Essence-Profile Mail Art

ESSENCE is a game we sometimes play around the campfire and on the back porch. It gets interesting in mixed groups of people that don't know each other well. This swap is kind of like the game without the guessing.

I love doing art with someone in mind. I often make recycled art journals for family, friends and sometimes friends of friends that I don't actually know. The challenge is always trying to create a piece that is personal and makes the person feel good. My favorite part of swapping is trying to figure out what my partner is like and what they might enjoy. So I decided to create a swap that is similar to the essence game. I looked around a bit and I don't think anyone is doing this swap. If so let me know and I will give credit or discontinue the swap. If this goes well and nobody minds I will create more of this type of swap. This round you will create a piece of mail art that attempts to capture your partners ESSENCE. Future swaps could be packages, recycled journals, postcards, gifts, ATCs, inchies...etc. ALL swaps of this type will include making mail art, from recycled materials, that attempts to capture your partner's ESSENCE.

A 4.98 rating and well filled out profile (Scrolling with info!) is required. No unrated swappers on this one. I will check profiles thoroughly and remove anyone with recent funky drama or no sends.

Swap Instructions: Design a board that encompasses your partners essence based only on the information in their profile. Send it NAKED!!

1. Cut a piece of cardboard from a cereal/cracker box. Make it postcard size or larger. You can paint, gesso or glue clippings/paper/tissue/tape over your board to spruce it up and cover the original box design if you want.

2. Read your partner's profile carefully. Look at everything-swaps, comments, groups and rating comments. Focus on getting a sense of who your partner is and what makes their heart sing. No emailing with questions, you must make your board based on the impression you get from your partner's profile!!

3. Design BOTH sides of your board! Leave room on one side for addressing and stamping. Remember you will be sending it naked.

4. You may collage, paint and draw on your board. Your design can incorporate any mixed media you choose-magazine/newspaper clippings, tissue paper, ephemera, book pages, washi tape, flat embellishments, dry or wet media etc. You may NOT just slap on a sticker of an animal that your partner likes and drop it in the mail. Other than that the sky is the limit!

5. Have fun! Design with love and curiosity!

Rating: If your partner sends you at least a postcard sized piece of mail art that is decorated on both sides. Rate a 5. Giving hearts is up to your own discretion.

Remember that you may not think the board represents you. Often when we play this game the descriptions people give are hilarious or downright disturbing. It's ok; remember perspective is always unique and it is based as much on the person presenting as it is on the person presented. Sometimes the insight from 1st impressions is invaluable.

:) <3