Valentine Exchange 2012

***UPDATE 02/01/12****

There's an additional linky to show off your gifts!  Link up any related post, whether it's the gift you sent, or the gift you received.  (The signup linky has been bumped down to the bottom of the page so you can still browse the participants if you want.)

You don't have to post the button, but here it is if you would like one!


<a href="http://www.happyhourprojects.com/p/valentine-exchange-2012.html"><img src="http://i1208.photobucket.com/albums/cc372/AdrianneSurian/ValentineExchangeButton200.jpg"></a>
The Exchange
I think we have an opportunity on Valentine's Day to really make someone's day.  It's not about how many flowers you buy, or where you managed to get reservations (let's leave those boasts to the men in our lives) but about doing something heartfelt for another person.

I love giving handmade gifts, and I always appreciate when anyone puts thought an effort into making something just for me, as well.  So, I thought I'd offer to organize a Valentine Exchange - a way for us to actually "make" someone's day!

What it is:
A chance to make someone's day with a gift shipment that has a handmade touch, and receive one in return!
Who can participate:
Signup is now closed.  We have people participating from all over - bloggers, non-bloggers from mainly the US and Canada, but we have a few international participants!  
What you're committing to:
Sending a shipment that is primarily made by you, to a partner you will be matched up with at random.   I will leave this linky open through Friday, January 20th, so that everyone still has time to make their Valentines and get them shipped in time.  The weekend of January 21-22, I will email you individually and provide the name and email address of your Valentine, so make sure what you provide is correct!
If you sign up, follow through.  While you have a chance to really make someone's day, you also have the opportunity to make them really sad if you let them down.
You will be providing a shipping address to your Valentine so that they can send your gift.  I know not everyone is comfortable sharing that information, so please consider that before deciding to participate.
Guidelines for your gift:
You and your partner may agree on any guidelines you like, however, I will provide a starting point so that everyone begins with similar expectations.

• The value of your gift should be at least $10 USD.  You do not need to spend that much (after all, DIY-mamas know how to stretch a buck!) but the value of your gift should be at least that much.  Confirm the value with your Valentine when you find out who it is - the two of you may want to think bigger or smaller - just make sure you're on the same page.  It's kind of crappy if one person sews an awesome handbag from scraps in their stash, and another person sends a card.  There's nothing wrong with just exchanging cards - as long as it's what you both agree to!
• Please try to plan your shipment so that it arrives the week leading up to Valentine's Day, February 14.  I know this isn't always within your control, but if you have any doubts - ship early.  It's a Valentine.  Getting it near the appropriate day makes it that much more fun. :)
• When you get the email address of your Valentine, ask questions of each other.  Do they have allergies?  What's their favorite color?  Do they despise chocolate?  Love penguins?
• Most of all, this is supposed to be lighthearted and fun.  I know many of us are happy to sponsor giveaways, and this is much the same.  Only we all get to win, too!

I want a Valentine!  How do I sign up?
Sorry, but the signup is now closed and Valentines are matched.  If I get good feedback on the exchange, there may be additional exchanges organized in the future!
get the InLinkz code for this collection