Big Cedar and a BIG error in Swap Ettiquette

Last week, we were invited to share the Governor's Suite at Big Cedar Lodge.

That resort is beyond wonderful anyway, but man- that suite is really something!  This is the master bath, look at the mosaic surrounding the tub area.

The room has a TV behind the mirror in the bathroom too.

And the resort is located near Branson, smack dab in the center of some beautiful scenery.  Its very relaxing and was a much needed getaway.  Although, I'm even more behind after being gone for a couple of days.

It was certainly worth being behind, though.  Our friends have a time share there and we have joined them in the past when they've rented cabins, but wowzers, this suite was something! I'm glad I didn't turn down the invitation because I was swamped in the studio.

Plus, it was such a fun group!  When I wasn't napping by the pool, we were laughing nonstop. All of us had aching jaws from too much smiling.

Since I've been back, I'm still working on the Faery Book Swap.  Its a big job, but a fun one.  I love assembling the books.

Here are some of the pages I put together for the books on Craft Day last Tuesday.

I am SO PROUD of the swappers.  What a great swap! There has been one issue, that really upset me, though.

One lady contacted me to say that there was a page in her book that she threw away at the curb.  I was shocked.

Honestly, there is not a page sent in that I wouldn't be proud to have in my own book, this swap was amazing.  But everyone does have their own ideas about what art is.

My swaps are not juried, they are open to everyone.  And there is a wide range of styles and skills, but you can tell that lots of love and time went into each page.  I love the effort and the care that everyone puts forth.

And no, I can't guarantee that each recipient will adore each page in her book, but I do think that politeness would ensure not being mean spirited about it and saying the pages should have been sent back to the artist, not to other swappers!

Simply set that one aside if you really are not happy with it.  Don't be hurtful. 

Doing a collaborative swap means that you get a variety of pages back.  Its much better than a one on one swap, where you could get totally burned if your partner sends something completely not your style.  That has happened to me, so I never do one on ones, unless I know the person.

I like to do these big swaps, knowing that no one gets burned.  Lots of people drop out at the last minute, some with no notice, others with heartfelt apologies. But in a big swap, that doesn't hurt any of the participants, you send in your amount, get the same amount back, no matter if there are 10 or 100 other swappers.

Hopefully, you will like most of your book.  I made an effort to match up the pages so that they flow nicely together. 

But if you don't like one of your pages, please be a lady about it.  So what if one person's work isn't up to your high standards? Who are you to judge?  Lots of time went into these and it hurts me to think that someone could be that angry about a page that they received that they would send me a rant about it.

I begged the irate swapper to not go public and mention this on her blog or facebook.  No one needs to know the details.  No one deserves to be singled out by someone who doesn't like their work. It would break my heart if one of our swappers was hurtful to another one of the ladies about her pages. 

Especially since, it was a nicely done work with quality materials. Done by a person who knows what she is doing, not a newbie, and it was done well. I of course, will not point it out.  But I have posted photos of it  (not saying which one) in one of my posts about book assembling. And no, I would never embarrass the person who complained by naming her either.

My point, I guess is this.  Please be nice. Just because something is not to your taste, doesn't mean others don't like it, or that it is bad art.  Quietly remove a page from your book if you really don't care for it, but please be considerate of the work and care that someone else put into it.  You would appreciate that consideration from others about your own work, wouldn't you? If you are that easily angered by the standard of work in a swap, maybe you should rethink swapping. 

And thank you SO MUCH to the 99% of the swappers in this group, it was a fabulous feast of fairies and I'll miss them all in my studio. And thanks for your patience in me getting them mailed to you, its not a quick process. There are quicker ways I could do it, but I really do my best to make sure that each book is well coordinated.

Comments

[Deborah]

It is a painful thing to contemplate a piece of your work going into the trash because some mean spirited person could not appreciate it. It really doesn't make sense because once it is in the book, it really doesn't matter, it would all flow together. Maybe she did not like the person who did the page personally for some reason? Still strange that she would contact you ranting about it. Well you know what to do next time should she presume to try to join one of your swaps. Bad swapper!!

[tabitha]

oh that is a sad thing...i had someone do that at bella to me... i was devastated since i put alot of time love and energy into it... i wanted to do this swap but knew it was a big commitment and didnt want to be a bad swapper and drop out... your swaps are lovely and the books are wonderful. the time and energy you put into them is AMAZING! did you get me other email? i think my yahoo is having email issues. maybe some day ill be able to play in one of your amazing swaps..hugs

[Jay Hart]

Hi Karla,
The bad swapper incident is upsetting. Hope you will not let one person spoil the fabulous event you created.

Wonder if the unwanted art was mine. This was my 1st swap and I really didn't know what I was doing and told you I was "faery" challenged. When I got my wonderful book I saw how it was done. I learned a lot from your swap and you are my mentor and teacher. Since then I made some replacement pages if anyone wants one. I will post pix on my FB page.
Jay Hart

[jeanie]

This is a great post, Karla -- Well stated. Incidents like that are upsetting. Jay wondered if it was hers -- I think we all do, knowing that some of our pages are just going to turn out better than others!

You know, we all have different styles and I am always excited to get everyone's page because if it's not "my style," I still learn fun things about how to do something new. (Actually, fairies were sort of stretching my style, so this was extra fun!). It's funny, but sometimes I refer back to them if I'm looking for a new idea, not to copy but to use a material in a different way. They're great creativity jumpstarters! I'm looking forward to mine! (And in fact, I always make an extra so I'm sure to have one of my own in the book and this time, also made one for a friend-fellow swapper, in case we didn't get each others! Love it!)

[wendy]

Karla well said ... To that person I want to remind them of one thing..... if you couldn't say something NICE then DON'T say anything at all... very , very bad manners and you shouldn't be swapping if you don't know that you get what you get in swapping...sometime good sometime bad ... swapping is not about what YOU GET BACK but sharing your talent and art.. shame on you !

[Sharon Penney-Morrison]

There is always a rotting apple in a bushel basket...
If she didn't like it she should just throw it away and replace it with one of her fabulous creations!
Knowing when to speak and when not to, comes with maturity...

[Laurie]

Unbelievable that someone would be like that about page received in a swap. I've been doing swaps for some years now and if I receive something that's not my style, I pass it to someone who I think might like it -- and they are always happy to get it! (I can't imagine anyone thinking their opinion is the end-all and that if they didn't care for it, no one will.) I guess the bottom line is that I appreciate the work and organization that goes into a swap, and how much time the hostess puts into it, so I am always delighted to get my swap package, open it, and enjoy seeing how everyone has interpreted the theme. Sorry that happened to you, Karla!

[Deborah Woodrow]

Oh Karla !
This is awful ! To know that someones Art got thrown in the trash ! REALLY ??? A grown adult acting this way ?

Well, I understand if it wasn't someones taste in art. But, she could have sent it back, to you, so you could exchange it, or work something out.

This was my VERY FIRST Book Swap. But, I loved each & every page of mine (that you sent back) . & I did work very hard on mine. I made all my 8 pages different.

Plus, as I mentioned I don't have all the fancy & elaborate materials, that many of you have. Also, it doesn't really matter the materials, art is SELF-EXPRESSION, And, how can you judge someones soul, like that ? GGGRRR !

Like you said, Karla, they could have acted like a lady & handled it different, just discreetly, emailed you & asked for an exchange.

I hope it wasn't my page either ! Thats so hurtful & mean ! You can tell how much, I love art, I didn't even want you to punch holes in it ! LOL !

LOVE ALL YOU ARTFUL SOULS :)
Keep on Creating all those lovely things !

[Louise Oakes]

I can't really understand the 'lady' who had her little rant. Even if I don't particularly like the style of something I can appreciate the work that has gone into it. If something is made poorly, and this has happened to me, I can get the glue etc and do a quick repair or whatever is needed. It may be their first go at a particular craft or they can't afford the best materials. It's the thought that counts. I don't always get it right with my work so I can't expect everyone else to produce pristine and perfect items every time.

[Sylvia Heacock]

Such is human nature, unfortunately. Good for you Karla. You responded firmly to her and with good manners and grace. Your mama raised a classy lady! Keep inspiring us!
"I would rather see a sermon than to hear one."

[Deborah Woodrow]

OH, I forgot to mention. If ANY OF YOU HAVE ANY EXTRA PAGES YOU WANT TO GIVE AWAY, (DON'T THROW THEM IN THE TRASH) J/K, you can send them to me !

I only have these 10 Fairy Book Pages 8 from the Swap, and 1 From Karla, 1 extra, from Deborah Bonner :) I'll take them, " WITH PLEASURE " ! These 10 are ALL I HAVE !

My email is dd2w@yahoo.com & I'll send you my address.

I live out in the boonies, and I do not get to be around ARTSY PEOPLE like many of you. Which is precisely why, I love to join Karlas Swaps ! So, to join a swap like this, is JOY, JOY, JOY ! All my swaps has been with you, Karla.

The Puppy Tag Swap,
The Bird Song Tag Swap,
The Wizard of Oz Tag Swap,
Now, the Fairy Book Page Swap.

And, honestly, theres not one, I don't love ! This uniqueness, & different styles, is what makes them so lovely ! :) Am, I right ladies ? We're in your corner, Karla !

[Kim Budash]

So, so sorry to hear that one bad apple tried to spoil the whole bunch, but kudos to you for taking the bull by the horn and mentioning here on your blog!! Art is "very" subjective and while I might not always like everything that everyone does, I keep in mind the love and attention that someone might have placed on a piece of their art. No matter what you do there is always that one person that tries hard to ruin everything. No matter if you are in a movie and the person behind you has already seen the movie and announces every scene BEFORE it is on the screen or someone like this just being nasty. I wish I had joined the swap but couldn't since I was having a hard time committing and didn't want to disappoint. I would have loved to had a book and recognized every piece for what it is - ART!!! Keep up the great work, you do amazing things.....

[Andrea Villarreal]

My goodness you are just having a heck of a time with this swap!! I hope it doesn't discourage you from you doing others. I have loved every one I have partcipated in. Thank you for all you do:)

[Francie Thornton]

There are some "mean girls" out there, believe me. We all need to understand sometimes we will get GREAT stuff and sometimes it will be something that might not be our style.
I think we should just embrace all of it.

[Judy]

People amaze me sometimes. I always tend to think of artists as kinder gentler folks, but it just goes to show you that even those with creative bents can be real creeps. I cannot even imagine feeling that about someone's page, much less sending you a rant about it. This person obviously has no business doing swaps since they really don't get the spirit of the thing. You do a great job of running these swaps. Hopefully one of these days, I'll get it together enough to join you...

Hugs,
Judy

P.S. That hotel looks amazing!

[LeeW]

I think "Wendy" said it best in her comments, above -- it is not what "you get" but what "you give" (of yourself) in a swap, that is important-- but obviously someone doesn't understand this. The other element that they don't understand is that, if something is of your opinion (as in what is art, what is beautiful, what is ugly, what is obscene), is that your personal thought does not make it a truth.

I have participated in swaps before, and some were hits, and some were misses, but it is the process of trying something new, and intersecting with another person(s), that interests me. The book I received is very pretty, and the different pages are interesting and fun to look at.

I hope, Karla, that since you made extra pages, that you will make your two little ones each their own personal fairy book to "read" and make up stories with (even if the baby has to wait a little while to carry it around). I look forward to seeing more photos of pages and books-- it has been fun to see "my page" in a book, and imagine where it went, and who has it...

Thanks for putting this all together, Sincerely, Lee

[Judi]

Well the sad news is that the page that I made is one that your showing. Rats! So it must be in the running for the "That page sucks" comment. It does take a lot of courage to join a swap with people who make crafts for a living. I have to admit my page was not as good as I had hoped. I loved the "Dorthy" swap and can not wait for my book to come.

[Debra Ganas]

I'm guessing the person that said this might regret the comment now, (at least I am hoping). We were ALL newbies once. I have done lots of different swaps with lots of different people. And I do know it would be very BORING if all the ATC's, cards, pages,and books were the same.
Can't wait for MY fairy book to arrive.

And I also made extra pages for myself and my Mama made pages for me.

Debra

[Lisa]

Well, I'm sorry about the complainer. I feel sorry for her because she obviously has way bigger problems in her life than a page that doesn't meet her standards. Rather than focusing on the beauty of the other pages, and the fun she had creating her own (or maybe she didn't), she let one page send her into such a tizzy that she felt the need to lash out.
I can't *wait* to get my Faerie book - I promise to love it!

[Shane]

Dear Karla
This post really makes me feel very SAD.
Many of the worlds GREATEST artists were initially spurned for their MASTERPIECES.
We find this hard to believe today, as their paintings, etchings, scultures, photographs etc are immediately recognised and valued.

I desperately wanted to join your Fairy swap Karla, but time was against me. I had just returned from 2 months in France to meet my newest granddaughter.
I would have VALUED each and every page given to me.

I was part of your Birdsong swap and I appreciate the talent of each artist's work on the tags I received. We all approach art with our individual ideas - THANK GOODNESS or the art world would be very boring......

I will be the first to join up with your next swap - I'm hoping you're not put off by one bad egg in the basket.

THANK YOU dear Karla for being such a darling in hosting these huge swaps!
I imagine you must feel like you're drowning at times when all the parcels arrive – it is such a massive task collating all the pages for the books.
The response you get when you put out the call of a swap, is evidence of the need we have as artists to come together with our art.

May I just say, I think we get the pages we are meant to have.
This is Arts way of teaching us a lesson or two.
APPRECIATION of our differences and GRATITUDE that these artists are willing to put their “MASTERPIECES” in the public arena.

Shane

[Kim]

Oh no, that is so sad to hear that someone would treat a fun experience as if she was 'entitled' to something other than what she received, when each and every page is a gem! If she didn't like the page, she could have quietly removed it from the book, or just tucked it in the back but having to contact you to complain shows you what type of person this is...and it's not at all nice. I am so looking forward to my book arriving and I know I'll love each and every page. Thanks so much Karla for all your love and hard work you put into each swap! xoxo

[sue]

How AWFUL !!!! Shame on you whoever you are !!! Some people are just born to complain ! I for one love each and every piece of artwork I've seen. I cherish all of my artful gifts that have come from blogger's swaps I've joined. I will gladly take anyone's pages that get thrown to the curb and put them with my other treasures where they will be loved. Also ....I DO believe that Karla has done a TON of work with this swap so why would you want to burden her with negatives???? You should be thanking her. Grrrrrrrrrrr

[Rachael]

crikey!
craft and swap away lovelies without fear of rejection... appreciate your individuality in your creations and celebrate it and each other! Rachael xo

[Linda P.]

That lodge and the surrounding scenery are beautiful! Love that mosaic! I'm glad you got away for a bit because I know your plate has been rather full lately--full of puppies and faerie pages!

I am sorry about about the unhappy swapper. I really like the thought expressed here that we should appreciate each other's individuality! There are many positive comments that are great food for thought. I think the whole concept of sooooo many artists coming together to trade artwork is such a fun one, and I am eagerly anticipating the arrival of my book. (No rush, though, dear Karla!)

I have been so inspired by this swap that I have started making a faerie book for my mom for Christmas. She loved the pages I made for the swap, so I am looking forward to surprising her with her own faerie book. : )

[mercedes scott]

Karla, thank you for making us all aware of the dissatisfied swapper.... your message to each of us is a good reminder. And yes indeed, everyone's style is different. Anyone who joined this swap, and was willing to spend their $20, plus the time and materials to make 8 pages, was not someone who just threw some "crap" (forgive the French) together and mailed it in! My favorite thing about swaps is exactly that - the individuality that shines through :) Yes, not everyone's tastes, expertise, or quality are the same - but I have discovered that no matter how different, each little piece of art has something I love; some technique or special touch that I admire. I was a newbie once, and I remember the panic I felt (and sometimes still feel) that my "art" would not be good enough.

[Cindy Is Crafty]

Imagine the poor souls that have to live with that swapper! Very well said Karla. I have done two of your swaps and have not been disappointed at all. People are at all levels and they do the best they can and to me that makes them great!

[Karla Nathan]

Well said, rachael!

Sent from my iPad

[Tara Caveness]

While I was unable to participate in the swap I have thoroughly enjoyed looking at each and every beautiful page that was displayed on your blog and on pinterest. I did not see ONE that I would not love to have! Swaps by nature are intended to broaden the appreciation of others' work and while we all might have a favorite style if that is all we ever wanted to see then why would we participate in the first place? We can all learn from one another and I truly hope this person first can learn respect for others. Congrats and thank you to all the lovely artists who made these beautiful pages! Tara

[Robin Carr]

Just remember that when this person felt compelled to complain or rant about something it could be just because she was miserable and unhappy about other things and needed some chance to vent and chose the swap as an outlet for it.
I can't imagine complaining about something that someone went to a lot of trouble to make. I always find something to like about every tag in a swap even when it isn't my style at all. Sometimes it is just the perfection of the techniques the person used.
Thank you so much for doing this swap and I hope you will do many more. Was it the same person who complained about the price of the swap? Just curious!

[Robin Sanchez]

Karla the other 99% of us LOVE what we have received - disregard that 1%.

I appreciate all your hard work and the effort that went into this swap. Dont let that one person get you down. She has bad taste and manners.

I LOVE my book!!

[Priscilla]

With every piece of art that is made goes a little piece of that artist's heart and soul with it.
How sad that your "ranter" does not recognize that about art and is not open to other ideas and styles. As my husband says, some people are of a growth mind set while others are of a closed mind set.
You do a good thing by bringing artists together through their craft. I hope that one day I will be able to participate in a swap hosted by you!
Hopefully this person won't waste her time participating in a swap in the future.

[Karla Nathan]

I love the piles of packages coming in and linger over each page. Assembling the books is a real treat. I cant wait for the next one!

Sent from my iPad

[Linda McMillin]

oh my word. i would be embarrassed to have someone know i acted like or thought like that. my book is spectacular!!!! some how the whole just works-doesn't seem to matter the difference in artist ability. i love the pictures of all the different pages and haven't seen a one i'd throw.

[Karla Nathan]

Yes, its sad, she must not be a happy person. I feel bad for her.

Im slightly behind on the book process, today my printer broke, and Ive not had time to go buy another because the dog had an eye infection and had to go to the vet, then I had to pick up kids at school. Its been hectic as usual around here! But Ive got 80% of the books assembled, soon, Ill be onto packing and labels.

Sent from my iPad

[Karla Nathan]

That is a beautiful idea for a gift, Linda!

Sent from my iPad

[Stephanie O.]

Oh no...you have had to deal with some unpleasantness with this swap. I feel bad for the person who was so unhappy that she reacted in such an inappropriate manner. The ultimate goal of participating in swaps is to build relationships not just about what you "get". Fortunately, as you wrote (and based on all the comments above), most of the people we interact with in blogland are encouragers not discouragers. It makes me sad someone doesn't get that and she has created a damper on your fabulous swap.

And yes, my page is one of the ones that was pictured previously and I am not going to give it another minutes thought that it might be the one thrown out! And neither should anyone else, especially the sweet ladies who are second guessing their first swap attempts!

So we should all just carry on and create what makes us happy not how it could be judged by others...

[lynn legge]

wow karla, i am truly sorry that you even had to get such an email.. from a grown lady.. who joined in a swap.. which is a view of ones feelings and soul put into the creations.. thats how i felt.. as i was in a bad time.. here (my husband was diagnosed with colon cancer in june) and i needed something to take my mind off the negativity.. and fairies and angels.. were perfect.. and as the others have said.. I have not seen ONE.. NOT EVEN ONE page that i wouldnt love in my book.. i am glad that you were able to get away .. the lodge seems gorgeous... and i hope you were able to relax and enjoy.. again.. heres big hugs to you and thanks for the swap... i know my book will be a treasure to cherish and look over often.
lynn

[Deborah Woodrow]

Karla, If I were you, ( And, this is only an idea ) I'd just ask the lady to send them ALL back & refund her money. Just to make sure she doesn't throw any more out, in the trash !
Obviously, she doesn't care who she hurts & Is not a professional, to bring hurt to others, like that.
I hope you get some rest & get a new printer, and carry onto the next wonderful swap ! :)

[Sandy]

Karla,

I am totally shocked that someone would actually be that rude and tactless. I would be proud to have any of the art you have featured on your posts for this swap, I think everyone has done a really outstanding job. These pages were created as a labor of love using precious time and materials. I am positive her one negative opinion will be over ridden by happy smiles and joy the other swappers will have when they receive their packages. Shame on her for such bad manners.

[Charlotte]

I'm thinking it was one of my pages that didn't measure up! Karla, this is your week to be a target, huh? First about your pups and now the swap!!! While I'm fortunate to not have any hate in my heart, not everyone escapes it. I have a family member who looks for the bad, and finds it somehow. Anyhoo, each of us had to start somewhere in our art journey, yes? Seeing the work of others via blogs and swaps has inspired me...and maybe we are helping new artists here, too. Embrase the naive. Consider it innocent children's art. Be grateful and your heart will smile. Gosh darn it, it would be terrible if one bad apple soured you on doing what you do so well.

[Margie Staniszeski]

Gosh, I bet we are ALL thinking it was one of our own pages. I'm thinking the same thing... but honestly I am appalled that anyone would complain in such a nasty way (or complain AT ALL!) This was my first swap too and I had no idea really how to do it, so I did something *I* myself liked and did my best. I had so much fun doing it and I love, love, love the book I received. It's gorgeous, creative, fun, different and just wonderful!!!!!!!

Karla, I am just counting the days till you'll post another little book swap like this! LOL I know it was tons of work for you and I appreciate ALL you did and all the hard work everyone did who participated. Please do another one!! Pretty please? lol lol I want more! Pooey to the bad apple in the group. She sounds like a spoiled BRAT! She really does.

Karla, you are a gem! xoxoxo

[Gloria]

Karla,

So glad you had the chance to get away for bit. We all need more of that!

It's a shame that you work so hard making time to bring so much joy to so many of us, only to have to hear bitter remarks, i.e. the lady who threw her page away and whoever chastised you for having puppies. I say, if you don't like me and like what I do...simply go away." Life will be better for all of us who do!

Gloria in Virginia

[Dede Warren]

The pages look great, and I can only image how fun the books are all put together! Swapping should be done with a cheerful heart for sure. Unfortunately women can be catty at times and not realize how cutting, rude, and unbecoming their words are. I also think some women don't care who they hurt along the way.

Way to out someone without really outing them Karla. I hope she doesn't name names after reading this!

[Mahala]

I think they're all beautiful.

[Jeannie McGehee]

I think all the pages are beautiful...I would LOVE to be in a swap but as a new person to the blogging world, I will just watch and drool...the person that complained obviously had a bad day and took it out the wrong way...how about be grateful, have fun and appreciate what you got in return? There is enough bad news going around so enjoy your gift and be thankful you are creative enough to join the swap..and the same to the person who complained about the puppies--with not even knowing Karla and her family--you can tell how much care and love they put in keeping care of the mama and babies...Again, do yourself a favor and count your blessings instead of complaining about something that is none of your business..

[Misses Peach]

Oh my goodness how dreadful for you to have to endure a rant about a work of heART that did not meet someone's idea of good enough!!! I can hardly imagine the gall it would take to do such a thing to a hostess who works as lovingly and hard as you do to make so many artists happy with her swaps! Please do not be discouraged and just wave your faerie wand around and say to her, "You are not coming to Kansas to play with us anymore!"
Sending you soft hugs from the cozy cottage of the other Karla

[Hope Ellington]

If there is one thing I like about posting a comment you are always the last one at that particular moment. I just read all the comments & I am WEEPING!!!! This artful community I am in has created in me the kind of person I WANT to be. I have made friends & learned things that I didn't even know were possible about myself. Jenny Doh is right....art does save. My blog is humble. I don't have millions of readers or millions of followers. I don't have great photo's & I ramble about dumb stuff a lot of the time but art has continued to help me to grow. I have watched people put their heart felt efforts into projects only to get to an event & find they certainly didn't measure up because they used hobby lobby wired ribbon & not gorgeous vintage french velvet ribbon that their swap partners used not because they wouldn't have wanted to simply because they didn't know it existed....why you ask? Because it was me! I come from a small town & didn't know of the wonderful resources available to me before I started going to art retreats like Silver Bella and Bird Song and Handmade U...maybe not the wired ribbon but it is true about vintage paper. But we grow & learn. We make friends. Karla is right, 99% percent of the swappers in the faery book page swap were awesome. That is about the percentage I find at about each event I go to. One percent usually does make it bad. But that is life. That woman is unhappy with herself and unfortunately, she made each participant whether she was a seasoned swapper or a newbie feel defeated and ashamed and not worthy. She new exactly what she was doing....she was deliberately planting a nasty seed. She is a mean girl. A behind the scenes agitator and she has been that way her whole life. I just hope she didn't breed a daughter because unfortunately.....it's environmental. Lady...if I can call you one...I know you are reading all this banter because it is what you do, you do the damage and do the hurt and then you like to see the disruption and hurt that you have caused. Like a serial killer coming back to the scene of the crime to watch the investigation or even help out. You have hurt 98 women and caused them to doubt themselves and feel badly. I know you are proud of yourself. I hope you enjoy being that kind of person because ultimately we've all got you pegged and don't like being around you! Sorry to ramble....apparently it's what I do! Blessings all! Thanks Karla for all that you do....All the pages were beautiful....and I did get to see Stephanie's gorgeous faery book!
XO~Hope

[nancy thompson]

Hi Karla,
I had a wonderful time making the pages for this swap....even though I did worry if they would be good enough! I appreciate the opportunity you gave to all of us to particioate in something so much fun...and creative. I love each page in the book I received...and plan on writing to those who wrote an email on their page to tell them so. I know this was a lot of work for you....but it sure was a great chance to see other ideas, again for hosting this fantastic opportunity.. and to everyone out there....and remember...people are creative in many forms!

[carrie c]

Priscilla said -- "With every piece of art that is made goes a little piece of that artist's heart and soul with it." --- oh my gosh, this is sooo true. Ive tried explaining this to people, but some just dont understand it and never will. Quick story- when I was married, I spend hundreds of hours making my husband a project. When we divorced I asked if he would like to keep it or if i could have it. He wanted to keep it. Later I learned he ended up giving it away. I was DEVASTATED. Nothing he could have done could have hurt me more. Art is not something you can run to the store and replace. Im very grateful that I was able to track down my creation and get it back. :)

I just wanted to say that I received my book today and I love it sooo much. Each and every page is unique and beautiful. I join Karla's swaps so that i can receive little pieces of art (and heart) from ladies from around the world--- And that's what I got! :) Thank you to Karla and each of you ladies who participated. I have to say that I feel a bit greedy--I only wish I could have one of each and every one!! :):)

[carrie c]

and Nancy---I was lucky enough to get one of your pages. And please dont worry if they were good enough! I adore mine! :)

[nancy thompson]

Ohhhhhhhhh Carrie.......thank you so very much! That makes me happy! I sooo agree with you about putting our heart into our art....that is so true. I cherish hand-made projects, and letters......even post cards from my friends and family. I am glad you were able to track down your creation.
Thanks Carrie!

[Robin Martin]

How so unfortunate someone could possibly have anything negative to say after all the time, effort and love you put into this swap. I drooled over the pages in your blog, each and every one. I received my book already, and just holding the pages that each one prepared brings me such joy! The variety of the materials, methods and interpreation is what makes the project so special. How very sad that someone could take such a wonderful event and proclaim it "not good enough". Heartless ! Karla, don't let this put a dark cloud over the happiness you brought to so many people that enjoyed not just what was received, but the love they put into the creating.

[Saucy Chick Sherry]

Karla Dear...I am saddened that you had to experience such misfortune due to one person's attitude and ungratefulness. Your post says it very well and I agree...play or don't play. I have now seen Terri Gordon's post showing her book and you have done a beautiful job (I know how many hours you spend!) putting the pages together. I am sad to have missed participating in this swap. Karla your sparkly glittery personality is radiant and I adore your style. Creative Blissful Hugs Dear...

[lisa]

If this sad person has a blog & FB page I'll bet it's one of those where they air dirty laundry & look for attention. I stay far away from those bloggers. They probably have 10 followers, all family.
Karla, you always handle sticky situations with kindness & tact.
Lisa
PS the pages are all amazing! What a great swap.