Completed - Masterboard Swap ~ Send by August 17

[Reinikka]

@Lynx

Masterboards are made for people of all skill levels because you seriously cannot make a bad masterboard. Why’s that? Because if you think it’s bad, just add more paint and keep on going! Plus, you can use it cut up and as backgrounds for so many things!

Yes! %

I’ve only ever made about three masterboards that I didn’t like (and I just cut them up to start new ones ) They are magical things!

[Reinikka]

Officially welcoming @geekgirl and @photojenn to the swap

[kayrun]

I’m considering it as well, and I haven’t even made one yet!
yikes

[megwell (Megan (she/her))]

@Reinikka

You’ll be safe here, I promise!

Seriously. I cringe at the boards I sent out in the last round of this a couple of years ago, but everyone was super gracious about them. (Side note: Partners from that swap, I promise I have improved since then .)

@Lynx

I’m having so much FOMO about missing this swap, but I’m literally waiting for several more to start sign ups.

Devil’s advocate: Are they definitely opening early in the round? If not, one U.S. partner, send early, spot open . . .

[Lynx (In a world where you can be anything, be kind.)]

@megwell

Devil’s advocate: Are they definitely opening early in the round? If not, one U.S. partner, send early, spot open . . .

I dunno, I dunno…such enablers here!

[megwell (Megan (she/her))]

Just trying to help you explore ways you might be able to get everything you want . Worst case scenario, we see you next round.

ETA: And lest anyone think I’m just sitting here trying to push people into this swap, I’ve officially put my questionnaire where my, uh, keyboard is? Whatever, I sent it in.

[Reinikka]

Welcome @megwell

@kayrun come join the fun! You know you want to

[Reinikka]

Hey guys! I just have to get something off my chest, so get ready for an ear full (eye full?)

I started this as a response to @megwell but it holds true for anyone/everyone (and quickly evolved to a message for everyone)

I can’t remember who I received from on the old site but I do remember liking everything I got and saw in the gallery so don’t feel down about anything you sent before! And we are ALL improving I 100% wouldn’t be the crafter I am today without swaps and this community.

I will not tolerate gatekeeping. Nope, not here. I do not care if you send your first masterboard or your thousandth. As long as you do the best that you can do! Everyone is welcome to join and I want to openly encourage anyone sitting on the fence. We support each other, we help each other, and we inspire each other. That’s it. Period.

And if you happen to have an issue with that you can message me privately and I will partner you with someone in your experience range.

But seriously, masterboards are a wonderful, magical beautiful thing! No matter how “beginner” you think you are, masterboards are a great place to start! Because…, guess what?? The person that receives them gets to do whatever they want with them! Cut them up, cover the less desirable parts, enhance and bring focus to the best parts! Masterboards are magic! I’m still just past “beginner” and I know I have so much farther to go! But I LOVE them!!! I love all of them

So end of tangent Join if you want, stalk if you prefer, but this is a safe craft space!

~The End

[Smmarrt (Susan - You can just add more paint!)]

Thank you, well said. And a positive outlook for us all!
Newbees and oldbees!

[thanate (Ann needs more tea)]

Yes, this!

And also, after you have done your best and sent, try to remember that your partners get to have their own opinions that have nothing to do with your swap anxiety. Everyone has the temptation to jump in and apologize for the things they weren’t happy with sometimes, but ultimately once you send it’s not yours anymore, and if you don’t point out the “problems” with it, your partners are unlikely to see them that way. Try to see past you’s work the same way you would someone else’s and be inspired to try something better next time instead of regretting the thing you already finished.

[photojenn (Jenn)]

“Oldbees” has me cracking up this morning

[Smmarrt (Susan - You can just add more paint!)]

That’s me!

[Renstar (Ren)]

OK, I’m in!

[Reinikka]

Welcome @Renstar

[megwell (Megan (she/her))]

This is an excellent point; I wouldn’t tolerate gatekeeping of anyone else, so I shouldn’t impose it on myself.

@thanate

ultimately once you send it’s not yours anymore

I’ve never thought of it this way, but you’re right. At that point what I think of it doesn’t really matter.

[jemimah (Kirsten)]

@Lynx

I’m having so much FOMO about missing this swap, but I’m literally waiting for several more to start sign ups.

I’ve also got FOMO about this one, but I’ve offered to host two swaps, and have a shortlist of at least seven others - and with the slow international mail I just can’t this time. Will be watching your beautiful gallery though!

And, such wise words about everyone being welcome and all the art being appreciated! I feel the same way about the 4x6 art swap - everyone’s creativity is treasured, and we all just get better by doing and sharing and encouraging. If I feel anxious about something I sent, I try to ask myself how I feel when I receive something someone made for me - and I always love and appreciate it, especially if the sender has stretched themselves and tried something new!

[Ewulotta (Eva 🇩🇪 🇪🇺)]

This is absolutely tempting We’re coming back home on Monday so I’ll probably send in my questionnaire very last minute… if I don’t get cold feet.

[kayrun]

You can do it!
I’m about ready to sign up, now that I’ve looked at @Magpie 's tutorial and I see that I can use watercolors for this project, I think I will give it a shot!
I hope my juvenile watercolor set will be adequate!
Oh, and I just remembered that I bought a set of those colored pencils that you can color & then brush water over them to smear…hmmmmm
I don’t have too many art supplies, but these just might do!

[Lynx (In a world where you can be anything, be kind.)]

Watercolor masterboards is something I haven’t tried yet, but I saw one posted once and it’s been on my to-do list since! I look forward to the gallery and seeing how they turn out!

[Reinikka]

@Ewulotta put on your warmest pair of socks and jump in!