For several years now, I have been fortunate to be involved in The
Internet Miniature Mask Swaps. When I first found out about this wonderful
little treasure trove of collectables, I was a participant in a swap held
under the direction of Sherry Bailey. This was a great way to start, as
I learned the fundamentals without having to bear responsability for the
whole thing. Once I had received my first box of masks though---I was totally
hooked. After two, I was ready to try hosting a swap myself. Some may ask--
What is a "Swap"?
A swap involes several artists and a single theme. The number of particiapants
involved is up to the host, also known as "Swapmeister" or "Swapmeistress".
In my miniature masks swap groups, I find ten to be a very workable number.
So, with artists who are drawn from Polymer Clay Central and other polymer
clay newsgroups, guilds, and other venues, each group is filled. Each person
who signs up for a group receives emailed information about the theme of
a swap, and its physical requirements. Using these guidelines, each participant
makes a set of items, all alike, in a style of their choosing. These are
mailed to the swapmeister, who then re-assorts the items so that each artist
in each group will receive ONE mask from each. That way, each swapper ends
up with ten miniature masks, including one of their own.
In previous years, we have had as many as seven groups. For the 2005
swap, we have TEN groups of ten artists each---and there will 100 new miniature
masks in my collection after October of this year. All I have to do is
make 100 of my own to swap out....most participants are limited to three
groups of ten maximum, but I know that with experience in production line
work, I'll be able to do this large amount over the next few months. Once
I have finalized my ten designs, I can use molds
to make the process MUCH easier and faster!
These were the incoming boxes from the swap in
2004. This year it is even bigger, with ten groups of swappers scheduled.
Be sure to check back later to see some of the masks!
Here's how the 2005 Swap collection of 900 masks (nine
groups of ten artists) looked being sorted into group bags. Although ten
groups of ten originally signed up, there are always some drop-outs.
All groups are sorted so that there are ten bags for each
group, so each of the ten group participants gets a bag with all ten masks,
including one of their own. This makes it easier to sort and pack in such
large quantities. Some artists are in up to three groups--thats thirty
different masks for their collection. As swapmeister, I get to join ALL
the groups--and I ended up making 100 masks this year for the 2005 Swap!
Click here to see the results
of the
Internet Miniature Mask Swap 2002
Click here to see the results
of the
Internet Miniature Mask Swap 2003
Miniature Mask Swap Guidelines
Here's the information swappers receive when they join.
This year's swap has been filled; this is for informational
purposes only.
This swap is organized into ten groups of ten participants in each.
You can join one, two or three groups. Make a different mask design for
each group. You will make TEN of each design in a group and send them to
me by the deadline, please. Send the right amount---don't short yourself
and make it harder for the swapmeister by sending less. There's a lot for
me to keep track of with multiple groups, please do your part to make this
an easy swap to host.
Fit the finished mask inside a three inch square--it can be a bit smaller
but NOT bigger. This size guideline makes the masks fit together nicely
in groupings and gives them something in common, along with being PC miniature
masks!
The mailing deadline for sending the masks to ME is **** and I will
unpack and assort them as soon as they are all here, not before--so be
on time or tell me why please (I CAN be very reasonable, when I know what's
going on!!)--and then I'll remail them.
I will be mounting and framing my own set, and I request everyone's
permission to show them in an upcoming book "The Art of Polymer
Clay Masks" and also on my web pages. If you don't want to have
it shown, you can still participate in the swap, just let me know and I
won't include your mask in the photos. All artists participating will be
credited by name. A permission to print form will be sent to you along
with your masks, please sign and return it. I respect copyrights.
The style of your mask is up to you. There are many inspirational
books on masks--Aleutian, Mayan, African, or Chinese; Mardi Gras or
theatrical. They can be theatrical, primitive, futuristic, or tribal, animal
totem, spirit, or comedia del arte--whatever you choose. Previous swaps
have left it to the artist to make a pendant or a pin out of these masks.
Many have left the findings off entirely, leaving it up to the new owner.
(you can always glue on a finding or leather loop for pendants)
When mailing, pack each mask individually in a small bag that seals--
a ziplock sandwich bag will do. Include a business card or other information
in each if you like. Put the card IN the bag with the mask. This is far
easier for dozens of artists to each do, than it is for me to have to do
them for you. Sign the masks on the back---make it easier for fame to find
you later on--do think of the Collectables Roadshows in 2075! When I repack
and send them back, you will get one mask from each artist in the group,
including yourself. It's an instant collection!
Be sure to include:
Your signed and bagged masks in the correct quantity
A return address label (to YOUR address)
Priority Mail postage (I already have the boxes for return shipping here,
and want to use them). Enclose one $3.80 priority mail stamp for EACH group
of participation. If you are in two groups, send two stamps.
If you are not in the USA, contact me as to your shipping costs. If
everyone stays in the size parameters, you should (theoretically) pay as
much to get them back as it costs you to mail them. However, some people
send heavier masks, some people's are very small---please be careful about
this and remember that things average out---there will be a mix of masks
returning to you, and we try to package so that nothing is damaged in shipping.
. Please mail them to me, postmarked no later than ****. I will keep in
touch through email if there are any updates, and will be reminding you
all about the details and the deadline. I'll send my mailing address so
you can ship when its closer to the deadline. Please do not ask to send
them to me prior to the deadline as my studio gets very clogged with boxes,
and I don't want to lose anything!!
Some groups also have Challenges on occasion, and participating
members share pictures of their work done in response to the given challenge.
Click here to see a recent Rec.Crafts.Beads challenge.
Click here to see what some polymer clay swappers did with Ready
Stamps and polymer clay.
