Alaindrea

I update this page frequently, please don't forget to check the latest News section at the bottom to see what's new!

My swapping philosophy is that I swap the way I hope to be swapped with. I want each person I send something to, to feel like I cared and tried to make a connection. I feel that I've done a good job on a swap if I think that the other person will smile when they open their mail. It isn't about money, it's about thought.

I DO Re-gift, Up-cycle, and Recycle. Please don't be offended if you get an ATC or something similar from me and I used a card you sent to me for the background. ;)

I try to send out my swaps early, so If you haven't gotten something from me, please let me know. (Please note that I live on a Rural Route, so it takes longer for me to get my mail and have it delivered. If the post office says 3 days, expect 5-7.)

I want to swap recipes and handcrafted items. I've also discovered that I love naked postcards and ATCs.

I love clothing, accessories, and jewelry. I hate huge purses. I use re-usable shopping bags all the time. I have pierced ears.

I am a woman. I smoke cigarettes (but I try to air out all my swaps). I don't have any children or grandchildren. I am married. I have dogs. I am allergic to cats. I am a psychology student. I like tea, I don't like coffee (although sometimes I drink decaf if its flavored). I read tarot. I write poetry and non-fiction. I hate waste.

I collect Pez dispensers (NIB or near mint), viewmaster reels (any condition), and sealed Happy Meal toys. "Well, I think so, Brain, but if they called them sad meals then no one would buy them"- Pinky I have a working record player, ATARI 2600 and original Nintendo.

My handwriting is terrible. If you can't read it, send me your best guess and I'll translate-lol!

I'm terribly low tech in my life, except perhaps in the kitchen. I love kitchen gadgets, I have a rice cooker, stand mixer, deepfryer and crockpot that I use all the time. I think cell phones are bewildering, and I would rather talk on the phone than E-mail.

I can die from food allergens. If you send me something edible PLEASE be sure it is clearly labeled. (In English)

Nickel

Wool

Feathers (as long as I don't have to wear it, or it isn't completely covered, feel free to use them)

Wheat/oats/barley/WILD rice (gluten)

Tomatoes

Spinach (and grape leaves)

(as a food spice) Sage

Modified food starch (cornstarch or modified cornstarch is OK.)

Malt (made with wheat)

Wine/Beer/any vinegar except some distilled (I have recipe substitutes for these)

Yeast (and "spice extract" = autolyzed yeast extract) (is MSG)

MSG/Monosodium Gultimate

Maltodextrin (= MSG)

Whey protein (= MSG)

anything that says made in a facility that processes wheat

Lavender

Most Floral scents, except rose and lilac

I craft: Cooking (and recipe creation), Canning (BWB and Pressure), sewing, Jewelry making, candlemaking, crochet, fused glass, mosiac, herbal items, recycled crafts, dreamcatchers, vegetable gardening, scrunchies.

I went halfway through a degree in Culinary Arts, worked in the restaurant industry for years and have food allergies (which is why I quit both my degree and working in restaurants). So, please, If you would like an Allergy-safe recipe for any food allergy, or recipes for other dietary restrictions, let me know. I would be happy to find or create one/some for you as a private trade.

I don't craft, but like: woodworking, lampworking, welding, chainmail, soap, vintage paper items, leatherwork, knit, quilting, embroidery, amigurimi.

I don't like: handmade cards, scrapbooking, sewing patterns, crossstich, hairbows, dolls/teddybears, angels, animal print items, button faeries, country style home decor.

Materials I like: Wood, fabric, leather, glass, metal (not on my skin- allergies), ribbon, buttons, recycled materials.

Materials I don't like: Wool (allergic), nickel jewelry findings or anyplace that touches my skin (allergic).

Colors I love: Purple, Black, Brown, Blues.

Color I HATE: Pink.

I rarely drink caffeine. (less than once per month)

Pagan related

Scorpio

Moon/stars

Owls

Ladybugs

Fuzzy/soft textures

Snowmen/Santas/Snowflakes

Fall (the season) and Halloween/Samhain

Faeries

Vampires

The 80's, the 70's, vintage gaming items

Shiny things

Dark Chocolate

Handmade/Organic/Natural

Jewelry

Food scents, except for plain cinnamon.

Styles: Goth, Steampunk, Hippie, Anime (not really Kawaii and not to wear), renaissance/fantasy, quirky, retro, dark, "Punky Brewster" or Cindi Lauper.

Food: Stirfry, asian, thai, indian, meat, hispanic, any ethnic, spicy, cheese, cream, mushrooms, vegetables

I read everything except for trashy romances: If I want to read or write smut, I will, I don't need to pretend that it has a plot. I write poetry and short fiction/non fiction.

I don't watch TV.

Really. I'm not making it up.

Yes, that's why I have so much time to be in school full time, read, cook dinner every night, and do all these swaps. Well, that and we don't have kids...

We don't go to the movie theater, well, pretty much ever. If it isn't old or wasn't a book, I probably haven't seen it. We "rent" our movies from the library or the neighbors.

Catchup status:

Homemade Word Search-have to re-make, it was lost when my computer crashed. Less than 1 month.

Handmade Christmas Ornament- Found the supplies, need to fire.

Halloween Skeleton/Skull ATC- I expect to mail within a week.

Halloween Witch ATC- I expect to mail within a week.

Re-send swap- In Progress. Need to do paperwork.

Crochet Squares (3 partners, 2 outstanding)- One more partner's are sent. One of the second set is complete. Need to make 1 more. Should be mailed in about a week.

Complicated ATC- Sent

12 Crafty X-mas- Um, I suck? I will make it, but I don't have any kind of an estimate at this point....How does next Christmas 2010 sound? J/K

Other Owes (Will be caught up after I finish most or all of my outstanding swaps):

Forum Tag ATC-on hold

Tin Can Pencil Holder-on hold

Re-make on tin can craft- The parts need to be assembled, on hold.

I'm finally back. I owe, I owe It's off to work I go.... 'nuff said. Sob stories are lame.

I am still playing catch up. I will also angel for people who've gotten flaked on in the swaps I hosted or find angels. I will send everything, I promise!

Ok, well, it had to happen sooner or later:

Flaked on by:

@shandilynn for the "Dog Days of Summer recipe Swap", Angeled by the host @MrsAnnaSue (Thank You!)