WIYM: Merry 'lil AFTER x-mas book

Ok, Don't lie....I know alot of you are just like me, and you can't bear to toss away all the pretty bits from Christmas packages, gifts, and mail. So I thought what better way to reuse some of it could there be other than to create a little AFTER Christmas journal! I'm making this an International swap because the journals can easily be made small and flat and shouldn't cost much to mail. Now, If you aren't a paper and ephemera hoarder, no worries, you can still join up and use Christmas items you have leftover, or bought after Christmas!

Buy or make a small journal that is anywhere from approx a quarter sheet of paper to a half sheet of paper in size. (If you make it, please use sturdy covers, and good quality paper, or decorated copy paper....not just plain white copy paper.) Now take all the bits and pieces you saved and add a few here there and everywhere! Lets say that the journal should be a minimum of 12 pages plus a front and back cover. They do NOT all need to be highly decorated, but add a little interest in some way to each one, either by adding a bit of washi, paint, stamps, or a nice sticker or two, or even just by choosing a decorative paper. The bottom line...no plain white pages.

Ideas you may choose to incorporate:

-use bubble wrap to create some interesting backgrounds on copy paper

-Punch shapes from Christmas cards and add as tags or to "fancy up" pages

-glue tissue paper to pages, or cut it up and collage a background with it

-pretty wrapping paper can be used as pages, or cut images from wrapping paper to decorate pages

-trace around shaped gift tags to add fun to pages...or paint over the name side of the gift tags to create a "new" tag

-collage a few stamps or stamped images you saved from your Christmas mail

-stick in some washi from a few Christmas card envelopes

-how about adding some Christmas ribbon from gifts as page markers, tags, or simply to decorate a page

-scrape some glitter off those glittery cards and ribbon and toss it onto paper covered with mod podge, glue stick, or gel medium

-Did you receive craft supplies for Christmas? Now is the perfect time to break those out.

Anything goes, these are just a few ideas to get your brain jump started! Feel free to add in elements from your stash as well. I received some gorgeous Christmas scrapbook paper that I will be incorporating into mine! I also got a glass dip pen and a set of india ink that I cant wait to try out! Rubber and acrylic stamps and stencils...stickers, washi...Christmas images cut from cards, wrapping paper, or from magazines... All acceptable ways to make this journal special! Put some time and effort i to making something you would love to receive.

We all have differrent levels of artistic abilities, so as long as your partner creates a journal with at least 12 pages, that are decorated in some way please rate a 5. Be kind, because your partner probably put their heart into what they sent, so remember that when rating!

Before I assign partners, I will check profiles and ratings. If you have recent, or excessive poor ratings or you have late swaps on your dash, or if you just give me the heebie jeebies, I reserve the right to ban you without discussion. I will most definitely angel as always, if needed. Please check out the sister swap at Acme Merry Mailbox Musings if you would like to create multiple journals!