Where is everyone Geographically in the C1.1 swap?

The last round we had a higher head count, but this time we are smaller. But I bet a number of you are curious about the locations represented by the members of this craft swap. We're definitely US heavy. But I will blame that on the hours of when the swap sign up form was open.

I know we did a world map last time to give a more interesting look at the group break down. Perhaps later on we can look at doing that. But for now I find this exciting to see that we are making friends around the globe that share our love of Critical Role.

Have you messaged your partner lately? Don't forget to send us sneak peaks of what you're creating. We'd all love to be inspired by your projects! Plus that way you'll get to be in the works in progress gallery. Looking forward to seeing what you have up your sleeve!

What is the Break Down?

What does our champion of choice breakdown look like? I always wonder that at the beginning of the swap, because I'm always curious to know who people have a tendency to favor. So for the Vox Machina campaign, our first swaps breakdown looks like the chart below.

Much to my surprise, based on what I had seen in the community chats and posts when I originally joined the Critter community, Keyleth actually takes the lead. I had noticed a number of people frequently gave her trouble. Which is unfair, because every player has a different play style. But in the most part, it looks as though most of our heroes have a similarly sized fan base.

 I hope you're having a lot of fun planning your swap package, and that perhaps, you're re-listening to the first campaign to possibly find more inspiration.

I know I'm giving the first campaign another shot. (I honestly had a lot of trouble getting into campaign one, but it's a personal annoyance). So maybe later on I can tell you who I've chosen as my champion of choice. Currently thanks to the one shots and what I do know about the campaign, my favorite part of the game is Trinket.

I'm helping someone else with their package this round though, so you'll get to see what we're working on still. Once we figure out what we're making that is. We're still in the drafting stage, because I've had a number of swaps to complete and ship in the past week.

Welcome to Critter Craft Swap C1.1

Bidet and Beep Beep fellow Critters! It was sad when their first story ended,and the second has been enjoyable so far. We had a lot of fun working on the S2.1 swap. ^_^ But this time we are going to be focusing on the characters and events in the Vox Machina campaign. Hence the tag of C1.1.

Please give us a few days to match you to your partner. We will email you both with your contact information and survey answers. We want to make sure everyone has a positive experience in this swap. It's an open swap, meaning you'll know who your partner is, and they'll know who you are. But no one else in the swap will know who you are matched to. Feel free to talk to each other if you have any questions or concerns. Having an open line of communication can help with any worries. It also means they will hold you accountable, so please don't fall off the wagon. If something does happen and you need to drop out of the swap please let us know as soon as possible and we can look into finding a swap angel. We don’t want to have anyone be disappointed or left out.

We’ve seen some concern about using the numbers on the critter gifting google doc for referencing, but if there's any real problems we can get it sorted out.

Critter Gifting Spreadsheet

If you're at your computer, you can hit ctrl + f and put in the name to bring up the person you're looking for if the number doesn't help.

This Craft Swap’s goal is a “medium” sized craft; this means it should require several sessions to complete, and can’t be done in a single afternoon. A collection of smaller crafts is also acceptable, as long as they add up to a “medium” sized gift for your recipient. Including smaller crafts and/or bonus items in your package is always nice to do. If you don’t think your main craft qualifies as a “medium” craft, added smaller crafts can be used to make your project more robust. You can see some examples of swap packages from the last round here.

Now if you have not participated in a craft swap before, this is the tricky part. Where you decide the project you will create and if the package should have extras or not. We are recommending the creation of a medium size craft, and you can always include a smaller craft if you're not sure about your work. Now these will vary based on your craft skill levels, and you can ask if your partner is open to receiving an (X Y or Z) if you're not sure. (For example I specialize in dolls(K.) >.> and some people may have no interest in a doll). As far as extras are concerned,a few small ones are nice as they can beef up your package. You're free to discuss this with your partner if you like to come to an agreement of sorts. But we can't force you to send them.

Please remember that gifts should be shipped by January 15. If there's any problem meeting this deadline, please let us and your partner know as soon as possible. Also if your partner ghosts, please let us know that as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact any of us on Facebook, or to email us here.
Our current rounds staff include : Sara Glassman
      Jaqueline Dyer

      Katie Boofer

If you don't mind, we'd love to see progress shots as you work on your crafts and what not. It would be wonderful to see what you're working on. So we'll send out a reminder, probably every other week or so, just to say hello and make sure you're on track. ^_^

Thank you for joining us and please watch your email for your Partner Email! ^_^

Short Reminder

Greetings Crafty Critters!

I'm so excited to be able to say final ship date is almost upon us! April 20th is the ship by date. I do know that a couple of you have already shipped. I'm waiting anxiously to hear about the packages arriving. And yes I do remember that one pair of you have decided on another ship date, but you're holding each other accountable in that respect.

We would appreciate if you let us know when you ship out your package. This will help us make sure everyone ships, and receives. We do understand international shipping may take a bit more time, but we would still like you to keep us in the loop as to package departures and arrivals.

In case you're unsure about shipping. I do recommend a tracking number because it allows for recovery if something happens. I'm a stateside shipper, and I tend to use the one rate boxes, it has a $50 recovery if it gets lost or damaged, and it also lets me track and make sure it arrives. And it has like a 70 pound limit on weight, I've yet to reach that.

Please let us know if there are any problems that come up. We have already placed a few angels. A huge thank you going out to them, as they are amazing and kind to help short notice.

Thank you for having fun with us! We're looking at startin another craft swap, likely in June so watch Critter Gifting for more information and polls concerning planning.

Critter Crafts Swap S2.1 Package Progress #4 (by K)

Well the ship date for the Critter Craft Swap is creeping up on us, much faster than I had imagined. But I can say now that I am happy with the package I'm sending out for the swap. I'm going to do a review of what is being sent out in my swap package, so you can see what I did.

Please remember every swap package is going to be different, and no one should expect them to be the same.  This is likely to be my last entry about my outgoing package. I'll do a post about the one that arrives as well. ^_^ Anyway for a look at what's in the package I'm sending out see below.

Above you see everything bunched up that is going to be inside the pay one price shipping box going to my partner. The only thing not pictured is the tissue paper. (And no the blanket isn't going either, I just used it as a backdrop.)

There are two books in the package. One is a knitting book with a variety of useful charts, including an alphabet how to that can be used for a variety of knitting projects. The other is a book of short stories about games that creatures play. So it sounded appropriate.

Incense got added because it seems to be a running thing in the game, with Caleb anyway, but I think Nott provided Caleb with some at one point if I remember right. And there's a tiny magnetic tiger bookmark, but it's supposed to symbolize Frumpkin. (I tried anyway.)

Now I know my partner says no treats on her listing on the critter gift ledger, but she does happen to have kids around so... there's usually gotta be something sweet inside a package I send. I love adding small things because it adds depth and makes the package more fun.

Below you'll see a video I did of my Nott doll. I am really quite proud of her, and I hope that she'll be loved in her new home.

And that's all for this post. I'm done making my medium sized craft. I also feel good about the other content in my package. I hope you all are having a wonderful time and I look forward to seeing pictures of your outgoing packages, and or arrived packages! Please send us pictures to the email or share them on the Critter Gifting pages, as we'd love to put together a gallery, as it will provide future craft swap participants with inspiration. ^_^

Keep it Crafty!

Third Collection of Progress Shots Critter Craft Swap S2.1

The craft swap has been so exciting! Everyone has their own unique talents and their individual takes on characters. I'm impressed by the creativity displayed by each participant, and I am looking forward to seeing how the packages arrive at their intended destinations.

Oh! There was a question that came into the email after the most recent email was sent out. And I think it may be beneficial to everyone. The question was concerning shipping and how to go about it.

I personally never even thought about addressing that. But it may be useful to some of you to hear how I ship mine out.

 I usually ship my packages in one of the prepaid shipping boxes, because then I don't have any surprises cost wise.  Usually it goes out in a medium box, and it costs around $14 to ship. BUT if you have something you prefer to ship by weight, and add on the tracking (tracking itself here in the us usually costs about $7 in my experience.) You can do it that way. The only reason I am recommending the tracking, is because I have had packages go rogue in the past, and it is very disappointing to not get one. ( I spent 3 months making a package for a craft swap only to get blown off and never get my incoming package :( )

By having tracking you have a way to know your package arrived at its destination, as well as an option to use if it doesn't. Mine are covered to $50 for just using the generic pre priced boxes. ^_^ Which while it doesn't cover the time spent on the project and tracking down the extras I put in, it does cover the supplies and being able to remake a package. (which so far I haven't had to thank heavens)

For inner care, I frequently wrap things in tissue paper, so if the box tears things at least stay together inside the box.

Admittedly I'm not sure if there are prepaid boxes overseas, but if someone who lives there can answer with their recommendation I'll happily add it as well because the more information we all have, the easier these things are. ^_^

If you're looking to add to your package... I've currently added candies, two books, and incense to my package. Not because I feel my doll is going to be disappointing, but because I enjoy the gifting aspect of a craft swap.

Please remember if you have any questions or concerns, we would be happy to help you address and get them answered. If you haven't heard from your partner, again please contact us because we're getting to the shorter time aspect of the swap and we want to make sure no one is left behind. Thank you for reading and keep it crafty!

Critter Crafts Swap S2.1 Package Progress #3 (by K)

Alright, I know that it may seem like it's been a while since I wrote an update about my progress. But I have had personal reasons for that. But in the last 5 days I've had the chance to catch up some on my progress and take some photographs to show you where I am.

 So one of the most important things about making a toy(in my experience anyway) is coming up with a pattern that will get your idea across, while still making sense to the recipient. I made a few different attempts, but this one is the one I settled on. It's about 12 inches high.

What you'll probably note about my version of Nott for this doll is that each of her limbs only has 2 fingers or toes. I know it seems odd, but in order to keep her size manageable, and keep the details from becoming too finicky and delicate, sometimes it's better to simplify your source material.

Also, by making the pattern in this sort of shape, it becomes 2 pieces (at least for the main body) Simplifying construction and leaving more room for detailing and adding to the piece.

Then came deciding on how to lay out her face. This I didn't do using a pattern, although I had intended to do this whole project creating a pattern along the way to post it at the end for others to use. But instead I'm free cutting. Not sure if that's what other people call it. But it's basically cutting out shapes haphazardly to create what you're envisioning.

I personally feel her large yellow eyes are one of her most endearing details. Since they're one of the few facial features most people would be able to see over her china doll half mask I decided to make her eyes large.

They're probably about...2 inches wide? Maybe a little bigger.

Her mouth has 2 little teeth hanging out of her smile, since a number of people are frightened by her mouth when her mask hangs down, or maybe that's just because she's a goblin.

Then came the true test...After doing all the facework, and blanket stitching around the outside of the doll, it was time to stuff her.

Now for those who are curious about material choices, I chose fleece for her body because it is soft and washable. It also doesn't need to be seemed on the outer edge, meaning using a blanket stitch around the edges helps to give the doll a more artsy feel, yet doesn't trouble the integrity of keeping her together.

Her ears each got a small amount of stuffing to help them keep their shape and be a bit more stable. But she also had her nose hand stitched onto her face, it's kind of a charlie brown nose, an upside down u.

Before she got sewn together, I also stitched some details on her ears so they would look more like ears. But after she got stitched she got a little more work near her ears to keep them defined and help prevent stuffing from straying from her face into her ears and making her look bloated.

Then came adding her bandages. You will note that I only wrapped them around her ears, arms, and legs with a few bands around her forehead. The reason for this is simplicity, but I also want to keep the character details chibi. I don't believe that she looks like a mummy, because npc's react to her and know she is a goblin.

So the next update I will talk about her clothes and let you see how that is going.

I've added another book and some incense to my swap package, to add some entertainment that hopefully my partner will enjoy.

I'm looking forward to seeing how your packages are coming along, remember the shipping date for Critter Craft Swap S2.1 is April 20th. We will be checking in to make sure everyone has shipped or making sure you've checked in with your partners.

Keep it Crafty!

Second Collection of Progress Shots Critter Craft Swap S2.1

Yay! We've gotten a few more previews of what different crafters are creating, and the variety of handiwork is impressive. I hope everyone is feeling confident in their project, and that they've been contacted by their partner. Please remember to message us if there's any problems, and keep us informed about any concerns that may come up. We want you all to have fun.

Well that's all for now, remember to keep it crafty, and we look forward to seeing what you create and or recieve in your swap package when it comes to the end. ^_^

Critter Crafts Swap S2.1 Package Progress #2 (by K)

Today I'm taking a slightly different approach. I wanted to share some about the progress I have made, which includes finding some extras for in my outgoing package, as well as gathering supplies. This doesn't mean I have everything I need yet by all means. But it does mean that I'm able to start making more progress. By having the main materials I am able to decide how best to design the pattern I had sketched out.

I'm sure you noticed, that a lot of the materials I am using are cottons or fleece. The reasoning behind this, I mentioned in the video, is because they are washable. I think it is very important for a toy to be loved. And if I'm making something that is going to a household where there are some children, it is in the best interest of everyone for her to be washable.

I know I said I was going to take more than one picture, but I decided that one picture would suffice to give you an idea about the kind of things I'm adding as extras in my outgoing package. I found a doll knitting book, but what was interesting is that it has directions to make fauns, mermaids, and vampires as well as a number of other things. I think it could be a useful reference, and after checking with my partner it is something that she may be able to use in the future.

Then there are the sweets! I am sure I will find some more things, but the beholders eyeball gumballs I had left over from crit-mas (there was SO many of them >.<) The little notebook may or may not become one of Nott's accessories, still deciding. But the candy bracelets am thinking may be fun for the kids. I'm still looking for a few other things, but for now I'm happy with my progress.

The next post will likely describe and show how I'm creating the pattern for the doll, as well as her clothing. I may even describe how we're going to be making the yarn wig doll hair for our little Nott. ^_^

Anyhow, thanks for checking in here, and remember if you have any questions or concerns about the craft swap, you can always email us, or contact us on facebook. We have open communication lines. ^_^

Keep it crafty!

First Collection of Progress Shots Critter Craft Swap S2.1

Now for those of you who may have missed the previews some of the other crafters have shared with us, you can check them out here. If you're still looking for inspiration have no fear! As you will note, there is a wide variety of crafty types working on pieces in this swap, and it's wonderful to see them all. Remember, we'd love to see what you're working on, either while in progress or when You've completed it. Have fun enjoying Critical Role and ^_^ Keep it crafty!

Where is everyone (geographically) in the S2.1 Swap?

Globally, we're not everywhere. But it's still nice to see a representation of where you all are. It's encouraging to know that the love of Critical Role crosses borders and oceans, letting us have a friendly bond with people we may never have met otherwise. So here are two maps showing where you 50 crafters are chilling out. First we have a global map.

And for those stateside who are curious about the breakdown in your backyard. Here's a map for you.

Keep it Crafty!

What is the Champion Break Down for Critter Swap S2.1?

I was thinking some of you may be wondering about the champion break down, for which characters various crafters selected. So I even tried to make a chart for you all. Unfortunately, as you can see from the image below, it looks very one sided. But remember we have a very small pool of crafters. There's 50 of us. Which is just a drop in the bucket.



So here's the basic breakdown numbers.

Jester   23
Molly  6
Yasha  7
Caleb  7
Fjord   8
Beauregard 3
Nott  6
Undecided/All  6

Now I know that adds up to more than 50. But some people selected more than one champion. But as you can tell, Jester heavily weighs in as the champion of choice of most. So there you go! Have fun crafting, and remember, we'd love to see what you're working on ^_^

Keep it Crafty!

Critter Crafts Swap S2.1 Package Progress #1 (by K)

Hello! I know that some of you haven't done a craft swap before, and that's perfectly fine. We're all doing this as a way to share our happiness and our fanbase kinship with others who enjoy watching the Critical Role Podcast (or listening to it).

I'm part of pair 25 in the swap. My partner knows who I am, and I'm going to be sharing my progress with you as I go along, to help some of you to keep on track, or help with your inspiration as well. SO first things first.

My initial process for working on a craft swap package is to learn about the things my partner likes. From there I will usually either look for a pattern or start drafting one. To begin drafting my pattern I make a sketch of what I am planning to make. As this is a medium size craft swap I'm going to be making a doll that will be somewhere between 12 and 20 inches tall (possibly taller depending on some things).

So before I went to pick out supplies I came up with a sketch of what the doll should hopefully have a semblance of. The character I'm crafting up is the Goblin character Sam is playing, Nott.

Basic information found at http://criticalrole.wikia.com/wiki/Nott

So I rechecked some stats on the Critical Role Wikia, and then rewatched some of the video to think about the characters mannerisms. The combination of the information on the wikia and the players style helps to inspire the way the character can be created as a doll.

So for now I started with a pencil sketch of the character. Which gives me information about what kind of materials I am going to need to be able to make a doll of Nott. After researching some art of Goblins people have used for characters in 5th edition, I decided on some characteristics to include, that were not necessarily included in the initial description of the player character.

See my cute Nott sketch? XD ^_^ Yeah it's a little messy.

As you can see from my rather rough sketch, I'm going to be giving her three fingers or toes on each foot. Theoretically she'd have more, but as I am crafting her as more of a folk rag doll, five fingers become a bit complicated and messy. Besides since I want her to be cuddly, I decided to use a fleece base for her skin.

Why fleece? For one thing it is washable. I know my partner has children, and if experience has told me anything about children it's that they want to play with EVERYTHING whether it's theirs or not. So I decided whatever I make her out of should be washable, but also cuddly.

Her clothes, from the description on the page are a bit worn looking, and she is often wrapped in bandages wearing a porcelain half mask. So for her clothes I figured I could use a range of cotton fabrics in less obvious colors. She wants to be invisible usually. So I figured some browns and various greys and blacks and some blues and girly fabrics to add some patches. (after all , all girls love flowers)The bandages are easy enough to create from a cotton, but just how am I going to make a porcelain mask for a fabric doll? Especially since I've already decided it needs to be child safe.

I thought about it for a bit. I debated smashing a porcelain doll, but I realized the likelihood of finding one with a face that would fit the shape I'm creating is slim. So that idea went out the window just as fast as it came in. But I thought a bit longer and remembered a pattern I had at one point for a half mask out of leather, and realized I could simply scale it down and use a white felt, adding the smile as either an applique or embroidery.

So that leaves me with her crossbow and her brass baby bottle. (Only because I don't feel a flask is appropriate for a child XD) I'm still not sure if I'm going to be doing them as sculpted and painted pieces, or if they will be fabric. But I know that she needs them.

So after looking over what I need to be able to create wha i've listed above. I have a rather odd assortment of materials I will need to get started.

Green Fleece
Green Yarn
White Felt
Yellow Felt
Black Felt
Various Cottons
White Cotton
Various Floss (I like to hand sew my dolls usually)
Clay
Polyfill

It doesn't really seem like such an intimidating list, but it gives me something to start with.

The next step that I need to do is  draft up the pattern itself, to figure out how much material I am going to need in total. But for now I feel satisfied about my progress. Given that the ship date is until April 20th, I feel slightly accomplished. (Originally we were going to close the swap on February 9th if we didn't fill all 50 spots XD, so the fact that today is the tenth and I've gotten this much done is wonderful in my eyes.)

In Case You Lost Your Email for Critter Craft Swap S2.1

In case you can't find your preliminary email about the swap, the information can be seen below. Remember you can always email the team or message us on facebook with questions or concerns.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Bidet and Beep Beep fellow Critters! It was sad when their first story ended, but the second, well that's going to be an awesome adventure too! ^_^ So it's a pleasure to be doing a wonderful craft swap based on the new campaign! This is the first one that we're running (we being Sara and Katie) and we're hoping that everyone involved will have a fun time.

Please give us a few days to match you to your partner. We will email you both with your contact information and survey answers. We want to make sure everyone has a positive experience in this swap. It's an open swap, meaning you'll know who your partner is, and they'll know who you are. But no one else in the swap will know who you are matched to. Feel free to talk to each other if you have any questions or concerns. Having an open line of communication can help with any worries. It also means they will hold you accountable, so please don't fall off the wagon. If something does happen and you need to drop out of the swap please let us know as soon as possible and we can look into finding a swap angel.

We’ve seen some concern about using the numbers on the critter gifting google doc for referencing, but if there's any real problems we can get it sorted out. You can access Critter Gifting Spreadsheet (see the Critter Gifting group for link) If you're at your computer, you can hit ctrl + f and put in the name to bring up the person you're looking for if the number doesn't help.

This Craft Swap’s goal is a “medium” sized craft; this means it should require several sessions to complete, and can’t be done in a single afternoon. A collection of smaller crafts is also acceptable, as long as they add up to a “medium” sized gift for your recipient. Including smaller crafts and/or bonus items in your package is always nice to do. If you don’t think your main craft qualifies as a “medium” craft, added smaller crafts can be used to make your project more robust.

Now if you have not participated in a craft swap before, this is the tricky part. Where you decide the project you will create and if the package should have extras or not. We are recommending the creation of a medium size craft, and you can always include a smaller craft if you're not sure about your work. Now these will vary based on your craft skill levels, and you can ask if your partner is open to receiving an (X Y or Z) if you're not sure. (For example I specialize in dolls(K.) >.> and some people may have no interest in a doll). As far as extras are concerned, they're nice to get but not necessarily necessary. You're free to discuss this with your partner if you like to come to an agreement of sorts. But we can't force you to send them.

Please remember that gifts should be shipped by April 20. If there's any problem meeting this deadline, please let us and your partner know as soon as possible. Also if your partner ghosts, please let us know that as well.

If you have any direct questions or problems please feel free to contact Sara Glassman  or Katie Boofer  on facebook to help with any clarifications.

Or even email us back here.

If you don't mind, we'd love to see progress shots as you work on your crafts and what not. It would be wonderful to see what you're working on. So we'll send out a reminder, probably every other week or so, just to say hello and make sure you're on track. ^_^

So it Begins!

Crafting is a hobby that sometimes may feel unappreciated. After all there are only so many handmade items people immediately in our lives want. But that's why we can trade amongst ourselves, using a common link to inspire and help us make something amazing for our friends.

Yesterday the partner emails went live for the first Critter Craft Swap that we're running. We're calling it Critter Craft Swap S2.1. Now some of you may be wondering why we're calling it that. S2.1 means season two, and the point 1 means that it's the first craft swap. By identifying it this way it will make it easier for us to find emails, as well as check any problems that may arise.

But to help get us excited, here's a cleaned up simplified list of some types of crafting and creating we may see created during the swap.

Baking
Blacksmithing
bottle necklaces
Canvas Art
Crochet
Cross Stitch
Cosplay/Costuming
Custom POP! Figures
Dice Bags
Dice Trays
Digital Art
doll customization
Drawing
Embroidery
Felting
Flower Corwns
Foam Armor
Hairpins
Handlettering
Hat Making
Jewelry
knifemaking
Knitting
Leatherwork
Masks
metal working
Mixed Media Arts
Needlecraft
Painting
Paper Crafts
Plushies
Poetry
Polymer clay scultping
Props
Quilling
Saltdough
Sewing
Sculpting
Soap Making
Tatting
Toy Making
Wirework
wood work
Zentangling

As you can tell from that list, we have varied talents, which is wonderful!  We're looking forward to seeing what you're working on, as well as being part of your creative process. Here's hoping our Critical Role Heroes keep our spirits high.

Please remember our ship date is April 20th.

Can't wait to see what you create! Keep it crafty!