A Little Announcement

I've been sitting on an idea for a long time. Years in fact. And even though I wonder if my idea might still need some more time incubating, I've decided to let it hatch and see what happens.

It's a new website called Blarter. My husband came up with the name - it's a smash up of blog and barter. Two things I love to do.



The goal of Blarter is to encourage the trade of goods and services between bloggers, with a focus on handmade items, vintage goods, patterns, art and craft supplies, as well as services such as graphic design, photography, pattern testing, and product promotion.

Blarter hopes to connect people through barter arrangements. The exchange of goods and services without money requires coordination, communication, honesty, and often leads to a deeper connection between the people involved in the trade. Blarter is the place where these connections begin.

Many bloggers, including myself, have been bartering with other bloggers for years. I've exchanged an embroidered t-shirt for stationary, a box of California oranges for Vermont maple syrup, and just recently, I traded a crocheted garland for a fox.

Here are a few ways Blarter could help you find opportunities for barter arrangements:

Perhaps you've just opened an Etsy store and it's filled with all sorts of lovelies, and you just need a little help spreading the word about your new shop. You could post a free ad on Blarter offering a small item from your Etsy store in exchange for a month of advertising for your store on the recipient's blog.

Or maybe you have an abundance of glass beads, but not nearly enough cotton scraps for the quilt you'd like to make. Post an ad on Blarter and maybe you'll find someone with plenty of scraps who'd love your glass beads.

Do you have a stack of craft magazines you no longer need but can't bear to throw out? Post them on Blarter, and perhaps you'll get an offer from another blogger who wants to send you an original art print or photograph in exchange.

Posting to Blarter is easy and free. Once your post is up, anyone interested in a barter arrangement can contact you by email, and you can decide on the exchange that's right for you.

So hop over to Blarter and give it a look. Post something and see what happens. Spread the word if you feel inclined by linking to Blarter on your blog. I've even got some widgets for your sidebar. Blarter might be my pet project, but it's a community for all of us. I'd love you to be part of it!