denisemichelle

I am a mid-40s empty-nester in the Midwest. I live with my partner and two cats, and foster squirrels. I have recently become a grandma! I have two amazing twin granddaughters.

I like dabbling in various crafts as the mood strikes me. Not really artistic, but love ATCs and playing with mixed media. Perfect size art to not feel intimidated and have fun with different techniques. I prefer to use recycled materials as much as possible. Avoiding going to the stores has been a very good challenge for me to get creative with what I have at home.

I love nature, I grew up in the Midwest, lived in the Rockies and the East Coast, and now back to the Midwest. The mountains are definitely the home of my heart. I have really been missing the Rockies, so be aware, a lot of my HD/HP ATCs will probably be of mountains right now. I love all kinds of creatures and critters (so any kind of animal on an ATC will make me smile). I have raised large moths, rescued birds and countless cats, used to have barely feral Muscovy ducks in the neighborhood when I lived in Florida (I really, really miss those!). Recently I've become a foster for baby squirrels through a local rehab organization. That has brought immense joy and chaos to my life.

I'd rather do yardwork than housework. I am taking it slowly with having a backyard and front yard to do whatever I'd like. It's almost too much freedom. Can I just plant trees everywhere? I've already planted six lilac bushes and cosmos. I am planting poppies and daisies as well (I like flowers that grow like weeds). I had a renegade morning glory pop up last year, so I scattered the seeds all around the sides of the front deck. I love dandelions and they are a squirrel diet staple, so they are allowed to propagate freely. Also planting milkweed and some local prairie flower seeds this year. Whatever lives, I'll just keep planting more- no manicured gardens for me.

I used to be really, really into yoga, but stepped away from it for a couple of years. My mental wellbeing has suffered greatly without it and I am getting back into it again, but it's difficult to do so, alone, at home.

My only social media is Instagram, I follow people and feeds that bring me joy and inspiration. I haven't been on Facebook for years and it is amazing how good it felt to let it go, and I don't miss it one bit. Likewise, I am here on Swap-Bot to enjoy, and want to avoid drama and stress as much as possible.

HOSTING SWAPS:

If I am hosting a swap, I will angel for it. I don't specify this in the swap descriptions, but do not hesitate to contact me if you did not receive your swap item.

For single ATC swaps I usually lower the rating limit and allow new, unrated swappers. I want to give people a chance that need it, knowing that I am able to angel a single ATC quickly, even for multiple people. For more time intensive swaps I raise the rating limit so that it is less likely I will need to angel for multiple people.

I do screen regardless of rating limits to see what most recent history has been.

If you have concerns about any swap I am hosting, please message me! I am happy to try to resolve things, or get needed feedback.

Photography
Embroidery
Beaded jewelry (simple)
Recycled crafts
Dabbling in new crafts

Pressed Flower Swap
Snarky T-Shirt Swap (or an iron-on swap, no worries about sizes, etc, and cheaper to mail)
Recycle/Reuse Craft Challenge Swap
Photo Challenge Swap
Blank Notecard Swap
Photo Kaleidoscope Art ATC Swap

If anyone wants to take any of those ideas and run with it- feel free, just drop me a line so I can join too!

Please- do not send extras!! (I give out hearts regardless)
*Adding an exception: I am looking for a few more of the US frog stamps (used) for an ATC I am working on, if you have any you could send along with a swap, that would be great!

I have gotten so many great extras in the past, it is now time to use them up! I am also trying to upcycle and recycle as much as I can. Just getting swaps and getting inspired by other's creativity is such a delight!

What I particularly appreciate:
* ATCs with quotations, uplifting sayings, words of encouragement
(non-religious please)
* Anything reusable/recycled
* Ideas for ATCs- add a note about art techniques you like and recommend
* Book recommendations
* I love abstract art- so I would enjoy getting ATCs that are just abstract, without embellishments, if that is your style. I hesitate myself to send such ATCs because I worry the recipient may think it is unfinished or incomplete (just a background). But I find abstract paintings and collages so enjoyable to look at, and very difficult to create.

Science fiction/fantasy
Anything by Neil Gaiman, Margaret Atwood, Tana French
Guilty pleasures like Nora Roberts' trilogies
Have been reading a lot of M.R. Carey and Naomi Novik lately.

Anything blue
Things from nature
All animals, especially wildlife
Ideas/inspiration
Anything handmade
Miniatures
Mountains
Succulents
Dark roast coffee (daily, all day)
Black tea
Puns
Snarkiness

A: Art
B: Books
C: Coffee
D: DNA
E: Embroidery
F: Forget-me-nots
G: Genetics
H: Hiking
I: INFJ
J: Jewelry
K: Kaleidoscopes
L: Love
M: Mom
N: Nature
O: Outdoors
P: Photography
Q: Quiet
R: Recycle, Reuse, Repurpose
S: Science
T: Trees
U: Understanding
V: Violet-flavored (anything)
W: Wisconsin
X:
Y: Yoga
Z: