G2: Collaborative Moleskine - Sept 2009-April 2010

[Amerasu]

Collaborative Moleskine Swap, Group 2

We're now full!

Thanks very much to potbellyarts who did all of the hard work on putting together the details and information.
I've used her write-up here.


First mail-by date: September 1, 2009
Subsequent mail-by dates: 10/1/09, 11/1/09, 12/1/09, 1/1/10, 2/1/10, 3/1/10, 4/1/10. Mark your calendar NOW!
Due back in hand: Late April, 2010
# of Participants: 5 - 8
Sign up by: ASAP
Withdraw by: WITHDRAWALS NOT ALLOWED
Materials required: One blank Moleskine JAPANESE pocket album (http://www.moleskine.com/catalogue/classic/hard_black_cover/japanese_album__pocket.php). Size is roughly 3.5" x 5.5". Find on Amazon here (http://www.amazon.com/Moleskine-Japanese-Album-Pocket/dp/8883701046/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243706515&sr=8-1). Find at MoleskineUS here (http://www.moleskineus.com/japanesebook.html).
You're responsible for: Choosing and explaining your theme. Creating a four (4) page spread (3+ pages in some cases) in each journal you receive. Shipping to the next artist participant. Paying for First Class mail and MANDATORY tracking/Delivery Confirmation.
Theme: Artist's choice. You may choose "No theme" if you want participants to "follow their muse."
Mediums: P&P mediums only
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PARTICIPANTS & THEMES


Amerasu - Day of the Dead (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/showpost.php?p=65983&postcount=3)
themuppet - Fairytales in the dark (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/showpost.php?p=67498&postcount=25)
potbellyarts - TATTOOS: FIGURES, FLASH, & FUNK (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/showpost.php?p=66018&postcount=11)
Flashviv - Hands (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/showpost.php?p=67657&postcount=29)
Rapa - Famous/Infamous people with blonde/white hair (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/showpost.php?p=68005&postcount=32)
Livia - Scapes (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/showpost.php?p=67431&postcount=20)
ambermarie - Classic Fantasy (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/showpost.php?p=68845&postcount=42)
LisaB - Whimsical Women (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/showpost.php?p=70161&postcount=47)



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TRAVEL PLANS
Please note that the order of mailing will differ for each journal. Yes, this is absolutely more confusing than mailing to the same artist after each round of creating. The reasons behind jostling the order of mailing are (1) To keep the swap lively and challenging, by changing the person you're "working toward" in each round; and (2) To balance shipping costs across all participants, so no one player ships ONLY internationally to the next player in each round. Once sign-ups are complete, I'll create a "Travel Plan" master list, and distribute it to players via PM.

RED = ACTIVE. Actively working on pages.
GREEN = TRAVELING. Journal en route to next player.
BLUE = FINISHED. Pages are complete.


Amerasu -> Livia -> themuppet -> Flashviv -> Rapa -> LisaB -> ambermarie -> potbellyarts HOME!

Livia -> Flashviv -> potbellyarts -> LisaB -> themuppet -> Amerasu -> Rapa -> ambermarie HOME!

themuppet -> potbellyarts -> Rapa -> Livia -> ambermarie -> Flashviv -> Amerasu -> LisaB HOME!

Flashviv -> LisaB -> Livia -> potbellyarts -> Amerasu -> ambermarie -> themuppet -> Rapa ON THE WAY HOME!

Rapa -> themuppet -> ambermarie -> Amerasu -> potbellyarts -> Livia -> LisaB -> Flashviv

LisaB -> Amerasu -> Flashviv -> ambermarie -> Livia -> Rapa -> potbellyarts -> themuppet HOME!

ambermarie -> Rapa -> Amerasu -> themuppet -> LisaB -> potbellyarts -> Flashviv -> Livia

potbellyarts -> ambermarie -> LisaB -> Rapa -> Flashviv -> themuppet -> Livia -> Amerasu


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REQUIREMENTS
Because this swap requires a huge, very long-term commitment of time and resources, and because it is absolute heartbreak when a journal goes missing (unfortunately, it happens), there are special requirements for participation in a swap of this type. You must:


Be an actively trading iATC member (defined as: positive iTrader across 2 swaps in the last 3 months)
Have 3+ months in good standing (no neutrals or negative iTraders)
Have an iTrader rating of 25+
Be willing and able to do your very best work on a strict, inflexible time line, over a long period
Be willing and able to complete four (4) 3x5 journal pages in the themes chosen by your fellow participants
Have the cash resources necessary to ship eight journals around the world using First Class mail with mandatory tracking

Note: AFA members of iATCs can use their AFA stats to fulfill these requirements.
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NEED TO KNOW


When finished, each journal will be full!
All page elements must be flat (or mostly flat.) Nothing hanging off the edges either, please.
A Round Robin of this type is time consuming and not inexpensive, and requires your very best work. So please be absolutely certain you have both the resource of time, and the resource of cash, to participate through April 2010, before signing up.
Once you've committed, withdrawals are not allowed.

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HOW TO JOIN
Just post to this thread! Slots will fill in a first-come, first-served fashion. In your initial sign-up post[/COLOR]:


Please indicate where you live, so that I can map out a route for your journal which aims to keep shipping costs low.
Please indicate your chosen theme. I encourage you to post at length about your theme when you sign up. Discuss color palettes and subject matter. Include photos or links if you'd like to direct participants with even more specificity. I'll create a link to your theme description in the Participant list, for easy future reference.
Please send me your address and telephone numbers (if I don't already have it on file.) I'll be creating a mailing list of swap participants which I'll distribute via PM.

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SWAP GUIDELINES

ARTIST INSTRUCTIONS

Purchase a blank Moleskine JAPANESE pocket album (http://www.moleskine.com/catalogue/classic/hard_black_cover/japanese_album__pocket.php). Size is roughly 3.5" x 5.5". Find on Amazon here (http://www.amazon.com/Moleskine-Japanese-Album-Pocket/dp/8883701046/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243706515&sr=8-1).
Decorate the covers, if you choose. This may be completed either before or after the journal travels through the rotation. Some prefer to decorate before, to establish theme, palette, and mood. Some prefer to decorate after, to prevent damage to cover art. You decide!
Please include: (1) Your real name and address; (2) your username; (3) your assigned "travel-plan" (see below); (4) a sign-in area for artists; and (5) any special instructions; in the opening pages of your book -- which you should also decorate. These first pages are a great place to establish tone, mood, theme, and/or color scheme for your journal. If you want players to decorate their four pages consecutively, be sure to specify that. If you prefer they break their four pages up across the accordion pages of your Moleskine, let them know that, too. You get to set the guidelines for your own journal. So use your first pages to do just that!
In addition to decorating your opening, informational pages, please create at least one, 2-page spread in your own Moleskine journal. Yet another opportunity to establish theme.
Reminder: All artists are to create pages according to their iATCs membership (P&P only in this case)
Be sure to "fix" your art well, to prevent smudging. Allow plenty of time for drying before shipping. Wax paper between pages is a great idea.
Please communicate regularly via email, PM, or preferably, in this thread, whenever you have (1) received or (2) shipped a book. Include tracking numbers. We're all investing a huge amount of time, talent, and care in this project, and we want to see everyone's Moleskine journal home safely.
Most important: Be creative, do your very best work, stretch yourself, and have a blast!

SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS

From the date a journal is received, each artist will have about three weeks before the journal is due in the hands of the next artist on the "travel plan." The mail-by date, every month, is the 1st. Please watch your timeframe carefully and think in terms of "mail by" dates in your planning; I'm going to be a stickler on timing. (If the 1st is a weekend or holiday, the next business day will be fine.)
Please be extra considerate when mailing to international participants; it will take longer for them to receive the journal you sent, cutting into their creating time. If you can ship sooner than the 1st and the artist is ready to receive from you, or if you can expedite delivery by using Priority or Express mail options, please do so, as a courtesy.
If, on the 1st of the month, the person you are about to mail to is behind schedule and still has an unfinished journal in hand -- naughty, naughty! -- skip that person, and send your in-hand Moleskine to the next person in your "travel plan" instead, so no backlog with any one participant is created. Then, PM the swap host to determine next steps.
When the "travel plan" for each journal is complete, the journal will return to its original owner. I'd like to wrap this swap up on time, by late April, 2010.
Please do not use Media Mail instead of First Class mail. It typically takes longer in transit, and might mess up our timeline. First Class mail is mandatory. Delivery Confirmation/tracking is mandatory. Priority (expedited) Mail is recommended, but optional.
Remember to pack your journal carefully (use a box or bubble mailer,) but also, to keep your parcel as small and light as possible, to minimize shipping charges. Please reuse/recycle packaging whenever possible. This means opening those boxes and envelopes carefully. Thanks!
For US residents, an FYI: The USPS Priority Mail "Small Flat Rate Box" (http://shop.usps.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10152&storeId=10001&categoryId=13354&productId=42601&langId=-1&WT.ac=42601) ships for $4.95 to anywhere in the US, at any weight up to 70 lbs., and is plenty large enough to accommodate our Japanese Moleskine journal. Bonus: These boxes are FREE at any Postal Service location. And Priority Mail shipping takes just 2-3 days, domestically.

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JUST FOR FUN
Here, some examples of what Japanese Moleskine journals look like with art inside. Fantastic!

http://moleskinex12.blogspot.com/
http://moleskinex46.blogspot.com/
http://moleskinex70.blogspot.com/
http://moleskinex61.blogspot.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sidarthababii/3537679028/in/pool-moly_x
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ksklein/3490030289/in/pool-moly_x
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nightmarephotography/3481346969/in/pool-moly_x
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ste_pickford/3473427133/in/pool-moly_x
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30999513@N06/3403452731/in/pool-moly_x


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[Credit and thanks to AFA's Japanese Moleskine swap for designing swap guidelines worth adopting. I've borrowed heavily from their experience and suggestions.]

[Amerasu]

All participants need to fill out this form as completely as possible! The more info and samples, the better!


My theme is:

What I'm hoping for:

Key concepts:

Color scheme:

Websites / Samples:

[Amerasu]

Thanks, Shel - for doing all of the hard work on the write-up :)

My theme is:
Day of the Dead / Día de los Muertos


What I'm hoping for:
Skeletons doing various things like dancing, singing, celebrating, hanging out, etc. With tons of flowers, music, colours and related DOTD design elements.


Color scheme:
Big, bold colours! Like red, yellow, orange, pink, blue, green, lime, purple, etc. Lots of them!


Websites / Samples:
Info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Dead
http://www.frenzyart.com/cat/limited-edition-prints
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/search.php
http://www.ddfolkart.com/folkart/folkartgallery1.htm
Jose Guadalupe Posada (http://images.google.ca/images?q=Jos%C3%A9+Guadalupe+Posada&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=cvCVStyMMZmd8Qbk4YiSDA&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1)
http://www.lafuente.com/dead.php?ovchn=GGLCA&ovcpn=AdWords&ovcrn=Day+Dead+Of+The&ovtac=PPC&gclid=CPvXrebmwpwCFRND5godKiL2mw
http://www.mexicansugarskull.com/
http://patrickandkathymurillo.stores.yahoo.net/diadelosmuer.html

[themuppet]

wootwoot! Now to decide on a theeeeme! :salivates with Shel:

[Ashazart]

Well, all I can say is that this looks like a fantastic project. The idea of everyone playing off of what the last person did to ultimately create a long mural-like collaborative piece is quite interesting and the links you posted Sal are amazing! I had no idea there was all that collaborative stuff going on out there in the world. How cool! Unfortunately, I cannot make that kind of long term commitment. But, I will be watching with great envy.

[Amerasu]

I wish you could join us, Cynthia! Perhaps another time :)

I'm thinking that people can still take part without the long-term commitment. What you can do is buy a fold out journal and post to the Journal Trader thread. Then you can trade journals with others whenever the time is right, one at a time. I might buy a couple more and do just that.

[Ashazart]

Oh, that is a good idea Shel! I was really tempted to buy some of those just to work on myself if and when I have time, but your idea is even better! I'll have to stop by Amazon later on and order me some. Thanks!

[themuppet]

Oh that IS a good idea!

:prances off to Amazon:

[Ashazart]

Themuppet, I always chuckle when I read your tag line. :D

Cynthia


"Give a man a fire and he's warm for a day, but set fire to him and he's warm for the rest of his life."

[themuppet]

lol good! Me too! Terry Pratchett is a genius.

I just ordered 5 moleskines. I think I'm addicted.

[potbellyarts]

Whee!!

1. My theme is:
TATTOOS: FIGURES, FLASH, & FUNK

2. What I'm hoping for:
I loooove tattoos and tattoo flash (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tattoo_flash)!! It's a unique art style, all it's own. And the modern culture that goes with it has so much artsy, funky flair. Tattoos aren't just for criminals and biker gangs anymore; they're for everyone!

I'm hoping to see tons and tons of flash streaming across my journal; choose your subject. All are welcome! It would be really great if figures adorned with tattoos were scattered across the pages, too; especially female, especially kinda funky and artsy, or gothic, possibly pierced, and undeniably cool. Bring it on!

I admit a fondness for blossoms and scrolls and pinups and lighter designs (although not necessarily saccharin sweet,) and not much interest at all in tribal (http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hs=A2X&q=tribal%20tattoo&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi)/Celtic (http://images.google.com/images?q=celtic%20tattoo&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi) designs, which tend to contain lots and lots of strong, angular geometry and black, black ink. I also like black-and-grey (http://www.google.com/search?q=black+and+grey+tattoo&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a) tattoos; think Kat Von D (http://www.katvond.net/) for inspiration if you want to go that route. She has particularly lovely black and grey tattoos.

Whatever subjects inspire you, though -- even if not my favorites -- just go for it! I want this to be a super fun lark for you guys.

One last thing: I prefer "new school" (http://hubpages.com/hub/Tattoo_Ideas_New_School_Old_School) to "old school" (http://www.freetattoodesigns.org/old-school-tattoos.html) style tattoos but even on the internet, it's hard to find a clear definition that distinguishes the one from the other, so don't sweat this point too much. The main thing is: color, color, color!

3. Key concepts:
Black outlines, tattoo-style lettering, color, fun.

4. Color scheme:
Use 'em all! and black to outline.

5. Websites / Samples:
Next time you're at your local bookseller, check out these magazines for inspiration:
INKED magazine (http://www.inkedmag.com/)
SAVAGE TATOO magazine (http://www.tattoomag.com/savage/)
TATTOO FLASH magazine (http://www.tattoomag.com/flash/)
TATTOO magazine (http://www.tattoomag.com/tattoo/)

[flashviv]

So exciting. Great to see your info Shel, your theme looks great. Gives me a good idea on how to set up mine. Problem is so many concepts and choices for themes ......hmnnnn I will be thinking about this all day and not the work I am supposed to be thinking about!

[themuppet]

SHEL OMG I WAS GOING TO CHOOSE THAT EXACT SAME THEME!!!!

hahahahahahahahhahaha

Oh man that's funny. I do tattoos, and I've been designing my left arm sleeve that I'm tattooing myself, my best friend is a tattoo artist and she's busily designing my right sleeve... I just set up the hubbs with an appointment with her for a Father's Day tattoo and have had tattoos on the brain ALL DAY and thought earlier, "Hey that should be my theme!" So funny!

It's ok though, my backup theme will be fun, too... I just have to finish fleshing it out!

I'll flash up some links for inspiration for Shel's book (if you don't mind!):

Tattoo flash sites:
Tattoo Finder (http://www.tattoofinder.com/)
Bullseye (http://www.bullseyetattoos.com/)
Tattoo Johnny (http://www.tattoojohnny.com/)

Some phenomenal on-skin work:
The critique forum at Tattoodles (http://www.tattoodles.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=3&sid=34bec6891c189fae3b6ee2eb7f1042d7)
Joshua Carlton (http://www.joshuacarlton.com/Tattoos/) (who I love so much that I had him make me a custom set of tattoo machines that I'm now nervous to use).. Even though he doesn't really do linework, his work is still worth gaping at..
Ink Challenge (http://www.inkchallenge.com/entrieswinners.cfm)

One of the typically "new school" characteristics is dynamic linework... They will mix thick bold lines with thin delicates... going from a 3 round grouping to an 11 in the same linework... And the colors tend to be brighter as well, using a lot of complementary colors in shading and even shading with whackadoo bright colors, especially turquoise, lime green, and hot pink (I have a bottle of "Tokyo Pink" ink that I'm DYING to use).. I don't really know how to explain the difference either.. other than that! lol!!

Oooo now I'm excited to get Shel's book!

[themuppet]

Whoo... sorry for that hugeass wall of text, can you tell I'm psyched about tattoos?? Lol!

I actually took a year-long tattoo hiatus and joined this site and AFA on a quest to improve my art and therefore improve my tattooing, so it's just one of those thiiiiiiings...

Okay shutting up now! woot!

[potbellyarts]

Hey, Mupps... I don't OWN the tattoo theme. By all means, use it if that's your first choice. I'd love to work in someone else's book in that theme, and I'll bet it's the kind of theme that the rest of the group would be okay working in twice, too. It's not super challenging and portrait AND landscape types can do it well, plus there are a variety of styles to work in. Go for it! I wouldn't be one bit bothered, myself.

Thanks for the cool extra links and enthusiastic support, too. And flashviv, too! :)

Also, can I say how freaking THRILLED I am to have a real tattoo artist working in my journal?! Wowza! I hit the jackpot on that. Totally excited here.

Check me out getting inked back in 2003; a birthday gift to myself. Art by Schmoe Dawg (seriously, that's his name)...

5235

[themuppet]

Awesome picture.. tattoo artists have the best names. I'm going to have to come up with a good one... Like Lady Razorneedle or something similarly cool.. hahaha

Actually I'm sort of thinking of doing a story theme, comic-book style (anything from DC/Marvel to Sandman to Manga to whatevah), where each person continues the story where the last person left off... Would anyone object to doing something like that? I know it'll make it more complicated with having to come up with the story line too, so I'm more than willing to go with my third choice, which is cutiepants monsters.. lol

I'll just make one of these other five (FIVE.. what the hell) molies that I ordered today be a tattoo-themed one for personal journal swaps like Sal suggested earlier. I'll force it on you at a later date. Hee!

[Ashazart]

Hey Shel, have you ever given any of your bears tattoos? That could be fun.

Cynthia

[katie]

as much as I would love to draw tattoos.... & have all P&P work in my journal...
I am thinking this would be too much of a commitment for me at this time.

Trading journals might work for me though.... but I cannot find a 'journal trading' thread... where might it be?

[katie]

never mind... I think I found it in the open media area...

[livia]

1. My theme is: Scapes

2. What I'm hoping for: I want all sorts, landscapes, cityscapes. fantasy scapes or space scapes. They can be real or use your imagination.

3. Key concepts:I would like to have the scapes flow together with each others art if possible. So when you open up the pages it looks like a mural or a cohesive piece of art.
4. Color scheme:Lots and lots of color.

5. Websites / Samples:
I will try to find some later. Amerasu had some good links in the Just for fun section in the guidelines area.

This is going to be a super project.

[Amerasu]

Great theme, Livia! I really like that and it has the potential to really flow from one artist to another. I love it!

[livia]

I found some ideas while scrolling through google images. Some of the pictures are sketches or just ink drawings. I would like color in mine. I am little concerned about watercolor on the paper in the journal, I will experiment with my layout see how it does.

Is anyone using a fixative on their art after it is finished? I am planning to if it is okay.

Here are some links to get some ideas or inspiration:

moleskin art:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_651LGAV7SKk/SDTn_NOBj5I/AAAAAAAAAXQ/DlyxruzoXig/s320/DSC01869.JPG

http://greenlaundry.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/moleskin01.jpg

http://www.paperandthreads.com/NatlAcadArt.jpg

http://www.lostateminor.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/susan-rudat6.jpg

http://invisibleman.com/Sketchbook5.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f7wrLZpL3sk/RzSHlq_K9zI/AAAAAAAAADU/140ZMyvON3c/s320/Moleskin.jpg

http://wagonized.typepad.com/wagonized/images/couch_chair_table_in_moleskine_1.jpg

http://blog.journalcraft.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/pamcarriker-vj101.jpg

http://images43.fotki.com/v1328/photos/5/592874/6000931/Rad_moleskine_0024a-vi.jpg

http://media.photobucket.com/image/Moleskin%20journal%20art/sugarless_candy1/moleskine_pumpjack.jpg

[themuppet]

Awesome links, livia! I'm intrigued to see what people do with your theme!

[Amerasu]

I still haven't come up with anything myself. Blank, lol

[themuppet]

1. My theme is: Fairy Tales in the Dark

2. What I'm hoping for: Dark/gothic twists on traditional fairy tales, either goth-izing well known characters (i.e., snow white = snow black... Cinderella and her glass Doc Martens, etc) or taking a Disney-ized fairy tale and shoving it into the shadows. Let Little Red take matters into her own hands with that pesky wolf! Do pages full of villains, evil queens, and henchmen. Feel free to throw Alice in Wonderland in there if you're so inspired, even though she's not technically a Fairy Tale.

I'm down with gore, so if you need to make your pages bloody, get on with your bad selves! Just be warned, actual blood use may force me to clone you as my own personal house slave. I don't do windows. ;)

3. Key concepts: Evil queens, gothic scenes and settings, darkened floofy Disney Princesses, whatev.

4. Color scheme: Black, red, purple are probably the main colors, but you do what you feel is groovy.

5. Websites / Samples:
Art of American McGee (through google) (http://images.google.com/images?q=american%20mcgee%20art&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hs=3Zv&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi)
Tim Burton's Art (http://members.tripod.com/~multiple_monsters/timburton.html)
Jasmine Becket-Griffith's fairy tale art (http://www.strangeling.com/fairytale.html)

[themuppet]

Yeah, Sal, I hear ya. This is about my fifth "ooo maybe I'll do..." I was set on sitting down and writing up a thing all revolving around song lyrics, and ended up with that instead.. lol

[Amerasu]

I like it!! That's a great idea! Right up my alley too so a pleasure to work on :)

Yeah, I'm really sucking at this theme thing right now. I think I'll do a web search tonight and see what turns up.

[livia]

I love Tim Burton's art. I have all his movies, there are one of the few I watch a lot, even without the grandkids.

[flashviv]

Great themes so far from everyone. Here is mine:

I have had a bit of a change of mind and decided that my theme is now HANDS.

Quoting from An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Traditional Symbols by JC Cooper (p 78)

Hands
One of the most sympbolically expressive membes of the body. According to Aristotle the hand is 'the tool of tools'. Quintilian says 'the hands may almost be said to speak. Do we not use them to demand, promise, summon, dismiss, threaten, supplicate, express aversion of fear, question or deny? Do we not use them to indicate joy, sorrow, hesitation confession, penitence, measure, quantity, number and time? Have they not the power to excite and prohibit, to express approval, wonder, shame?' Hands signify power; strength; providence; blessing.


What I'm hoping for is artwork based on hands and how they can tell the story of the moment.

I would like each artist to do a four page spread.

Websites / Samples:
Here are some photo and painting references that may give you a bit of an idea, but I don't want to restrict you in anyway, your idea and style will make me happiest.

Patting the dog (http://cache4.asset-cache.net/xc/EC0333-001.jpg?v=1&c=NewsMaker&k=2&d=E71A629F3945C5E8DFE984DF80200AAE6529E79887609E4F )
Drinking (http://cache1.asset-cache.net/xc/200530968-001.jpg?v=1&c=NewsMaker&k=2&d=E45C5BB6C063BBD0A2A8F1C4A12FD98A1F6F6178A68B340C )
Hand with Reflecting Sphere by Escher (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/66/Hand_with_Reflecting_Sphere.jpg/300px-Hand_with_Reflecting_Sphere.jpg)
That's All There Is, Let's Keep Dancing by Chris Gollon (http://www.chrisgollon.com/images/large/large346.jpg)
Couple Clapping by Nicola Slattery (http://www.nicolaslattery.com/mediac/400_0/media/Couple~Clapping.jpg)
ssh (http://www.justadventure.com/articles/Shut_Up!/shut%20up%201.jpg)
Sorrow (http://cache3.asset-cache.net/xc/200564200-031.jpg?v=1&c=NewsMaker&k=2&d=CED48661B87C5DBF783C7D3E2A8E46139FCC16CF019EA685 )
Working (http://mydailyclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/hands-on-keyboard-1024x685.gif)
The Oracle's Hand (http://images-1.redbubble.net/img/art/size:large/view:main/2418027-2-the-oracles-hand.jpg)
The Lady & the Harp by Angu Wallace (http://www.artcameroon.com/paintings/78_lady_harp_painting.jpg)
Three Hands in a Hand (http://www.ixiacom.com/images/about_us/ixia_offline/2005/09/1_Cheetuck_Lim-Three_Hand_In_Hand_thumb.jpg)
Sisters Holding Hands by Marcella (http://www.rubydaffodildesign.com/sketches/two_girls.jpg)
Punch (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v238/dumbbaby/dbsite/a022/03.jpg)

[potbellyarts]

Loving the themes that are popping up! This will be a really fun journal to play in. :)

[Amerasu]

Ooops, missed that one Linda! Great theme! I love it too. This group is looking good so far :)

[Rapa]

For my first moleskin, I would like -

THEME:[B] Famous or Infamous White/Blonde Haired People

[B]HOPING FOR: I would like my book to be filled with your favorite blonde or white-haired people. You can also use any quotes, sayings or lines of song/book/poem associated with the person. I would like each artist to do 4 separate individuals that is based on a real person from history or to modern day icons.

COLOR SCHEME: Be as colorful and as expressive as you want, the only limitation is that the person must have white or blonde hair.

I have no samples but Potbelly's avatar is pretty cool!

[Amerasu]

Now that's an interesting theme! Very different. I like it :)

[EraserQueen]

Rapa, Potbelly's avatar is special because it is ME LOL, She manipulated a photo of me! I don't actually have white hair though...(Which is odd because my family usually gets grey in their 20's going white by their 40s...I'm still a gunmetal ditchwater mouse color :eek:)

[Amerasu]

I think we'll have to coordinate on Rapa's theme so we don't duplicate people. All I can think of right now are Marilyn Munro and Andy Warhol!

[flashviv]

Loving Rapa's theme, I thought of Spike from the Buffy the Vampire Slayer seriers and Billy Idol the very naught Brit punk rocker from years gone by straight off.

[potbellyarts]

Some ideas (mostly celebrities) for blonde/white haired people that haven't yet been mentioned (awesome theme, by the way:)

Jean Harlow
Grace Kelly (would love to do Grace!)
Madonna
Those evil albino twins from The Matrix (do cosmetically-enhanced blondes count??)
Jayne Mansfield
Boris Becker (tennis star)
The young girl from Tim Burton's "Sweeney Todd"
Princess Buttercup (a.k.a. Robin Wright, The Princess Bride)
The Hilton sisters
Farrah
Courtney Love
Britney Spears
Meg Ryan
Reese Witherspoon
Pamela Anderson
Princess Diana
Brad Pitt
Gwen Stefani
Charlize Theron
Jen Aniston
Sharon Stone
Marie Antoinette (sorry guys, might have to claim that for myself)

[themuppet]

Those evil albino twins from The Matrix (do cosmetically-enhanced blondes count??)


ha! I was going to ask about those guys. I lurve them. And Galadriel from Lord of the Rings (Cate Blanchett)

[flashviv]

Nice one Muppet, I love Galadriel, she really is the ultimate classy blonde.

[Rapa]

Cool - it all works for me! BTW - you're a beauty Eraserqueen!

[livia]

Everyone's ideas are awesome. Is anyone going to decorate their covers? My son is a graffiti artist and I am having him decorate the cover of my book in paint pens. We are working out some ideas right now. I am thinking of drawing a perspective wall with landscape background and have him do the graffiti on the wall.

[ambermarie]

OKAY! I don't have +25 iTrader yet, but I will very soon! Consider this my place holder since I took so much time to get my theme put out. If people beat me before I get there, I'll save it for another time or try to get myself to do it without the deadlines (I do so much better with deadlines though).

I've been wanting to do this VERY badly! Once a month is perfect for me and the start date is late enough that I will be moved already, no worries on addresses, I'm going to use an already established mailbox. :)

It'll be the what-I-do-when-the-husband-wants-to-spend-quality-time-together-in-front-of-the-tv thing. LOL

Where I'll be when this swap starts: Idaho Falls, ID

1. My theme is: Classic Fantasy

2. What I'm hoping for: I'd like to see scenes of fantasy people, creatures and places that are inspired by or even could replace figures from European renaissance, rococo or even neoclassicism works of art ('Mona Lisa' as a centaur anyone? Perhaps the 'Girl with the Pearl Earring' as a Fairy?). I love the skin tones, the facial expressions and just the feel to all the artwork from those time periods (14th-18th century or there aboots). I know its a wide range, but there is so much I love, that I thought I'd throw it out to whatever was inspired by this time, especially since they often used fantasy elements for their own works.

Types of artwork from the time period:

Rococo (http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&um=1&sa=1&q=rococo+painting&aq=0&oq=rococo+pai&aqi=g1&start=0)
Baroque (http://images.google.com/images?q=baroque%20painting&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi)
Renaissance (http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&um=1&sa=1&q=renaissance+painting&aq=f&oq=&aqi=g4&start=0)

Please let me know if you feel I have gotten something wrong or think something should be added! :)

Fantasy creatures/beings ideas:

Centaurs
Elves
Gnomes
Unicorns
Pegasus
Fairies
Angels
Demons
Mermaids
Sphinx


3. Key concepts: Lots of color and items/people. Preferably, I'd like to keep this as one big long mural piece, so you can choose to hop into the middle somewhere, but if its right next to someone, please blend into theirs as well.

4. Color scheme: Whatever works and goes together.

5. Websites / Samples:

Louis Jean Francois Lagrenee "Mars and Venus an Allegory of Peace" (http://www.topofart.com/images/artists/Louis-Jean-Francois_Lagrenee/paintings/lagrenee003.jpg)
Boticelli's "Mars and Venus" (http://www.essentialart.com/mh/Botticelli_Mars_and_Venus.jpg)


Some modern renaissance, at least for me:

James Christensen (http://images.google.com/images?q=james+christensen&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=9kVWSonlFY-4swOhu6XADg&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4)
Vladimir Kush (http://images.google.com/images?q=vladimir+kush&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=oEdWSoKxBZLgtgOCh_nzAQ&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1)

[Amerasu]

Sorry, I missed this! I was coming here to bump to see if we could find another person or two for our group and here you are! :)

Amber no worries - you'll have tons of points when the SpringCAT is done in a week or so so I'm just going to add you directly. I'll update the listing now.

We still have a space or two! Anyone else interested?

[Amerasu]

I still need to come up with a theme... I'm blanking, completely.

[LisaB]

Is there still an opening?

I just ordered several of these and would love to join in the fun!

[Amerasu]

Yes! That would be fantastic, Lisa! :)

[LisaB]

Hot damn! *jumps up and down*
I will edit this post as I find examples.

1. My theme is: Whimsical Women

2. What I'm hoping for:
I love color and portraits of women that bring a smile to your face, you know? Punk-y, Funk-y, Rock-y, Swirl-y, Zetti-y, whatever is your style I would love to see them in my journal! Of course if each person's pages could be made to look as if they were continuous that would be great.

3. Key concepts:
Whimsical/Funky/Zetti style women doing what they love - flying, dancing, floating, etc. I am hoping that you will be able to express yourself through color.

4. Color scheme:
Bright and bold colors that work together, hopefully everyone can tie their spreads in with the last artist, but if not, don't worry, I won't! Complimentary colors used in a way that knocks your socks off would be awesome!

5. Websites / Samples:
Style examples:
http://www.eatmedaily.com/2009/05/food-girl-series-by-wendy-ding-food-art/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fishstikks/1926610962/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/crazyfish_666/2610052481/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ronniebiccard/3406465339/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23870404@N05/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/80928973@N00/sets/72157594395475592/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/txmegan/sets/72157620772510635/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinkglitterfae/sets/72157606166668229/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/scarlettcat/sets/72157603850077505/
http://fineartamerica.com/featured/french-attitude-mademoiselles-sharon-furner.html

Just doing a search on "whimsical, women" here on this site alone shows a ton of fantastic work - this site rocks!!

Color filling the page:
http://www.karenrossi.com/commun06.htm
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8826636@N03/3680261857/in/pool-moly_x
The journal examples that Sal provided are excellent!

[LisaB]

Oh, and since we are talking tattoos...
I just had my ankle done in remembrance of AC - a swallow w/ flowers - I went with my grandaughter for her 18th birthday present, it was a blast! I am so glad I did it and created a memory for me and with Sam. She thought my artist (Reece) looked like Jesus!

[Amerasu]

Lisa, that's beautiful! What a nice thing to do :)

He does look like Jesus, lol!

I'm so glad you're joining us and that theme is right up my alley :)

[potbellyarts]

Nice ink, Lisa. :)

[ambermarie]

Nice ink! I hope to someday have the guts to do a tattoo. :P

Thanks Sal! The Spring CAT should be done today or tomorrow and returns and that's what I figured as well. I'm so excited! I have my new book and am going to be doing it up.

I'm debating on whether to decorate the cover now or later.. now or later. I know how I want to decorate it though... that's half the battle. :)

[Amerasu]

Now that we're full, I'll work out a mailing schedule and then send a PM to everyone!

[themuppet]

Good luck! Those schedules are confusing.. lol!! Maybe I'm just stupid. ;)

[ambermarie]

YAY! Now to start mine. I'm looking forward to it. I think its going to be a fun project. :)

[potbellyarts]

Now that we're full, I'll work out a mailing schedule and then send a PM to everyone!

Ha! Have fun with THAT!! <evil sympathetic laughter>

[LisaB]

I know it can be done... substitute a member of THIS group for someone from Pot's group, then pick a 2nd person to substitute for someone from Pot's group, and so on and so on... until the cat comes along and jumps on your desk, grabs the list and tears away with it towards the tv room where the kids are watching cartoons, a mad race ensues after you scream "catch the cat!" and then when you finally catch the cat, the slobber has ruined your list and you want to cry...

Sure, Sal, you can do it! *runs to get comfort food = bottle of wine*

[themuppet]

hahahah

It took me DAYS of frustration to figure out the schedule for my moley at AFA. And even then I'm still mailing to the same person 5 times.

Sal's good at organization though. I have faith! SAL! SAL! SAL! *pom-poms*

[potbellyarts]

I know it can be done... substitute a member of THIS group for someone from Pot's group, then pick a 2nd person to substitute for someone from Pot's group, and so on and so on...

Yeah, actually. Just do what Lisa said. Steal all MY hard work!!! Which I should have done with one of the lists at AFA, come to think of it. substitution!!! Good idea, Lisa.

Yes, I'm blonde.:twitcy:

[ambermarie]

*shakes pom poms*

You can doooooo eeeeeeet!

[Amerasu]

I did that but it's not working as smoothly as I hoped since we had a couple of people mailing more than once to Australia or Canada which I wanted to avoid. In one scenario, I had amber mailing to Flashviv 3 times, lol. I've handed it off to Alex (my husband) and he can figure it out and balance it out so it's once for everyone. He actually enjoys puzzles like this. I'll have it tonight :)

[flashviv]

Will everyone still love me if I change my theme? I am hoping since we haven't started yet it would be okay.

[Amerasu]

Should be fine! I don't even have mine listed yet :)

[ambermarie]

LOL

That's true... for Sal's pages I'll just do the classic 'polar bear in a snowstorm' and put a black dot in the middle of them... ;)

So, what's the new theme gonna be for ya, Flashviv?

[LisaB]

I have started working on my cover and inside pages and FINALLY got my muse to come out of hiding - it is so much fun! I am going to have so much fun with everyone's moley, I can feel it!

[flashviv]

Okay I have changed my post on page 2 - my new theme is Hands. I was reading about the symbolism of hands and thought they would make an excellent theme (so many themes so few moleys!).

Amerasu would you be able to change it on the first page please? taa so much.

[Amerasu]

I have our schedule done - I made my husband do it, lol. I just need to translate it into names (he used letters). I have to go do some yard work first. It's a holiday here.... so I'm working. Makes sense.

[themuppet]

hahah I threatened my husband with it too, but then I just sat down and did it while he was busily whittling away his "honey do" list. ;)

[Amerasu]

Sorry, it's coming tomorrow. I've had a bad internet run since yesterday and am only here on a borrowed connection. Hopefully back in business tomorrow.

I finally have an 8 person exchange route that works perfectly! All different routes, all different people. It works easily enough for 6 people but when you have 8 people, it all of a sudden became quite hard. Not sure why. Anyway, I handed it off to my geeky, programmer husband and he took it to work to share with his equally geeky friends. They all thought they could solve it easily with an algorithm but it was not to be. Our little mailing route plan ended up turning my husband's workplace upside down. They even had the PhD statistician write a little program to solve it - that didn't work. Finally, an enterprising mind (another programmer) on our D&D squad solved it while we played. Apparently the answer to our mailing route woes is a sub-set of balanced latin squares. Whatever right? lol. I'm just happy I didn't have to stretch my brain and those guys love the logic puzzles. It was a fair trade :)

[themuppet]

Ha! I love it. I'm so baffled/fascinated by the logical brain. That's awesome that they all took our little moley schedule as a serious problem to solve. :D

[flashviv]

.........a sub-set of balanced latin squares hmmmm, I always knew we were a special lot!

[Amerasu]

UPDATE!

I've just sent everyone the travel route for your journals so please make note of this somewhere inside your journal.

Flashviv, you need to let everyone know which mailing address to use for you.


Amerasu -> Livia -> themuppet -> Flashviv -> Rapa -> LisaB -> ambermarie -> potbellyarts
Livia -> Flashviv -> potbellyarts -> LisaB -> themuppet -> Amerasu -> Rapa -> ambermarie
themuppet -> potbellyarts -> Rapa -> Livia -> ambermarie -> Flashviv -> Amerasu -> LisaB
Flashviv -> LisaB -> Livia -> potbellyarts -> Amerasu -> ambermarie -> themuppet -> Rapa
Rapa -> themuppet -> ambermarie -> Amerasu -> potbellyarts -> Livia -> LisaB -> Flashviv
LisaB -> Amerasu -> Flashviv -> ambermarie -> Livia -> Rapa -> potbellyarts -> themuppet
ambermarie -> Rapa -> Amerasu -> themuppet -> LisaB -> potbellyarts -> Flashviv -> Livia
potbellyarts -> ambermarie -> LisaB -> Rapa -> Flashviv -> themuppet -> Livia -> Amerasu

[potbellyarts]

Whee! Thanks, Sal.

PS I feel a lot less dumb now that you explained how your husband and his TEAM of scientists struggled with this, too!!

[EraserQueen]

I'm am so loving the fact that a Ph.D guy couldn't figure out a mailart mailing schedule HAHAHAHAHA. I think a hacked up a pound of phlegm just laughing over it. Sorry to gross everyone out :eek:

[Amerasu]

I know, Annie! It's pretty amusing! It took the guy who figured it out a couple of hours of major effort. If we'd known about balanced latin squares in the beginning, this all could have been avoided :)

[LisaB]

*puffs up with pride*
I feel pretty smart after reading all this, I have to say! I thought my system of starting with a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h and the next one of starting with b,c,d, etc. would have worked, and even though it didn't, it came in close.
*deflates and walks away...*

[LisaB]

Attention, everyone!
The rotation PM shows me living in Alexandria, VA, which is where I went to high school.
But...
I now live in Alexandria, LA - I don't know if I have submitted it wrong somewhere or Sal has friends in Virginia! LOL

Please change it on your list, thanks.

[Amerasu]

Thanks Lisa! I'll send out a corrected mailing list as soon as everyone weighs in so we can be 100% sure we all have the correct addresses before Sept 1 :)

[potbellyarts]

That booboo is on me! Ack! I swear, my brain is melting lately; somebody send me some folic acid, quick!

Before PMing the addy list for this swap to all participants, Sal asked me to fill in a few blanks, and yours was one of 'em, Lisa. Either I made an inadvertent but logical typo totally coicidentally... or, more likely, I READ "Alexandria, LA" but TYPED "Alexandria, VA."

Some interesting trivia regarding this error:

1. I have TWO Rolos on you; one in my own handwriting, and one that you, yourself, made for me in a long-ago Rolo swap. They both read, "Alexandria, LA" quite clealrly.

2. My sister used to live in Alexandria, VA.

TaDum! Case closed!

Sorry about the foul-up.

[ambermarie]

:biglaugh:

Oh this is great fun. I love this swap already.

AND- to add to the address fun, I've given Sal a new address to use for Idaho. NO ONE USE THE ONE FOR ALASKA TO MAIL TO FOR THIS SWAP.

:biglaugh:

I was telling my husband, btw, about trying to figure out the mailing process and he was like- 'Its so simple! I could've done it this way! babble babble' I say I'll give it to him next time. LOL

[potbellyarts]

Amber -- send me your Idaho addy; I still have your AK one listed as "current."

[LisaB]

Ha ha ha!!!!!! Aren't we a mess?!? I can feel it in my bones... this is going to be a GREAT swap!
*runs off to find streamers and confetti to celebrate*

[flashviv]

Hi everyone, could you all use the PO Box 2919, Dubbo NSW Australia addy for me
thanks

[ambermarie]

Amber -- send me your Idaho addy; I still have your AK one listed as "current."

Done! ;)

I just hadn't yet because I husband talked of setting up our own PO Box again.

I decided to just go with my parents' though for now cuz its already established and didn't want to deal with the headache we had before.

All is well! Yay!

[Amerasu]

I just sent everyone the up to date mailing list. If you have any changes within the next couple of weeks, please be sure to let us know. I know that's not likely - but just in case :)

[Amerasu]

Has anyone started yet? Judt curious!

[livia]

I am now obsessed with the moleskin books. I found this site I thought I would share, it has some very interesting art.

http://fiveprime.org/hivemind/Tags/art,moleskine

[LisaB]

I have started working on mine, I am having a blast! The cover is nearly done, I decided to make tags that will be held together on a chain with each artist's name on it, instead of a sign in page. It will dangle from the book. I will post pics when completed.

[potbellyarts]

Beautiful pages, Livia! Thanks for sharing; there's a lot of inspiration there.

[Amerasu]

Great link, Livia! :)

[Rapa]

I love that link, Livia - thanks so much for sharing! I'm planning to do my cover when I get my moleskin back from its journey, but I'm pretty much finished and ready to mail. I don't want to throw anything off, but could we mail the journals earlier than the
1st of the month?

[livia]

I am finished with my pages. I am ready to mail also. Since my first partner is in Australia I may mail a little early. I will post my pages in my gallery and they are also at my blog.

[LisaB]

Your spread is beautiful! The idea you came up with is so unique, I can't wait to see it, close up and personal.

[Meran]

wow. HOW can you keep up with any other art??????? No bigger paintings, no atcs, no chunkies, I'm sure..

astonishing. yes. I'd love some myself.. just send them all to me, I'll be a proper curator. :D

(I REALLY don't see how any of you can do any other work.. some of those shown on livia's link are downright complicated, professional, tweaked, detailed!! all of any other description except EASY, LAZY, QUICK, you know those. :)

[themuppet]

oooOOoo Livia that's fantastic!

Meran, the one spread I've finished (cause I'm a slacker and haven't started this one yet) only took a day to do. Probably an hour sketching and then redrawing.. maybe an hour inking.. then finishing took about 5-6 hours. Keep in mind I have a 19-month-old, so those are pretty sporadic hours.. lol!!

That being said.. I'm in three moleys right now and am not signing up for ANYTHING new until after the first of the year so that I make sure to have time for those and gift exchanges and such and not have to freak myself out.

[Rapa]

I'm having a heck of a time uploading into the gallery and I'm sure it's all me. I'm still learning about using images & the internet and hope my links work here. :confused:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rapa_arts/3836720775/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rapa_arts/3837510790/in/photostream/

[potbellyarts]

Wow, those pages are beautiful! I just commented* on them on flickr; your links worked beautifully.

*Was accidentally signed in as my son Toby; oops!

[ambermarie]

awwww... so pretty Rapa! Really just wonderful.

[ambermarie]

I'm lovin' my pages as I'm workin' on 'em. I've got what I want in my head, which is half the battle for me. One page has its base drawing! Yay!

Now, up in the instructions it says to make a 'sign in' page, what are we supposed to sign in with?

Also, do we just draw on one side, what about the other?

[themuppet]

Rapa, stunning pages!!

Amber, I'm excited to see what makes you excited!! I made a sign in page on another swap with little "frames" for people to fill with their goofy self-portraits:

http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=5641&d=1248295057

I'd only draw on the front side and leave the back blank... When the pages are all in the book, you only see the fronts, anyway!

[LisaB]

I have started working on mine, I am having a blast! The cover is nearly done, I decided to make tags that will be held together on a chain with each artist's name on it, instead of a sign in page. It will dangle from the book. I will post pics when completed.

I wanted to do something different, most of my tags are complete, will upload when finished.

[ambermarie]

What a fun idea!

Okay, I want to change my theme now. I went back and re-read it, and its not as clear as I'd like and I finally figured out a what I was really envisioning or would really like and how mine are kind of turning into. LOL

Is this an okay thing, since we haven't sent yet?

[Amerasu]

Yep, no problem!

[ambermarie]

It has been changed!

Classic Fantasy. Interpret at will. XD

[Amerasu]

I changed it, Amber :)

[LisaB]

Here are the tags that will be attached permanently when the book comes home with me, each artist will sign them, and the cover for my book. My shaking hands are back, and I don't want to show my spread until I am finished with the details.

After looking at the mail list, since I send to Amerasu in Canada, I want to get this out asap since it will take longer, and I don't want Sal's time to be cut short if it takes more than a week to get there. I will post here as soon as I mail it.

[themuppet]

OH Lisa those tags are SO cool.. what a good idea!

[Amerasu]

Those tags look fantastic, Lisa :)

[ambermarie]

Cuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuute... those tags are way lovely.

[Rapa]

I love your cover and those tags!

I went ahead and mailed mine today as it could take as long as 5 days to reach TheMuppet in New York. Tracking #03090330000190263908.

[Amerasu]

Lisa, I just saw your shipping notice via email and will let you know when it arrives :)

[Amerasu]

UPDATE: Almost time to ship! Remember, journals must be shipped on or before September 1! Is everyone ready or are you still finishing up?

RED = ACTIVE. Actively working on pages.
GREEN = TRAVELING. Journal en route to next player.
BLUE = FINISHED. Pages are complete.


Amerasu -> Livia -> themuppet -> Flashviv -> Rapa -> LisaB -> ambermarie -> potbellyarts
Livia -> Flashviv -> potbellyarts -> LisaB -> themuppet -> Amerasu -> Rapa -> ambermarie
themuppet -> potbellyarts -> Rapa -> Livia -> ambermarie -> Flashviv -> Amerasu -> LisaB
Flashviv -> LisaB -> Livia -> potbellyarts -> Amerasu -> ambermarie -> themuppet -> Rapa
Rapa -> themuppet (03090330000190263908) -> ambermarie -> Amerasu -> potbellyarts -> Livia -> LisaB -> Flashviv
LisaB -> Amerasu (CV008567857US) -> Flashviv -> ambermarie -> Livia -> Rapa -> potbellyarts -> themuppet
ambermarie -> Rapa -> Amerasu -> themuppet -> LisaB -> potbellyarts -> Flashviv -> Livia
potbellyarts -> ambermarie -> LisaB -> Rapa -> Flashviv -> themuppet -> Livia -> Amerasu

:)

[Amerasu]

Can you tell whose lead I'm taking on the Moleskine organization?? lol :)
Thanks, Shel! You're a good organizer. I'm following your lead.

[potbellyarts]

Yeah, but yours is always tighter and more concise. Brevity is not my forte, I admit. I'm learning from you, too. :)

[LisaB]

Isn't it great when you receive the email notification? I love that, I ship everything from my house and haven't been in a post office for 2 years now.

[livia]

I kissed my moleskin good-bye today. It went first class mail to Australia. They said it will arrive 6-10 days.

[flashviv]

My moley was mailed on 27/8/09 to LisaB, tracking no: LC432890465AU.

Looking forward to getting yours Livia, I'll let you know as soon as it arrives.

Love the tags LisaB did for the artist sign in, and the cover looks great too.

[potbellyarts]

Finished my spread; will mail to ambermarie later today and return with DC# for your records.

Here's mine. Now I wanna see everyone else's! We were all supposed to be mailing out by today! Don't make me wait! (chews off arms in giddy anticipation...)

5995

[themuppet]

AWESOME spread, Shel! I can't wait to drool all over... err... work in your moley!

TODAY??!?!? tomorrow! (I'm going to still be finishing mine tomorrow. I'm killing myself over here)

[potbellyarts]

Oh, yeah, I jumped the gun; it's only August 31. Okay, tomorrow. TOMORROW I want pictures!!!

:)

[themuppet]

hahaha okay deal!

[themuppet]

I keep forgetting to say that Rapa's absolutely freakin' gorgeous moley is here! I've had it since Saturday and keep forgetting to post. Sorry!

[LisaB]

I totally forgot to scan my spread in my rush to get it mailed. I love your end pocket, Shel, I didn't know that was done, great idea.

[flashviv]

I forgot to photograph mine and it is already in the mail ........ I was kicking myself as I remembered the day after it went postal.

[Amerasu]

I'm mailing mine out today! I'll get our mailing list up to date as soon as I get back today :)

[Amerasu]

UPDATE! It's mail day!

This is where we're at! YAY! I still need to know where the other 3 Moleskines are so we can mark them off too. I assume tracking numbers are coming sometime today. :)


RED = ACTIVE. Actively working on pages.
GREEN = TRAVELING. Journal en route to next player.
BLUE = FINISHED. Pages are complete.

Amerasu -> Livia (CX264958890CA) -> themuppet -> Flashviv -> Rapa -> LisaB -> ambermarie -> potbellyarts
Livia -> Flashviv -> potbellyarts -> LisaB -> themuppet -> Amerasu -> Rapa -> ambermarie
themuppet -> potbellyarts -> Rapa -> Livia -> ambermarie -> Flashviv -> Amerasu -> LisaB
Flashviv -> LisaB (LC432890465AU) -> Livia -> potbellyarts -> Amerasu -> ambermarie -> themuppet -> Rapa
Rapa -> themuppet (03090330000190263908) -> ambermarie -> Amerasu -> potbellyarts -> Livia -> LisaB -> Flashviv
LisaB -> Amerasu (CV008567857US) -> Flashviv -> ambermarie -> Livia -> Rapa -> potbellyarts -> themuppet
ambermarie -> Rapa -> Amerasu -> themuppet -> LisaB -> potbellyarts -> Flashviv -> Livia
potbellyarts -> ambermarie -> LisaB -> Rapa -> Flashviv -> themuppet -> Livia -> Amerasu

[themuppet]

Blarg, I thought I had Shel's address and I don't. Mine will go out first thing in the morning (or as close to morning as I come)!

Scans later!

[themuppet]

OH and sal, I posted this earlier, but I have Rapa's moley here!

[Amerasu]

I sent out the mailing list a few weeks back. I'll forward it to you! And change Rapa;s moley to arrived! :
)

[themuppet]

OH crap you did I forgot about that. I have it!

[livia]

I mailed my moleskin to Flashviv on 8/28, it went first class, the post office would not give me a tracking number because it went out of the country. They assured me it would arrive in 6 to 10 days.

[Amerasu]

Thanks, Livia! I've updated the first post :)

[potbellyarts]

Whew! What a day! Okay... Mine went out to ambermarie today, Priority Mail, DC# 04142976955006091790

[Amerasu]

Thanks, Shel :)

[themuppet]

I have DC#!! To shel, 0103 8555 7497 3470 4066

WHEW

[Amerasu]

Great, updating the list now :)

I know ambermarie is travelling between Alaska and Idaho and was going to mail on the way. She said she'll check in with a CD# when she can!

[themuppet]

Oooof I finally have a minute to screw with scans and post.. lol

http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/images/355/large/1_mine.jpg (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/images/355/1_mine.jpg)

[Amerasu]

Sarah, that looks so good!! I love Snow White!

[potbellyarts]

Ooh, I love it! A tough act to follow. Is it Snow White? I see her weirdy dwarfs listed by name...

[themuppet]

thank you thank you! yah, Snow White. Sebastian (he's 7) was watching me and said, "Oh COOL mom! It's Snow White and the Seven Demons!" I was going to make up weird names for them, like mauley and scratchy and stabby... hahahah

[Rapa]

Cool moley and those names are great!

[Amerasu]

LisaB's book of beautiful women has arrived! It looks sooooo good! I love the art spread you did, Lisa! Gorgeous! :)

Can't wait to get started on this one - it's right up my alley :)

[LisaB]

Hot damn! I wasn't sure how to take my spread, I was frustrated that all my stuff looks the same but I wouldn't call it a distinct style... just getting blah. But now...

Can I put in a plug for your Colorful Funky Ladies workshop? I am going through the 1st class now, and it hit me like a ton of bricks why all my whimsical women look the same, no matter what I do. I don't do anything different! Gee, do you think???? I am so excited to be taking this class, and knowing that my art will improve is very exciting to me. I am living in my studio once again, creating, breaking nails, ruining clothes and it feels like old times. Yay!

[flashviv]

Lisa you make that workshop sound like sooo much fun!! I have good intentions on signing up for that one but then I checked out the art journal one and it looks very tempting too!

Livia, your beautiful journal has arrived and I am going to start on it this weekend.

[Rapa]

AmberMarie your fantastic journal arrived today!

[Amerasu]

Yay! Nice to see everything arriving safely. I'll update our first post :)

[livia]

Flashviv - Whew!! I have been counting the days since I sent it. I am glad it arrived, now you have plenty of time to work.

I am anxiously waiting for Amerasu's book.

[potbellyarts]

I've got themuppet's Moley inked and just have to add color. Nothing to update; just wanted to tease.

;)

[themuppet]

Tease!!!! :swoon:

[livia]

Just a note, I will be out of town all for next week. I hope my Moley arrives before Saturday, I have been working out some ideas for it.

[LisaB]

Still waiting...

[Amerasu]

I have your spread all planned and sketched out now, Lisa. Tons of fun! I hope you like it. I might even be able to finish it tomorrow, early and all. :)

[potbellyarts]

Sal, I neglected to overtly mention that themuppet's Moley is in hand.

[potbellyarts]

Okay, hello. MAJOR brain farts on my part. I have themuppet's Moley in hand, but it's her Moley from MY swap; it's the Moley with the theme "Mondo Bizarro" that I got from artyiagirl. I didn't double-check the theme and match it to its proper swap when I said it had arrived.

So I do NOT have themuppet's Moley for THIS swap in hand yet.

Oddly, I'm supposed to be working on two different Moleys from themuppet at the same time, in my swap and in this swap, and darn it but I confused myself.

Which begs the question... themuppet, where is your "Fairy Tales in the Dark" Moley??

Ack, sorry for the confusion.

[potbellyarts]

We may have a problem here.

Now that I realize I've been talking about the wrong swap in regards to themuppet's Moley, I just looked up themuppet's DC# from the thread and the USPS website says her parcel was delivered on September 5, but it's not here.

I DID receive one of themuppet's journals recently, but it came from artyiagirl and was for MY swap, with her theme "Mondo Bizarro." THAT'S the one I've inked and am ready to color.

I haven't seen themuppet's "Fairy Tales in the Dark" journal in person, though. It's not here.

There's nothing on my porch or in my mailbox, and no one here has signed for anything. How can that be? I thought DC required a signature?!?!

I was in Tahoe on Saturday, September 5, for the entire Labor Day weekend, and not even in town; we left Friday night, September 4. This can actually be verified (sorta) by Admin here because I let them know I was leaving town last weekend, bound for Tahoe, for Art Panel purposes; they like to keep tabs when we're out of touch in case we have a lot of applicants and the Panel needs votes. I feel guilty, even though I didn't do anything wrong here!!

I would remember if I'd opened this awesome journal.

CRAAAAAPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!!! If one goes lost, why does it have to be on MY watch?! ShitShitShitShitShit. And then I went and added to the confusion and time-lag in figuring this out because I wasn't paying close attention to which swap themuppet's Moley I DO have in hand, was for. AARGH!!!

I'll phone the PO on Monday when they're open again to do some investigating. And I'll try to track my stepson down and ask if something was delivered while we were away. He was housesitting, but it's a long shot; he's very good about messages and such.

:( :( :(

[potbellyarts]

Just talked to Zack; nothing was delivered while we were away. Either it was stolen from our front porch, or the post office is holding it and didn't leave a message, or the message blew away. I think there's little hope of that, though, because the PO site has it marked "Delivered" to my address on September 5.

I'll definitely follow this up first thing tomorrow, actually. Duh, the PO is open Saturdays. Honestly, I think I have mad cow disease sometimes lately; my brain is like Swiss cheese.

This brings up new point; within the US, should we add Delivery Confirmation, or send Certified Mail? The Moley I received from artyiagirl (Brit) was sent Priority Mail, Certified Mail, and I had to sign for it.

???

[themuppet]

I think with priority you can request a signature. I'll do that next time. Hopefully it'll show up? :swoon:

[themuppet]

And PLEASE don't feel bad, Shel. This is certainly not anything in your control!! Hopefully it's just sitting at the PO, I'll be optimistic.

[potbellyarts]

I just amended my post to read: Either it was stolen from our front porch, or the post office is holding it and didn't leave a message, or the message blew away. I think there's little hope of that, though, because the PO site has it marked "Delivered" to my address on September 5.

Unlike in my swap where Sal's journal went to the wrong addy and ended up being forwarded correctly, I think it's likely this one is actually gone/stolen. There's no signature required with Priority Mail unless you add "Signature" services, and the USPS site has it marked as Delivered here at my home address. I think if the PO still had it they would have it marked differently, like "Notice left" or some such thing.

I know it's not my fault, especially because we weren't even in town -- do you need witnesses? We were hosted in Tahoe by 3 adults and 5 kids were there, too! They can confirm I was in Tahoe as of Friday night around 11!! -- but I feel guilty anyway.

I don't know what kind of ass cheese would steal someone's mail from their front porch, but I have to think that's what happened here.

Now what??

[Amerasu]

Crap, that is not a good sign. Do the mail people leave things on your front step often, Shel? Is it exposed to the sidewalk?

CRAP!

Not sure what to do really. We can wait and call the post office tomorrow and see if they can verify for sure it was left on your front step. And if it was, you can blast then for leaving mail out for anyone to steal. So that's one option.

The second option - do you have an extra moley at your house? If you do, you could just use that one and then Sarah can do her stuff once it's returned home to her.

Third option - if Sarah has another moley, she could quickly re-do the pages and then send to you and we play catch up on her journal for the first few people.

I don't know if there's a fourth option!

Crap. I so hope it turns up.

[potbellyarts]

http://www.potbellybears.com/MoleyThief.jpg

[Amerasu]

Geez... how could they even see it from the sidewalk?? And it looks like a really nice area too. Not the sort of area that thieves are hovering about in.

[Amerasu]

Livia is supposed to be away next week so I'm wondering what will happen to my package. It has a tracking number but I don't know if that means a signature is required and if not, will it sit on her front porch for a week? Worried now, lol.

My tracking number still says "item accepted for shipment in Waterloo" which is absurd. It was sent on Sept 1 and can't still be in Waterloo. I'll call them Monday since they're not open tomorrow.

[potbellyarts]

My mail has never been stolen before, in 9 years here... but I'm usually home, so maybe that's why; I intercept most of it, or hear it being delivered. I work at home (until the last weeks, anyway, I did.) I'll be leaving a note for my postal carrier NOT to leave mail on my porch from now on, you can be sure.

We're on what used to be a rural route but is now fully developed. They've kept some of the RR accoutrements, though, including a group mailbox which is across the street and not in the photo above. It has space large enough for a Priority Mail envelope or small flat rate box but they usually deliver parcels of ANY size directly to my door, ring the bell, and walk away, and just deliver "envelope" mail to the group box, because it fills up quickly. I've often returned home from errands with parcels at my door, too. They're generally hidden off to the side or behind the furniture or plants there, and not in plain view of the street. As I said, though, we were gone for fully three days this last weekend (although Zack was in and out taking care of the dogs in our absence.) He didn't see anything, and nothing was at the door when we returned home; I always look there as I drive in.

I'm pretty sure it's stolen, which is craptastic.

I don't have any empty Moleys here at home and need to order myself a Moley for curbsidetreasures swap upcoming, so I'll just order an extra for themuppet and do my work in it. I can be on time, no problem, for our next mail-by date for this swap; Amazon delivers really fast.

Mostly I feel bad about Sarah's awesome art being lost. :(

I'll still check in at the PO tomorrow but I'm pretty sure they'll tell me it's been delivered already. So I'll order Sarah a Moley and go from there. Sound good??

[Amerasu]

What a bummer. I hope you have good news when you call tomorrow, Shel. :)

[potbellyarts]

Me too, but I'm not holding my breath.

Crap.

[themuppet]

haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa this just freakin' figures. This is how my life ALWAYS goes. The gods are testing me. Bitches. ;)

I can do it again. It'll probably take me a few days, but I have more moleys sitting here already, and I should hopefully be able to ship it out again by Wednesday.

Guess I'll stop crocheting poop and get off my ass and draw. hahaha

No stress, it happens. No witnesses required as to your location... lol! I doubt YOU'd steal my goofyass moley!

[livia]

I am just checking in quickly we are leaving tomorrow morning. I have adult children (boomeranged back again) who are here and will get my mail. I have instructed them to watch out for the Moley if it does not come today.

[Amerasu]

That's great news, Livia! I've always told my kids they only have one comeback once they leave, lol, and that they have to leave by 25 (if they're not in school). I'd likely let them have as many comebacks as they need but I had to make a point. My son shows absolutely no signs of wanted to leave, lol. He's only 21 but at that age, I was long gone.

Anyway, I guess we should all do the sig required thing then? Just to lessen the chances of loss? I'll check into it here in Canada and see how much it adds to the total. I don't think it will be much.

My mail is dropped off in a community box at the end of our street. We each have our own box with key. They have big boxes for packages which is great but the post lady has left a couple of packages on my front porch before and walked away without even ringing the bell. And she left a note that said that we weren't home!! Very nervy and lazy as heck. My office looks out on our porch so I've seen her do this twice in the past few months so I complained about her and it hasn't happened since. Now they all go in the big box or she actually rings the bell.

[LisaB]

I would be happy to pay the extra $2 for signature confirmation. Having a Priority # doesn't mean diddly-squat except it is "kind of" trackable. Since I have been involved in 12 journal groups and lost 3, I can tell you that these have happened:
- journal lost due to getting lost in mailroom - found 3 weeks later (can you believe it?)
- journal lost due to shipping mixup and ended up other side of the world, literally
- journal lost on delivery truck, found a week later (this one nearly drove me mad)
- journal lost due to neighbor's receiving journal in error, took 2 weeks to return (argh!)

I am still waiting for the excuse "the postal mascot dog ate it".

[potbellyarts]

Ha! That's interesting stuff, Lisa. And more than a few scares! Sounds like they all worked out, though.

The Priority DC# proves delivery, which felt like a way to make people accountable. We didn't want to overburden with extra services and charges; makes things more complex and pricey, too. I'm personally gonna do the signature thing from now on myself, though... just in case.

Having said that... FANTASTIC NEWS!!!

FOUND!!

AS I WAS TYPING a consolation PM to Sarah (themuppet) this morning, my husband went out to check our mail, and lo and behold, there was her lost Moley!!! In our locked box (we have the same setup as Sal.) It was just sitting there, in the box. I hadn't even had a chance to contact the PO yet (got up late this morning) and was, I kid you not, literally mid-sentence typing a note to Sarah, and in walks Tim with her Priority Mail box.

I don't have any idea what happened, but I don't care. I'm just thrilled it's here! Maybe my carrier marked it delivered but set it aside because she knows our house and our cars weren't out front, so she kept it for safekeeping. Who knows? That makes sense, but who knows? All I know is, yay, yay, yay, yay, yay. I'm sooooooooooooooo glad this worked out.

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[themuppet]

*does the funky chicken in celebration*

Now I can move on with my life. I've been moping around the house all day. hahahah

If she was holding onto it, I'm glad she did that rather than leaving it on the porch. My mail lady puts my stuff in my garage, but I'm one of two houses at the end of a 1/8th mile long driveway, so it's pretty safe there.

WHEWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!

[Amerasu]

YAY!!! what fantastic news!! I'm so happy! :)

[flashviv]

Great ending - so glad the Moley decided to behaved itself and turned up where it should be - they must develop minds of their own once they go postal!

[Amerasu]

Linda, do you mind if I ship LisaB's journal to you a bit early? I'm done now and it will probably take 2 weeks plus to get from Canada to Australia, lol.

[flashviv]

No, fabulous idea Sal, I am planning to get Livia's journal on its way earlier too to make up for the international postal journing.

[Amerasu]

Super! I'll send it tonight or in the morning then! I just need to scan and package it first :)

[LisaB]

Whew! I received flashviv's journal today! I can't wait to get started!

[Amerasu]

Livia - I've been tracking my journal on its way to you and it is still listed as "accepted in Waterloo" with a date of September 1. I called Canada Post today to find out what the heck is up since it should have been delivered to you on Saturday or Monday. They don't know where it is since it's only been scanned the once here in Waterloo. But they've put a trace on it and are looking for it. They asked for your address and phone number so I gave that to them, even though it was already on the package. They might call. I don't know. At this point, all we can do is wait. It does have a tracking number so it's not lost the post guy said, just delayed at this point. No idea why. If it doesn't arrive for another week or two, we might be playing catch-up with my journal. I hope no one minds!

[potbellyarts]

I don't mind, Sal. I admit, I don't understand Canada Post. If the USPS loses something, it's just LOST. None of this "delayed" stuff. Cracking up here...

Hope your Moley finds its way to Livia soon! We've had great luck with two scares across our two swaps so far!!

[Amerasu]

Shel, no one understands Canada Post! I asked the man how they could "lose" something with a tracking number and he assured me it was not lost, just slightly delayed. Funny man. Its still in Waterloo as far as he's concerned so not lost at all! I don't know how they function sometimes but they are a source of annoying amusement to us Canadians. :)

[ambermarie]

WOOO HOOO! I'm alive!!!

Oh my gosh. This was a hard trip this time. I swear, my husband changes stuff up purposely just to see how far my energy stretches.

Regardless, hooray for some internet FINALLY. I see that my journal has arrived safe and sound, which is good, cuz my husband lost my tracking number.

Cuz you know, the best place for important documents is the floor of the car.

So, I am snug in at Idaho Falls now in our new trailer that leaks. Hooray for people not getting done what they say they will.

Ech.

I have Shel's journal though! I will be getting it done this weekend most likely and shipped out soon because I think the next spot is out of the US.

And your journal is wonderful Shel, my whole family was wondering what the book was that I had put in my parents' PO Box and why I was so excited when they handed it to me. (I was smart this time, while we had not hiccups with our own new PO Box, I didn't want to take chances).

Yay!

[potbellyarts]

Yay on every front, and welcome to your new digs.

I just moved into an office with only SOME of my craft stuff and boy, was that disorienting! I can't imagine moving my entire house and resettling. Egads! I'm glad you're through the worst of it.

Happy creating, and good luck finding your art supplies. lol...

[Amerasu]

Yay, Canada Post just called me and said that they had left a delivery notice at Livia's house so the journal actually did arrive. Whenever Livia gets home, she can get it. :)

[LisaB]

Maybe all this scary crap will mean that the end will be a piece of cake, right?! lol

[Amerasu]

I hope so, Lisa! I don't think I've ever been involved in a circle journal or other collaborative swap where something didn't go off-kilter or crazy or lost! It's bizarre! I might be the bad luck charm, lol.

[potbellyarts]

I think it's just the nature of the game, Sal, and not your cursed self. lol... I'm glad your journal's been found!!

[Amerasu]

Here's my spread for Lisa's Whimsical Women spread. Lots of fun with this one! It's on the way to Flashviv now.

http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/images/2/large/1_moley_lisaB.jpg (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=15662)

:)

[potbellyarts]

This is absolutely stunning! AWESOME, colorful, fun, funky spread, Sal. Lisa will pee herself a little bit, I think, maybe, over this. lol...

[Rapa]

All the whimsy women are fantastic!

[livia]

Sal, I just got home and there is a form I have to go to the post office and sign for the Moley. No one here could sign for it. I will pick it up tomorrow. The note came yesterday so it is not been here long.

[ambermarie]

LOL

Waaaay cute Sal. Very cute.

On a side note, I spent two days straight re-packing all my art supplies into plastic totes that are labeled to make things a little easier (they sit in a garage). The things I use the most are snug under our bed.

I need a nap though. LOL

[Rapa]

For AmberMarie's "Classic Fantasy" journal, I put Botticelli's "Birth of Venus" under the sea as mermaid/man. The pearlescent water scanned in harsh and my photo merge is far from perfect; it does look better in real life. I should be mailing it either today or Monday.

[Amerasu]

That's beautiful, Rapa! It looks super :)

I know about the scans of these moleys, lol. Mine always look a bit wonky too. They're not easy to scan nicely, especially if they're a bit bulky.

[LisaB]

My spread is fabulous, Sal! Thank you!

*runs off to change her wet pants*

[livia]

Sal - Oooo I have your Moley, I picked it up from the post office this morning. It will be such fun.

[Rapa]

I was able to mail AmberMarie's journal yesterday and the tracking no. is EH 827477674 US. It should be in Canada by Wed/Thur I hope.

[Amerasu]

Super! Updating the first post now :)

[livia]

Here are Sal's pages. I had to do two scans because 4 pages do not fit on my scanner bed. I am going to the post office on Wednesday and will post the tracking number then.

[LisaB]

Love the spread, Livia! Way to go!

[Amerasu]

Livia, that looks fantastic! I love it! What a totally fun and cool spread! :) :) :)

[Amerasu]

Ambermarie's journal has arrived safely! :)

[livia]

Amerasu's moley is on its way to themuppet. Here is the confirmation number
0309 0330 0002 2428 1281. It should get there hopefully by the weekend.

[flashviv]

Livia's Journal is on way to Potbellyarts - tracking number is LC439543125AU, they told me it should take 7 working days to get there.

Loving the pages we are seeing here, Rapa, Amerasu & Livia, fabulous art.

I will get the pages I did for Livia up here on the weekend.

[potbellyarts]

Oops, wrong thread. :)

[Amerasu]

Ok, all up to date with the journal list.

[flashviv]

here are my pages for Livia's scapes journal 'Circuscape'

[themuppet]

very cool, viv!! :D

Sal, your moley has arrived safe and sound!

[LisaB]

Beautiful spread, flashviv!

[Rapa]

Great circus scene Flashviv!

[livia]

I love the circus - thanks viv

[potbellyarts]

LOVE the circus theme flashviv!!

[flashviv]

Thanks for your comments, this is the first time I have been in a project like this and it is great to get such fab feedback.

Lisa B's gorgeous journal has arrived from Amerasu today safe 'n sound. Now I'd better get busy with some whimiscal women.

[LisaB]

I finished flashviv's moley - here it is, I hope you like it, Linda!
I really enjoyed working on this, drawing realistically is one of my favorite ways to express myself.

[themuppet]

Oh Lisa that is super fabulous. SUPER FABULOUS. I love the baby hand <3

[LisaB]

I am ready to pack up flashviv's moley and send to Livia - are you ready for it, Liv?

Thanks, Muppet!

[Amerasu]

Wow, Lisa! that seriously rocks!! Gorgeous! I love the progression :)

[Amerasu]

I'll update the travel list this evening. :)

[Amerasu]

UPDATE: Mailing Date is Oct. 1!

Just a reminder that all moleys need to be in the mail by October 1. That's this Thrusday! Don't forget to post here when you mail and/or receive so we know where the journals are.

:)

[Rapa]

Beautiful hands, especially the baby hand!

[LisaB]

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate hearing feedback.

flashviv's journal is being sent today to livia: #0590-3699-3000-0000-9116 with click-n-ship at usps.com

[ambermarie]

Hooray! I finished my spread for Potbellyarts and it is shipped off, priority mail to LisaB-

1000300567236

Should be there in 2-3 days.

[potbellyarts]

Just saw this in the gallery, and am IN LOVE. Whee! What a great spread; seriously, I love it. Thank you!

[ambermarie]

awww... thank you! I really enjoyed making it. Though its funny, I could've tweaked and kept going for the rest of the book... LOL :)

[Amerasu]

Amber that looks fantastic! :)

Shel and Sarah - have you two shipped yet or did I miss your posts?

[potbellyarts]

No, I'm afraid I'm being a bad girl and have to ship tomorrow. I've just been overwhelmed the last two weeks with work stuff and I didn't want to rush. I'm sending Priority w/in the US (rapa, within California even,) so it will be there as soon as, or quicker than, anyone sending First Class, and I don't think will produce any delay.

My bad, my apologies. :(

[Amerasu]

Yep, no worries, Shel. Life happens :)

[livia]

Flashviv's moley arrived today. I can't wait to work in it.

[Amerasu]

Ok, mailing list all up to date.

[themuppet]

I'm running super late... I was all behind and then got crazy sick, so I'll be sending mine overnight express hopefully on Monday. Sorry I haven't updated, I haven't been able to stand up for longer than a few minutes without gasping and wheezing. Suuuuuucks.

[Amerasu]

Ok, no problem! I knew you were sort of getting sick so it sucks that you went and got yourself the full blown thing. Hope you feel better soon! :)

[ambermarie]

awwwww... feel better soon Muppett! I despise being sick.

[LisaB]

Ambermarie - I received Shel's awesome moley from you today. Wow, the art in this is fantastic!!!!!

[ambermarie]

I blame the awesomeness on Shel. LOL Such a great start! Makes me wish I had gotten further on the start of my moley.

But noooooo... it took me hours to not even get a face I wanted to get right, not be right. :P

[livia]

So, it is rainy and cool here in Texas. I already knew what I was going to do in Viv's book. The hands are making shadow images.

Shel when you are ready, I will send you the book.

[Amerasu]

What a cool idea, Livia!

[potbellyarts]

I'm running behind on this. I'm really sorry!

I planned to work on this and mail out just a smidge late, by October 2 or 3, but then my son got a terrible flu, and now I have it, and I am feverish and miserable and basically just laying around on the sofa, drugged to the gills with Ibuprofen, Acetominophen, Mucinex, and Sudafed, alternating between sweating and shivering. Ugh. Doesn't this virus know I've got THINGS to do???

I've got themuppet's "Fairy Tales" Moley right now, and ship to Rapa within the US (within my state, CA, even) once I'm done. I'll try to get it out by today or tomorrow Priority Mail. If I can't get it out by tomorrow, I'll overnight (if Rapa wants me to; if she's not gonna work on it for a week or so, I'll Priority.)

My apologies!! Bad Shel. I just didn't want to rush it...

[themuppet]

Shel, if you guys have the same nasty bug that we all have, I totally sympathize. I am utterly miserable right now, a big achy phlegmy mess.

That being said, I'm almost done with Rapa's journal and should be able to send it off tomorrow. I've been working on it in 10-minute increments and stopping when my sinuses started throbbing too much to concentrate.. hahaha

[LisaB]

"Spray the moley's down with Lysol before you ship them to us!"

Can't you just hear your mother yelling that at us??? I am so sorry to hear you guys are sick, it is rotten and hard to concentrate, I totally sympathize. Get better soon!

[potbellyarts]

"Spray the moley's down with Lysol before you ship them to us!"

Can't you just hear your mother yelling that at us???

Yes, I can! I wonder if it might act as a fixative, even. lol... :)

If I could just get my fever down I'd be able to shoulder on. I didn't realize I'd become such a wimp in my older age. I used to get fevers all the time and surf through it. Now, when I'm at 101, I feel like I'm on death's door!

[Rapa]

Potbelly - I'm doing my layout so no worries, just hope you aren't doing "Little Red Ridinghood" otherwise I'll have to come up with something else. Take care of yourself and your children, I don't mind working fast if it comes to that.

[potbellyarts]

No worries; I'm doing dark Hansel & Gretel. :)

[flashviv]

Hi, I haven't had a chance to visit the site of late and had the MOST wonderful time catching up and seeing the pages that LisaB and Livia have worked on for my moley. It is sooooo exciting to see how it is growing.

Ambermarie, your pages for Potbelly's rock too.

[ambermarie]

awwwwwwwwwwww... I feel so bad for people feeling so sick! Feel bettah soon. *hugs from afar*

Gives me plenty of time to figure out what I'm going to do.. as long as I have my people picked by the time it gets to me, it'll be allll good. :)

and Livia! LOVE what you did! Great job putting that spread together. Very kewl.

[themuppet]

OKAY! I finally have Rapa's journal done.. this one was nervewracking and a half!

I chose Bowie, Twiggy, Debbie Harry (Blondie), and Jareth (another Bowie, but a character instead)

http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/images/355/large/1_rapa.jpg (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/images/355/1_rapa.jpg)

Amber, I'm going to overnight it tomorrow morning. the flu has officially kicked my lily white ass.

[Amerasu]

That looks fantastic!! I love twiggy and Deborah Harry especially! What a great spread! :)

[Amerasu]

Sarah - have you received my journal from Livia yet?
Shel - have you received Livia's journal from Flashviv yet?

Just want to keep us all up to date!

[themuppet]

Thanks Sal!

I got your journal a while ago :) I think I mentioned it before I succumbed to the plague.. lol!

[Amerasu]

Oh ok cool! Missed that one! Probably missed Shel's notice too, lol :)

[Rapa]

Muppet - those pages look awesome! I especially like Bowie!

[ambermarie]

How kewl Muppet! Way to work through the plague! Can't wait to see 'em. :D