phillaine

-December 2023-

After a loooong absence, I'm coming back to share swaps and surprises and grant wishes with my dear long-distance happy mail friends. My life is just so much better when regularly connecting with you all. I look forward to catching up.♥

Hello. Welcome to my profile. My name is Phillaine. I live with my sweetheart and our two (magic!) hypoallergenic Siberian cats in a cozy home surrounded by magnificent old oak and maple trees. I'm getting all cozy and snuggled in for hibernation season with another long Minnesota winter, and I've never been happier to have big beautiful windows. ♥

I LOVE to be outside: my happiness is directly tied to the amount of time I spend outdoors. My heart's home is in the North Woods, and I aspire to build a little house of my own in the forest someday.

🌈My FAVORITE things to do on swap-bot are granting wishes in wish list groups and sending profile-based swaps and surprises. 💌

Thank you for joining me here and taking the time to peruse my thoughts. 💗

I'll be working on updating my profile over the next few months as well. :)

Things I Enjoy Doing (verbs!)
reading, exploring, traveling, making things (so many things!), making lists, solving problems, visiting with people, being outdoors, taking photos, gardening, baking, cooking, painting, embroidery, crocheting, sewing, paper crafting (e.g. collage, stationery, envelopes and mailers, pocket letters, flipbooks), customizing and photographing Blythe dolls, carving rubber stamps, preparing and sending happy mail by post, writing fairly brief letters and occasional journal entries, solving sudoku and jigsaw puzzles, playing games like Scrabble, Boggle, Huggermugger, Taboo, Scattergories,and Skyrim, cuddling up with my kitties while watching shows and working on and/or coming up with ideas for more projects. I am in absolutely no danger of running out of projects. ;)

Things which Interest me (nouns!)
Many sorts of art, literature, and music, folk tales, fairy tales, myths, and legends, compelling illustrations, thunderstorms, Autumn, Spring, cats of all kinds, wildlife, trees, flowers, etc. (some favorite plants include oak, maple, birch, boxwood, and willow trees, iris, poppies, pansies, columbines, lilies, morning glories, bachelor buttons, clover, bluebells, and magnolias), botanical gardens, orchards, vegetable gardens, rainbows, mischievous fairies, phoenixes, cryptozoology, dinosaurs, TARDIS, Totoro and his umbrella, stones and fossils (like spectrolite, moonstone, onyx, ammolite, etc.), sea glass, trains, bicycles, tricycles, unicycles and penny-farthings, clocks, mechanisms, rube-goldberg machines, typewriters, strawberries, raspberries, Blythe, photography, many things that are considered "strange," "peculiar," or "dark," I find intriguing and sometimes beautiful.

Five Senses
I love ALL of these colors:

Some favorites are autumnal tones, black/greys, All kinds of blues, turquoise, reds, greens, purples-- I do tend to be drawn to more deep, earthy, or rich colors and don't do much with many pastels or neon/day-glo colors.
I especially enjoy exploring the ways that colors transform in combination with one another.

Some favorite sounds are rain on a rooftop, a crackling wood-burning fire, the sound of lighting a wooden match and the sound of the flame being extinguished by a breath, the songs of crickets and coquis, and the indescribable calm experienced while parasailing.

Some of my favorite flavors/scents are: genuine maple syrup and vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, coriander, and clover; I adore the flavors and, accordingly, the aromas of garlic and curry. I'm crazy about the smell of coffee beans, but can't drink coffee. My favorite scents that are definitely NOT for eating are probably the smell of a wood-burning fire, a forest after rain, and certain cats (the smell reminds me of my grandma's house and our visits there). No eating fire, forests, or kitties.

The cool stone faces of cliffs and canyons, the feel of my hands working through soil and stones or sorting through big bins of buttons, seeds, grain, or other smooth things, cozy homemade quilts of cotton, and the feeling of modal fabrics are all extremely soothing and comforting to me.

Books

Too many to mention! Like I said, I collect myths, folk tales, fairy tales, and legends. Those are my favorites. I have a great fascination with and passion for children's literature. I especially adore Le Petit Prince and The Neverending Story, and reread Heidi and the Little House books every so often when nostalgia attacks ♥. Some favorite fairy tales (off the top of my head) include The White Cat, Puss in Boots, The Elves and the Shoemaker, Blockhead Hans, and Hansel and Gretel; I'm always in search of stories where the girls and women are clever and play active roles rather than being basically powerless victims who wait around to be "saved" . I'd love to hear your recommendations!

As for "grown-up" books, I like original fiction that features unique characters and storytelling (my favorite I can think of off-hand is Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut), quirky old books on things like etiquette and education, "vintage," unusual, and vegan cookbooks (I'm not vegan, but am allergic to milk, so this helps). I also enjoy modern nonfiction, especially cultural anthropology and self-help/psychology books (e.g. Blink by Malcom Gladwell and The Gift of Fear by Gavin DeBecker) as well as books on mindfulness and meditation (e.g. Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh). Ever since I got a kindle, my reading has increased at least threefold (I'm nearly at 150 books for the year so far)! Being able to check out e-books from the library has been literally life-changing for me. Much recommended for anyone who has mobility issues or difficulty getting out and about regularly.

Music, Movies, and Television

Johnny Cash, Regina Spektor, Madeleine Peyroux, Leonard Cohen, Steve Earle, Elvis, Tom Waits, The Ramones, Buddy Holly, Hank Williams, Queen, The Beatles, Joan Jett, Mika, Mumford and Sons, Trampled by Turtles, Flight of the Conchords, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holliday, Patsy Cline, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Led Zeppelin, Clifford Brown, Miles Davis, Sting, U2, Cher (mostly in person--she's a delightful entertainer), Lady Gaga...I enjoy a wide variety of music. I get nostalgic and a little homesick (in a good way) when I listen to the old Grand Ole Opry Country Classics and Blues and Bluegrass and Folk music. ♥

The Addams Family • Addams Family Values • Amélie • The Apartment • Batman Returns • Beetlejuice • Best in Show • Blast From the Past • Bottle Shock • Clue • Coco • Coraline • The Dark Knight • Death Becomes Her • Despicable Me • Django Unchained • Edward Scissorhands • The Fantastic Mr. Fox • The Good, The Bad, and Huckleberry Hound • Get Out • The Goonies • Harold and Maude • Heathers • Hocus Pocus • Isle of Dogs • Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle • Knives Out • The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra • A Mighty Wind • Moana • My Big Fat Greek Wedding • My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 • My Neighbor Totoro • The Neverending Story • The Nightmare Before Christmas • O Brother, Where Art Thou? • Parasite • The Princess Bride • The Producers (1967) • Quigley Down Under • Romy and Michele's High School Reunion • The Shawshank Redemption • Sing • The Skeleton Key • Stand By Me • The Triplets of Belleville • Up • The Wedding Singer • Who Framed Roger Rabbit? • Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) • The Witches (1990) • Wreck it Ralph • X-Men • Young Frankenstein • Zootopia

Dr. Who, Schitt's Creek, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Bones, Charmed, Arrested Development, Hannibal, Grace & Frankie, The Blacklist, Leverage, The Wire, Breakout Kings, Orange is the New Black, Wentworth, House, Pushing Daisies, Once Upon a Time, The Big Bang Theory, Criminal Minds, Modern Family, Community, RuPaul's Drag Race, Chopped, Cutthroat Kitchen, House Hunters, Fixer-Upper, Property Brothers, Love it or List it, all sorts of HGTV shows. I also enjoy documentaries. I'm thinking 'tis the season to catch up on The Great British Baking Show. BAKE!

Yes Please! (also refer to interests):
I have a great appreciation for things which are both useful and beautiful.

• fun kitchen tools, potholders, swedish dishcloths, etc.
• handmade bookmarks, coasters, cotton pillowcases, cotton/bamboo/acrylic scarves (allergic to wool), or a word for my word wall (please sign your artwork) would be lovely
• I would also be very happy to receive a pocket letter, flipbook, or ATC made by you!
• Your mail art always makes me smile ♥
• Please send me your own personal tried-and-loved dairy-free recipes ♥
• Anything on my Amazon or Etsy favorites lists, or things inspired by them
• stationery--I LOVE stationery, especially letter sets, homemade envelopes and any other colorful/interesting envelopes in mailable sizes, decorative adhesive or gummed labels, and anything made with a letterpress
• art journal goodies (any brand or good quality homemade is great)
• nice quality ATC backgrounds (I use these in pocket letters and flipbooks--I can never have too many!)
• stickers and rub-on transfers: I only use the flat ones, and I enjoy a large variety. As I'm currently playing around with mandala-making, groups of 4 or 8 of the same image are especially appreciated
• washi tape sample cards with a theme (all red, all metallic, cats, floral, etc.)
• rings or necklaces in any color metal but gold, especially filigree, enameled, and/or natural stones
• charms
• pendants
• stones or crystals
• information on natural healing (the healing properties of plants, reiki, accupressure, etc.)
• anything forest related: wildlife, trees, flowers, etc. (see "interests" section)
• uncommon and interesting quotes
• stamps, cut-outs, stickers, stationery, etc. with the following words/phrases: "enjoy," "explore," "hello," "surprise" or "surprise inside," "wish" or "make a wish," "happy mail"
• original "vintage" advertisements, seed packet images or botanical illustrations ♥
• cool old playing cards with the colorful drawings/paintings on the backs ♥
• I enjoy traditional (not Disney or cartoonish) fairy tale themed items, especially uncommon and/or beautifully illustrated fairy tales ♥
• unused US postage stamps of any denomination: I have a special fondness for older (out of print) postage stamps which I can still use to send mail! ♥
• ANYTHING from Paper Source, Now Designs kitchen goodies, or pouches/bags from BlueQ would be an absolute delight ♥
• pigma micron pens (LOVE these!) ♥
• Since my planner literally got flooded (severe water damage), I've started a bullet journal, which is working very well for me. I like that I can easily personalize it to meet my changing needs. The only things I need for it are a black pigma micron pen (I've been using a 01 for daily entries) and colored pencils (I can always use more of those!), and I don't really use planner stickers/decorations.
• playing card jokers
• DMC embroidery floss ♥
• little embroidery hoops or frames ♥
• scraps/pieces of any good-quality non-wool felt to use in little sewing projects
• scissors! any and all, especially pretty, fun, quirky or unique
• letter openers
• glass, stone, or glazed ceramic pony beads and strong waxed cord-- I have had trouble finding these, but like to use them to make "fidgets" for folks to help alleviate anxiety and improve concentration, focus, and ability to be present
• any fun things having to do with my other interests

I'm always looking to swap for wishlist items, tools and supplies I'd like for my studio and current projects, and interesting unused U.S. postage stamps I can incorporate into mail art. If you're interested in setting up a private swap, please contact me via PM.

No thanks:

Please don't send me anything involving violence or gore, political or religious things (spiritual/inspirational=fine, just not religious), or any food or beverage items, makeup, or other personal care items (unless it's something specifically on my Etsy or Amazon wishlist). Thank you.

As for the following things, I simply don't care for them and don't have any use for them, so they'd be better saved for someone who will appreciate them:

touristy or ad postcards, very small fabric or paper scraps, kids' craft supplies, foam/puffy/"3D" stickers, sequins, glitter, bling, items that are frilly, over-the-top cutesy, Americana, "country charm," "glam/fashionista," sports, wedding, or baby-themed

I can't use anything made of wool (fabric, felt, yarns, etc.) because it makes me SUPER itchy. :(

Most importantly, please don't send me anything smelling of smoke, mildew, or strong perfumes (I have allergies). Thanks!

Thank you for taking the time to read my profile and learn a little bit about me and what I like. It really means a lot to me to know you put such thought and care into your parcels; it makes them personal and meaningful rather than simply transactional. It's the difference that can totally make someone's day. I always read the profiles of my partners for this reason; it's one of my favorite things about swap-bot. So, thanks again! ♥

Hello, everyone!

This section is where I keep notes on outstanding swaps/tags/wishes/RAKs/WTAs to make sure everything arrives safely; I always send my swaps on time and try to rate as soon as I can after receiving from my partners.

PLEASE contact me before rating if you haven't received from me or the envelope is damaged; I'm happy to re-send if something gets lost or torn up in the post.

Wishes:

November Wishes Sent

Make a Wish
@LadyJo
@susieq11
@anicka22

Wonderful Wishes
@Poohtat
@MiRdLHWY43
@fishsteak
@kiddomerriweather
@Highlander18

October Wishes Sent

Make a Wish
@susieq11
@sassafrass
@Giddyanni

Wonderful Wishes
@lindseyjae
@kiddomerriweather
@autist
@BusyB

RAKs and surprises pending arrival:

Outstanding Tags, Trades, and WTAs: