I like the bags of “inchies” swapped and then squirreled away in ziplocks in the back of the bottom drawer. They make me nostalgic and bring a smile. But much better to do what the Kentucky group did this year and create arty trinkets that you can wear or drape from shelves.
Swappers received short lengths of ball chain onto which they add their beads. Members amassed their trades and snapped the lengths together. One look and longtime friends know whose work is whose.
It’s a way of touching base, waving hello, saying something comforting or sassy or silly.
We’re still here and with any luck, we’ll be together again.
Joan Tayler shared this swap idea some years back. The Kentucky guild whose members are sprawled across the midwest decided to use it in a year when this is this is the closest we can get. Ron Lehocky heads up the group while Mary Clyde Sparks and Francie Owens (and others I’m sure) made it all work.
Mary Anne Loveless ,
It’s like a virtual group hug from lovely friends.
Erin Prais-Hintz ,
Such a brilliant idea with a simple piece of ball chain. Very impressed with the results and the idea that you can reconfigure this in many ways. It is like carrying your closest friends around!
Mary Kaye ,
Wow, what a great idea.
Melissa ,
What a sweet and sentimental reminder, to hold your friends and loved ones close to your heart. ?
Debbie Goodrow ,
What a brilliant and delightful idea! I’ve swapped inchies too, and there is something great about seeing and sifting through these little artworks that remind us of those wonderful times together.