety at the bottom of all new projects that are being wrangled so that members can thoughtfully consider whether we wish to commit to a new project."

Please if you are currently timed out put yourself on the list and the dates of your time out because I am not responsible for doing that.

All that being said, let the sign ups commence! Have fun!!

There will be no cap on participants since we are only creating one original piece for one partner.

1) CCB
2) clay
3) nanners
4) Kätzchen
5) Memememememeeeeeeee!!!!
6)
7)
8)
9)
etc.

I'm number 5! I'm number 5!

Woohoo!!! I'm already starting to squirrel away materials!

[Kätzchen]

hee hee :giggle: you crack me up Gemme!
I didn't think I'd be able to do another round, but ccb's time frame for the Mermaid round works out just fine for me. I'm excited, already, lol. :cheer:

[candy_coated_bitch]

I'm SO excited you guys!!!!!

[Gemme]

8iwBM_YB1sE

H2AH-pK0F78

gpVb3-ZEu08

jKV-odZZGtk

OSXpWrVmPxM

[nycfem]

Can the next person please add me?

[candy_coated_bitch]

1) CCB
2) clay
3) nanners
4) Kätzchen
5) Memememememeeeeeeee!!!!
6) nycfem
7)
8)
9)
etc.

I'm number 5! I'm number 5!

Woohoo!!! I'm already starting to squirrel away materials!

[Kätzchen]

So, I just got home from my friends house. They just retired a few months ago but we've been passing stranger friends for nearly the entire time I've lived here, the past 10 years (come August).

I borrowed their laptop and went online to research places here in town where I can pick up a few gesso board type surfaces (light weight, yet durable) in the 5 x 7 size and larger because I have painting tools and implements and tube of various colored oil and water-based paints, from my college days down in Ashland, that will come in handy for this project.

I know exactly where I can go now, to get those on Tuesday. And new paint brushes and finishing supplies, for the Mermaid project.

I've got an order in for an notebook, custom based Linux and and wireless printer, scanner and ink cartridges, photo type paper for printing copies of my one-of-a-kind Mermaid art, for this project.

I'm working on an efficient time line of production for my art piece.

CCB's mermaid project inspired me to not only do something more artistic than I've ever done, but will be like an training exercise too, because after I move, I'm going to paint a fee of my own pictures to add to my collection of paintings on the wall I already have (my grandfather's late 50's gray scale Tornado, my Zen Lilly Pad mixed painting media piece from back in 2005, and my grandfather's Christmas Valley Oregon oil painting from the late 60s).

So, whoever gets my mermaid painting, I hope you'll enjoy it immensely.

Oh, and I added a few bubble envelopes to my shopping list too.

CCB??? I'm going to send extra money for shipping costs and also include and extra bubble mailer with mine, with prepaid postage on it, so it's easy to send off to the person it goes to, ok?? :balloon:

[candy_coated_bitch]

1) CCB
2) clay
3) nanners
4) Kätzchen
5) Memememememeeeeeeee!!!!
6) nycfem
7)
8)
9)
etc.

I'm number 5! I'm number 5!

Woohoo!!! I'm already starting to squirrel away materials!

***BUMP!*** ANY OTHER MERMAID PAINTERS OUT THERE?????

[Kätzchen]

Ccb? I have an question about our mermaid art project.

If no other people sign up, other than who we've got now as participants, will the rules stay the same (example: make one mermaid painting, and also send enough color photocopies of the mermaid art work for the other participants)???

[nycfem]

I am not CCB, but I would hope so... That's what we signed up for!

My soapbox pet peeve is when anything is changed after people are already signing up.

Katzchen? I hope you are having a nice evening :bunchflowers:

Ccb? I have an question about our mermaid art project.

If no other people sign up, other than who we've got now as participants, will the rules stay the same (example: make one mermaid painting, and also send enough color photocopies of the mermaid art work for the other participants)???

[Gemme]

Agreed. The rules and project parameters do not change.

[nycfem]

CCB's Mermaid Project:

1) CCB
2) clay
3) nanners
4) Kätzchen
5) Gemme
6) nycfem
7)
8)
9)
etc.


***BUMP!*** ANY OTHER MERMAID ARTISTS OUT THERE?????

[candy_coated_bitch]

Ccb? I have an question about our mermaid art project.

If no other people sign up, other than who we've got now as participants, will the rules stay the same (example: make one mermaid painting, and also send enough color photocopies of the mermaid art work for the other participants)???

Agreed with nycfem and Gemme, the parameters and rules do not change. Our partners will still be assigned in the same way, we we still create one piece of original art for our assigned recipient and enough photocopies for the rest of the participants.

[Kätzchen]

I am not CCB, but I would hope so... That's what we signed up for!

My soapbox pet peeve is when anything is changed after people are already signing up.

Katzchen? I hope you are having a nice evening :bunchflowers:


Agreed. The rules and project parameters do not change.

Agreed with nycfem and Gemme, the parameters and rules do not change. Our partners will still be assigned in the same way, we we still create one piece of original art for our assigned recipient and enough photocopies for the rest of the participants.

Ok, sounds good! I'm glad the rules will stay the same. I just had to ask, to be sure.

Thanks NYC Gemme, and CCB!

I am having am very nice evening, as well, I hope all of you are too! :rrose:

I hope more people sign up. :)

[Gemme]

I like that, in this project, the number of participants is not a significant factor. Whether we have 6 or 23 participants, it won't affect the amount of work that I do. There's something about that that is making me feel pretty zen about the whole thing. I can devote all my attention and efforts to one project.

[candy_coated_bitch]

I like that, in this project, the number of participants is not a significant factor. Whether we have 6 or 23 participants, it won't affect the amount of work that I do. There's something about that that is making me feel pretty zen about the whole thing. I can devote all my attention and efforts to one project.

Yay! My evil plan worked!!! That's why I designed it where we only do one piece of original art because then there's no cap on participants and we don't have worry if a ton of people sign up and be stressed about how much more work it is.

[candy_coated_bitch]

***MERMAID PAINTING EXTRAVAGANZA***

This project was born out of a personal project I did myself during the month of May with another online art group. The fabulous mixed media artist Jane Davenport started a project called "Mermay" and the idea was this: It was centered around mermaids, hence it being "Mermay". For every day of the month of may she issued a prompt for the day for everyone to interpret in their own way with the only restriction being that it had to be a mermaid. For instance one prompt was "Spectacles and tentacles" one was "Hello sailor" and another was "Musical scales". I did do a mermaid every day for the month of May and Gemme followed this on Facebook, which brings us here.

She said she enjoyed seeing my mermaids every day and would like to see a project where everyone interpreted the same prompt, like I did for Mermay, in this thread. So I of course jumped on it and said wow, I'd love to wrangle that.

Now, what made Mermay fun is that it was a Facebook group of 20,000 people interpreting the SAME prompt every day and coming up with such diverse works of art. You wouldn't believe some people's ingenuity. I'd love to do that here.

How it will work: We will each be randomly assigned *ONE* partner and create "ONE* original painting of a mermaid using the theme FRECKLES AND SPECKLES. Once sign ups are over I will jumble up all of our names and make a list where we "pay it forward" and send out paintings in a circular fashion. (We've tested it, it works for an uneven number of participants!) This way the person you create for will NOT be the same person who creates for you. That keeps it even more interesting. Everyone will be notified of their partner here in the thread after sign ups close so please keep an eye out for that!

In addition to your original piece, please include enough photocopies for the rest of the participants so we can all see everyone's beautiful artwork and how each person differently interpreted the theme. This is part of the fun so please don't neglect this part!

We will have eight weeks to finish our paintings. An additional week will be added on as our usual buffer, and any project received late or if any person who drops out after the sign up has closed they are officially timed out and on the naughty list. I will mail the projects out TWO weeks after the final due date, instead of one, because I want to make sure I take a lot of care packaging up everyone's beautiful pieces to ensure they arrive safely and undamaged.

*DATES TO REMEMBER*
-Sign up starts today, Sunday, June 17th and will close in one week on Saturday, June 23rd at midnight.

-Projects are due in my hands Saturday August 25th. Ofifcially late and on the naughty list on Saturday September 1st. Again, if extra time is needed please speak now or forever hold your peace.

-I will mail projects back out as soon as possible by September 15th, or I am timed out and on the naughty list.

*GUIDELINES* Please create *ONE* original painting for your assigned partner sized 5 x 7 inches on the substrate of your choice, using the theme of a SPECKLED AND FRECKLED mermaid. I highly recommend using a high quality watercolor paper, but there is room to get creative. Use cardstock, cardboard, wood, canvas, etc. The only catch is if your piece is thicker than cardboard, or heavier like wood, or because of lots of embellishing PLEASE include extra money for shipping. The cost for this project will be $7 and $10 if your project is thick, heavy, or exceptionally fragile for some reason to allow for extra packaging and shipping on my end. I'd prefer if folks keep it simple, sturdy, and relatively thin though. Remember, this project has to go through the mail twice. Please don't make my life extra difficult if you can help yourself.

As far as media--you can use anything you wish from watercolor to acrylic to stamps and rub ons to crayons and markers to string art, collage, beading, fabric, and whatever you imagination can think of! Please keep in mind if your project is very heavily embellished or fragile to add the additional shipping cost.

The only real rules are:

1) The size is 5 x 7.

2) It has to be your interpretation of a mermaid with SPECKLES AND FRECKLES.

3) Be your best and most thoughtful work. Look, this is not an art contest. But I do expect people to put a lot of thought and work into your projects. You have eight weeks, use your imagination and make it spectacular! You have a partner who will be working every hard on their work and deserves to recieve your very best in return. Please do NOT sign up for this project without thinking it through whether or not you can do a kick ass 5 x 7 inch piece in eight weeks. If for whatever reason someone drops out or flakes, I will do an extra painting for the participant affected by that.

RULES AS AGREED UPON TO BE ADDED AT THE END OF EACH PROJECT:
"For 2018, the rule is if one of our projects is received by the wrangler more than seven days after the due date, or one of us drops out of a project for whatever reason, that person is welcome to continue posting but is not allowed to sign up for a group project again until six months from the latest date that the project was supposed to be due. No exceptions. This rule applies to participants and to wranglers. Wranglers must mail out projects within one week of the latest date that the projects were supposed to be due. In addition to waiting six months before being able to join a penpal project, the person who has not met the latest deadline must post directly on the penpal thread within a week of missing the latest deadline stating that they have not adhered to the deadline (reason is welcome to be included or does not have to be) and, most importantly, the date on which they will be able to return to participating in the penpal projects. They must scroll back and add themselves to the bottom of the list of any other participants who have not met the late date for any project for 2018. If that is not done, then the member is welcome to participate in the thread with "thanks" and reps and thread chat but not to participate in any future projects for 2018. The reason for this is personal responsibility, so that we have a running record right on the thread that is easy to refer back to when needed. And for the purposes of clarification, if someone drops out before the deadline to sign up has been closed then they are not excluded from future projects because they are still following the rules.

Example: Bitsy misses the late date for a project. Within a week of that late date she must scroll down and find the most recent list of people who have missed the late date in 2018 and copy that list to a new post and add herself. Bitsy's post would look something like this:

'Sorry, I had the bird flu and missed the late date of 2/21/18. I can start participating in new projects on 8/21/18. I have added myself to the list below:

1. Tony (missed the late date of 1/28/18, able to participate 7/28/18)
2. Bitsy (missed the late date of 2/21/18, able to participate 8/21/18)'

This rule must be posted in its entirety at the bottom of all new projects that are being wrangled so that members can thoughtfully consider whether we wish to commit to a new project."

Please if you are currently timed out put yourself on the list and the dates of your time out because I am not responsible for doing that.

All that being said, let the sign ups commence! Have fun!!

CCB's Mermaid Project:

1) CCB
2) clay
3) nanners
4) Kätzchen
5) Gemme
6) nycfem
7)
8)
9)
etc.


***BUMP!*** ANY OTHER MERMAID ARTISTS OUT THERE?????

[Kätzchen]

That's why I like this project too. No matter how many members sign up, we only focus on one original piece of art we make for ccb's Mermaid art project.

Tomorrow I'm picking up my art supplies and other things I need for this project. I can hardly wait to get started. :)

Summer solstice begins soon, so happy summer solstice to everyone. ❤

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/60/24/61/60246184b05d003f7feb8debb6b44033--sketchbook-challenge-summer-solstice.jpg

[Kätzchen]

Just an quick update: I bought two bubble mailers today, and has them stamped with pre-paid postage. I've got the first step completed for my 5x7 Mermaid and the gesso-linen fabric is pretreated, and ready to go for the first few applications of paint....before I begin to work on the main subject of our art project.

I operate my art project on an tight timeline for every step of this work of art. Each section of my Mermaid needs drying time, so it's completely finished and dry and ready to go, by the August deadline.

Happy Mermaid JuJu, to all! :balloon:

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0205/2636/products/mermaid-orange_1024x1024.jpg?v=1491490477

[candy_coated_bitch]

***BUMP***

LAST DAY OF SIGN UPS!!! THEY CLOSE SATURDAY AT MIDNIGHT.

[FireSignFemme]

Unexpected vet bills had to sit this one out. Too bad because it sounds like it's going to be a really fun project too.

[candy_coated_bitch]

SIGN UPS NOW CLOSED!!!

THE LIST STANDS AT:

CCB's Mermaid Project:

1) CCB
2) clay
3) nanners
4) Kätzchen
5) Gemme
6) nycfem
7)
8)
9)
etc.

I'll post partners tomorrow

[candy_coated_bitch]

Project round robin:

clay to Gemme
Gemme to nanners
nanners to Katzchen
Katzchen to nycfem
nycfem to CCB
CCB to clay

Everyone should have a person to send TO and a person they are receiving FROM. I've double checked the list and I think it's up and running from here!!!! Enjoy creating for your partner!

[Kätzchen]

Project round robin:

clay to Gemme
Gemme to nanners
nanners to Katzchen
Katzchen to nycfem
nycfem to CCB
CCB to clay

Everyone should have a person to send TO and a person they are receiving FROM. I've double checked the list and I think it's up and running from here!!!! Enjoy creating for your partner!

Niiiccceee!! I'm excited! :cheer:

Thanks for hosting the summer Mermaid project CCB! :bunchflowers:

[candy_coated_bitch]

Niiiccceee!! I'm excited! :cheer:

Thanks for hosting the summer Mermaid project CCB! :bunchflowers:

You're so welcome! I'm very excited!!!

[candy_coated_bitch]

Is everyone all set with this? It's been like radio silence ever since I posted the partners.

[Kätzchen]

Is everyone all set with this? It's been like radio silence ever since I posted the partners.

***skkkh, skkkh***

10-4 (copy that).

Loved how you invoked the term, 'radio slience', because I'll be busy the next three weeks, but I'm subscribed to the crafter/penpal thread, so I'll get notices via email.

<<<<<<<~~ my project will be ready by August 2nd, mailed via Express USPS on August 20th -- with extra $$$ and prepaid postage on an extra bubble mailer, with delivery to you on August 25th. :rrose:

Here's to the summer Mermaid project and an beautiful summer for everyone.


~K. :hk28:

[Gemme]

Is everyone all set with this? It's been like radio silence ever since I posted the partners.

Nan's going to be soooooo happy with her piece. I just know it!

[clay]

Of course I am happy with the pairings! Sorry I didn't say anything.

Whoohoo...let's get the party started!!!

[Tommi]

The ATC's were wonderful .
We sure are diverse artists, and clever.

For those wondering, my little rain cloud ATC card had my name, hidden under the grass.

[Kätzchen]

So, last week as I packed up the rest of my house, I carefully packed up my Mermaid art project and put it safely away, so it wouldn't get lost during the move. But when I had spare time on my hands, for this weekend, I tried to find it, but couldn't.

Today, lol, I found it. YAY!!!

I've got the first layer of paint applied and tiny blue bubbles applied, so it's dry and ready to take with me next week, when I go over to my bff's to house sit and I'll finish up the paint project by next weekend (July 7th, my mom's birthday).

I'll mail it to you CCB on July 13th, and I'll send you the tracking number too.

You should get it by July 20th.

I'm moving during the month of July, so I know you're getting it nearly an month before it's due, but I want to be sure you get it in timely ways.

K. :bunchflowers:

Ps/ I will include glossy 5x7 photos for others in our summer art project round, and tuck a few extra dollars in the forthcoming art project mailer.

[candy_coated_bitch]

So, last week as I packed up the rest of my house, I carefully packed up my Mermaid art project and put it safely away, so it wouldn't get lost during the move. But when I had spare time on my hands, for this weekend, I tried to find it, but couldn't.

Today, lol, I found it. YAY!!!

I've got the first layer of paint applied and tiny blue bubbles applied, so it's dry and ready to take with me next week, when I go over to my bff's to house sit and I'll finish up the paint project by next weekend (July 7th, my mom's birthday).

I'll mail it to you CCB on July 13th, and I'll send you the tracking number too.

You should get it by July 20th.

I'm moving during the month of July, so I know you're getting it nearly an month before it's due, but I want to be sure you get it in timely ways.

K. :bunchflowers:

Ps/ I will include glossy 5x7 photos for others in our summer art project round, and tuck a few extra dollars in the forthcoming art project mailer.

That's awesome! The only thing I'd say is don't let us know what you're painting!!! We want a surprise. :)

[Kätzchen]

I finished up my mermaid painting yesterday. The only thing left to do is have 5x7 glossy photos printed off for our summer group of participants..... then ship my art project pkg to CCB.

I'm on schedule with my project, so I'll send you the tracking number, CCB, soon.

K. :bouquet:

[candy_coated_bitch]

I finished up my mermaid painting yesterday. The only thing left to do is have 5x7 glossy photos printed off for our summer group of participants..... then ship my art project pkg to CCB.

I'm on schedule with my project, so I'll send you the tracking number, CCB, soon.

K. :bouquet:

You are very much on schedule!!! Very early actually. I'm impressed and can't wait to see it!

ETA: REMINDERS
Please sign and clearly label the back of your paintings AND photocopies/pictures, whichever you're doing.

[Kätzchen]

I finished my project over the July holiday and this weekend, I'm going to go pick up the photos I had made of my project. I need to find a couple of decent mail bubbles tho because the ones I bought last month are too small.

I'll send a p.m. to you next week CCB with the tracking numbers and an expected delivery date.

<<<<<<~~ excited. Hope everyone enjoys my art project! :balloon:

[clay]

Mine is almost completed...hoping to finish up by the end of the week, then have photocopies made, and mail it out one day next week, CCB!

This was a really FUN project, one I wouldn't mind three-peating...:)...jus' sayin'...:)

[candy_coated_bitch]

Yay Katzchen and clay!!!! Can't wait to see what you've done.

[Gemme]

I hope nan likes wonky mermaids.

:blink:

[candy_coated_bitch]

I hope nan likes wonky mermaids.

:blink:

Heh. Wonky can be fun!

[Tommi]

From the clouds, under the raindrops, a flower grows, and the artist is hiding in the blades of grass.

Signature me. :mohawk: for those who didn't know:hangloose:

It was fun

.

[nanners]

I hope nan likes wonky mermaids.

:blink:

Wonky, 'eh? LOL!
Hey, as long as it's a Gemme original, I'm good.

I've got to get a move on now that I'm home again from vacation and I'm also getting over the nasty cold I got last weekend.

[Kätzchen]

Update:

I sent my art project and color photos and $$$ out to CCB today via Express Delivery via USPS.

You should get it in two days, CCB. :)

:hk28:

K.

[candy_coated_bitch]

I got Katzchen's project today!!! It's wonderful and she set the bar high, is all I'm gonna say!

We had a bit of a blip from the USPS. It was guaranteed delivered to my house yesterday, no signature, and they never left it. They also left no note and when Katzchen inquired they said it was at my local post office and they looked at me like I had grown another head when I explained the situation. I had to give them the tracking number, show ID, and basically sign my life away to get the package. But it was worth it and safe and sound!!!

[Kätzchen]

I got Katzchen's project today!!! It's wonderful and she set the bar high, is all I'm gonna say!

We had a bit of a blip from the USPS. It was guaranteed delivered to my house yesterday, no signature, and they never left it. They also left no note and when Katzchen inquired they said it was at my local post office and they looked at me like I had grown another head when I explained the situation. I had to give them the tracking number, show ID, and basically sign my life away to get the package. But it was worth it and safe and sound!!!

I am SO happy you got the Mermaid art project, CCB! :bunchflowers:

I look forward to seeing other's Mermaid projects and hope everyone enjoys mine. ~ K. :bunchflowers:

[homoe]

I got Katzchen's project today!!! It's wonderful and she set the bar high, is all I'm gonna say!

We had a bit of a blip from the USPS. It was guaranteed delivered to my house yesterday, no signature, and they never left it. They also left no note and when Katzchen inquired they said it was at my local post office and they looked at me like I had grown another head when I explained the situation. I had to give them the tracking number, show ID, and basically sign my life away to get the package. But it was worth it and safe and sound!!!

The USPS screws up once again! Big Surprise!!

Thank goodness for tracking numbers, it might of sat in limbo for god knows how long!

[candy_coated_bitch]

I finished my little gal today! clay, are you sure I can't put some glitter on her? Lol

[clay]

I finished my little gal today! clay, are you sure I can't put some glitter on her? Lol

Sure you can, just cover it with some clear glue...lol

Mine is nearly finished, and I believe Gemme is really going to love her!!! :)

[candy_coated_bitch]

The USPS screws up once again! Big Surprise!!

Thank goodness for tracking numbers, it might of sat in limbo for god knows how long!

Actually, I found out the post office did leave a note. My neighbor took it for safe keeping. Also, yes that is why we have tracking numbers. That's how we knew where the package was.

[candy_coated_bitch]

1) CCB - finished
2) clay
3) nanners
4) Kätzchen - received
5) Gemme
6) nycfem

[candy_coated_bitch]

1) CCB - finished
2) clay
3) nanners
4) Kätzchen - received
5) Gemme
6) nycfem - received

[clay]

Mine is finished & I hope to mail out tomorrow when I go to therapy!

[Tommi]

1) CCB - finished
2) clay
3) nanners
4) Kätzchen - received
5) Gemme
6) nycfem - received

This sounded like a fun project.
It would be great to see all the finished Mermaids. There is Gallery Album set up for Penpals, Scrapbookers, Postcard Artists and Other Creative Types.

Once all were finished and received, some folks posted pictures ( From my memory bank of wonderful things, recalling Altered Barbie :) ).

[candy_coated_bitch]

This sounded like a fun project.
It would be great to see all the finished Mermaids. There is Gallery Album set up for Penpals, Scrapbookers, Postcard Artists and Other Creative Types.

Once all were finished and received, some folks posted pictures ( From my memory bank of wonderful things, recalling Altered Barbie :) ).

I think I will leave this to the individual participants whether or not they want to post a picture of their work. Putting the packages together and making sure everything gets where it needs to get safely is my priority. I'm not taking on the additional responsibility of photographing and uploading each piece.

[homoe]

This sounded like a fun project.
It would be great to see all the finished Mermaids. There is Gallery Album set up for Penpals, Scrapbookers, Postcard Artists and Other Creative Types.

Once all were finished and received, some folks posted pictures ( From my memory bank of wonderful things, recalling Altered Barbie :) ).

Just speaking for myself, I'd LOVE to see some of this groups artwork!

[candy_coated_bitch]

More on the posting of this project's work. We actually did have a conversation about this before project sign ups and more than one person in the group was NOT comfortable having their art posted. But we were interested in seeing each other's work which is why we are mailing out photocopies within the group. I think the consensus was a no to posting this project in the galleries but I'm not going to stop anyone who wants to share. The project as a whole, however, will not be posted in the galleries.

[Gemme]

More on the posting of this project's work. We actually did have a conversation about this before project sign ups and more than one person in the group was NOT comfortable having their art posted. But we were interested in seeing each other's work which is why we are mailing out photocopies within the group. I think the consensus was a no to posting this project in the galleries but I'm not going to stop anyone who wants to share. The project as a whole, however, will not be posted in the galleries.

This is the consensus that was agreed upon.

Some projects are more personal than others.

Hey, if someone wants to see the projects, they can join the next round!

*eyes homoe*

*wiggles eyebrows*

[homoe]

This is the consensus that was agreed upon.

Some projects are more personal than others.

Hey, if someone wants to see the projects, they can join the next round!

*eyes homoe*

*wiggles eyebrows*

Given my horrible experiences with the postal services, I think it's wise to never participate :|...

[Gemme]

Given my horrible experiences with the postal services, I think it's wise to never participate :|...

That seems like a silly reason to not participate. You can always send it via UPS or FedEx or some other parcel service.

[candy_coated_bitch]

clay, did yours ever go in the mail? I'll update the list if you did and also want to be on the lookout for it.

[clay]

clay, did yours ever go in the mail? I'll update the list if you did and also want to be on the lookout for it.

Hey, no, unfortunately I will not be able to send until the 3rd...sorry, I had every intention of being earlier. The copies & mermaid are all done, just waiting on those $$...:(

[candy_coated_bitch]

Hey, no, unfortunately I will not be able to send until the 3rd...sorry, I had every intention of being earlier. The copies & mermaid are all done, just waiting on those $$...:(

No worries, you still have time! I was just checking in. :)

[candy_coated_bitch]

I have great news my fellow artsy friends-- I got the art grANt I applied for!!!

[clay]

I have great news my fellow artsy friends-- I got the art grANt I applied for!!!

I knew you would! Congratulations, CCB! You must/should be so proud of YOU! Hugs you...GOOD job!

[Gemme]

Hey, no, unfortunately I will not be able to send until the 3rd...sorry, I had every intention of being earlier. The copies & mermaid are all done, just waiting on those $$...:(

We have until the 25th, so you will still be early.

I have great news my fellow artsy friends-- I got the art grANt I applied for!!!

Is it significant that the AN are capitalized?

And...…….CONGRATS!!!!

[candy_coated_bitch]

We have until the 25th, so you will still be early.



Is it significant that the AN are capitalized?

And...…….CONGRATS!!!!

No significance except my bad typing. :)

[Gemme]

No significance except my bad typing. :)

I didn't know if it was code for something. Either way, that's great news! About your grant AND the case worker being nicer now (from other thread).

[Gemme]

For those of you who are always up for catching a new craft show, let me introduce Making It.

It's hosted by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman. They're pretty punny.

Lo0fqaIDUB4

7PLXq9C9PcE

k-5ljLQN3o8

It's craftastic.

:tease:

[clay]

For those of you who are always up for catching a new craft show, let me introduce Making It.

It's hosted by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman. They're pretty punny.

Lo0fqaIDUB4

7PLXq9C9PcE

k-5ljLQN3o8

It's craftastic.

:tease:






Gemme, I watched its premiere last night, after waiting for it for a month or so. It IS really good!!! I plan on following the series. Yes, Amy & Nick ARE so funny!! :)

[candy_coated_bitch]

I haven't checked out Making It, but I will!

I just wanted to check in and see how everyone is doing! We've got a bit less than three weeks to get these in my hands! Anyone? Anyone? I am hoping the silence means everything is going smoothly and you are working away like little elves on your projects!

Please let me know if you send you project out here in this thread, also if you need my address PM me. I assumed hopefully correctly that most of you have it already.

[clay]

I haven't checked out Making It, but I will!

I just wanted to check in and see how everyone is doing! We've got a bit less than three weeks to get these in my hands! Anyone? Anyone? I am hoping the silence means everything is going smoothly and you are working away like little elves on your projects!

Please let me know if you send you project out here in this thread, also if you need my address PM me. I assumed hopefully correctly that most of you have it already.

Aiming to mail mine either tomorrow OR Wednesday. I have THREE appointments Wednesday, and am going right by post office, so will aim for then. I will let you know for sure, CCB! :)

[Gemme]

I'm going to be coming in under the wire again but it will be in your happy lil hands before I get put on the naughty list.

[candy_coated_bitch]

Aiming to mail mine either tomorrow OR Wednesday. I have THREE appointments Wednesday, and am going right by post office, so will aim for then. I will let you know for sure, CCB! :)

Ok, just let me know either way.

I'm going to be coming in under the wire again but it will be in your happy lil hands before I get put on the naughty list.

I have every faith you will git 'er done!!!

[clay]

MY hot packet of mermaid arts has left the building, CCB! Expect arrival ON or BY Saturday, the 12th!!!

Thanks, CCB for a truly fun & incredible project!! I really loved this one, and would like to follow suit on future projects, maybe "dolphin"...:)....

[candy_coated_bitch]

MY hot packet of mermaid arts has left the building, CCB! Expect arrival ON or BY Saturday, the 12th!!!

Thanks, CCB for a truly fun & incredible project!! I really loved this one, and would like to follow suit on future projects, maybe "dolphin"...:)....

Awesome!! I will keep my eye out for it.

And you're more than welcome about the project. It's been incredibly fun for me too and I can't wait to wrangle it!!!

[Kätzchen]

That's cool that it's getting closer to the end of our group's summer Mermaid painting project and that you're mermaid is on the way to CCB, Clay. Yay!

I've been busy renewing my love for small painting projects. :)

I credit CCB's latest art project for inspiring me!

I went by Michael's craft store, and picked up various types of paints, picked up more unusual nifty embellishment type goodies (sparkly gems, sea shells, starfish, and Swarovski Crystals, etc), and unusual painting boards (gesso, pine cuts, wood grain type cuts of boards) and I painted an colorful Rooster, only she's a girl Rooster (!) -- She's got metallic blue tail feathers, neon metallic fringy feathers across her back, dark brown body, and an mixture of metallic colors of feathers around her neck, and huge oversized glasses with Red Swarovski Crystals for her eyes -- she's terribly CUTE! -- for my BFF (sister-in-law's) mother. She LOVES Roosters! She turns 80 years old, this weekend. And, she loved it, when my BFF gave it to her today!

I painted an Idaho Mountain Blue Bird, representing my mother because my mother has Idaho plates with the Blue Bird on it and her pet name is "Momma Bird." Under the female Blue Bird is six eggs, which represent all of us siblings. I gave the Blue Bird Swarovski Crystals in Red, Pink and Teal crystals which represent the crown (for my mother). I mailed it off to her today, so she'll get it this Saturday, but will most likely pick it up on Monday. My mother turned 79, early in July. So there's only a years difference in age between my mother and my BFFs mother.

Right now, I'm working on an Christmas painting project for my BFF and her husband. They've been married for over 39 years. Her husband is 74, my Bff and I are nearly the same age (59). But my BFF saw the Mermaid I made for the person in our group project and loved it, so I am painting and special edition for them. My BFF is the Mermaid and her husband is and Octopus. The Mermaid will be floating in the sea to the left of the painting and the Octopus will be on the right side of the painting, with several of his tentacles reaching out and wrapping around the Mermaid. I laid the base paint tonight, will paint the Mermaid tomorrow, and paint the Octopus on Saturday, then add the extra sea shells and embellishments on Sunday. By Monday the painting should be dry (finished). It's on an nice long cut of pine board (oblong) and I bought metal hangers to make it easy for them to mount up on the wall space above their walk-in closet. It's coming together nicely. :)

After I return home from babysitting the pets and housesitting, next week, I'm going to paint two other special projects, which will be created upon two separate cuts of pine - oval in shape - and it's like a sample cut of an small diameter pine tree. The bark encases the cut of pine. I won't reveal at this time what either painting will be, but I'm gathering ideas, based on certain things either person I'm creating each painting for will like.

I hope everyone is enjoying the last of summer in August and I know there will be lots of excitement over Labor Day weekend, for some of you in our group, but I hope all of you have a wonderful rest of the summer and that festivities over Labor Day weekend will be exciting and full of Joy!!!

--K. :hk28:

[clay]

According to the USPS tracking, my package was delivered to your mailbox @ 1158AM this morning!, CCB! Yay!

[candy_coated_bitch]

1) CCB - finished
2) clay -received
3) nanners
4) Kätzchen - received
5) Gemme
6) nycfem -received

[candy_coated_bitch]

clay did beautiful work, btw!!! :)

[candy_coated_bitch]

Helloooo pen pallers!!! Just checking in to see how you're doing on your mermaids Gemme and Nanners???? The projects are due Saturday the 25th and officially on the naughty list if not in my greedy little paws by September 1st.

[Gemme]

Helloooo pen pallers!!! Just checking in to see how you're doing on your mermaids Gemme and Nanners???? The projects are due Saturday the 25th and officially on the naughty list if not in my greedy little paws by September 1st.


I warned y'all I'd be down to the wire. Can't. Get. It. Right.

I was totally wrong about being more Zen with this project.

:blink:

Okay, just so I know in case something bizarro happens....is Sept. 1st the last day to get it in before being on the naughty list or is Sept. 1st the 'on the naughty list' day?

[candy_coated_bitch]

I warned y'all I'd be down to the wire. Can't. Get. It. Right.

I was totally wrong about being more Zen with this project.

:blink:

Okay, just so I know in case something bizarro happens....is Sept. 1st the last day to get it in before being on the naughty list or is Sept. 1st the 'on the naughty list' day?

September 1st is the last day to get it in to me. If it's in my hands on the 1st you're good. It's a Saturday. Just in case that info is helpful at all. On the naughty list on the 2nd.

Sorry you're struggling so much with this project!!!

[Gemme]

I think it's an awesome project. I'm just having a hard time silencing my inner critic. I've never pretended to be an artist but I sure wish I could get the image out of my head onto paper in the same format as I see it. I have an army of 'nope, that's not it' pictures all over the place. Bah!

[nanners]

Gemme, I feel your pain. My project has been a comedy of errors. And a little part of me that’s an artist has also been saying what’s on my mind doesn’t come out on paper well. And I’m having a tough time, but I’ll make it in before September 1.

[candy_coated_bitch]

(((((Gemme and Nanners))))) I have every faith that your projects will be amazing! Just say no to inner critics! Can't wait to see what you've done.

[Gemme]

Okay! I think I've got it as good as it's going to get and will mail it out tomorrow. Definitely there on or before the 1st.

[candy_coated_bitch]

Okay! I think I've got it as good as it's going to get and will mail it out tomorrow. Definitely there on or before the 1st.

Awesome! Good job!!! I'm sure it's wonderful.

[candy_coated_bitch]

1) CCB - finished
2) clay -received
3) nanners - en route
4) Kätzchen - received
5) Gemme - en route
6) nycfem -received

Ok, this is looking good. Both Gemme's and nanner's project should be here by the 1st. We did it you guys! I will get the projects back out to you within two weeks as originally posted. I want to take extra care in packing these mermaids up so they will be safe and sound on their travels.

[Gemme]

You should have mine on Friday, CCB.

[candy_coated_bitch]

Gemme and Nanners, both of your mermaids arrived safe and sound!

Does anyone who did NOT fold their photocopies object to them being folded? I think the only person this applies to is nycfem. It would make life easier for me but I am prepared to send them in pristine condition if that's what you want.

[candy_coated_bitch]

PS, The folding wuestion does not apply to those who sent photos.

[candy_coated_bitch]

Ok, so I got excited and put everyone's packages together tonight!!! You should all have one piece of original art and four copies/photos of the rest of ours. I was confused by the math at first but no one needs a copy if their own work nor the original they are getting. So, phew, dodged a bullet there.

I highly doubt I will get to the post office tomorrow but will do so Monday. The packages are smallish bubble mailers and will be sent first class with tracking numbers. I will pm you each your tracking number as soon as they are mailed.

[clay]

Ok, so I got excited and put everyone's packages together tonight!!! You should all have one piece of original art and four copies/photos of the rest of ours. I was confused by the math at first but no one needs a copy if their own work nor the original they are getting. So, phew, dodged a bullet there.

I highly doubt I will get to the post office tomorrow but will do so Monday. The packages are smallish bubble mailers and will be sent first class with tracking numbers. I will pm you each your tracking number as soon as they are mailed.

Whoohoo. I am so excited to "sea" everyone's creativity. Hey CCB, Monday is Labor Day.... :)

[Kätzchen]

Ok, so I got excited and put everyone's packages together tonight!!! You should all have one piece of original art and four copies/photos of the rest of ours. I was confused by the math at first but no one needs a copy if their own work nor the original they are getting. So, phew, dodged a bullet there.

I highly doubt I will get to the post office tomorrow but will do so Monday. The packages are smallish bubble mailers and will be sent first class with tracking numbers. I will pm you each your tracking number as soon as they are mailed.

Very Nice! I can hardly wait to enjoy the summer Mermaid projects that our group worked on this past summer. :)

Thanks for hosting the summer round, CCB! :bunchflowers:

[candy_coated_bitch]

Whoohoo. I am so excited to "sea" everyone's creativity. Hey CCB, Monday is Labor Day.... :)

Ha. Thank you for pointing that out! I totally would have walked to the post office. Mailings to go out Tuesday!

[Gemme]

Whew! I'm glad they all made it and can't wait to see everyone's awesome work.

[candy_coated_bitch]

Whew! I'm glad they all made it and can't wait to see everyone's awesome work.

It's very good work!!! I think you'll all be amazed!

[clay]

Hey CCB.....just checking in...did you mail the packages out Tuesday? I didn't see tracking info anywhere, so just checking in...THANK YOU, again, for an incredible project & would love to do something like this, again...:). Can ya tell clay might just be super excited...:)

[candy_coated_bitch]

Hey CCB.....just checking in...did you mail the packages out Tuesday? I didn't see tracking info anywhere, so just checking in...THANK YOU, again, for an incredible project & would love to do something like this, again...:). Can ya tell clay might just be super excited...:)

I was just coming in to say I'm sorry I haven't sent the packages yet!!! My body had other plans for me the past two days. But my therapy office is right next door to the post office so tomorrow for sure!

I know you guys are excited so I'm sorry I jumped the gun there.

[candy_coated_bitch]

Packages all went out a little while ago. I sent them all as first class packages with tracking. I will PM all your tracking numbers tonight.

[candy_coated_bitch]

All tracking numbers PM'd. :)

[clay]

All tracking numbers PM'd. :)

Thank you, CCB! Again, I enjoyed this project immensely!! Hope we do another version sometime in future!!

Excited to see the work!!!

[Gemme]

Got my package!!!! Well done, everyone, and thank you, clay, for an awesome mermaid!!!!

[clay]

Got my package!!!! Well done, everyone, and thank you, clay, for an awesome mermaid!!!!

You are so very welcome. I loved making her for you...and writing the other!

[Tommi]

For those of you who are always up for catching a new craft show, let me introduce Making It.

It's hosted by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman. They're pretty punny.

Lo0fqaIDUB4

7PLXq9C9PcE

k-5ljLQN3o8

It's craftastic.

:tease:






Thanks for info.Enjoying it. . Great tips and ideas. I want to just do it all.

[Kätzchen]

I just opened the package CCB mailed to me and what a treat to see everyone's art projects! I have two signed off by nycfem, both separate and different pictures (both very artsy!). Then one picture of Gemme's (so cute!). Then an anonymous mermaid with pink fins and wearing an pink bralette (this one is yours CCB? -- she's a doll, for sure!). Clay's is very subtle and so pretty and painstakingly made (thanks for the accompanying story about her, clay!).

Nanner's… your mermaid is just darling! :stillheart:

I love the mermaid you created for me! Thank you so very, very much! :)


What an awesome summer project and such a delight to see everyone's creative talent! :bunchflowers:

[candy_coated_bitch]

Sorry if you got anonymous mermaid from me! I thought I signed the back of them all. Yes, mine is the one with pink fins and a pink bralette.

[nanners]

I got my package today as well.

Gemme, I loved the one you did for me!

It was fun to see the other ones too, and Clay, the Mermaid story was cute.
Kätzchen, thank you!

So, I'm guessing everyone will have theirs today or tomorrow, are we ok with starting to consider the next project?

[justkim]

I'd like to hear about the next project. I don't come on as much as I use to but would love to join one of these sessions.