Summer Pick-A-Theme DUE Oct 15, 2007

[Amerasu]

SWAP IS NOW FULL

I know that our FAQ states that we all need an iTrader rating of +10 to join a PAT but this is our first month here and no one has a rating! I believe the overwhelming majority of us also trade at ATcards or the Yahoo group and know each other; in some cases, we know each other quite well! So that's why I thought a PAT swap might make for a nice "one of the first" swaps here at IllustratedATCs.com. I'm pretty sure that the returns will be very cool!

# of players: 40 (8 groups of 5)
Sign up by: September 15, 2007 or when all spots are filled.
Cards due by: October 15, 2007
Mediums: Hand drawn or painted
Hosted by: Amerasu

Instructions:

1. Sign up for no more than 3 groups and choose a theme for each one.
2. Once you sign up you can’t withdraw, as some artists start their cards immediately.
3. Make a card for each of the members of your group in their chosen theme; you then receive 4 cards of your chosen theme in return.
4. Make sure that your user name, who you made the card for and the group number are on the back of each card.
5. Please include a self addressed stamped envelope for your returns if you are in Canada. International members, I will cover the postage but please include a self addressed label for your returns. I will supply the envelopes.
6. Send me a Private Message when you're ready to send your cards and I'll send you my mailing address.

As this is a swap where you make cards for each person please ensure you DO NOT over-commit yourself.

You must be willing to work on all the other themes in your group!

CARDS MAILED 10/23/07 for most groups - unless you are in more than one group and we're waiting on one of those groups!

Group 1 - GROUP FULL MAILED 10/23/07
1. Amerasu - Nature Goddess
2. EraserQueen - Men Who Get Around (guy with wings, or a horse, a fast car etc.)
3. Tablynn - "Suit of Armor" the midieval, full body, plate mail sort of thing
4. adriayna - spirit of the wind
5. Livia - crazy trees

Group 2 - GROUP FULL
1. Amerasu - Gothic Fairies
2. Klawzie - Steampunk (Automatons, gears, clockwork, girls in corsets; etc!)
3. Tablynn - Catwoman", whichever incarnation you prefer
4. Eraser Queen - Zetti Africa
5. Princessgene - Medieval Women Cards on the way

Group 3 - GROUP FULL MAILED 10/23/07
1. adriayna - magic and mystery
2. Livia - funky bird
3. Birdsong - Java Jive (Coffee...HOT! but with a "COOL" twist)
4. crafter412 - Wings
5. Meran - dog wood (it can be combined in any way, and can be humorous or serious - like a dogwood flower or a dog made of wood, get it?)

Group 4 - GROUP FULL
1. Jart - Antique fishing lures Cards on the way
2. M A N U Z - Selfportraits (doesn't have to be realistic, just the way you see yourself)
3. Caroline - Pain and passion (This theme is inspired by the life and work of Frida Kahlo but feel free to interpret it however you choose)
4. Chronata - A Spirit of Time
5. Zamurai - V for Vendetta (comics or movie) 'the character, V'

Group 5 - GROUP FULL
1. Chronata - Clouds and Sheep
2. Amerasu - Snow/Ice Queens
3. Prinessgene - Fairies Cards on the way
4. Klawsie - Board Games (Monopoly, Candyland, Clue - whatever!)
5. Pixeldog - Feathers and lace Cards on the way

Group 6 - GROUP FULL MAILED 10/23/07
1. Randi - Bats
2. Maria Magenta - Our Lady of Guadalupe. It can be an interpretation of the traditional image
3. Eraser Queen - Serverus Snape (Harry Potter) Please don't base the portrait on Alan Rickman! I LOVE him, but am looking for a younger, more cannon version and I am anxious to see how others interpret him. Also, an interesting background would be nice.
4. Original Youth - 'the ART queen' or 'the queen of Art'
5. Porcelain - Kelly Macdonald (photo reference link in my profile - searching google will return results with nudity)

Group 7 - Group Full MAILED 10/23/07
1. leahfelicity - Vintage circus
2. Potbelly Arts - evil cute things
3. Abi - Text and Africa
4. Gingersnap - SELF-PORTRAITS WITH A SMILE (A comical version would be fun)
5. Merricat - Kooky Sad Scarecrows

Group 8 MAILED 10/23/07
1. Catsavannah - The Nude (can be b&w, color, abstract, realistic, however)
2. Leahfelicity - human/animal hybrid creatures
3. Clep - Lord of the Rings characters
4. mrs_weyremaster - "Faith" interpret as you wish MAILING CARDS DIRECT TO GROUP DUE to UK POSTAL STRIKE
5. randommara - faces with tons of expression in any style

[EraserQueen]

I will sign up in group One please!

My theme will be: Men Who Get Around (guy with wings, or a horse, a fast car etc.)

[Amerasu]

Great theme!! I'll add you now :)

[Klawzie]

Signing up for Group Two!
My theme will be "Steampunk" (Automatons, gears, clockwork, girls in corsets; etc!)

[Amerasu]

oohh, I love steampunk! I'll add you now :)

[TabLynn]

Well sign me up for 2 groups please! Definitely group 2, I'm intrigued with Steampunk. I'm going to sleep on my themes and I will get back tomorrow if it is ok.

[Amerasu]

Yay Tablynn :)

I'll put you in 1 and 2

[EraserQueen]

I ecently had to make a steampunk card :D it was hard! But fun :) I'm gonna cave and join group two also please. My Theme is...hhmmm.. I'll get back to you with that!

[Amerasu]

lol, added to Group 2. I always cave too :)

[Amerasu]

Princessgene signed up for group 2 via PM :)

[TabLynn]

Well I've slept on it and I think my first theme will be "Suit of Armor" the midieval, full body, plate mail sort of thing. For the second theme "Catwoman", whichever incarnation you prefer.

[adriayna]

Hi everyone! I'd love to join groups 1 and start a new group 3. Themes...always so hard.

My first one will be "spirit of the wind" and the second theme will be..."magic and mystery"

[Amerasu]

Great! I've added you :)

[livia]

Sign me up in group 1 - theme "crazy trees" and group 3- theme "funky bird"

[Amerasu]

Great! I'll add you now :)

[birdsong]

Good morning (8:58 am here)...Please sign me up for group 3...so far I think I can handle themes 1 & 2...my theme will be Java Jive.

[Amerasu]

Good morning to you too! I'm adding you now with your theme.

What is Java Jive? I have no idea what this theme is although it sounds coffee-ish to me :)

[birdsong]

Absolutely correct !!!:yes: I am so-o-o-o coffee-ish...having come from the Pacific Northwest, where we lived on popcorn and coffee. Java Jive = Coffee...HOT! but with a "COOL" :cool:twist.

[Janet]

Please sign me up for group 3 :)

[Amerasu]

Will do :)

[Meran]

May I fill out Group 3? Please?
I've traded with 2 of them before, and wanted to trade with the other 2!
Meran

[Amerasu]

Sure thing! Let me know your theme when you have one :)

[jart]

I guess I can start group 4. topic to come

[M A N U Z]

I'll join Jart in group 4 with Selfportraits (doesn't have to be realistic, just the way you see yourself.. Does that make any sense?)

[Amerasu]

Ok guys, I've added you to group 4 :)

[Caroline]

Can you add me to group 4 please. I need to think about my theme.

[Chronata]

Can I jump in on group 4 with "A Spirit of Time"

and jumpstart group 5 with "Clouds and Sheep"?

Yay! A PAT I am actually looking forward to!!!

[Amerasu]

Hi guys, I'll add you both now.

It's taking all of my willpower not to jump in another group!!

[Zamurai]

Please add me to group 4 with "V for Vendetta" (Comic or Movie versions) as my theme. :mask:

Thanks,

Z.

[Amerasu]

Sure thing!

V for Vendetta is one of my all time faves. That 'v' speech at the beginning of the movie is a classic :)

[M A N U Z]

V for Vendetta COOOOL Zamurai!! Happy you're in my group! :D

[Janet]

I forgot my theme :(
Please put me down for 'Wings' thank you!!!!

[Meran]

Amerasu, I thought of my theme, then forgot to post it sorry.. happens when you get old :)
dog wood is mine.. it can be combined in any way, and can be humorous or serious (like a dogwood flower or a dog made of wood, get it?) Your choice fellow groupies!
Meran

[Amerasu]

Ha! Cute theme! I'll add it now :)

[Caroline]

Ok. I have my theme. 'Pain and passion'. This theme is inspired by the life and work of Frida Kahlo but feel free to interpret it however you choose.

[Amerasu]

Great theme, Caroline :)

[Amerasu]

I'm going to stick myself in group 3 with Chronata and the clouds and sheep. I like that theme. It's very peaceful :)

[princessgene]

Go ahead and put me in group 3 too. I collect fairies....so that's what you can put me down for.

[princessgene]

Ooops! That was group 5 not group 3.

[Amerasu]

Ok, will do!

[EraserQueen]

My other theme is Zetti AFrica please :)

[Amerasu]

Ok, EQ. I'll add that now.

[TabLynn]

My other theme is Zetti AFrica please :)

I knew this Zetti thing was going to catch up with me sooner or later. I have NO idea what this is about. Any good links to explain it? Sorry I'm clueless.

[Amerasu]

www.teeshamoore.com
www.zettiology.com

I don't know of any explantions of the style but if you have a look through those two site, it should give you a pretty good idea of what Zetti is :)

[Klawzie]

Aiee... I'm caving... XD; Could you please add me to Group Five with "Board Games" (Monopoly, Candyland, Clue - whatever!).

[Pixeldog]

I've actually never tried one of these. I suppose I should give a whirl. It looks like group 5 is open so put me down there, with the theme of "Feathers and Lace"

[OriginalYouth]

Group 5 is full now?

[Randi]

Can I join group 5?

My theme will be bats.

[maria magenta]

I'd like to join group six. My theme will be "Our Lady of Guadalupe." It can be an interpretation of the traditional image.

[EraserQueen]

Could I possibly join group 6 with Serverus Snape as the theme?

[OriginalYouth]

I'll play in Group 6 as well! I'd like my theme to be 'the ART queen' or 'the queen of Art'. Just play with your interpretation of that. Thanks! :D

[EraserQueen]

oooh! Cool theme! :D

[OriginalYouth]

oooh! Cool theme! :D
Thanks! I can't believe I have to do an HP card. I've never read a book, seen a movie, nor care to. Now ya got me drawing him! Oh well, at least he's cool.

[EraserQueen]

Well, Snape is a very dear character to me, but I know you'll try to do him justice ;)

I am a Christian, and have friends who are also, half of them love harry potter, because of the morality, and half of them hate it because of the witchcraft. I'm okay with both opinions :)

[OriginalYouth]

Well, Snape is a very dear character to me, but I know you'll try to do him justice ;)

I am a Christian, and have friends who are also, half of them love harry potter, because of the morality, and half of them hate it because of the witchcraft. I'm okay with both opinions :)


I'm not judging it, I just dont' care. Is that too wrong? HA HA! Oh well. I do like the Lord of the Rings stuff. Of course any of that that I watch is due to my hubby, usually.

[EraserQueen]

Not caring is cool too! haha! I actually feel that way about Lord of the Rings..I read the hobit, but the not the others.. as for the movies..same there, watched the first and never got around to the second and third...

I'm assuming the Art Queen is you?? :D Do you mind if I make it like a portrait???

[OriginalYouth]

I'm assuming the Art Queen is you?? :D Do you mind if I make it like a portrait???

Go for it! I just like the idea of a woman who is (whether voted or self-appointed) the queen of art! She's a diva, with paintbrushes. A portrait sounds lovely. Just be kind. ;)

[EraserQueen]

You're beautiful! (indside and out) There's no kindness needed!

[OriginalYouth]

You're beautiful! (indside and out) There's no kindness needed!

U R 2 Sweet! :)

[Pixeldog]

Go for it! I just like the idea of a woman who is (whether voted or self-appointed) the queen of art! She's a diva, with paintbrushes. A portrait sounds lovely. Just be kind. ;)

Art Diva, Sarah, that's a bit of reach isn't it? :D.....signed the nerd.

[Amerasu]

Hi guys, everyone has been added.

Randi, Group 5 filled up just before your post so I've put you in group 6. Hope that's ok! :)

[porcelain]

ooh - could i squeeze into the very last position? Subject - Kelly Macdonald (photo reference link in my profile - searching google will return results with nudity)

[EraserQueen]

oohh..Kelly is so cool! I lover her acting! :D

[porcelain]

...and my girlfriend is MAD about Snape! :D

[Amerasu]

Ok, you're added!

[OriginalYouth]

Fun group 6! :D

[EraserQueen]

Can you add an addendum to my group 6 theme?

Please don't base the portrait on Alan Rickman! I LOVE him, but am looking for a younger, more cannon version :) and I am anxious to see how others interpret him :) Also, an interesting background would be nice :jiggy:

[porcelain]

Younger Snape coming up from me, but what do you mean by cannon?

[EraserQueen]

Sorry.."cannon" means 'Authentic', or True to the Book... in the books Snape was in his thirties :D And lightly more hooked nosed than Rickman :)

[leahfelicity]

Would it be possible to start up another group? I'd be interested in doing something like that. Either way!

[OriginalYouth]

Great EQ, so not only do I have to draw him, but now RESEARCH him too? You are too much. ;)

[Amerasu]

Sure Leah, I'll add a group 7. Let me know your theme!

[leahfelicity]

Vintage circus!

[Klawzie]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Severus_Snape#Character_description

Here you go - a character description is avaliable on Wiki! :D I adore Snape. Keep me in mind if you ever want to private-trade Harry Potter fanart. Or if there's a Harry Potter swap, I'm afraid I'm pre-committing myself. @_#;

[OriginalYouth]

You guys are too funny. I've got it, thanks! :D I'm just whining, for the sake of being dramatic...cause if I wasn't, you guys would wonder what was wrong... ;)

[potbellyarts]

I want to play with leahfelicity! Can I join and have "evil cute things" as my theme? By that I mean cute things (kittens, bunnies, babies, etc.) that are made to look evil or possessed or decidedly NOT cute. I was inspired to pick this theme by some killer moon rabbits (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=409) I saw in Ninnerfish's gallery here, all red-squinty-eyed and lopsided and moon-glow-y.

[EraserQueen]

Evil three group rule >:(

[Amerasu]

Ok, PB, you've been added with cute evil things :P

[abi]

I would love to play! I'm into text and Africa, interpret at will. Besides I've never done evil cute before.

[OriginalYouth]

How's this EQ? If you don't like him, I can try again...I was in a loose-y abstracted-y mood, so it's all watercolor pencils...
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j222/originalyouth/SnapeforEraserqueen.jpg

[Amerasu]

Great theme Abi! There are some very cool African proverbs that would make interesting ATCs. This one is my fave, "Until the lion has his or her own storyteller, the hunter will always have the best part of the story."

Cool Snape, OY!

[Gingersnap]

I would like to sign up for Group 7 and my theme is SELF-PORTRAITS WITH A SMILE (A comical version would be fun).

[Gingersnap]

I want to play with leahfelicity! Can I join and have "evil cute things" as my theme? By that I mean cute things (kittens, bunnies, babies, etc.) that are made to look evil or possessed or decidedly NOT cute. I was inspired to pick this theme by some killer moon rabbits (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=409) I saw in Ninnerfish's gallery here, all red-squinty-eyed and lopsided and moon-glow-y.

Funny thing, but as I was considering this Group and saw your theme, red-eyed bunnies was the first thing that came to my mind. Sounds like fun.

[Amerasu]

I've added you, Gingersnap :)

[Merricat]

Can I join Group 7? I'll have to mull over an idea for just a bit and get right back to you! :)

[Amerasu]

Ok, sounds good!

[leahfelicity]

Funny thing, but as I was considering this Group and saw your theme, red-eyed bunnies was the first thing that came to my mind. Sounds like fun.

That was the first thing I thought, too! I was thinking of Monty Python's Quest for the Holy Grail with the evil bunny!

[Merricat]

Okay, I'm thinking Kooky Sad Scarecrows - weird,...I know!

[leahfelicity]

Weird but COOL. I'm always up for a challenge.

[catsavannah]

Well, if anyone is interested in a Group 8, I'll start.
My theme is The Nude ( can be b&w, color, abstract, realistic, however)

This may test the policy on Nudes (do we have an official policy now?), but here goes!

[Amerasu]

Ok, I'll open up group 8 and add you now :)

Artistic nudes are always welcome here!

[leahfelicity]

Here, here! I enjoy nudes!

I can't just leave catsavannah hanging... especially since I'm fairly certain I don't have any of her stuff yet... (rubs hands)

I will go with human/animal hybrid creatures -- sphinxes, harpies, mermaids, &c -- humans and whatever animal strikes the fancy!

[clep]

OK, put me in Group 8, I can't resist any longer.

My theme will be characters from Tolkien's Lord of the Rings (the Hobbit and other books are fine too). You can make one person portraits, or group a few together - anything you like! I'd like to see your interpretation of the characters, not so much of the actors in the movies.

[leahfelicity]

WHAT IS WITH ALL OF THIS BOOK RESEARCH?!? GEEZ. It's like this site has standards it wants us to live up to... this is what wikipedia and my nerdy friends are for... I'm off to the races!

[clep]

Lol...(assumes debating stance)

"This house is adamant that every human being with access to books should have, or is intending to, read at least LOTR (excluding other canon, works, articles, lecture notes and biographies of author of said book) and even if they have not, we maintain that: 1) the Internet is chock-full of similar brain-washed specimens that can tell you everything you want to know about aforementioned book; 2) an oddly amusing and somewhat deluded movie version of the book has been released; and 3) just do it." **

(draws in long-delayed breath of air; too long-delayed, in fact, and starts to turn a deeper shade of blue)

** The house also maintains that it was under the influence of the highly naive age of 11 at the time it made that resolution. As such, it will not be held responsible for any damages sustained by other parties when attempting to follow the highly deluded and somewhat amusing resolution above.

***The house maintains, further, that it needs to get a life.

****The house maintains tha-(cue strangled noises and chair crashing against floor)

[OriginalYouth]

HA HA! The house cracks me up!

Just give in, Leah. I finally read The Hobbit when I was 12, cause I was grounded from TV and out of books. I hid it from the family because they kept telling me to read it and I kept telling them they were NERDS. The movies are good, we own all 3. ;) Just give in, it's good stuff, really.
Besides, they have TROLLS.

[EraserQueen]

I actually liked the hobbit..it was just the other Lord of the Ring books I couldn't get into..

*Ducks all the rotten veggies thrown by The House*

[Klawzie]

I read them all (well, the LOTR + The Hobbit).... I enjoyed the movies more. >_>;;;;; While very good, the style of writing was so dense it was like wading through hip-deep molasses for me. :o I couldn't get into The Sc(..mumblingnoisesbecauseIcan'trememberhowtospell it) at all. :c

[clep]

The house would prefer to use more sophisticated things like rubber duckies and jiggying emoticons as projectile. ;)

[Amerasu]

Ok, you have been added Leah and the house as well :jiggy:

2 spots left!

[leahfelicity]

LOL, you are hilarous, Clep. I intend to read the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe series in its entirety, as well as LoTR, as well as A Wrinkle In Time... you know, the children's classics I somehow completely missed out on. One of these days.

[mrs_weyremaster]

I'd like to join group 8 with the theme "Faith", interpret as you wish.
Thanks
Suzi :D

[Amerasu]

Great, I'll add you now :)

[randommara]

Ooooo!! I so want to join group 8! I love all the themes. I'd love a theme of faces with tons of expression in any style. I'm soooo excited about this one!

[Amerasu]

Ooops, missed your post here yesterday randommara. I've added you now :)

[OriginalYouth]

2 down, 2 to go. Maria, yours is in the gallery. :)

[catsavannah]

Clep, You crack me up! LOL How old are you?????????

[OriginalYouth]

Clep, You crack me up! LOL How old are you?????????

She is 16, I think...or 18? Too young to contain all that talent and wit, that's for sure. ;)

[Amerasu]

We have a topic from Jart now so I think that completes the themes from all :)

[EraserQueen]

I am really having fun with these! At first I freaked out (especially with Tabitha's Suit of Armor LOL) but I'm really enjoying them now :)

I have made Klawzie's Steampunk, Tab's Armor and Catwoman, Livia's Tree, Dana's wind Spirit, Sal's nature goddess and her Gothic fae :)

I will take pics soon!

[Amerasu]

I'm a little freaked out about the suit of armor too! :)

[EraserQueen]

HAHA, it's easy once you jump in! I admit the metal is hard to render..and I want to deepen the shadows on it some more before I send it out!

EDIT: I REALLY like your new avatar! :D

[TabLynn]

I picked metal because I thought it would be interesting to see what everyone could do with it. I'm kinda freaked about Steampunk, its a really cool theme but I'm just not sure what to do with it. I always have trouble when the theme is more of a style than an a more concrete theme (I have to think, GASP!) The Zetti thing gets me too. Just abit foreign to me. No worries, I'll figure it out. The date is SO far away:) So far I have had fun with the first 3 in my group.

[EraserQueen]

Steam punk was a little intimidating, because it's not so much a style f rendering as it is a collection of certain things I have to draw LOL..I ended up painting a gal sitting on a clock, with key earrings, and her boyfriend leaning over the edge with an airplane flying by in the background...they are both in sorta-victorian clothing and both are wearing aviator goggles :)

Zetti shouldn't be too bad! It's just bold colored and patterns around something African-ish :) Don't worry too much to adhering to zetti, as being inspired by it..I love seeing people's different takes on the subject!

[Amerasu]

Steampunk intimidates me too! I made a card for adriayna recently and it took me quite a while! I need to scan it and post it. But it's very victorian with machinery :)

[Meran]

go to: www.girlgenius.net
read a page or two of the comic... see lots of steampunk stuff!
give you ideas..lol
meran
ps. one of my faves!!!!

[Klawzie]

Ahaha. XD;;; Oh dear - I thought I'd made the theme (steampunk) open-ended rather than scary! My bad. XD;; It's such a hodge-podge thing of metal and gears and blimps and magic... XD;;

I promise I will love all the cards - if that makes anyone feel any better? XD;;;

[TabLynn]

Well I whine about challenging cards but in the end I'm glad I did them and a lot of times they come out better than I expect. And I LOVE this theme, I just didn't have a name for it before:)

[clep]

Clep, You crack me up! LOL How old are you?????????


She is 16, I think...or 18? Too young to contain all that talent and wit, that's for sure. ;)

The house's mildly (ok, really) pathetic response to all that is: Heh.


I've done one card so far for the PAT (the face one), almost done with the animal/human hybrid.

[OriginalYouth]

The house's mildly (ok, really) pathetic response to all that is: Heh.

The house gives all of us old people hope for the next generation. :D

[Zamurai]

Aaaaaaaand...........Done. Finished all of my cards for Group 4. You can see all of them in the card gallery if you want or in my gallery. Hope everyone is pleased...they should be going out as soon as OY is done with all of hers.

Thanks,

Z.

[livia]

My group 1 cards are in the gallery too. Now to finish group 3 !!

[Klawzie]

Okay - throwing these in an envelope and sending them out for tomorrow's mail! :D

GROUP TWO:
For Amerasu - Gothic Fairies (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=544)
For Tablynn - Catwoman (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=397)
Eraser Queen - Zetti Africa (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=545)
Princessgene - Medieval Women (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=959)

GROUP FIVE:
For Chronata - Clouds and Sheep (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=543)
For Amerasu - Snow/Ice Queens (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=398)
For Prinessgene - Fairies (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=762)
For Pixeldog - Feathers and lace (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=958)

[princessgene]

Klawzie! Those are FABULOUS cards! I'm so glad I'm in your group! Just hope my cards will be as nice as yours!

[catsavannah]

Wow, that's great work Klawzie!

[Klawzie]

Thank you! :D I feel successful today. \o/

[OriginalYouth]

My last card is done and in the gallery, they will go out tomorrow with Zamurai's cards! :D

[adriayna]

Beautiful work, everyone. I haven't gotten too much done on these yet, but I do have most of them sketched! :)

[OriginalYouth]

Hostess Gift for Amerasu, with not-so-subliminal messages is in the gallery ;)

"Zetti uprooted"

[Amerasu]

HA!! That's so cool OY! I love it, lol! :)

You guys have been making super cards for this swap. I've been watching them go through the gallery and I'm so impressed with the art so far. It's great to be in swaps and not worry about the returns for a change!

[Zamurai]

Cards for OY and myself have been sent with a nice Darth Maul stamp....thanks for hosting.

Z.

[Amerasu]

Yay for Darth Maul! You guys get all the good stamps. Canada Post needs a kick in the bum. Ours are usually pretty boring.

I'll let you know when they arrive :)

[OriginalYouth]

Yay for Darth Maul!

I was hoping you'd like that one. I usually save the good stamps for our return envies, but I thought you might appreciate him. ;) I put our cards in one envie, but there are 2 labels; you can choose to send them separately or together. It's only one set from each of us, so do whatever is best for you.
P.S. I remembered to jot you a note on my awesomeest stationary too....it's keen!

[TabLynn]

Group 1 cards are finished.

"Nature Goddess" for Amerasu
"A Man and His Motorcycle" for EraserQueen
"Spirit of the WInd" for adriayna
"Eye Tree" for livia

[Meran]

Amerasu said:
It's great to be in swaps and not worry about the returns for a change!

Who says we aren't worrying??? I'M worrying.. my mind is inventive but my hands are not...!!!

And that's an awesomely creepy eye tree, btw.
eww.
Meran

[Klawzie]

Those are awesome cards, TabLynn. :D I love the eyetree and the nature goddess in particular! :D

[TabLynn]

re. the Eye Tree, The word "crazy" always frightens me. Most of my subjects are pretty mundane. this tree was inspired by my sister's art. she does really wild, out there sort of paintings that frequently feature eyes or swirlies. I would point you the her deviant art page but I cannot remember her user name at the moment.

[Amerasu]

They're all fantastic, Tablynn! I saw the nature goddess when you first uploaded her and fell in love! It's a gorgeous card. And that tree is super creepy! I love it :)

[OriginalYouth]

Good idea! Here are my 4 cards for this swap:
Our Lady of Guadalupe for Maria Magenta
Grey Headed Flying Fox Bat for LeahFelicity
Snape for EraserQueen
Kelly Mac in blue for Porcelain


189 190 191 192

[M A N U Z]

Gee, you All made such Lovely cards!! I need to start mine too.. Z.'s V is almost done though..

[Zamurai]

Gee, you All made such Lovely cards!! I need to start mine too.. Z.'s V is almost done though..

Can't wait.........I'm "jiggy" with excitement.:jiggy:

Z.

[abi]

I posted PB's, leahfelicity's and merricat's in the What I did today thread, as well as in the card gallery. Yay!

[TabLynn]

here's my first 2 for group 2. just 2 to go:)

"Gothic Fairy" for amerasu
"Steampunk Girl" for Klawzie

Steampunk Girl gets the award for longest time it took me to make a card!

[abi]

That's time well spent Tabylynn!

[Klawzie]

Seriously - it's such an awesome card. \o/ Ie. :3

[Amerasu]

Those are fantastic Tablynn!

I still have to tackle the steampunk card but I feel better about it now since I've just done one for adriayna and that little animated movie has given me ideas :)

[TabLynn]

Here is number 3 for group 2. It could be brilliant or it could totally suck. I do NOT grok zetti. Anyway I hope at least EQ likes it:) Just 1 to go!

[EraserQueen]

I LOVE IT TAB!

[TabLynn]

I LOVE IT TAB!

That's a load off. I truly do not understand zetti and I have no idea what makes good or bad zetti, or is there bad zetti? Its just so out there... totally opposite of my usual style. I guess that's what makes PATs fun.

[EraserQueen]

LOL There is No Such Thing as bad zetti :D But yours is awesome, and I love the humor in your card! Thanks so much for taking a chance with my weird theme XD

[Amerasu]

Cards have arrived from Original Youth and Zamurai! Thanks so much for the super cool hostess card! I love it :)

[OriginalYouth]

Oh good! :) Glad you liked your Zetti.

[potbellyarts]

Whew! I have finally finished all four cards plus an extra for our lovely hostess. I don't think I've ever spent so much time or worked so hard on a set of cards. The upside of that is that you all get what is undoubtedly some of my best-ever work, and I get to feel like I've really grown my skillset and accomplished something to be proud of. I love being a part of this outstanding community and still feel honored to have been chosen for it. All five cards are in my gallery. They'll go in the mail tomorrow!

[Amerasu]

Shel, those are so fantastic!!! I love Vivid!! What a cool card. My favourite colours, lol! Thanks for that :)

Klawzie, your awesome art arrived safely today! Thanks so much for the Canadian girlie :)

[Klawzie]

\o/ You're welcome. :D I'm just happy she found a good home. :D

[TabLynn]

Last one is for princessgene. I sortof took liberties with the theme altough technically she is a midieval woman. This is Lady Godiva. princessgene, if you have problems with the nudity I can still do another card:)

[TabLynn]

I made a card for the host so these should be in the mail in a few days

[potbellyarts]

K, I lied (above.) They went in the mail today. USPS says they'll take 5-10 business days to get to Canada. Just an FYI update.

[princessgene]

I love your cards Tablynn! They are wonderful! By the way....how does everyone get those thumbnails to show up like that? On the OS there used to be a feature at the bottom of the reply message to attach thumbnails but I don't see that here. Is that feature somewhere else?

[abi]

princessgene - to get the thumbnail images, you go to advanced reply and then down to the additional options section where you can manage your attachment directly from your computer. That is the way to have them come up as thumbnails as far as I know. Hope it helps...

[TabLynn]

princessgene - to get the thumbnail images, you go to advanced reply and then down to the additional options section where you can manage your attachment directly from your computer. That is the way to have them come up as thumbnails as far as I know. Hope it helps...

Yeah, that is how I do it. You end up uploading them twice from your computer. Once for the gallery (if you want) and once for an attachment in the swap.

[princessgene]

Thanks for the how-to tips. The next time I post a pic, I'll follow your instructions.

[adriayna]

Amerasu - my cards will be out to you in today's mail :).

[Janet]

my cards have been posted today :)

[Amerasu]

Great guys, I will let you know when they arrive. I haven't grabbed my mail for a few days so I'll head down to the postal box tonight.

[catsavannah]

Mine should be there shortly as well.

[Amerasu]

I have cards here from adriayna, Tablynn and maria magenta. thanks so much for the extra card guys!

I'll leave feedback now :)

[Amerasu]

I have cards here from Catsavannah and from crafter412 today. Thanks very much to both for the extra card! Love them! :)

[Amerasu]

How is everyone else coming along?

I haven't started yet :)

[Gingersnap]

Well, I thought I was doing well, then I found out I did a happy scarecrow and not a funky sad scarecrow so its back to the drawing board for me. I must learn to READ READ READ.

[mrs_weyremaster]

Not started mine yet, but they are heading towards the top of the things to make list, should get them done next week and posted by end of september, which gives them 2 weeks to fly across the ocean.
Suzi

[Meran]

I'm finally starting mine. Jeez. Ideas. None. Blank. Working on it. Maybe I'll paint more on the deck and think about magic and mystery, weird coffee stuff, strange birds, and wingy things.
Meran

[clep]

Sent mine last Friday, so they should be making their slow way across a few continents at the moment. I forgot to put in a hostess card, eek!

[abi]

well everything is done but the self portrait, gawd I hate doing myself. Oh well, I will buckle down soon and get it done.

[potbellyarts]

Sal, are mine not there yet? I sent them some time ago and I'm getting worried. They were some of my best work ever. :(

[Amerasu]

Sal, are mine not there yet? I sent them some time ago and I'm getting worried. They were some of my best work ever. :(


Yep, they arrived ages ago! I left you feedback on Sept 2. I might not have made your name blue though so I will check that once I finish writing this :)


Randi, your amazing art has arrived today. Gorgeous work!

[potbellyarts]

Yes you DID leave me feedback. Forgot that completely in my panic over NOT BEING BLUE YET (thx for fixing, btw!) I am obviously running on brain farts today; think I'll go have some more coffee before posting again! Earlier I had to have Anne remind me we have a calendar here. Gee, Shel, wake up!

[porcelain]

Sent mine out today. I'm completely blown away by the cards done for me in return!

[Merricat]

Well, I thought I was doing well, then I found out I did a happy scarecrow and not a funky sad scarecrow so its back to the drawing board for me. I must learn to READ READ READ.

Oh I'd have been delighted with a happy scarecrow! LOL!!! :)


Mine went out today, but I forgot and sent an addressed envelope instead of a label, sorry about that!

[livia]

Mine have gone postal- hope they arrive soon.

[Chronata]

Finally got over that last hurdle! (the self portrait for MANUZ had me stumped!)

and I should be sending them all this week...(I'll probably throw the Zetti swap cards in there too!)

[Amerasu]

I'll watch for them Chronata :)

I have cards here from Porcelain. Thanks so much for the super cool Sandman card as a gift. I love it!

[Gingersnap]

Yeah, I am working on my last card "Evil Cute Things". Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

[TabLynn]

Yeah, I am working on my last card "Evil Cute Things". Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

My 2 yr old daughter would qualify, too bad I'm not in that group:)

[Merricat]

My 2 yr old daughter would qualify, too bad I'm not in that group:)

LOL! That literally made me laugh out loud at work!

[Gingersnap]

I have my four cards done, now for my hosting gift. I have a great idea for that one and then I can mail them off.

[abi]

Ok, so I finally cowboy'd up (I am so hick, this living in Wyoming is really rubbing off on me again, *fighting the urge to flee to a metropolitan area*) and got my self portrait for gingersnap done. I'm not totally happy with it, but it does look like me, so what can I say? Mine will be off by Friday morning!

[Gingersnap]

Oooooooo, I love this, Abi.

[OriginalYouth]

Amerasu, will you add 'the character, V' to Zamurai's list... thanks.

[jart]

I sent my artwork today, should have no problem getting there. Kind of sad being my last swap. Oh well. We do what is best. Will miss you all.

Joel/Jart

[Meran]

Okay, what'd I miss? Why is it your last swap?
Meran

[mrs_weyremaster]

Nearly finished my cards, should have them in the post before end of this week.
Suzi :D

[Klawzie]

:o Ditto. :o

[Amerasu]

I have cards here from Livia and from Merricat. Thanks both very much for the wonderful hostess cards! :)

[Merricat]

Yeah! I'm glad they made it there safely! :)

[leahfelicity]

Mine are postal today!

[Amerasu]

I have lovely cards from Caroline, Clep and Abi! thanks for the extras guys :) :)

[Meran]

Sent them off in today's mail.
I'm sending them to the gallery right now.
Meran

[Chronata]

I'm really starting to worry...I send that package ages ago!

Keeping my fingers crossed that they get ther ein time!!

[mrs_weyremaster]

Ok, i really annoyed now, as i've just read that there will be another postal strike here starting the 15th October, so although the current one ends at 3am tomorrow, i can not see them getting through the backlog before the next strike. So i really don't want to post my cards, as i don't like there chances of arriving.

So as there is no way i can make the deadline, i will post my cards to their recipents directly, as soon as is logistically possible. As i don't want to hold up the whole swap, could you please hold on to my returns until these strikes have ended.

Really Sorry for the hassle
Suzi :(

[Amerasu]

Ok, i really annoyed now, as i've just read that there will be another postal strike here starting the 15th October, so although the current one ends at 3am tomorrow, i can not see them getting through the backlog before the next strike. So i really don't want to post my cards, as i don't like there chances of arriving.

So as there is no way i can make the deadline, i will post my cards to their recipents directly, as soon as is logistically possible. As i don't want to hold up the whole swap, could you please hold on to my returns until these strikes have ended.

Really Sorry for the hassle
Suzi :(



No problem! It can't be helped and that's a good idea :)

[EraserQueen]

I sent mine out today! Woopee! :D

[Amerasu]

I have cards from Leahfelicity and from Gingersnap today. Wonderful art!! :)

[M A N U Z]

Mine are Going out tomorrow! Sorry I didn't check in earlier... Haven't been very active here lately..

[Amerasu]

Yay! Thanks MANUZ!

[Meran]

are mine there yet?
Meran

[Amerasu]

Nope, not yet Meran. I'll walk down to the mailbox in a bit and check if they came with today's mail.

[princessgene]

I hope this isn't going to be a problem. My cards are all done but they didn't get into the mail until today which means they probably won't really leave the post office until Monday. You should have them next week. Here is a preview.

[princessgene]

Here are the last 3 I couldn't post.

[EraserQueen]

Awesome! All of them! And I love mine :D

[Klawzie]

Yiee - Princessgene - I love the Candyland and Steampunk cards!! Thank you. X3
The others are also very cool (Zetti Africa and the queen in particular). X3 X3

[Amerasu]

Very cool!! Loving the cards PG :)

There are a number of people with cards in the mail so no worries. This swap will have returns going out a bit late.

[adriayna]

Cool work Princessgene!

[EraserQueen]

Mine should be there soon! I sent them only two days after your other package :)

[Amerasu]

I had cards from Birdsong yesterday. Lovely!

No cards from anyone else yet. We're really quite behind with this swap since some have only been mailed this week. I think we will have to have a more firm due date next time to eliminate super late swaps. I am also guilty! :swoon::shocked:

[Meran]

Honestly, I think what's happening here, and in our other swaps, is that the site had just opened up and we all wanted to get into the groove... I know I got behind by trying to maintain (trans. finish up trades) at OS as well as start here. And there were so many starting up!
Now, we're getting into the groove.. holidays coming up, people are pulling back after realizing they're over committed... I expect, by Jan, that we'll all be on track.
Of course, that's just the Pollyanna in me!
lol

[EraserQueen]

I'm so sorry, I don't know what's taking mine so long :sad:

[Amerasu]

No worries Annie! We're all waiting on this one. I still have a couple of cards to make myself, lol. Thankfully I'm hosting so I can be a bit behind. There are still quite a few cards in the mail. And I think Meran's right . We were all so anxious and got ahead of ourselves :)

[EraserQueen]

Well, at least we're a cool group of people who can trust one another to actually make stuff :D

[jart]

mine should have been there, at least they haven' returned to me, or gone to Eraserqueen :) I've done that a few too many times. :( I can draw, but that stupid organizational stuff.

Jart

[EraserQueen]

LOL, No! I haven't gotten anything from you Joel! :D

You need an ATC secretary HAHA. *hug*

[Meran]

Of course I'm right!! :twitcy:

[Chronata]

Still no cards from me?

I am getting absolutely sick over this!

I mailed them in a medium sized bubble envelope...on the 24th of September!!!!

I can't believe that it is so late! stupid postal service/customs.

Everything I send to Canada seems to take longer...but I didn't think it would take this long!

Keeping my fingers and toes crossed that it arrives soon...and that it arrives at all!
I need a postal spell, I think...

[Janet]

I stopped using bubble envelopes simply because of the problems they cause. So many mail services seem to be suspicious of them.

[Amerasu]

No, it hasn't turned up yet, Chronata. Fingers crossed for today's mail! It's probably the bubble packaging. For some reason anything bigger than a standard #10 envelope baffles the post office. I'll let you know if it arrives today.

I haven't had any major problems mailing to and from Canada. Most things arrive within a reasonable time frame for me but when there is a delay, it seems to be waaaayyy long. My average for mailings to and from Canada and the US is about 4 - 8 business days. Sometimes earlier if I'm lucky. We should actually keep tabs on this and see how long things really do take. I think I might make it an experiment and keep details on time for a few months.

[Merricat]

Oh Chronata I had the same thing happen when I sent something to Zhenecka! It took 3 1/2 weeks! She was really sweet and checked the postmark date and it really had been 3 1/2 weeks! Gggrrrrr!

[Chronata]

Good to know it isn't just me!
There was a lot of stuff in the envelope...including the zetti swap cards, and some extra stuff for Amerasu.

Sigh. I was thinking I probably should have signed a custom form...even though my PO said I didn't need it due to the weight.

I am so sorry it's holding everything up as well...
Grrrrrr indeed!

[Amerasu]

YAY!! It's here Chronata! And cards from Meran too. All safe and sound.

Thanks so much for the goodies! You rock! I tried the mints already, lol. Wow!

[EraserQueen]

WOAH, she sent FOOD! Hey Robyn, will you join my next swap? LOL, just kidding. Glad they got there, the post can be SO nerve wracking! :O

[Chronata]

damn...I just did the postal spell...that was the quickest result EVER! ;)

I am SOOO relieved now...you have no idea!!!

[Meran]

so, sal, what's the post date on mine? Oct 8th? if so, that's 9 days travel.
Meran

[EraserQueen]

Wait a minute..that means mine STILL haven't come. Darned USPS :realmad:

[jart]

damn...I just did the postal spell...that was the quickest result EVER! ;)

I am SOOO relieved now...you have no idea!!!

Maybe you should do the spell for me, too. I could use a quick delivery.

Jart

[EraserQueen]

May I have one also?? LOL

[Amerasu]

I didn't get any Summer PAT cards in today's mail which is sad. Hopefully tomorrow will be a good mail day. But whatever happens with the mail, I will sort and send out the groups that are all in on the weekend and the rest will follow when they arrive.

[EraserQueen]

*dies a little inside* :O

[Amerasu]

I had cards from Randomara today so we have 3 groups now with all of their cards in. I will sort, scan and then send those out for Monday. The other groups will have to go next week as the rest of the cards come in. No worries, they'll all get here soon :)

[Amerasu]

I had cards from EraserQueen and MANUZ today so just a couple more to go. I have packaged up all of the groups with cards all in and am heading to the post office in the morning. The only exception is if you are in two groups and one of those groups is still waiting on someone.

The last few sets are all on their way so just a day or two and we should be done.

[EraserQueen]

YAY! it took forever to get there! Thanks for waiting :)

[mrs_weyremaster]

Just uploaded pics of the cards i made for this swap, they will be postal very soon. Postal systems doesn't seem too bad at the moment, so hopefully they won't take long to arrive.
Suzi

[Amerasu]

Cards were mailed to the following people today:

clep
maria magenta
crafter412
birdsong
Meran
adriayna
Randi
Catsavannah
randomara
Original Youth
Porcelain
Merricat
Potbellyarts
Abi
mrs_weyremaster
Livia
Leahfelicity
Gingersnap

I will mail cards to the following people as soon as the rest of the cards come in:

EraserQueen
Tablynn
Klawzie
Princessgene
Jart
MANUZ
Chronata
Caroline
Zamurai
Pixeldog

I'll put all of the cards in the swap gallery shortly. It's a fantastic set of cards!

[adriayna]

Thank you Sal! :)

[Meran]

yay!!!!! Is that enough to make this thing post>>>>???lol

[Amerasu]

YAY! All of the cards are here now so I will sort them, scan and mail tonight or first thing in the morning. Thanks so much for your patience everyone. The cards are so worth it, I promise!

[EraserQueen]

Thank you SO MUCH for organizing this whole thing Sal! You are awesomesauce on fantastatoast!

[Klawzie]

Horray! :D

[Pixeldog]

Thanks Sal....your one in a million.

[Amerasu]

Everything is gone and mailed! I almost messed up Group 4 in a bad way, lol. Luckily I caught it before anything was mailed and I repackaged that group. I hope I got all of the others ones right. Now I'm worried :eek:

Thanks for making this a cool swap guys!

I have all of the cards scanned so I will post them soon. I just need to get some time to sort that out.

[Janet]

Sal, my cards arrived today. Great going from Canada!!!
Thank you for hosting and thanks to my group, off to leave fb :)

[Amerasu]

Wow! That was super quick! Must be our Commonwealth relationship ;)