Autumn Chunky Book Swap

Autumn to me means chillier weather, leaves turning color, earlier evenings and cozying up with a just the right book under a quilt to read with a cup of tea, a favorite treat and maybe a fire in the fireplace!

Last year, I participated in a chunky poetry book swap, hosted by Windchimes. I am hoping we’ll get a good crowd this year to participate in this slightly abridged version for autumn. I had so much fun…I traded with two partners…1 in New Zealand and 1 in Sweden! I would like to do this again with other like minded folks!

This is a swap for one chunky book of autumn - one book and one swap partner. You could include recipes for special autumn food like pumpkin bread, soups etc. Additionally, autumn could mean Halloween, Thanksgiving and poems, stories, autumn related art and more

Here are the rules and requirements: • 10 or more pages in the chunky book - this means 10 pages minimum but many people go over the ten individual pages - just don't go under 10 pages. Please decorate both front and back side of all 10 pages. No naked backsides! • Covers do NOT count as pages. • Use cardstock or other heavy paper - let's go with no smaller than 4 X 4 - larger books are easier (and more fun) but keep in mind the larger the book, the more area to cover and the weight, and subsequently the postage, will increase. • You may do the formatting any way you choose: You can handwrite it, design it on the computer, or any combination that pleases you. • Embellishment of course is what makes the chunky book so special, so don't be shy with all of extras.

About Binding Most of us do not have those nifty coil puncher things. If you have access to one, great. Kinkos, Staples or places like that have this service that are very inexpensive. If you can't do that, that’s ok. Take a paper punch (larger than normal if possible) and punch two or three holes on the left side. Then you can tie your book together with decorative ribbon or use those rings that open and close (found in the office supplies).

The Fine Print This is important - Please Read Clarification on ratings rules: Technically this is a swap for people with 4.5 ratings only. However, to every rule there is an exception. PM me and let’s see what we can work out! However this is only for the swappers with this highest level of commitment.

Making one of these books is a huge investment of time. Please do not sign up if you cannot fulfill the requirements.
• This is international - I hope to see many cultures and traditions represented. You will have over 30 days for this swap which gives you over two days per page and accompaning artwork, so that you can select carefully and do the embellishments and illustrations without feeling rushed.

Remember, this is sender's choice - it is a reflection of you so what you put in it is at your discretion. And that gives you a little extra time if you sign up early!

Your goal: To make a great autumn/fall chunky book for your swap partner to keep forever. And don't forget to sign in and date it! First (and only) editions are always more valuable signed and dated! :)

Feel free to list any links below that you have found to be helpful.

It is important to not feel stressed in a swap because then it becomes work and not fun. And if it is not fun, what's the point? I want you all to have a lot of fun with this. So... deep breath everyone... you have time!

And don't forget to take photos of your work in progress as well as the finished book. Perhaps you can put them on Flickr so we can all see!