Penpals, Scrapbookers, Postcard Artists and Other Creative Types

[nycfem]

Hi Nina,

My apologies if I came on strong. I know you have wonderful intentions but what we were finding is that when we excused people and just made the projects donation to them if they told us a life crisis was going on and that they were not going to send out their cards is that often the same people had that happen pretty regularly. Therefore, it felt uncomfortable to be working hard on projects and receiving minimal return. It really is not a punishment. Like we have written in the past: “artists on hold.” We do understand things happen, which is why we came up with the one week grace period which felt reasonable.


Here is the rule (using this project as an example). We were all used to it so we stopped explicitly posting it but we do have new members join which is wonderful and we really should go back to posting it with each project so it’s not confusing for people.

Originally Posted by Gemme

Changing Seasons Project

Those who love fall can lean into that and those who are excited about winter can go wild with all the crazy delights that winter brings.

Parameters:

• must not be any larger than 5x7 but can be any size smaller
• must be able to lay (lie?) flat (aka no embellishments that stick up off the piece)
• can be anything (store purchased card, homemade ATC, an index card with charcoal sketches or crayon scribbles, et cetera) that is your interpretation of what the theme means to you
• can be literal or abstract, light or dark, funny or serious
• on the back of each piece, please have the project name, your screen name and if you want it to go to a particular person, that's person's screen name...pieces with no specific recipient listed will be assigned by the wrangler after a rousing game of Eeny, Meeny, Miney and Mo.

With 9 sign ups, you need to send me 8, unless you want one of yours back and then you will send 9 in this example.

Each participant will also include $5 for postage and repackaging materials.

Deadline for sign up: 10/24
Deadline for receipt of projects (NOT the deadline for mailing them out...I need to RECEIVE them by this date): 11/12
Deadline for me to re-mail the projects out: 11/16

Projects are officially late if they do not arrive via USPS, UPS or FedEx by 5pm EST on November 12th. It's a Saturday. Once the deadline for sign up ends, I will get the address to send the pieces to all of the participants. Please keep in mind that November 11th is election day and that may affect delivery services in some areas.

Some things to consider....not everyone loves glitter. If you have glitter on your piece, please make sure it's sealed so it doesn't get loose and attack. Also, if the pieces are created in a smoking environment, some of our crafters are sensitive to smoke. I will air out what I can, and all pieces will be dusted with Lysol but please be considerate and try to not send strongly scented pieces out.

Due to inconsistencies with life, unexpected events and sometimes just the carelessness of some of the participants, we had to draft rules to ensure there would be consequences for those who seem to drop the ball with getting their projects completed and/or received in time, which can be hurtful for those who put effort into their work and got their things in on time. This isn't a work or school environment but a deadline is a deadline and a promise is still a promise and putting your name on the is a promise to all of the other participants that you will participate fully.

RULES AS AGREED UPON TO BE ADDED AT THE END OF EACH PROJECT:
"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 2022. 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 2023. 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 2022 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 2/21/22. I can start participating in new projects on 8/21/22. I have added myself to the list below:

1. Tony (missed the late date of 1/28/22, able to participate 7/28/22)
2. Bitsy (missed the late date of 2/21/22, able to participate 8/21/22)'

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."


OFFICIAL SIGN UP----CLOSED!!!
1. Gemme
2. clay
3. Orema
4. GeorgiaMa'am
5. cricket26
6. Besame*
7. nycfem
8. CCB
9. Nina03

[nycfem]

Also to add, if we want to consider amending the rule for the future to be three months instead of six months then that’s OK with me as long as it’s applied to everyone and does not involve evaluating individual circumstances, since we really do not know what is true or untrue, and some people also do not care to share their personal business, and should not be penalized for that. If a project does not arrive within a week of the due date then that person is on hold for the amount of time stated, in the rule and their projects are sent back to the participants who made them - period. For FUTURE projects do people want to keep it at six months or consider changing it to three or four months? Thoughts from group members?

[nycfem]

My own thought is that six months feels a little long, but three months feels a little short. 4 months??

[nanners]

I would like it to be 3 months. NYCfem, you are correct about this way being non-judgemental, it doesn't matter what happens. it's straight forward.

For this project, and this one only then, can I still send mine out to the individuals they are made (or will be made for)?
I have 3 done, almost 4 and I'm hoping to get them out by the end of the week.
Can I still participate in the next project?

[nanners]

Also, Nina...thank you for being so kind hearted to me when my world is upside down. I will go with whatever the group decides...but I'm still sending mine out.

[clay]

Originally Posted by nina03

snipped post
This is turning into an argument when it doesn't need to be. If you need people to go on a time out list, then so be it. I thought Clay said it was three months not six.

Hey, nina03...my humblest apologies to you, for I DID indeed say 3 months, and I was mistaken. I should have looked back at previous posts before I spoke. I am truly sorry!!!! Big hugs!

I think it should be 6 months, for what it is worth!

[Bèsame*]

yay! I finially got mine. I love the ones I received. It's so interesting to see how we interpret our projects.

As you all can see, I worked hard on mine, down to the last wire. I had some major events, but I made a commitment.
It's like a party. We know the date. We know what dishes we need to bring. We think about our outfit. Make the time to go. If something comes up, you miss the party.

[nycfem]

Why don’t we start fresh with the next project and take a deep breath and let everything go! No one on the “on hold” list and just start from scratch
and attach the rule at the end of the next project. I am sorry for my role in everything. This group is one of the most meaningful aspects of my adult life where I so rarely make time for anything personal and creative. Lots of love to you all!

[nycfem]

Also, one of our members who had nothing to do with this project contacted me and requested that we not call it the time out list or the naughty list. Even though that is sometimes said playfully it was also starting to feel quite uncomfortable to me as well. Let’s stick with artists on hold and let’s also remember that even if someone is on hold from participating in projects, they are still welcome to chat with us on the thread! Life happens, and I’m sure we will all be on hold at some point if we haven’t already, but that doesn’t mean we are not still an important part of the group!

[GeorgiaMa'am]

Originally Posted by nycfem

Hi Nina, CCB has been in this group for 20 years and several of us know her very well in person. She is a close in person friend of mine and an artist. She does not lie. She doesn’t go on the site every day and when she went on the site and saw your message she was about to send the tracking number but then saw that you had written that post. The reason that we came up with this rule years ago is because we had various stories from people about why they didn’t get it done, and the rule takes away judging who has a sad enough story and whose story is not worthy or not true. It made it very easy for us, and it really improved how many people completed each project! If your project doesn’t come in time, then you’re out for six months. Possibly a solution would be to change the rule to three months if it feels too harsh but I think we need an objective rule. If you don’t turn it in you don’t turn it in and you’re on the list!

This is true, it does make it easier for all of us when we don't have to decide who has a more worthy excuse.

For my part, I am in favor of the rule. I think 4 months would be adequate, but if everyone wants to stick with 6 I am fine with that. As nycfem said, we have had much better follow-through from people who sign up since we started the rule (myself included). I don't like getting back projects that I made for someone else. I do remember at least one time when we sent somebody on the on-hold list their projects anyway, as a kindness, for what that is worth.

I'm not wanting to stir up any trouble here, just throwing in my .02. We have a great group, I love working on projects with you all and seeing your efforts. Let's all agree on something, even if that means rewriting the rule, and keep the good crafty vibes going.

[nanners]

My projects are done and I’m addressing the envelopes today. They’ll be in the mail to each of you on Monday. Let me know if you’d like the tracking number, but I’ll be checking them.

[clay]

I have covid, first time ever! I am STILL positive a week later. My case was so much worse than my wife's case.

It got me to thinking, with covid's latest variant eris, rampant all over the place, esp here in Fla. that I am most likely not going to participate in any projects for a bit. I DO NOT want to risk infecting anyone nor getting reinfected. As careful as I was, still I contracted it.

I will participate in discussions, but I just can't risk it. I have a virtual with my pulmonologist soon as she is VERY concerned about me. It has settled down into my chest & my head, am so congested.

While I know everyone would also be careful, I just can't risk this at this time. I know you will all understand.

Hugs & love to all of my crafters pals!!

[nycfem]

Totally understand and really hope you feel better!

Originally Posted by clay

I have covid, first time ever! I am STILL positive a week later. My case was so much worse than my wife's case.

It got me to thinking, with covid's latest variant eris, rampant all over the place, esp here in Fla. that I am most likely not going to participate in any projects for a bit. I DO NOT want to risk infecting anyone nor getting reinfected. As careful as I was, still I contracted it.

I will participate in discussions, but I just can't risk it. I have a virtual with my pulmonologist soon as she is VERY concerned about me. It has settled down into my chest & my head, am so congested.

While I know everyone would also be careful, I just can't risk this at this time. I know you will all understand.

Hugs & love to all of my crafters pals!!

[nanners]

My projects were mailed yeaterday and I have tracking numbers for all of them.

Besame, NYCfem, Clay: should arrive on Thgursday, 08/31/2023
CCB, Gemme: shou.ld arrive Friday 09/01/2023
Nina03, yours should arrive on Saturday 09/02/2023

*The hurricane might affect some of your deliveries...Thinking of you and hoping for the best for you...


Are we ready for the next project? Clay had an idea but I think we should wait on that and let Clay wrangle it once there is no (damn) covid lurking.

Anyone feel like doing twinchies? I'd wrangle if y'all want.

[nycfem]

Omg I’d LOVE twinchies with the option choice for inchies! Count me in!

Originally Posted by nanners

My projects were mailed yeaterday and I have tracking numbers for all of them.

Besame, NYCfem, Clay: should arrive on Thgursday, 08/31/2023
CCB, Gemme: shou.ld arrive Friday 09/01/2023
Nina03, yours should arrive on Saturday 09/02/2023

*The hurricane might affect some of your deliveries...Thinking of you and hoping for the best for you...


Are we ready for the next project? Clay had an idea but I think we should wait on that and let Clay wrangle it once there is no (damn) covid lurking.

Anyone feel like doing twinchies? I'd wrangle if y'all want.

[nina03]

What is a twinchie? I'd offered to wrangle, but my work life is exploding so if you can do it nanners, I'd be very grateful. (My boss died this summer, and now I need to figure out what I'm doing next, so it's a bit hectic.)

[nanners]

An example of a Twinchie.

Inchies are one inch by one inch squares of paper (or fiber) that contain small art, collaged or hand-drawn.

Betwinchies are the same concept as an inchie only it is a 1 1/2 inch square.

Twinchies — are the same concept as an inchie only it is 2 inches squared.

Rinchies — are the same concept as an inchie only it is a circle of one inch diameter. A 1 inch circle punch works well.

Rolo (Art) — altering, redecorating a Rolodex card that fits on a flat file type Rolodex or the circular one. (Find a used one at a consignment shop, yard sale, refill cards are available — new ones can be found at office supplie stores or WalMart).

[nanners]

Also, all of my projects have been delivered except Besame's.

[clay]

Originally Posted by nanners

Also, all of my projects have been delivered except Besame's.

Got mine yesterday! Wicked cool! Thanks so much!!

[nina03]

Originally Posted by nanners

Also, all of my projects have been delivered except Besame's.

Thank you nanners! Really beautiful!