NAME camping swaps

So one of my favorite things about my NAME membership is participating in the swaps.   You choose your scale (1", 1/2. 1/4 or 1/144) and then make as many items as participants.   

This summer's swap theme was "camping" because of the online "Dog Days of Summer" camping weekend event in August.  Luckily, right before the early July sign-up, I found an old Nutshell News issue (July 1997) with an article on how to make a hiker's backpack by Kitty Mackey!  And it seemed like something I could actually accomplish.  (Nutshell News noted the difficulty level as "easy.")

When I signed up on the last day, there were about 3 other people signed up for the 1 inch category on the swap database and I thought: "well, making 3 more backpacks is doable," but later that night, 3 others signed up.

So I spent many July evenings (we have some beautiful sunsets out in Long Island, New York) . . .

 . . .making hiking backpacks (and one for me and one more for my daughter - which is not pictured since I was still working on that one at the time of this picture)

I modified some of the instructions to use what I had on hand. 

I was super pleased with them, although they definitely look like they have been taken camping!  And off I sent them in the mail to the NAME swap coordinator. 

And then in August, I received my return swaps:

Everyone made such amazing things!  I think the water cooler (made out of soda bottle caps is particularly brilliantly done), but all the food looks professionally made as well. 

Someone also made this ladder ball game with such beautiful bright colors, the black grill with a top that is hinged, and a  green "food box" with food (apples, potatoes, star cookies and buns on a tray).

Next up: another camping scene - with the swap gifts!

Hope you are enjoying September!