Trade an Art Journal Page #1 - All levels welcome

In this trade we will make art journal pages one at a time and mail to our partners. This will be a monthly-ish trade (every 4-6 weeks).

The concept is you will make 1- double spread and 2 single pages to mail to your partner. As this progresses you will get more spreads from others and by the end of 6 months to 1 year you will have enough spreads to bind, however you like, into your own book. (It's kinda like a round robin but without the risk of mailing a book out and not getting your original back.)

BEAR WITH ME: I know it seems like a long explanation for 4 pages of work but I wanted to make the vision of this as clear as possible. Basically in a nut shell it's one folded sheet of paper that makes 2 single pages and 1 double spread on the inside. You will do a bio, double spread, and final sheet. You'll want to include explanations and descriptions of each page so your partner can really understand and contemplate your work.

1. CHOOSE YOUR PAPER: Obtain whatever is the best paper for you to use with your medium. Watercolor paper is good for most applications but if you prefer heavy bristol, pastel paper, vellum, etc go for it. If you are a beginner try the watercolor paper (around 90-140 pound) depending on how "rough" and embellished you want it.

2. CUT YOUR BASE: Your base paper will be folded in half, so you want it large. I recommend starting with paper that is about 18 x 12 inches. that way when it's folded in half it will be 9 x 12. You can make yours any size just keep it somewhere in the range of 5 x 8 up to 9 x 12 (inches) when folded. You will receive different sized pages so it will be like a mixed media book when you put it all together. Some pages will be smaller, some larger. If we keep the size range close, it should be easy to bind by ring, stitching, glueing, etc.

3. FOLD YOUR BASE: after you've folded your page in half here is the breakdown of your pages.

a. 1ST PAGE - single page that will be your bio. Writing is allowed as is just collage/drawing. Ideas are: your thoughts and ideals, how you describe yourself as a person, why you like swapping art journals, your persective as an artist, you and your family, etc

b. 2ND PAGE- open up your paper so now you have a double spread to work with. Make this anything you'd like. Total freedom. Prompts to consider may be: significant people or relationships, inspiration pieces, quotes, things that make you laugh, photos, stories, the season/weather, how you are feeling that day, etc. PM me if you need prompt ideas.

c. 3RD PAGE - close the double spread, the back page is the 2nd single page to decorate. You may either 1. create another page from a prompt, 2. start a joint page where you both will contribute to it. 3. decorate the paper so your partner has a pretty page to draw inspiration from. Then they don't have to start with the White Page Syndrome!

1. INCLUDE A NOTE: This can be done as a card included with the pages, incorporated into the pages themselves, or add pockets/envelopes that attach or may be bound into the journal. This note is essential so your partner understands your point of view/interpretations and gets a clear idea of who you are as a person and artist.

a. 1st Single Page (Bio Page): If the bio is wordy you don't have to include a note about it. If it's more "art/collage/drawing" then a note regarding it's interpretation is helpful.

b. Double Spread: Include the prompt/inspiration for the page and some explanation of the page. This explanation can be about the process that you used to create the page, mediums and techniques used, or what you were feeling when you created the page.

c. 2nd Single Page (Final Page): If you completed another prompt describe the page like you did for the double spread. If you started a page for a joint experience tell your partner that is the intention as well as the prompt that your working from. If you decorated the page so your partner my expand with their own work let them know this. If you want to explain your mediums/techniques/point of view that's a nice addition.

Let me know if you have any questions or need prompts. I am more than happy to elaborate and give you many ideas for launching off. I am here to make your swapping experience easy and enjoyable. :-)

THE BORING BUT NECESSARY STUFF:

EFFORT: This is a sorta time/effort intensive swap. I want everyone to feel their efforts were reflected by someone else. Nobody likes a swap where you put a lot of work into it and get junk, or nothing, in return. On that note just do your best work. Be thoughtful and it will show, even if you have beginner's skills. Don't feel insecure that your skills aren't up to par with those that may be more advanced. The goal of this project is to see people for who they are at that moment in time and appreciate their sharing of themselves with us.

REQUIREMENTS: Only those with 4.9 and higher. No recent (past 6 mos) 1's or 3's. Must have 10 type 2/3 swaps. Have to keep this safe for people who are dedicating a part of themselves to this.

NEWBIES: No newbies for this one BUT if I get enough requests (more than 2) I will host a swap for Newbies exclusively.

INTERNATIONAL: Making this international since postage won't be so high since it's one sheet of paper and you can adjust the folded size to fit a standard envelope.

MAILING: Please secure your pages between 2 sheets of cardboard/cardstock. If you use acrylic paint please try to seal with sealant so the pages don't stick together. Don't want to see anyone's sheets get ruined by the ever so gentle mail system! :-) Try to mark the front as "DO NOT BEND." Reinforce your envelope edges please so it doesn't bust open midflight.

MOST IMPORTANT: Have fun and be creative. Add embellishments, use multi media, create pockets and folds if you want. If you get stuck write a comment so we can all help each other. Do what you love and love what you do!