CALLING ALL MEMBERS!!
ANY registered member of the board is more than welcome to host a challenge, if they meet the following requirements. These requirements are only to make it a little more stress free for me and to make sure our members have great hostesses for the weekly challenges that follow through with the weekly challenge.
Weekly Challenge Hostesses:* must be a member for 3 months
* must have a post count of 25 or more
* must have participated in at least 3 weekly challenges
Why can anyone meeting these requirements be the hostess? * Because you get a ton of different types of challenges and fun.
* Because the preparation for challenges doesn't all fall on a few people.
* Because it keeps it fresh and new.
* Because we have uber talented members and I like to see you show your creativity!
Here is a rundown of what you would do as a host/hostess:* Email or PM Lora (lora3677) and let me know you want to host a challenge.
* Create an example fulfilling your challenge.
* On Monday of your week, post your challenge to the Weekly Challenges board complete with a photo of your example, and have them "due" the following Sunday at midnight.
* Check the thread regularly (daily) for updates, questions, etc. from the members.
* Leave praise for all participants.
* Provide a $1-$3 prize for one random winner. This can be die cuts, handmade flowers, ribbon, $1 stamps, etc. Please mail within 2 weeks of the challenge ending.
What kind of challenges does CardSwaps have?Starting December 1, 2011, we are switching it up and have various challenges we will rotate through. You sign up to host a challenge and you are put in rotation. We do work schedules, however you are not allowed to pick and choose which one you host. It just becomes too complicated to find a hostess for each week otherwise.
Here are the challenges in order of rotation:
- Color Challenge: The hostess picks a color combo and you make a card based on those colors.
- Technique Challenge: The hostess picks a technique such as distressing, sanding, embossing, etc. Instructions must be provided by hostess example. No links to external websites.
- Sketch Challenge: hostess provides a sketch to follow
- Clean and Simple Challenge: as it states... clean and simple...
- Funky Fold Challenge: Non typical folded card (gatefold, accordian, pop up, just not "typical" side or top fold)
- Recipe Challenge: hostess provides a list of items your card must contain (ex. 3 cardstock colors, 2 flowers, 1 sentiment)
- Inspiration Challenge: hostess provides a photo of an item to provide inspiration from which you create your card
- Non Card Challenge: altered items, bags, tags, anything "non card"
- Stash Raid: Using supplies or tools that we all have and haven't touched in a while.
- Found Item/Repurpose Item Challenge: hostess provides something you would have around your house to use on a card
- Reader's Reach Out Challenge: Using the CardMaker Magazine Reader's Reach Out column, make a card and send it to them.
- Shape Challenge: hostess provides a shape your card must contain or be (circle card or hexagon on your card)
- Stamping Challenge: could be stamping technique, stamping image type, etc
You will know at least 2 weeks in advance if you are up for a weekly challenge. I will TRY to remind you one week in advance, however I don't want you relying on a reminder from me. We're all adults afterall.
Challenges do not necessarily have to be a card... it can be any card or paper crafting item that we would normally swap, etc. I would like to stay away from "scrapbooking", because we are a "Cardmaking" forum. You CAN do challenges with specific type items, but just realize you may not get as much participation if it's something they have to go purchase.
A couple things I feel I need to mention, just because... We haven't really had any problems in this area, but just in case... You have all volunteered to do these challenges and I really appreciate your enthusiasm, support, and help! It means a lot. I ask that you take it seriously. Even though you aren't getting paid and even though there normally isn't that much credit going to all the work you do for free behind the scenes... I ask that you please get things done on time and put forth your best work. That doesn't mean you have to be a superstar cardmaker, because ALL levels of cardmaking are welcome and provides a great variety of challenges. Just put forth YOUR best work. Also, I ask that you please realize that you are now a little more "involved" than the average every day member of the board... with that comes responsibility. I ask that you please maintain a positive, helpful, friendly attitude toward ALL members on our board and behind the scenes in PM, email, etc. I know there are going to be personality clashes at times, but you really do represent CardSwaps and we want every one to feel welcome and important... because they are. If you have issues or problems with any member (including myself!), I ask that you please respond in a respectable, tactful manner that wouldn't cause anyone to have hurt feelings. I try to go with the 24 hour, read it thrice rule before replying to anything that is upsetting to me. It's hard sometimes to bite your tongue, but in most cases it is the best way to deal with it. If at any time you need advice or just someone to listen, you have my email and I'm more than happy to help. I'm also online on GoogleTalk M-F 8-4CST.
SO...
if you would like to host a weekly challenge, please PM or email me and let me know. If you know there is a week coming up that will not work, please let me know that upfront so we don't have to go back and forth about scheduling.
If you have any questions about hosting, please feel free to ask.
FEATURED IN OUR JULY ISSUECelebrate your love for card making with all occasion cards designed in patriotic colors.
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