Hands & Hearts (*dates changed*)

This swap consists of 3 parts: 1) creating 2 printing stamps *** 2) including stamp pad and embellishment 3) adding 6 decorated pieces of paper.

Create a set of 2 handmade heart or Valentine related printing stamps (from an eraser, speedball carving block, wood, foam.) One should be a distinct item related to love and happiness and the other a background or texture stamp.

Swap should include a small stamp pad of an unusual color and one other embellishment such as glitter, fairy dust, gel pen, glitter crayon -- something that sparkles.

The paper part involved creating 6 different sheets (5x7 minimum, rough edges OK) of handmade/hand embellished paper. This does not mean the paper has to start at the pulp stage (although many hearts should be issued to those who do that!), but can be created doing any one of the following to a blank paper product:

-- emboss -- printed with rollers, sponges, found objects -- texture rubbing -- batik -- plastic wrap print -- marbling -- bubble painting or ink blown -- paste paper -- salt prints -- leaf prints -- collage -- mixed media -- stenciled -- gelatin prints

Colors are encouraged - not just red.

Be sure that your paper pieces are different from one another--not just 6 torn sections from one sheet. Check with your partner for color preferences or leave a message below.

Happy creating to all!

*** if all else fails and you do not or cannot make your own stamp, purchased stamps are acceptable, but hearts hould be given to all who make their own.