Hello Swap Friends,

In October 2005 I produced the public first Swap-O-Rama-Rama in the lower east side of NYC. Five hundred people attended. Within a year 20 cities wanted to throw Swap-O-Rama-Rama events. Realizing that the best way to help the world transform into one that I wished to live in, where people reuse and create rather than consume, I decided to use the Creative Commons to copyright Swap-O-Rama-Rama so that I could share it with communities all over the world and still protect it from greedy capitalists.

Today Swap-O-Rama-Rama is like an egalitarian community that spans dozens of cities and several countries. During the Winter of 2007 I realized that I needed help. Magically along came Heather Cameron with a fantastic Swap-O-Rama-Rama in Vancouver BC and energy to spare. She brings a heart felt desire to see artists flourish and to see each and every one of us realize that we're an artist. And now.. she's here to help! Not long after Heather, my old and most wonderful friend Mina Lebitz jumped in, she's a killer producer and while biology is her first love, making things happen and changing the world is easily her second. Or maybe it's the other way around? Minas been my co-producer on just about every project Ive ever produced, evidenced by her home brew tshirt that says wendys bitch. Shes a funny one! Anyway, we're now a trio and we're here to help.

Wendy Tremayne

Let me Introduce Heather Cameron....

Hello!

I like to make stuff. I also like to help other people make stuff. Over the years, this energy has taken different forms, like selling art supplies, teaching art to at-risk youth, producing an alternative community newspaper, as well as painting, weaving, sewing, knitting: name a craft and I probably do it! Im trained as an artist and an art therapist, and I believe in the power of our own creativity make the world a better place.

In September 2006 I produced my first Swap-O-Rama-Rama, and felt like all the threads of my life had been brought together. It did not take me long to say Yes! when Wendy asked me to partner with her in this adventure. I hope to see people creating more, consuming less, and ultimately changing the world, all through the simple, everyday medium of the clothes on our backs. The Industrial Revolution began with textile production - lets start an equally powerful revolution! Viva!

For more about what I do check out True Stitches
And feel free to email me.

Heather Cameron

Let me Introduce Mina Lebitz ...

I can be sentimental about objects, and clothes take on a special significance: the sexy blouse I wore on my first date with my husband, the comfy, worn out jeans that used to be Wendys. However, I live in a NY apartment, so if I havent worn something in a really long time and dont imagine I will again, I have to wonder why Im still holding onto it.

I remember my first SORR when it was still at Wendys apartment. Part of it was the need to clear away excess, part of it passing on something that gave me pleasure and sat too long ignored. Wed all dump our clothes in a pile in the middle of the living room floor, count down and jump in. Digging through that pile I realized that there was plenty for everyone, and each of us walked away excited by our joyous discoveries and our new wardrobes.

When SORR needed to accommodate a larger community, I leapt at the opportunity to help Wendy establish this event as an ongoing gift to her community. I believe everything being created should have ongoing usefulness, as nature does with all her creations, always changing form to fill a niche in an ever-changing world. Participating in the transformation process is half the fun. Swap-O-Rama-Rama empowers people, allowing them to embrace change, experience new from old and to get together with like-minded people to create sustainable abundance and permanent usefulness. On top of all that, its a blast!

Today, my swap bag has a permanent place in my life. It makes me happy to know that some of the things that have brought me joy will find new life and bring new joy to others. And I cant wait to see what Ill find next.

Swap-O-Rama-Rama forever!

Mina