thevmatt

6-25-23: Just gonna try to get back into some swapping...it's been a while. I want to host a few...maybe start a group, but I am not sure I am up for that yet. Anyway, hope all is well with everyone!!!

I am a mixed media artist in Southern VA. I share my art on my Instagram account (link above). I believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I have many interests, but am here for swapping. I love making messy art with many layers. I enjoy it all....marks, collage, paint splatters, watercolor, stamping, bright poscas, stencils, more collage.....all over again in many layers. My style is not neat and crisp. I enjoy journal pages, ATCs, art decos, painted paper, decorated envelopes, paper fodder, and related type swaps.

I don't rate off of the extras, so don't feel like you need to send anything other than what the swap calls for. BUT...if you like to send things, like me, I enjoy just a few things.

All junk mail envelopes are welcome, handmade envelopes, stamped words (small and X-Large), grocery lists…any hand written or typed lists, paper fodder of any kind. Background stamped papers, texture paste stenciled papers, decorated index cards (just splotches of paint, nothing finished), die cuts of anything like butterflies, squares, circles, small tags, balloons, whatever. Strips of fabric…can be dyed/painted/plain/whatever. Punched out border strips. Handmade pockets for journals. Take a look at my youtube or instagram…anything I can add to them is much appreciated! Thanks!!!!

I love homemade background papers. If you have a gelli plate, you know what to do lol. If you don't have one and don't know what I am talking about...it's really just any paper, like copy paper, somewhat thin, and you just paint, make marks, stamp images or words, then add more paint, you can stencil or whatever you want to do. Don't worry about it looking finished or nice... all these papers will be torn and glued down, then painted and drawn on by me in one of my art journals.

I enjoy washi samples too....the non slick kind with simple patterns. I like flat stickers. I love used postage stamps with buildings, animals, and people.....all stamps really. I like nice printed images, old photos, tags...ephemera for journals. Unique paper clips. Unique papers, especially in another language.

ALSO, I love mail art!! The less whitespace, the better!

LASTLY, just so you know, I am usually always generous with my rating so don't feel obligated to do any of this.

I would rather not get cosmetics, candies, or other non craft related things...UNLESS it is unique to your country (not US).

I just like nicely put together swaps that fit the requirements...lol! I don't rate down for swaps that I think are ugly or don't agree with.

If I am signed up for a swap...I may have already made it ,and it would be on my Instagram page....so if you don't want to see what you got till you get it, don't look at my Instagram;) This does not apply to more elaborate swaps lol...whole journals etc.

Hello, I just wanted to be straight up with what I am about to say. I have decided to start hosting some swaps again...after years of not hosting at all. I selfishly make these swaps because this is what I want to do....soooooooo.....don't be offended when I don't change the swap for you. I honestly do not mind if no one else signs up for my swaps or if just one person does...I am not doing them for many participants, just what I think is fun. Quite honestly, I find it a bit rude to ask a host to change a swap. Now if you want to correct my grammar, or have me clarify a swap...it's fine;)

AAAAAAND if you do not receive your swap from your partner in any of the swaps I host...PLEASE let me know. I am happy to angel because, like I said, I make swaps that IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII LOVE;) lol

NOTE: Most all the swaps I host will be USA only. This is because of ONE single factor....POSTAGE PRICE!!! I would love to swap all over the world, but that is not in my budget at the moment. ONLY 1oz swaps may be International. It sucks, but it is what it is.

If there is ever a "postage due" when you receive a swap from me...PLEASE let me know, I will make it better. I estimate postage at home and sometimes I get it wrong. So, just let me know please.

And of course, if you don't receive your swap from me....PLEASE message me. I will immediately resend.

Please rate me...I do not archive swaps until I rate, and get rated for a swap. If I have too many unrated swaps out, I am more hesitant to join new swaps. I understand mail may be slower than usual. I will send out a message to see if you received my swap and forgot to rate. I put a lot of effort into my swaps, so I don't take this lightly.