Lunchbox Swap!

First of all, I want to thank Claire and Handmade Parade for putting on a really fun contest.  I am so happy and flattered to have won!  Secondly, I want to announce that, because of the general level of enthusiasm about the lunchbox bags, I've decided to host a Lunchbox Swap.

I've never hosted a swap before, but I've participated in several and I think I have a handle on how to do it.  (If you notice that I'm doing something particularly egregious, please tell me!)

Participants in the Lunchbox Swap must be able to:

1.  Use fabric and any other materials to create a useful lunch box, bag or similar lunch carrying container for their swap partners.  Using a pattern is perfectly fine, so long as participants construct the project themselves.   

2.  Post pictures of both the project they create and the project they receive in the Lunchbox Swap Flickr Group.  Blogging about them is also encouraged, but participants don' t necessarily have to have a blog.  (Mom, this means you . . .although you really should have a blog.)

3.  Mail their completed project no later than April 25, 2008.

4.  Agree to allow me to post pictures submitted to the Flickr Group on my blog.

If this sounds good to you, send an e-mail to lunchboxswap@yahoo.com with the following information:

1.  Name and Street Address.

2.  E-mail Address

3.  Flickr ID

4.  Web Address (if you have one)

5.  Favorite Colors

6.  Are you willing to ship Internationally?

I will accept entries through Friday, March 14, 2008, and will send participants information about their partners on Sunday, March 16, 2008.  It will be a "blind swap" in the sense that you will not be sending a lunchbox to the same person who sends one to you.  (Suspense!)

Here's a button, if you'd like to use it.

On Friday, I'll also be posting a tutorial for the Pillowcase Lunchbox and Desk Placemat.  I've been working on making some for my Etsy shop and, while doing this, have been taking the photos for the tutorial.  Here's a sneak peek:

Comments

[Wendy]

If I wasn't moving I would so jump in on this... even though I really have no use for a lunch box! Your little lunch bags are really cute.

[janice]

I posted about this over at SMS...for what it's worth, lol! I'm comment number 253.

http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=422#comments

[Marcia]

Love a swap, and a lunch box swap is a great idea. I posted your bunny applique tutorial at Sew Mama Sew's blog. Ü

[Tabitha]

What a fun idea and I'm sooooo happy that you're posting a tut for the pillowcase lunch box!

[Michelle Tang]

Oh goodness, I liked your bag so much I'm sorely tempted to participate in this, inspired by what you've done. But I'm trying. to. resist! Thanks so incredibly much for working on a tutorial for your wonderful lunch bags, I'll be clicking over repeatedly for it.

[Sherry Wescott]

I love you lunchboxes!! I can't wait for the tutorial. Great Swap idea - I just emailed you my info. Can't wait to hear from you!

[Clea Kipe]

I would love to do this swap and I have sent you an email.

[Tab]

I have been waiting for an excuse to make a lunchbox/bag. One of my year goals is to make my boys each one before next school year. This gives me the perfect excuse to make one! Hopefully that will inspire me to get started on theirs after the swap.

[Dawn]

I love this! And although I have never done a swap before I am sooooo looking forward to doing this.

P.S. Your blog is one of my favorites---your work & projects are so beautiful!

[Claire]

Just found this link via Heather Hales' blog - I'd love to take part - sounds fun!

You have a lovely blog, so I am glad I found it x

[joeysnow5@msn.com]

Can't wait to see the tutorial. This bag is adorable. I sent info to be a part of the swap! I can't wait - it's my FIRST!

[Terisa]

I love the lunchbox and would love to do this but I'm afraid time will not permit at this moment! They are very cute. I also saw your etsy store. Could you mail the door stops without fill overseas? That way you won't miss an order.
Terisa

[Elizabeth]

I'm glad everyone is so excited about the swap!

Terisa, I've responded to you separately, but I wanted to mention here too that not mailing the doorstops internationally was a decision I made for this product because my research indicated that international shipping would cost as much, if not more than, the doorstops themselves. I understand that I may miss orders this way, but hopefully nobody is really missing out on the doorstops, because there's free pattern/tutorial on my blog. :)

[Nathalie Brault]

Hi just wanna mention that Ilove your blog and your bags. Your lunchbox swap is a great idea though I never participated in one cuase I'm toofar and it would coast me too much in shipping. But I like watching the pictures and I keep coming back for news. Good luck for your first one.

[jennifer Paganellli]

so very cool this is amazing...Jennifer