RealRhinoMan

I've been introduced to ATCs through lockdown when a friend.set up a small group chat with fortnightly swaps

When looking for a wider community I was told about swap bot. Now that life is starting to feel calmer again I've found time to get stuck in!

I'm a mum of two high energy boys (the youngest chose my username) who both enjoy arts and crafting. I am also a writer, crafter and an ultra runner.

Nature gets me excited, as does food! If I can have both at the same time I'm a happy lady!

As a complete newbie to swap-bot I'm keen to let you know I will always send on time. My local postal service is running smoothly in these covid times, but I know this isn't the case everywhere. I'm quite relaxed, so if you have any problems getting your swap out on time do send me a message.

I am learning as I go, so please send me a message if I've missed something. I'll learn quicker that way.

My top 5 books are:

• Gone with the wind
• Ham on Rye
• Made in India
• Dogger
• South West Trail Running.

A fairly varied selection!

I tend to read more autobiographical and memoirs style novels, or research based books.

I learnt to knit at a young age, and still enjoy smaller projects now. Hats and scarfs, occasionally baby clothes. However, my mum knits amazingly so I tend to focus on needlecraft, body art (casting or painting) and paper crafts.

I've really enjoyed the relatively quick results of ATCs. And pushing myself to learn new arty skills for the next swap has been such a joy! Watercolour pens have proven fun, and I'm building a brilliant collection of decals and stencils.

I am just starting out on my crafty-bits collection, and am aware I've barely scratched the surface of stickers, tapes, ribbons, papers and... well, everything really! If I'm your swap partner and there is something you're not sure I'll like then I probably will. (with a few exceptions- in the next section)

I love to sit down with a steaming mug of tea or hot chocolate. Trying new flavours is one of the joys of life. I have a collection of these which I'm looking forward to sharing as appropriate.

Colour! Brightly coloured everything!

Stickers.

I'm a food fan. Recipes, food related postcards, paper and even spice blends (if that is even possible) Show me what you love in the kitchen!

More than anything, I love to learn. Is there somewhere, something or someone that inspires you? Then I'd love for you to tell me.

Fell free to drop me a message if you have suggestions or questions. I'm still finding my way on here!

There really are very few things I would be unhappy to receive (I'm sure I'll add to the list as I learn more!)

-Spiders (my one phobia) -Coffee (I don't dislike it, but I am a fussy bird when it comes to this drink) -Olives and prawns. (But that's probably not very relevant!) -Teas with Valerian root. It causes problems as it interacts with my medication. Not all teas have ingredients marked on them so this can be tricky to pick up on my end.

I've discovered a whole new world of swapping on here. When I first joined I thought I'd like ATC style swaps the most. However as a total newbie these weren't often open to me (understandably so)

Since becoming active I've found swapping items such as teas, local snacks, stickers and random crafty bits and bobs are so exciting to put together and receive.

I also love writing to people, the sharing of experiences via the written word is truly lovely, whether this is book recommendations, postcards, notelets or more in depth letters with a theme, I love them all. (So far) The variety of people on swap bot means I'll never tire of opening the post.

As a child I had a number of pencils and had forgotten my love of this over the 24 years since puberty hit and we all lost contact. Thank you to my fellow swappers for reignited this part of me.

I don't have any food allergies, but I don't eat prawns or olives. (Olive oil is not a problem)

Hot drinks wise I can't drink any with valerian root, and since having covid jasmine tea doesn’t taste like it should in any way! but otherwise I'm open to everything.