A personal note about Sway's, AI and me

I have thought long and hard about whether I really want to say something publicly about this or not. 

In the end, I decided to write down my opinion and feelings about it.

I know AI is here to stay and I don't want to go into a debate about the pros and cons. I am aware that this is a very controversial topic, but that's not what this message is about.

I just want to be transparent about my shop and work. Call me old school, or dated, or whatever you like. But I believe that tradition and moral values play a role. I am only speaking for myself personally. Everyone should live their life the way they see fit.

For me, AI content is out of the question. My shop Sway's, as well as the products I offer there are handmade by me personally. I do not use AI and will not do so in the future.

Yes, I use it for text translations or for help when I don't know how to spell a word or what the English phrasing is. (I also use it to understand medical reports... more on that later.)  I think most of you know that English isn't my native language.

I just want to make clear that the items and products I create are completely AI free.

I am aware that this means I might fade into the background and cannot keep up with shops that offer AI content. But I must and want to stay true to myself and if that is the consequence, I guess I'll have to swallow the bitter pill. I can only ask you, if you share a similar view on this situation, please support shops and people who offer original and self-made content. Whether in SL or on other platforms.

And since I am asked every now and then why it has become so quiet around Sway's... I don't want to bore you with my private life, but for those who are interested, here is an answer and I'll try to keep it brief.

Some of you might remember that I got ill with a brain tumor in 2012, and although my treatment back then was successful, it didn't cure me. The tumor continues to be with me and unfortunately, new health issues keep coming along. I know that I won't get well again and I have to go through treatments every now and then, but that's not news to me either. However, I would like to emphasize here that I am doing okay considering the circumstances and I try to work whenever I can. Even if it's just a few hours a week. 

If you'd like to talk to me, you are welcome to do so. I'd be happy to chat with you.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Sway Dench

Early Autumn

FLF time on a beautiful early Autumn day.

Sway's [Harper] Crate Bench with Pumpkins 

Bench out of wooden crates with Pumpkins
and pillows
with 8 single and 6 couple animations
for up to 2 avatars
3 texture options

Sway's [Walden] Cuddle Log with Blanket . chevron

Log with Blanket and Pillow
with 8 single and 6 couple animations
for up to 2 avatars
4 texture options

100% original Mesh + Material

copy + modify (scripts and animations - copy only)

  Sway's

Oceanside

It's FLF and I have some cute oceanside items out for you!

Sway's [Whale] Coatrack

decent and shabby
empty and with cloth & hat
4 texture options

Sway's [Ahoy] Stool

with 12 animations
10 texture options

100% original Mesh + Material

copy + modify (scripts and animations - copy only)

  Sway's

Hydrangeas

Flowers for FLF Bday Bash,
some other things and a special gift... 

Sway's [Charlotte] Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas in tall and small terracotta pots

Pink, blue and yellow
Each color in 4 variations: light, medium, dark and mixed

Available in a Multipack with all colors and in single color sets. 

100% original Mesh + Material

copy + modify (scripts and animations - copy only)

FLF Bday Bash

Sway's

Summer, Beach and Waves...

Summer, Beach and Waves...
out for FLF!

Sway's [Liam] Feather Decor . Triangle
Branch triangle with feathers and ribbons
8 texture options:
amour, aqua, berry, night, sunrise, woods, natural and luminous

Sway's [Nami] Raft

Raft with flag, pillows and Watermelon
5 single and 3 couple animations
slow movement

100% original Mesh + Material

copy + modify (scripts and animations - copy only)

  Sway's

Beach feeling

 What better to do in summer than enjoy the beach with a refreshing drink. 🌊🍹
Out for FLF are

[Sandia] Beach Towel & Bag

Beach Towel - Watermelon with 10 animations
3 textures options: pink, red and yellow
Beach Bag filled with Sun screen, Sun glasses and scarf
4 texture options: blank, cactus, pineapple and watermelon

[Summer] Drinking Jars

Drinking Jars with ice cubes,
slices of lemons and limes and drinking straws

100% original Mesh | copy + modify

(scripts and animations copy only)

Sway's

Rainbow

 A fun and colorful fence, out for Lazy Sunday

[Orla] Picket Fence . Rainbow

Diverse parts to build your fence
Pillar, tall and short
Fence parts: straight, concave and convex
Door: concave and convex - left and right
Gate: concave and convex

Gate and Doors come scripted and unscripted

100% original Mesh | copy + modify

(scripts copy only)

Sway's
Marketplace

Boats

 Out for FLF!
[Rowboat] Bench . natural dark

with 20 single and friends animations for up to 2 avatars

and 10 couple animations

6 texture options for pillows

Also available in natural light and naultical (not included in FLF)

[Norah] Boat Seat . pine

with 20 single and friends animations for up to 2 avatars
and 12 couple animations
5 texture options for pillows
Also available in oak and ebony (not included in FLF)

100% original Mesh | copy + modify

(scripts and animations copy only)

Sway's

19

It's my rezday -- 19 years in this virtual world.

It was a rough year. Maybe one of the toughest in all this time. Personally, professionally and medically. Everything came together at once and made me struggle a lot. But I am not here to complain. I am here because I made this year. Even though I’m not through it yet, and won't be for who knows how long... or ever... it reminded me that we are stronger than we think.

Going through all of this almost made me give up SL entirely. I have never been closer to walking away than in this past year.

Back then, I just did whatever I felt like in SL, whatever I enjoyed. And yes, I found people who liked it too, which is how my shop was born.

But for a long time now, it’s just been about chasing sales and events, making sure to earn something. I stopped making what I love and started creating just hoping it would sell. That mindset burns you out, it destroys all creativity and joy.

I want to find my way back to that joy. Because I truly believe you can see it in the things I create. I know SL has changed a lot and the competition is huge. I know most people (or so it seems) only care about perfect and flawless. That’s just not me, and I’m tired of trying to be.

I never wanted SL to be realistic. Our world is realistic. SL always had its own unique "SL charm". So, I want to go back to a lighter, more unburdened time (we have enough heavy stuff in RL). I want to create things without constantly worrying about who will like it, or who might tear it apart.

I hope some of you will join me on this journey.

Thanks for reading. I'd love to hear your thoughts and maybe even a bit about your own journey.

Hearts

New release is out. 

[Mason] Stepping Stones

Heart-shaped stepping stones in multiple path presets and texture options - including different line variants, cluster, quad, single, curves and arches - designed for building custom heart-shaped paths.

Available in 4 sets: 
Mossy, Gravel, Terracotta & Concrete
Each set includes 2 texture variations.

You can also get everything in the Multipack with 20% off. The Multipack includes both scripted and non-scripted versions.

One of the Sets is also available for this week’s FLF. Plus there is a giveaway on Primfeed - you can win a full multipack of this new release. Check Primfeed for more details.

100% original Mesh | Blinn Phong & PBR
copy + modify (scripts copy only)

Sway's

Elodie

For the first time ever, the [Elodie] Set is on sale!
Available at a very special price this weekend only for Lazy Sunday.

A cozy relaxing Set for Outdoor and Indoor

Bench Sofa with 10 single and 8 couple animations
Adult version + 8 adult animations
3 texture options for pillows
Pouf with 10 animations
Rug with fringes and 3 texture options
Candles and Seashell decoration
Table, wooden log side table
Monstera Plants, small and tall
Canopy

Available as set and separately - PG and Adult version

100% original Mesh | copy + modify

(scripts copy only)

Sway's
Marketplace

in the Garden

Some things for your garden out for FLF! 🌺
I hope you like it.

[Margot] Gazebo

Gazebo with string lights
3 texture options - lights on / off by touch

[Dragonfly] Bird Bath

Bird Bath with Dragonflies
stone embossed ornaments
in dark and light stone 

100% original Mesh | copy + modify

(scripts copy only)

Sway's

Bunnies and Cupcakes!

Bunnies and Cupcakes - cute and sweet 

out for Lazy Sunday are all the adorable bunnies on cupcakes.
[Cupcake Bunny] all sets + Multipack

with Books, Ballooons, Art, Butterfly,
Flower, Heart and Pinwheel.
All are Scripted with many texture options for bunny, cake, wrapping and frosting. 
Mix and match to your liking.

100% original Mesh | copy + modify

(scripts copy only)

Sway's
Marketplace

Welcome Spring

 Welcome Spring with some lovely decorations out for FLF!

[Gen] Sign Board with Plants . Wood
4 wood textures, 7 chalkboard options,
5 flowerpot colors, 7 Tulip and 5 Primrose options
(Empty chalkboard texture included)

[Wood Bunny] Decoration 

Wooden decor bunnies
4 styles: all wood, heart, dots and line
7 ear and 6 body texture options

100% original Mesh | copy + modify

(scripts copy only)

Sway's

Lather, Lace and Fire

Lather, Lace and Fire out for FLF

[Katya] chaise lounge . black

buttoned leather lounger with lace pillows and blanket

20 single and friends animations (for up to 2 avatars)
10 couple animations

3 texture options for lace pillows and blanket

[Silhouette] Bottle Candle

metal silhouette candle holder
3 different bottle shapes
white candle - flame on / off by touch (tintable)

100% original Mesh + Material | copy + modify

(scripts and animations copy only)

Sway's

Cozy in Pastel

 Out for Lazy Sunday

Pastel-toned furniture set with a soft country-style touch,
including dining table, chairs, shelf and decorative details.

[Tess] Kitchen Table Set

 Table and Chairs,

Wall shelf board empty and decorated,

Planter with flowers.

Plates and Cups also comes separately

Table, Chair and Shelf come in 3 color versions:

sky, spring and sunrise

Available in a set as shown here and separately.

100% original Mesh + Material | copy + modify

(scripts and animations copy only)

Sway's
Marketplace

Pretty Cover-Up

After many requests, I've added two new sets of roll-up blinds to the collection.
They are out for FLF!

[Elva] Roll Up Window Blinds . Patterned
Narrow and wide version
open, closed and up position by menu
3 patterned texture options: smoky blue, dusty rose and deep forest

[Levi] Roll Up Window Blinds . Monochrome

Narrow and wide version
open, closed and up position by menu
3 monochrome texture options: white, grey and black

100% original Mesh + Material | copy + modify  | 2/3 Li 
(scripts copy only)

Sway's

Stay warm

 Quiet warmth for cold days, with a cozy crackling fire.
Out for Lazy Sunday:
[Victor] wood burning stove

Stove with crackling fire (3 Li)
comes with floor and without

Basket with firewood and little pile of firewood
separate floor included (1 Li each)

available colors: coal, chestnut, forest, brick, midnight and sand

100% original Mesh + Material | copy + modify  | 5 Li as shown
(scripts copy only)

Sway's
Marketplace