Simple Valentine Card Swap

 Every month in my home, I host a card making swap.
 Usually the theme is the Holiday for the following month.
In this case, the theme is Valentines Day.
I might have anywhere from 3-6 people depending on everyone's schedules.
We have it on a Monday night 6:30pm- to 7:30pm.
I provide light refreshments, cookies and hot tea.

If this is your first time thinking of a card swap, here is how I do it.
Our group is on Shutterfly (Free!) there they can rsvp their spot to participate.

The Invitation-
Please join us for some card making fun!
For those of you new to our card swaps, here is the premise:

• Make 1 card. See "theme" on event title.
• Clip this card to the outside of a shoe box as your example.
• Pre-cut any cards/paper, wet/dry embossed add ons, and cut out all the pieces needed.
• Include in your box, stamps, ink, pop dots/foam tape,ribbon, tools and other embellishments.
• Place kits in baggies for easy location and make enough for 6 people plus extras in case someone makes a mistake or has time to make a second card.
• Make sure assemblage of card is no more than 10 minutes!
• Please include envelopes to match your cards as some people want to use these right away. :)

Please only bring the following to this event:

1. Small Scissors
2. wet adhesive and double stick tape.
3. Craft sheet or work mat if you have one.  I will share what I have.

I will provide light refreshments.
Cost $1
Only 6 people can attend.

 So for this card, I have included the above tools and embellishments in the box.

 In a bag, I have the envelopes plus pre-cut/pre-folded card blanks. They measure 4 ¼  x 5 ½

 Next using the same measurements, I have pre-cut the card front. This will go into a bag.
Putting everything into bags, keeps them neat.

 Here I have the paper doily's, and paper strips.
The heart strips are 1 ½ x 5 ½. The music sheet strips are 1" x 5 ½.
Place everything into a shoe box. Clip your finished (example) card to the front.

 When everyone has arrived and are settled with tea and cookies, each person  takes turns showing off their card. Then they will briefly explain the creating process.
Here I will show the ladies how to use the border punch.

  Then I will explain the layering of the strips. If you have some people new to card making, you may want to write out a detailed instruction for them to read as they work. They may not catch on so quickly as the seasoned card makers when you explain your card at the beginning of the meeting.

 I will let them know to cut the doily in half and glue in place.

 I will briefly show them where to place the black washi tape, and dew drops. Even though everyone will be bringing their own adhesive, I've included in the box, Tombo, which is a personal favorite for adhering Dew drops. I will also demonstrate how to 'start up' the gold leafing pen.

Once everyone has explained their card kit, you simply pass around the boxes, working on each card until you have made them all. The premise is to learn new techniques, play with new papers, embellishments, tools and to have fun. Plus you end up with  some great cards to give!

 For this card, I used from The Robins Nest- Two Lips Tear Drops

From the Wild about U collection - (20% off this month) ...
Valentine Cardstock
Valentine Stripe Cardstock