Hi all!

We know it isn't even Halloween yet, but swap prep needs to start early! This year, for maximum turnout, we decided to ask for your ideas. What would you like to see in our Holiday swap?

For the past few years, we've been trying to come up with themes that allow a variety of media, so that we can offer something for both crafters and drawers/painters. Bookmarks and ornaments have been selected for the poll since those have been some of our most popular swaps. But we're open to new and exciting ideas so do share if you have any! It's possible to further divide the swap into categories (see below). 

The poll will run for a week, after which we'll begin to work on the swap details.

Here are some of the previous themes:
2017 Free theme (categories: digital art / free for all)
2016 Cancelled
2015 & 2014 Ornaments (categories: 2D/3D)
2013 Bookmarks
(Before that, we've done different types of traditional and digital art, for example postcards, bookmarks, ATCs...)

Requirements
Please note that we will ask all potential swap participants to provide feedback (trading/selling counts, not only art related feedback) and the names of at least 3 people we can PM for a quick reference check. There's still time to do some quick private trades before the signups begin, or to nudge your previous swap partners in case they've forgotten to leave feedback for you! 

Looking forward to hearing your ideas!

Information:

As with last year, there will be two categories:

2D:  This category is for a more simple ornament.  Your design may be painted, drawn, or made digitally.  Any materials are acceptable; be as creative as you want!  If you choose to make your ornament on paper, then it must be done on sturdy paper and laminated or otherwise reinforced for durability.

3D:  This category is for those who want to get a little craftier!  You may paint onto an ornament, sculpt, sew, knit, and create a unique ornament for your partner.  Use your imagination and showcase your skills!

Rules:

* Each person will make an ornament for only one member.
* Put your screen name somewhere on the ornament so your partner knows who you are.
* Please mail on time. If you run into troubles or delays, PM this account ASAP.
* Please post a brag in the Art Swap Brag Thread once you have received your package.
* The swap is secret; we won't reveal anything until the packages are received and ask that you do the same.
* There can be no drop-outs once the partners have been assigned.  If you have any doubts about meeting the requirements, please don't join.
* Feedback will be left by each swapper for their partner once the swap is completed.

Other considerations:

* Please package your ornament carefully.  This is a fun swap and we don't want to have any broken or bent artwork.  Ornaments in the 2D category may be shipped in an envelope, but please reinforce your ornament with cardboard or something similarly sturdy to protect them from bending.  For fragile 3D ornaments, please wrap carefully and ship in a box with enough padding to protect your creation.

* If you choose to include extras in your swap box, please keep them under $5.  Extras are NOT compulsory.

Requirements to join:

* You have been an Arena member for 3 months and have at least 100 posts.
* Swappers must have 3 trading or selling references.
* Must be willing to mail internationally. If you can't, please do not sign up.
 
Please PM this account with the following information:

* Screen Name: 
* Full (real) name: 
* Email address: 
* Mailing address (including country): 
* In which category would you like to participate?
* Which holiday do you celebrate?  Would you like your ornament themed for that holiday? 
* References/feedback:   Please link your Arena feedback and provide the names of three people we can PM for a reference check.
* Ponies: Personas and/or Hasbro ponies that you like.  Reference pictures are required for personas.
* Anthro art:  Are you good, bad, or indifferent to it?
* Examples of your art: 

* Favorite treats:
* Any allergies?
* Favorite colors?

Deadlines:

Last day to apply: November 15th
Receive your swap names: November 17th
Start creating: As soon as possible.

International Ship Date:  December 15th
Domestic Ship Date:  December 20th

LIST OF APPROVED APPLICANTS:


Information:

As with last year, there will be two categories:

2D:  This category is for a more simple ornament.  Your design may be painted, drawn, or made digitally.  Any materials are acceptable; be as creative as you want!  If you choose to make your ornament on paper, then it must be done on sturdy paper and laminated or otherwise reinforced for durability.

3D:  This category is for those who want to get a little craftier!  You may paint onto an ornament, sculpt, sew, knit, and create a unique ornament for your partner.  Use your imagination and showcase your skills!

Rules:

* Each person will make an ornament for only one member.
* Put your screen name somewhere on the ornament so your partner knows who you are.
* Please mail on time. If you run into troubles or delays, PM this account ASAP.
* Please post a brag in the Art Swap Brag Thread once you have received your package.
* The swap is secret; we won't reveal anything until the packages are received and ask that you do the same.
* There can be no drop-outs once the partners have been assigned.  If you have any doubts about meeting the requirements, please don't join.
* Feedback will be left by each swapper for their partner once the swap is completed.

Other considerations:

* Please package your ornament carefully.  This is a fun swap and we don't want to have any broken or bent artwork.  Ornaments in the 2D category may be shipped in an envelope, but please reinforce your ornament with cardboard or something similarly sturdy to protect them from bending.  For fragile 3D ornaments, please wrap carefully and ship in a box with enough padding to protect your creation.

* If you choose to include extras in your swap box, please keep them under $5.  Extras are NOT compulsory.

Requirements to join:

* You have been an Arena member for 3 months and have at least 100 posts.
* Swappers must have 3 trading or selling references.
* Must be willing to mail internationally. If you can't, please do not sign up.
 
Please PM this account with the following information:

* Screen Name: 
* Full (real) name: 
* Email address: 
* Mailing address (including country): 
* In which category would you like to participate?
* Which holiday do you celebrate?  Would you like your ornament themed for that holiday? 
* References/feedback:   Please link your Arena feedback and provide the names of three people we can PM for a reference check.
* Ponies: Personas and/or Hasbro ponies that you like.  Reference pictures are required for personas.
* Anthro art:  Are you good, bad, or indifferent to it?
* Examples of your art: 

* Favorite treats:
* Any allergies?
* Favorite colors?

Deadlines:

Last day to apply: November 15th
Receive your swap names: November 17th
Start creating: As soon as possible.

International Ship Date:  December 15th
Domestic Ship Date:  December 20th

LIST OF APPROVED APPLICANTS:

ZennaBug [Shipped/Received]
Mkia9 [Shipped/Received]
Uninu [Shipped/Received]
UrocyonFox [Shipped/Received]
Griffin [Shipped/Received]
Sochi [Shipped/Received]
Emberfly [Shipped/Received]
Puuush [Shipped/Received]
Karma [Shipped/Received]
SubmarineHallucination [Shipped/Received]
Arianna [Shipped/Received]
ponyqueen [Shipped/Received]

[Stickied 11/17/2015 - ZennaBug]

Another successful swap is almost over!  The bookmarks are starting to arrive, so go ahead and post your beauties here!    Thanks guys, for making the 4th annual art swap so fun!

Information:

First, there will be two categories:

Digital:  This swap takes place entirely online. No shipping required! Perfect if you are strapped for cash this holiday season, or are low on feedback.  Art can be any media, but traditional art will have to be scanned.

Physical:  This swap takes place like our past swaps. You can either draw your art and mail it off like that or print your digital creation, and mail it off to your partner. Who doesn't like to receive stuff in the mail?  It should be postcard sized, but please send it protected in an envelope.  Decorating the back like an actual postcard and writing a little note is encouraged.

And then there will be two different ways to make your postcard:

Drawing:  You draw your partner's requested pony/ponies with a background that depicts local landmarks.  Size and layout should resemble a postcard.  Art can be any media, including digital, but you must draw the entire thing.

Photo Background:  Draw your partner's pony/ponies on sturdy paper and cut them out (digital artists may print their drawings for the same effect).  Then, take your creation(s) out and take fun pictures around your area (similar to Flat Stanley).  You may also digitally superimpose a photo from your area or town as the background, as long as the image either belongs to you or you have full rights and permission.  Final images should be postcard sized and themed.

Other considerations:

* Postcards should be 4x6 inches.
* Physical cards should be made with card stock or reinforced, since floppy, flimsy postcards are unacceptable.
* Send your postcards in some type of plastic protector and an envelope, so they are not damaged in transit.

Rules:

* The postcard can be made with any medium, including digital.
* Each person will make a postcard for only one member.
* Put your screen name on the back of the postcard or in the file name so your partner knows who you are.
* Please send your postcard on time. If you run into troubles or delays, PM this account ASAP.
* Digital swappers: PM your postcard file to this account by the shipping date and we will deliver them.  Anyone who does not finish and submit their digital card will not receive one.
* Please post a brag in the art forum once you have received your postcard.
* The swap is secret, so we won't reveal anything until the cards are received and ask that you do the same.
* Please take this as seriously as you would any other swap. There can be no drop-outs once the partners have been assigned.  If you have any doubts about meeting the requirements, please don't join.
* Feedback will be left by each swapper for their partner once the swap is completed.

Requirements to join:

* You have been an Arena member for 3 months and have at least 100 posts.
* For digital swappers, no feedback is required.  But you must be in good standing with the community.
* Physical swappers must have 3 trading or selling references.
* Physical swappers must be willing to ship internationally. If you can't, please do not sign up.
 
Please PM this account with the following information:

* Screen Name:
* Full (real) name:
* Email address:
* Mailing address (including country):
* Which holiday do you celebrate?  Would you like your postcard themed for that holiday?
* References/feedback:
* Category:  Digital or Physical?
* Type:  Drawing or Photo Background?
* Ponies: Personas and/or Hasbro ponies that you like.  Persona reference pictures are required.
* Anthro art:  Are you good, bad, or indifferent to it?
* Examples of your art:

Deadlines:

Last day to apply: November 10
Receive your swap names: November 15
Start creating: As soon as possible.

International Ship Date:  December 5
Domestic Ship Date:  December 15
Digital "Ship" Date:  December 20

FAQ:

This is definitely our most complicated swap yet.  Ask any questions in the thread and we'll answer them here! 

Do we need to provide our mailing address if we're doing the digital swap?
Nope.    If you choose the digital route then just an email address is sufficient.

Would laminating the postcard for extra protection be out of the question?
Not at all!  Lamination is an excellent idea if you have the ability to do so.

Should I just link my Arena feedback or do you want something more specific?
You should link your Arena feedback and provide the names of three people we could PM for a quick reference check.

LIST OF APPROVED APPLICANTS (so far):

Digital:
Mosspath Shipped/Received
HollowZero Shipped/Received
Kiwi Shipped/Received
ZennaBug Shipped/Received

Physical:
ZennaBug Shipped/Received
rosierjay Shipped/Received
EvilMuffins Shipped/Received
sirithfin Shipped/Received
babyblueducky Shipped/Received