Faerie Swap Book Update, And an explanation of the costs

The Faerie Swap book covers are coming along fine.  Here are 77, almost finished ones. They still need a magic wand and some lace trim.

I've been trying to do them assembly line style, gluing all the wallpaper backs on, sanding and inking the edges, cutting out and adding the fairy with her vintage millinery wings, then the wallpaper circle with the title, then some glitter.

Whew.

It was going very well and I was pleased to see I was almost through the stack.

But the stack looked kind of small.

Then, I counted and realized that the copy store had only made 60 copies, not 100. So, back to the copy store for 40 more and start the process over again.

Now, I 'm working on the back cover. The very back is flocked wallpaper on the outside with some other pretty paper on the inside. I haven't decided which yet.

I bought chip board to use for a sturdy backing. I'm covering 50 in paper, then cutting them in half.

I plan for 100, my smaller swaps have gone way over that, but this one is more involved.  We are not quite to 100 yet, so you still have time to join.  Click on the side bar button if you want more info.

Some of the charms I ordered to tie onto the rings have arrived!  I've got some other ones coming. I'll be tying pretty ribbons onto the binding ring and dangling charms from them.

I've had people asking me why I am charging so much to join the swap, when postage won't take $20. 

So, I thought I should explain.  First of all, I have to buy charms, chip board, wallpaper, glue, more glue, ribbons, ring binders,card stock,  ink, and glitter.  I have to pay for color copies, plus use my own stash of wallpaper, flocked paper and millinery.

It adds up for 100 books.  And the postage will be higher than previous swaps I've done, these books are much larger than little tag books.

I put in hours, and hours, and hours of time to this. Starting with the watercolor of the fairy, so that there is an original design on the cover, not just an image I got from the internet.

Plus, all the sorting, and book making, then the days of making labels to send out the packages, plus the ink and paper for my printer.

Now, its true, that not all the money goes to purchases, some goes to my time. But it doesn't cover the extent of time that I put into the work. I'd make a lot more if I was taking photos of my things to sell and adding them to the Boutique. Or making something arty to add to it instead of this.

But I love swaps and its so fun to see my studio swamped in pages and pages of your art work! 

So, I enjoy doing it, but I simply could not do it if I didn't charge, it takes away too much time from my real work. I hope you don't think I'm trying to gouge you on the price.  Honestly, I'm not getting ahead on this.  If you think I've over charged you, I hope this explains the costs behind the price.

 

Comments

[Donna Ashton]

I am surprised someone would even question this . I would love to be able to this and $20 is a bargain for sure. Donna

[Linda McMillin]

Beautiful pages and I'm excited. I don't think you should have to explain the cost. It's reasonable and being a swap hostess is difficult on a good day. If I questioned the cost-then I just don't join.

[Dean Designs]

I have not joined mainly because I do not know how to do this type of art just yet. However, your fee is more than fair. Per person, you are loosing money, NOT making a profit. I am sorry there are those out there that do not understand.

I think what you have done is amazing and I LOVE fairies!! I am looking forward to seeing the end result.....even if I couldn't get one myself :-)

[Debra Ganas]

$20 is a small price to pay for a one of a kind fairy treasure to look at over and over. I am so excited and need to finish my pages.
I got a good start and then my remodel happened. But today is "pantry move in" day. Yippee.

Eager to see the lovely pages every one sent.Have any arrived yet?
Debra

[robin]

I can't believe anyone would even question this. Its simple - you don't want to pay you don't join. I appreciate all your hard work and everything you are doing to put together these W O N D E R F U L faerie books. I can hardly wait to receive mine!!

[wendy]

I host swaps every week on blissfull ART and you don't host because you want to make money...you never do you do it because you enjoy doing it
there are always hidden costs you don't ever think think about ... the gas to go to & from the post office..... Karla I happy to pay and I know i will be getting a price less piece of art in the end ... thank for all the time and effort you are pulling in....and I'm nearly finished and ready to mail and just need to sign each one... hugs wendy

[Laurie]

In my opinion, if folks have questioned the price they have never hostessed a swap -- that's for sure! Like anything else we do with our friends, it's all for love. We love you Karla!

[Kathy Cabble]

I wish I could say that mine are nearly done. Today I reached the half way mark. I do have a few others started. I just hope that I get mine done in time. By the way does anyone have that gypsy quote about looking into a blue mirror and catching a glimpse of a fairy? I sure could use some help here. Thanks

[Ellie]

I am totally appalled that anyone would question $20 to partake in this magnificent swap. You use the best of your best stash of materials, and your work is impeccable. You put love beyond measure into every book. To ask you to justify this small fee for such a remarkable product saddens me.

To own one of your swap books is an honor in itself.

[Elaine]

Just sent my pages in and $20 is a great deal...thank you for all you do.

[Sue]

Worth every penny! Just back from vacation, and will be spending the next 2 weeks finishing up my pages to get them to you by the deadline. So happy to be participating in this!

[Karla Nathan]

I cant wait to see your pages, Sue!

Sent from my iPad

[Karla Nathan]

I have a few here, all pretty as can be!

Sent from my iPad

[Louise @ Elsie May and Bertha]

I don't think $20 is too high a cost as I assumed it must cost you a but to put these together. I'd love to join in but as I live in the UK the postage would be a lot on it's own never minding your contribution. It's lovely to see your progress making the books. I'm going to do a fairy collage myself, I'm sure I have some flower fairy books somewhere. :-)

[Stephanie]

Oh my....As someone who has participated in many of your past swaps and watched/read about the behind-the-scenes work that you put into hosting the absolute best swaps in blogland, I can only say that I know whatever s/h fee you designate is truly fair.

You do this out of friendship for all of us not as a business venture.....

[Kimberly Budash]

Karla:

I was unable to get in on this swap for personal reasons; however, I would NEVER question the $20.00. I was in a Spring Basket swap last year and I would be embarrassed to tell you the amount of money I spent to send a basket that I would be truly happey to receive. And the cost to mail the basket, regular mail but with tracking, drum roll please, $48.50!!! WOW, and what did I get in return???? An entire basket of junk, junk, junk. Used items, they would be ok if they were still in "usable" condition; however, I have thrown away nicer stuff versus what I received in the basket. Keep your head up high b/c the art that you create and the love and time you put into these swaps is immeasurable, you rock girl, and I love you and your blog!!! Keep the inspiration coming!!

[Sandy]

Karla,

This price for the kind of swaps you do is a major bargain! I have hosted exactly one swap in the past and I tell you it is more work than anyone can even imagine. I admire your ability to create, organize, assemble, and ship without tearing out your hair. I have participated in three of your past swaps and I still adore each what I received, wonderful art that inspires and makes me smile. Keep up the great work, this is a labor of love!

[Karla Nathan]

Yes, Louise, swaps can be expensive for the swapper too! They have their own shipping costs and supplies too, plus the fee. It all adds up fast!

Sent from my iPad

[Gypsy Rose]

KARLA!!!!
THOSE ARE GORRRRRRJUSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!
No, I'm not yelling, just booming with excitement!
Girl, I'd stand on a corner with a tin cup to be in this swap (or any swap of yours) without question! (or as my granny would say...stand under a street light with a painted face). A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do, just don't tell my granny...lol.
Can't wait to get this swap back!

[Nancy Collins]

Hi Karla..I have never done this kind of swap before, but would like to do yours. Can you tell me how? and how do I send the $20? PayPal? I hope I can get in this! Love doing this type of art.
Thanks,
Nancy

[Freda Butler]

Karla anyone who reads your blog knows the amount of work you put into anything you do and no amount of money would cover the hours you work on a swap. Let the ones who complain watercolor their own covers or better yet do not join.

I have been in 3 or 4 of your swaps and have been so pleased with every one. They are exciting to do and receive. I read your blog daily and wish I lived closer to be able to join in the fun you gals have.

Hugs

FredaB

[Monica]

This happened to me many times, unfortunately. Not for swaps actually, but for handmade things in general. Way too many people do not understand how much time, patience and MONEY go into something handmade.
Your fairy is magnificent.
Hugs!

[Charlotte]

I see that many have jumped to your defense on the swap fee. I never questioned it; in the past you have detailed your swap process. That was a very interesting post. This booklet swap for 100 people?? You leave me in the dust. I am huffing & puffing to get to the finish line with my 8 pages (6 complete!). I guess you just goosed me into action.

[Robin Carr]

I would be happy to pay $20 just for the front and back covers. It is an incredible amount of time and effort and I am just so glad that you are willing to do it. I love the image you painted and I am just dying to get mine. Thanks for being willing to go to so much trouble with so little reward. I certainly apprecitate it!

[Terry Frias]

Karla, you NEVER have to explain why you are collecting for your swaps. You could charge 100.00 and it would be worth it!! If someone doesn't want to pay the 20, then don't sign up! Plain and simple. I love you Karla! xoxo

[Linda P.]

Sweet Karla! I am over-the-top thrilled to be part of this swap, and I never thought twice about paying the $20 to do so! I am just so excited. To have a faerie book with pages hand-selected for me by you and . . . and . . . and . . . with covers and charms and ribbons from you! Well, it just makes me want to squeal with delight!

Oh, and the thought of hundreds and hundred and hundreds of faerie pages all laid out in your studio and your having to go through every. single. one. of them and decide how to put them together--EEK! I am about to keel over at the very overwhelming thought! You WILL have fun seeing them all, though. I am sure of that. ; )

Thank you thank you thank you for doing this for us, Karla, our dear faerie queen!