Test Tube Curio Swap

Based on the lovely idea of Copperboots, here is our group’s Test Tube Curio swap! For this swap you will find one ‘test tube’ (glass or plastic) and fill it Whimsy Jar like with little curio items for a Wonder or Curiosity Cabinet or Nature shelf. Items can include:

*Rocks and Mineral specimens

*Sea Shells

*Bird Feathers

*Crystals

*Seeds

*Beach Glass

*Historical Items

*Insects

*Fossils

*Bones

*Natural Oddities

*Anything else unusual and wonder cabinet like

All items should come close to filling the vial and you need to have it close some how- cork, cap, covering. Please include at least 5 items in your tube. You can label it if you like or include info. Please find a tube 4 inches long or larger. If you can’t find one this long please include several to make up for the difference. Please pack the tube carefully to keep items and vial from damage. If this means shipping the items packaged separately from the vial than you should do so.

I have found glass vials at: Dollar Tree with incense cones inside, cigar stores with cigars stored in them, some types of candy come in plastic vials, possibly check with craft stores for craft storage or for layered sand art, or some spice containers come in that shape, small glass containers for watch parts, bead tubes, test tubes, flower vases, ect. Thrift stores might be a search location as well.

Please be aware of weight and international customs requirements on items. Some countries will not allow the import of certain plant and animal materials. Check with your partner if you have some one outside your country of origin. I know that Etsy sells vials under supplies and you can buy them fairly cheep such as:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/47909072/20-glass-test-tubes?ref=srlist24&gasearchquery=test+tube&gasearchtype=handmade&ga_page=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

Photo borrowed from Miniature Rhino’s Etsy store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MiniatureRhino