In The Style Of....Yourself! Chunky Book - Due Mar 31, 2008

[kosmopooch]

** DUE DATE EXTENDED TO APRIL 10**

< This swap is full! Thanks! >

Let your hair down, fly by the seat of your pants, run with the wind, shake your groove thang! Do what you do best and create a group of original, open-theme / open-media chunky pages.

Adorn the backs with appropriate decoration and a mini "artist bio" Be as truthful or "creative" with your bio as you please, but be sure to include your real name and username somewhere in there!


Rules of engagement:

*4x4 Chunky Book pages with the option of binding on left or top - so be aware of where the chunky stuff lands~ Any questions about this - post it here or PM me!

*All pages must be 100% hand drawn/painted/sewn/carved/written/crafted! Please no pre-fabricated elements such as stickers or scrapbook embellishments. Printed papers are fine as long as they are somehow worked over and manipulated by you!

*No prints or copies. Only original work, please.

*3-D elements are welcome and encouraged - Be as chunky...or not...as you like.

ADDITIONAL INFO:

* 12 participants maximum

* Create one card for every participant - Total of 11 ( or 12 if you want to make one for yourself)

* Please include your username in the artist info on the backs of your pages.

* DUE DATE EXTENDED TO APRIL 10th

* No Withdrawals after Jan. 15th Please!

* All players please include a clearly written address label. I will provide shipping envelopes for returns.

All US players please include $3 to cover cost of returns. Well concealed cash or US postage stamps welcome.

International players - Please send Canadian / UK / applicable country postage stamps of equal value to your mailing costs to US. I can use them later for other swaps.

* I will post your feedback when I receive your cards.

And the contestants are....

1) KOSMOPOOCH

2) MRS WEYREMASTER - Arrived

3) ADRIAYNA - ARRIVED

4) ABI - Arrived

5) LIVIA-ARRIVED

6) CATSAVANNAH - Arrived

7) ALTERMYWORLD - ARRIVED

8)STUDIOMELANGE - ARRIVED

9) DINA54 - ARRIVED

10) ERASERQUEEN - Arrived

11) CRAFTER412-ARRIVED

12) AMERASU

[kosmopooch]

Come one come all....when you sign up, please include your preference for top binding (hanging) or left binding. Once sign ups are full and everyone has voted, we'll decide on binding based on majority vote. My vote is for top binding (hanging).

[mrs_weyremaster]

Sign me up please, as for binding my vote goes to left hand binding.
Thanks
Suzi

[adriayna]

I am so in. I don't know what to do about the binding...I might hang these as well. Anyways, I hope people don't mind getting some funky trees and swirled landscapes!

[OriginalYouth]

Ooooh, tempting....

[EraserQueen]

Cool! I don't know that I can sign up if we have to make one for each participant :( But I REALLY like the open theme idea.

[kosmopooch]

Ahhh come on, EQ & OY ! We have until mid March and it's open-theme, open-media....no researching themes, no detailed copies of other artists. I'll even move the deadline to the END of march if it will make it easier on everyone!

Come on, little girls.....don't you want some candy (and one of Dana's swirly landscapes) ? :mask:

[adriayna]

Hehehe! This will be fun and relaxing...such a change from some of the challenges here :).

[abi]

I'm in! This will be my first chunky book, but I feel like I can do this and it will be a nice break after finishing the 180+ (ok, slight exaggeration) of PAT's I'm in that are due in Jan & Feb. I would be up for a end of march deadline :) Also either side or top binding is good for me, just let me know :)

[kosmopooch]

So glad you're in, Abi!

[abi]

clover huh? more like freezing to death in the snow that blows sideways :P

[kosmopooch]

Heh, Abi! We were in the same snowy boat yesterday!

Make note, I adjusted the due date to March 31st in an attempt to lure EQ , OY and anyone else with a full calendar!

[adriayna]

EQ and OY, come on! You know you want to join us!

[Amerasu]

I will likely join but I need to clear my plate over the next couple of weeks before I can fully commit. I don't want to get in over my head and I'm close right now!

I changed the date in the title for you.

[livia]

I can't pass on a chunky book. Sign me up. Left binding for me.
livia

[kosmopooch]

EQ - thanks for the update!

Welcome, Livia!

Right now it seems like most everyone is ok with left side binding....shall we just go with that?

[catsavannah]

Love dem chunkies!!!:jiggy: Please, sign me up!!!

[dina54]

I've never been in a chunky book swap before, but I am interested. I really would prefer mine to be a hanging book. Can't we make each page hanging or left-sided binding as per each participant's request? Since we don't have to worry about themes, that shouldn't be a problem, right?

[EraserQueen]

We could all be mindful that the recipients might want to add their own eyelets and not glue tons of chunky stuff in the corners. That way we can all choose what we want? :)

I got bird returns with chunky bits hanging of of all different corners and bottoms, but they all still would have worked out fine for hanging or binding (top, left or right) :)

[EraserQueen]

I guess the above post means I'm caving :)

[kosmopooch]

Sounds like a good plan! So we will all just be aware of where the chunk goes and leave it open to top or left binding! Makes the swapping lots easier on me and gives everyone flexibility to do what they want!

So....Dina & EQ....are you signing up???? :yes:


We could all be mindful that the recipients might want to add their own eyelets and not glue tons of chunky stuff in the corners. That way we can all choose what we want? :)

I got bird returns with chunky bits hanging of of all different corners and bottoms, but they all still would have worked out fine for hanging or binding (top, left or right) :)

[altermyworld]

I def am in i love chunky books.
Ang

[catsavannah]

I def am in i love chunky books.
Ang

Don't talk with your mouth full!!!!!!!!:twitcy:

[altermyworld]

Sworry, these cookies are Sogood.
ANg

[studiomelange]

I've been wanting to try a chunky book swap and this one is far enough out that I feel like I can manage it. Guess I'm all in if you say I can play. I might be able to get arteeztmom in too. I'm a bad influence on her. ;)

[kosmopooch]

Altermyworld & Studiomelange...welcome to the mix!

Studio: Don't worry about being a chunky book newbie! Just think of it as a larger, sturdier ATC with more embellishments! Easy, right?

Everyone please note: I added a withdraw deadline of January 15th. These pages are a lot of work and since we're making pages for every participant, that gives me time to fill your spot if you decide to back out. I guess I should also say "Please don't withdraw :)"

[Amerasu]

I think I will just go ahead and join since the due date is so far away. I can do it.

[adriayna]

Annie, you are so caving in! :)

[EraserQueen]

Dag nabbit I Am! Sign me up Scotty.. :eek:

[Janet]

I would love to do this too, if there is still room please?

[dina54]

Aaargh! OK, I give in, sign me up.:eek:

[Amerasu]

crafter412, I think I am spot 12 but you can have it, no worries. I don't mind not being in this one as I have done 2 chunky books already.

[EraserQueen]

If I am making 11, I don't mind making 12, in fact I'd much rather have an even number anyway :)

[kosmopooch]

Crafter412, Dina54 AND (drumroll please) AMERASU !!! O.Y hasn't posted again so Amerasu will take the final spot. I will check with OY and add one more spot for her (as long as everyone's ok with creating one more page as Eraserqueen mentioned). That will round it of at the very lucky number of 13 participants. Otherwise, we'll close it off at 12 as originally planned.

[adriayna]

13 is fine :)

[Janet]

crafter412, I think I am spot 12 but you can have it, no worries. I don't mind not being in this one as I have done 2 chunky books already.

Awwww, such kindness, thank you. I'm so glad you are still in :)

Thank you for adding me.

[dina54]

13 has always been a good number for me!

[kosmopooch]

Looks like we're closed at 12, everyone! Have fun with your pages!

[studiomelange]

Did we decide left or top, or are we leaving it up to each person's preference?

[OriginalYouth]

O.Y hasn't posted again so Amerasu will take the final spot. I will check with OY and add one more spot for her.

You guys are too sweet to wait for me. :) Thanks for that; it's really kind. I'd LOVE to join this, but, alas, real life is still too out of hand. I've decided no more 'big swaps' or hosting until we have regular income. Gotta keep trying to sell some stuffs! I finished my mural today and got paid for that, but I doubt I'll score one over the holidays, so I gotta stretch my time. :) I'll miss you guys and will be here to ogle your pages. :D

[kosmopooch]

I think we should just try to make the pages with the option for both so we aren't worrying to make specific pages for specific people.


Did we decide left or top, or are we leaving it up to each person's preference?



OY - we'll miss you :wubclub: I'll be sending lots of money-filled wishes your way!

[adriayna]

I think we should just design them in such a way that either binding (left or top) will work :)

[studiomelange]

Okay, I'm new to the chunky book thing and I truly have no idea what this means:
"Well concealed cash or US postage stamps welcome." Please enlighten me. I get that we are to send $3 for the swap, but, what does the well concealed part mean. Duhhhhhhh!

[altermyworld]

It just means if you send cash conceal in another sealed envie. Its just a precaution. Wouldn't want your package to get opened for whatever reason and have dollar bills fall out and then disappear.
ANg

[Janet]

I will need some help with this swap. Will 300grm watercolour paper be strong enough? How do I decide on a theme?

[mrs_weyremaster]

The chunky pages i've just finished were made on mount board, bought it on ebay, it's the centre bits left over from when they cut picture mounts, i find it works great, stands up to alot of punishment and isn't too heavy.

Here's the link to his ebay shop http://stores.ebay.co.uk/SMartART-now_W0QQssPageNameZstrkQ3amefsQ3amesstQQtZkm

Costs you more in postage than he charges for the mount board, but his postage cost are fair, just over actual costs.

Hope that Helps
Suzi

[kosmopooch]

I've never used watercolor paper but I have received pages made on 140lb (300grm) paper and they are very sturdy and have a nice weight. If you make them on the paper but they don't feel sturdy enough for you, you could always make them double thickness or mount them on a heavier backing.

As far as a theme goes...you don't need one unless you want one. You can make all of your pages in a different theme, or of the same theme if you prefer. This swap is all about freedom to do what you want! I started this swap because lately I have felt the need to sit down and make art in whatever medium and of whatever subject I want rather than being required to have a theme. Whatever you do, have fun with it.




I will need some help with this swap. Will 300grm watercolour paper be strong enough? How do I decide on a theme?

[adriayna]

I've used 140 lb paper too, and I like the size. But that is about the minimum thickness you should have, IMHO.

[abi]

I know I am showing my ignorance, but it is the front that gets decorated and the back a nice treatment but not equal to the front? Just curious

[kosmopooch]

ABI - Yes! For the backs you may do as much or as little "decoration" as you want as long as they are cleanly finished and look nice for those who are binding them into a book. Please include artist information on the back, also.

[studiomelange]

Oh, I'm so excited to do this project. Thanks for all the info. on how to do it. Thanks for joining in Abi. I'm glad I'm not alone at being the first to do a chunky.

[Janet]

Thanks for all the help I am really looking forward to doing this :)

[kosmopooch]

I'm glad you are all excited! So am I. I have two paintings I'm working on for Christmas gifts and will start my pages as soon as those are done! I'll post them as they are completed!

[livia]

I have a question, I am terrible at drawing the human figure. Could I collage a person in and do the rest hand drawn or painted? Otherwise you might get stick figures.

[mrs_weyremaster]

I have a question, I am terrible at drawing the human figure. Could I collage a person in and do the rest hand drawn or painted? Otherwise you might get stick figures.

Just checked out your gallery and i couldn't see any badly drawn figures. I love the knight, the girl for meran, and the geisha with umbrella. However if your not comfortable drawing figures, then i don't think you have to for this swap, i'd interepreted it that we can draw/paint pretty much whatever we wanted as long as it was in our own style.

[kosmopooch]

The ONLY requirement for the art in this swap is that everything must be "by you". If you use a collage image of a person (example: photo or magazine image) you need to somehow alter it or manipulate it into your own creation. Have fun with it. You can paint over the image, collage pieces of different people and add your own touch with ink or paint....there are lots of ways to use an image as a "base" for your art. If you are uncomfortable with human figures for this swap, no need to do them. If you want to use them, go for it!

[adriayna]

Livia, I have no intention of drawing human figures either. Landscapes are my strong point and trees, which is what I'll be doing :).

[Amerasu]

I have no idea what I'm going to do for this chunky book. I'm so used to working with a theme that going it alone is almost hard, lol.

[dina54]

I have no idea what I'm going to do for this chunky book. I'm so used to working with a theme that going it alone is almost hard, lol.

I agree! My plan is to cut ALL the 4X4 pieces and cover each one with a different background: paint, paper, text, map, whatever; THEN I'll take them one by one and see where the background "takes" me. I did that when I had to make 20 matchbox shrines last year and it worked great.

[kosmopooch]

I like that method, too, Dina! That's how I did a whole batch of Zetti chunky pages for another swap. I got a lot of inspiration by just creating the backgrounds!

[altermyworld]

I'll probably be doing flowers or whimsey girls. BUT that could change, this muse is a fickle ole girl.
Ang

[altermyworld]

Anyone thought about these pages yet????? I have some ideas nothing concrete although am excited as i love chunky books. I have about 15 or 20 now, they are so fun.
ANg

[EraserQueen]

I have actually made about 8 so far (I've had to get moving because break is nearly over :sad: )

I have done funky people, vary similar to the person in my avatar!

[kosmopooch]

Sounds like a great start, EQ!

I've thought a lot about it, but not started yet. I'll probably do a little bit of everything and play around a bit with these pages. I'll probably do some just drawn and colored, but I want to make some funky, mixed media pages, too. Returns should be a lot of fun because it will all be a surprise!

[catsavannah]

I have a poopy flu bug and am currently too puny to paint. AUGGGGGGGHHHHH!:arghh:

[altermyworld]

Hope you feel better soon. Catsavanah.
Flu is horrible. I had it 25 years ago and still remember how sick i was. (Shudders)
Ang

[adriayna]

I just got over the flu too---took two weeks, blah.

Kosmopooch, my trees are done! Painted them before I got sick :). Can you PM me your address so I can send them out to you?

[catsavannah]

I just got over the flu too---took two weeks, blah.

Kosmopooch, my trees are done! Painted them before I got sick :). Can you PM me your address so I can send them out to you?

Wow! You go girl! I so want to get over this yuck and paint!!!!!!!!!!!

[adriayna]

Sweet. I'm sending them tomorrow. I've taken pics...will post soon :).

[kosmopooch]

Wooo...you should be the first pages in, Dana!

I'm so excited about this swap! It will be amazing to see what everyone comes up with, not having a theme to go by!

[dina54]

I just started these today. I am making one big 12" X16" background and I will cut it up into 4X4 pieces. I'm taking pics as I go along so we'll see what I end up with:eek:

[dina54]

Well, so far so good. I covered the cardboard base with vintage sheet music (thanks Kristi!), then I painted the whole thing with a thin wash of gesso, THEN I added splashes of copper fabric paint. It is drying overnight. I'll cut the whole thing into 4X4" pieces and see where my muse takes me.

[kosmopooch]

Sounds fabulous! Can't wait to see what you come up with.

[dina54]

I recently watched the movie Marie Antoinette and was blown away by the costumes and hairdos, SO, I'm going to hand draw a face and add ribbons, fibers, beads etc to make the "hair" and hats on each piece. I'm thinking lots of candy colors! I'll post a picture as soon as I finish one.

[adriayna]

They are in the mail! They were so much fun to make. Pictures, yes, sometime soon.

[dina54]

First chunky page, Madame L'Orange

[adriayna]

I posted my cards in the gallery :).

[EraserQueen]

That looks Awesome Dina!

[kosmopooch]

Those pages are awesome, Dana! Definitely you!

Dina - nice start to your group!

[altermyworld]

Dina that is an awesome take on orange and Marie. Yummy.
Dana of course your trees are always wonderful. I have lots of Dana trees and i love each of them.
ANg

[adriayna]

Oh, I know. I can't get out of my style! Its like pervasive. Even my collage looks like "me" somehow :P

[kosmopooch]

Your style is a good thing!

[catsavannah]

You are lucky you have a style! I get bored and go flitting from one style to another. That's not a good thing for an artist. People like to be able to recognize your work. I will have to land on a style this year.

Adriayna, I love your style!

[adriayna]

Hehe, thanks for making me feel good :).

[kosmopooch]

Yay, Dana! I got your gorgeous pages in the mail today! Thanks for the extra treats!

[adriayna]

Woot! Glad they made it to you safe and sound :).

[dina54]

I have a stupid question: are we putting holes in the corners or does that get left to the person who gets the page?:huh:
This is my first chunky page swap

[kosmopooch]

Don't punch any holes in your pages for binding. We will leave the decision up to the recipient.

Thanks!

[dina54]

Don't punch any holes in your pages for binding. We will leave the decision up to the recipient.

Thanks!

Gotcha! Thanks.

[Janet]

These are my first chunky pages and I have completed about 8 that I'm happy with.
Now I need help with the 'chunky' part. What to add and where? I am clear about leaving the left side for personal binding. If I post one could I get some feedback on this? I really want to make these special and have put loads of time into them already :)

[altermyworld]

YES please do post them.
ANd you know a chunky pages doesn't have to be chunky, its nice but its ok not to. I have about 22 chunky books and its about 30 % that have no danglies.
ANg

[kosmopooch]

As far as the chunk goes...do what you like and what suits your pages best. Some people go nuts with it, some go easy on it, and some don't put any chunky stuff at all!

[Janet]

awww thanks for the help :) so quick too.

[dina54]

I have totally re-thought these pages. I started out doing Marie Antoinette style ladies with pretty costumes, then I realized we are supposed to be making pages tha are in OUR STYLE (duh) so I switched to my "flounder eyed" (as one on hubby's friend's dubbed them) divas. I made the 12 months. I think I'm keeping January for myself. I still have to add a few danglies (or not) and back them but here they are so far.

[adriayna]

Those are fun, dina! :) Can I get Feb? (my birthday!)

[dina54]

Those are fun, dina! :) Can I get Feb? (my birthday!)

Ah, that would be up to our gracious hostess. (I'll send a bribe...);)

[EraserQueen]

May is my B-day ;) But they are all so awesome, I'd be happy with any :) You did an awesome job Dina!

[dina54]

Here they are all finished. I changed my mind, I'm keeping the October witch. All the others just have to dry and off they go :D
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=4109

[dina54]

Hello, anybody out there? I need an address for these things...............

[kosmopooch]

Great work Dina! Pm'd you with the address!

For anyone else who doesn't have my address, PM me when you're ready and I'll send it when (I did put this in the swap guidelines :) )

[kosmopooch]

Dina - I received your wonderful box of pages yesterday! Thanks so much for the extra.

Just a note to everyone: We are mid-way through February! I need to send these out on time, since I am going out of town the week after the due date, so please be aware and make sure you mail them ON TIME! Thanks!

[dina54]

I'm glad they made it! This is my first Chunky Page swap. I can't wait to see what I get :D

[altermyworld]

I am starting on mine next week, i have one more zetti one to make and then i am ready to tackle ths project i already have ideas i just have to put them down on paper.
Ang

[mrs_weyremaster]

Couple of other swaps ahead of this one on my things to do list, but will be getting there soon, planning on mailing out mid march, so should have them there in plenty of time, will mail sooner if i manage to finish earlier. Got some interesting ideas floating around my head for these pages.
Suzi :D

[kosmopooch]

Great. It would be great to see some as you finish. I also need to start mine...I just finished up my last ATC swap and this one is next on the list.

[mrs_weyremaster]

Yes, i'll post as i go along, just in the process of colouring a few of my zetti chunky pages :)

[Janet]

My pages were posted today :)

[kosmopooch]

Thanks, Crafter. I'll let you know when they arrive.

[altermyworld]

Mine are half done, i have 8 ATC's made.
:)
ANg

[kosmopooch]

By ATC's...do you mean 4x4 chunky pages? Or are the ATCs part of the 4x4 chunky pages? Just want to clarify and make sure!:idea:

[abi]

I find myself struggling with this more than I thought. I find when left to my own devices I always come back to my subconcious default something like the following

http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=2394&w=o
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=2115&w=o
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=2114&w=o

I guess I have been putting off getting started because I wasn't sure of the reaction to this style from the rest of the group.

[mrs_weyremaster]

I find myself struggling with this more than I thought. I find when left to my own devices I always come back to my subconcious default something like the following

http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=2394&w=o
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=2115&w=o
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=2114&w=o

I guess I have been putting off getting started because I wasn't sure of the reaction to this style from the rest of the group.

I love them all, wonderful texture and colours, i'm more than happy to have one of them in my collection. Just hope mine turn out as good.
Suzi :D

[altermyworld]

I am making ATC to put on the 4x4 as the "best of me" is my ATC passion.
Ang

[altermyworld]

GORGEOUS!!!! Abi, i love your style and that is beauty of this book, the different styles. i will be simply thrilled to receive a piece of you and your art.
Ang

[abi]

awww shucks:embarrassed:

[kosmopooch]

Abi-those are amazing and I would be proud to have any of them!

[Janet]

Hope my pages have arrived now ??

[kosmopooch]

Crafter - haven't seen them yet. It's only been one week, so I wouldn't worry quite yet, since it is international mail. I'll let you know the minute I get them~

[Janet]

thank you, I will take deep breaths :)

[adriayna]

Abi, I really like those! :)

[kosmopooch]

Crafter412- Your wonderful pages arrived today! You can breath a sigh of relief.

[studiomelange]

Well, hang on girls. These are all over the board. Here are my first nine... I think it's nine anyway. Some seemed right for certain participants of the swap and others are not really "spoken for" in my mind.

[studiomelange]

1827

1828

1830

[altermyworld]

those are gorgeous!!! this is going to be one hot book.
ANg

[catsavannah]

Wow, Studio! Those are great! I love the colors in your first two! They remind me of a painter who's name escapes me now. If I think of it, I'll let you know.


Oh, I remember:

Martina Shapiro (http://members.shaw.ca/martisart/)

I adore her work.

[kosmopooch]

Great pages, studio! I love them all!

[livia]

All my pages are done (except mine) I am working on the backs today and will mail them on Wednesday. You can peek for yours in the gallery.

[altermyworld]

ooooooooooo livia gorgeous, i wish i was daydreaming, LOL the chubby ladies always steal my heart. I love them all.

Here is a group shot of mine, going in the mail this afternoon
ANg

[adriayna]

Heyhey! Studiomelenge has a TREE! I hope its for ME!!!

And Ang, I love those! :)

[mrs_weyremaster]

Wow what wonderful pages everyone is posting, hope to have something to share soon. Great work everyone :D

[kosmopooch]

Wow...everybody is making such awesome pages! I have to get working on mine! Yikes!

[catsavannah]

Hey, AlterMW, those are so cool!

[studiomelange]

Neat pages altermyworld. Ew, I'm starting to really get excited now. Can't wait til' the returns are waiting in my mailbox. Love yours too livia. They are so nostalgic looking.

[kosmopooch]

Ang - your pages are here and gorgeous in person! Thanks!

[altermyworld]

WHEW thank goodness they arrived.
Ang

[EraserQueen]

Okay here are the first three I've scanned so far...I have only about four more to make :)

http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=5105&w=l

http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=5104&w=l

http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=5103&w=l

[kosmopooch]

Livia - Your wonderful pages arrived yesterday! Thanks so much for the extra card!

EQ - those are great. Can't wait to see what other craziness you come up with!

[studiomelange]

The last of my pages... I chose to redo one for Adriayna. Betcha' can guess which one is earmarked for her. :rolleyes:

[Janet]

Ooops!!! I think I slipped up on this one. I didn't realise we had to make for someone. I can put it right, but as I've sent my pages, I would have to make a list.
:embarrassed:

[studiomelange]

You know... I don't think we were supposed to make them FOR someone, but, for some freaky reason I chose a few for certain people which I am "recommending" to kosmo. A little unusual, but, hopefully it's okay that I did that. My apologies if it's not. After all... I'm a chunky newbie and I lost my head a bit.

[dina54]

No, we were not supposed to make a page for any specific person, however, I'm sure our gracious hostess will use her good judgement as to who should get the "tree" pages!

[kosmopooch]

No, this wasn't really a PAT or intended to make pages specifically for certain people, but if you did make something with someone especially in mind, let me know :)

Everyone's pages are looking wonderful! You will all be pleased!

[Janet]

You know... I don't think we were supposed to make them FOR someone, but, for some freaky reason I chose a few for certain people which I am "recommending" to kosmo. A little unusual, but, hopefully it's okay that I did that. My apologies if it's not. After all... I'm a chunky newbie and I lost my head a bit.

Oh me too. I am on pins just hoping mine are ok. I'm perfectly happy however they are swapped :)

[kosmopooch]

We've got just over a week until I need these puppies in my hands! I'd like to get them swapped out before I leave town on April 2nd...so please get them to me on time!!!

[adriayna]

Well, if nobody else is interested in trees, lolololol. Ok. Seriously. Its an obsession.

[kosmopooch]

Studio Melange - your pages arrived today and I have to tell everyone that they are stunning in person!

[kosmopooch]

Question for everyone...I've had a request to extend the deadline. I know I have a few sets of pages, still waiting on several. Is anyone struggling to finish (besides the person who contacted me privately?) Does anyone have an objection to extending the deadline? If I do extend it, it will have to be with the understanding that the pages will be posted no sooner than April 11, since I will be leaving town on the 2nd for several days, then have some commitments for a few days after returning. Let me know ASAP. THanks.

[EraserQueen]

I don't mind waiting for people :) In fact April 11 may be better, that way you don't have to feel rushed to get everything swapped before you leave?

[Amerasu]

I'm done and ready to send but I certainly don't mind waiting. I know how it is when you're busy and under pressure so no problems here.

Now I won't have to rush post them to you! :)

[catsavannah]

I am going to send mine out tomorow. But I am fine with whatever the group wants to do.

[dina54]

I suppose I can wait a bit longer. I REALLY do send my stuff in too early....

[EraserQueen]

Yes Dina, stop making the rest of us look bad! :D lol

[Janet]

Aaaarghhhh!!!!!!

[studiomelange]

Whatever needs to happen is fine with me.

[kosmopooch]

OK, I hate to do it but I'm going to extend the date to April 10 so nobody is left out. If the pages get to me earlier and I have time, I will swap them out as soon as I have everyone's stuff in hand. Otherwise, I will have them swapped out that night and to the post office on the 11th. Thanks for everyone's patience.

[Janet]

Aaaarghhhh!!!!!!

I was laughing when I posted this but I just realised it looks like a tantrum :shocked:

[kosmopooch]

LOL....I get enough tantrums from my son!

[catsavannah]

Mine went in the mail yesterday.

[adriayna]

Doesn't matter to me when the deadline is, hehe.

[kosmopooch]

EQ - your pages got here to day! They look great!

[kosmopooch]

I'm just finishing up my pages, if you want a sneak-peek you can see them here:

http://uncommonarts.blogspot.com/

[catsavannah]

Beautiful ladies!! Neat blog too!

[mrs_weyremaster]

Oh i love your ladies Kosmo, they are gorgeous :D

[kosmopooch]

Cat - your lovely pages are here! Thanks!

[catsavannah]

Kool BEANS!! Can't wait to get my hot little hands on another chunky book!!! I am so addicted ---:jiggy:

[mrs_weyremaster]

Kool BEANS!! Can't wait to get my hot little hands on another chunky book!!! I am so addicted ---:jiggy:

Ditto :jiggy::jiggy::jiggy::jiggy::jiggy:

[kosmopooch]

Too many jiggys all in one place could give a person a seizure...I can barely look at the post! LOL

FYI - I will be out of town with no internet April 2 - 7 and unavailable for a few days after I return. Thanks!

[abi]

kosmo I need your address. I just got back from New Orleans and I would like to get these out to you today or tomorrow. Thanks

[Amerasu]

Here are my pages: http://www.flickr.com/photos/amerasu/2396228590/

I put them at Flickr because the image is too big for the gallery here. I think adriayna might want the tree one ;)

A couple of these are sort of political. I didn't think of it when I was making them but now I think they are. If there are any lefties out there, speak up so you get my left leaning pages, lol.

[abi]

I lean left :err:

[altermyworld]

Those are awesome!!!!
ANg

[EraserQueen]

LOL, I love the 'bite off more than you can chew" one! SO cool!

[studiomelange]

Terrific pages OY. I love em all except maybe the one about experience... and only because I just became a grandma this week. I must be feeling old these days. :>)

Your girls are amazing Kosmo! Really looking forward to seeing everything in person.

[catsavannah]

Congratulations, Victoria!!

[kosmopooch]

OK guys...has everyone mailed their pages? I'm still missing a few sets and would like to know that they are on their way! I'm going to go back through my box for this swap and confirm what I've received and what's still missing. I'd like to get these out by Friday.

I received Abi's pages yesterday! Thank you!

[mrs_weyremaster]

Mine were posted last week, so should be with you sometime this week. I enclosed British Stamps in a smaller envie in the main envie. Hope they get there soon.

[Amerasu]

Mine should have been there today! I sent them FedEx overnight yesterday afternoon. I'll go get my tracking number and see what's up.

[Amerasu]

I just checked and FedEx said it was ready for delivery before 12 pm this morning. I'll PM you the tracking number now.

[kosmopooch]

Weyremaster - got your pages today! Thank you!

We're waiting for Amerasu's pages...which seem to be caught up somewhere in FEDEX limbo. I'm going to give it a few more days to see if they show up since Sal is going to such efforts to find out what's going on with her package. Thanks to everyone for being patient!

[catsavannah]

It's so not a problem! Don't worry about us.

[mrs_weyremaster]

So glad to hear mine have arrived safely. Hope Sal's arrive safely soon, limbo aint much fun.

[kosmopooch]

We can all do a happy dance...Sal's pages arrived exactly four minutes ago! They were enclosed in the most mangled, taped up Fedex envelope I've ever seen but the pages are all glorious and unharmed! I will swap them out this weekend and get them to the post office on Monday! Thanks, everyone, for your patience!

[catsavannah]

GOOOOD-NESSSSSS! Can't anyone do their job right anymore!?!

And I'll bet Sal paid a sweet price for this (dis)service!

I am so glad they arrived in such good condition!

[kosmopooch]

Yahooo...I stayed up late swapping and packing! These babies are ready to go. I'll take them to the post office Monday!

[Amerasu]

GOOOOD-NESSSSSS! Can't anyone do their job right anymore!?!

And I'll bet Sal paid a sweet price for this (dis)service!

I am so glad they arrived in such good condition!



Me too! But it was actually my fault. I sent five $1 bills in a card to cover return postage never thinking that was an international violation. They somehow knew there was money in the envelope so it was pulled aside to remove the cash. I assume they have specialized machines or something. That's the reason for the few days detour. :)

[catsavannah]

Wow, I didn't know that mailing cash to another ocuntry was a violation! thanks for the info!

[EraserQueen]

yay! Thanks Heather! Can you PM me the DC number?

[adriayna]

Yeah, apparently mailing cash is a violation, yet we get away with it all the time, haha. The question is--how did they know?

[Amerasu]

I don't know. They must have some sort of machine for detecting cash. It was in a card in small envelope which was inside a large white envelope which was inside the FedEx envelope. I'm thinking x-ray machine.

I sent a FedEx pack last month with cash in it and it went through fine. I guess not all of them are checked or maybe someone was asleep at the time.

[catsavannah]

Yea, I sent you cash once too. And I guess it got through. TOo wierd~!

[kosmopooch]

Had to stand in line for ages today at the post office and suddenly realized - it's TAX DAY!!!!! No wonder! In any case...they are on their way! Thank you so much to everyone who sent me little extras along with their swap pages! I think I've left feedback for most everyone...let me know if I missed you!

[catsavannah]

No, that's tomorrow sweetie. Don't want to incite a panic! :jiggy:

[studiomelange]

Love, love my returns ladies. Many thanks to all who participated in the swap. What fun. Here's what I recieved and what I love about each one:
Abi - "Ochre Ogre" (Love the background text and the transparent glazed feeling. Your page has so much depth.)
Eraserqueen - the red background french looking dude. (What can I say? He makes me chuckle 'cuz he thinks he's such a romeo. Your colors are so intense! Nice.)
Altermyworld - Your Queen of Hearts kinda lookin' lavender background gal. (I just like her and especially the clear emboss you added to her cheeks and eyes. It really makes her sparkle. The expression and the shading on the hearts are awful nice too.)
Kosmopooch - Polynesian Princess (I loved all your girls when you posted them, and this one is right up there at the top. I really like the background you picked for her too.)
Livia - Cover Up (Your shapes, colors and composition are just wonderful. Such a fun card. Another one that makes me pine for warmer weather. We just had snow yesterday again. barf!)
Crafter412 - Waves flanked by rocks on each side. (Even though it looks cold, I wish I was there to see this in person. Your waves have such movement and texture. Love them!)
Dina54 - July (I love July 4th... No gifts to buy, nice warm weather, bar b ques, and fireworks. What's not to love? You captured it beautifully in your art.)
Adriayna - Whimsical Tree (I love the spirals and the colors too. So pretty! Another wonderful tree)
Amerasu - Curiosity... (I just want to know... did this guy/gal burn all his/her hair off in the name of curiosity? Great card. Makes me laugh every time I look at it.)
Catsavannah - Parable (What a cool little fish. I really love the dimension he has and the colors too.)
Mrs. Weyremaster - All your pink portraits were stunning!! I got the one where she looks like she's falling off the page and she has Cindy Lauper eyelashes. Nice, nice work.

Thanks to kosmopooch for hosting. You really sent the returns out lightening fast. Great job.

[EraserQueen]

Holy crap, I just got mine too! All I can say is WOW!

Cat: Your Jester page is great, I've LOVED jesters ever since I saw that Danny Kaye movie... (how did you makes those faces, SO cool!!)

Victoria: WOW your Buddha II is wonderful! I love your smooth use of watercolor, the execution, theme, colors and composition are all gorgeous!!! I LOVE the serene quality.

Heather: WOW! Thanks for hosting and I LOVE your "I have a secret twin, the page is fantastic, and I love how the girls are glued on, and leap off the page; really add dimension!

Janet: You landscape have such a haunting quality, like Victoria said, I WISH I was THERE! I got the one where a path between trees leads off toward a great big moon, and it is stunning.

Ang: I LOVE HER! I also love the fact that she is wearing an orange top and the background is blue LOL. I love the tactile quality, the sewn edge, the texture to the paint, just wow.. You create art that is not only fun to look at, bu fun to touch.!

Dana: Your tree is beautiful! I got the orange one on Yellow :D The stark black trunk and branches are a dramatic and stunning contrast to the warm 'leaf' area and yellow 'sky' Fall is my favorite season, and you've captured it perfectly.

Abi: LOL, I love the fact it's on foam core, it makes cool sounds when I touch it! I got 'spike' and I love the sense of depth you've created with the colored pencil and the two layers of text, printed and written, create a wonderful texture!

Dina: I got your 'January' girl and LOVE her :D I like how you edged the page with gold, and make her earrings 3d with the jewels! I love your style with faces, and think this page is just fantastic, thank you SO MUCH! :D

Suzi: I got your Pink portrait and love all the texture! I love how the page in a monochromatic, and the butterflies are free and fun. the paint is really cool, and you used some kind of glossy glaze? It's SO BEAUTIFUL, thank you!!!

Livia: I love your ice skating girl. The combination of maker and ink is fantastic, you line work is so delicate. The 'tab' on the side is awesome looking, especially with the cute little charm hanging from it! I love it it's beautiful! :jiggy:

Sal: I got your "Dream always of a peaceful, Warless, Disarmed world" Amen sistah! Your characters are so fun and quirky, and I always smile when I see anything you've done, this page is great (and combines my love of orange and blue LOL) Thanks!!

I am so thrilled with all of your work, and will treasure it forever :D :jiggy:

[kosmopooch]

I'm so glad they are arriving quickly! I tried to match up Dina's pages with the birthday months of whoever had their birthdates posted in their profile. Otherwise, I just sent them randomly. They were all so sweet! Everyone did such amazing work for this swap, it was really fun to look at them all individually as I swapped them out!

[catsavannah]

Hey, thanks EQ! I made the faces and fish in paper clay.

I got mine today and thanked everyone personnaly. I am so thrilled with these cards!

[dina54]

Hi All. I JUST got home from NYC, a 3 1/2 hours drive that dragged out to over 4 hours thanks to road construction along the way. I have my wonderful box of pages and I will thank everyone in the morning when I can think straight.G'night:sleep:

[dina54]

OK, I am awake and ready to say 'Thank You!" to:
Ang- Cool, polka dot wearing whimsey girl in shades of blue
Abi- Terrified Tommy!! greens and blues with TEXT! (of course)
crafter412- Lovely acrylic landscape
Amerasu- "Chew It!", good advice...
mrs W- pretty pink portrait with phunky hair!
Cat- "threshold" wonderful mixed media collage
Kosmo- "Nice Girl With Attitude" love her!
Adriayna- Whimsical, swirly tree in shades of green and blue and yellow
Livia- Beautiful "Napping Under A Willow"
Studio Melange- Bright, cheerful "It's Lovely..."
EraserQueen- Very funky cubism cowboy!
Of course EXTRA thanks to Kosmopooch for hosting :D

[Janet]

Oh wow!!! Mine arrived today. These are the first chunky pages I've seen 'in the flesh' and they are all so wonderful.
I now have much more idea about what is expected. For instance, I thought I had to put ribbons and fibres on, though I really didn't think they suited my cards.
Rep points on the way :)

[kosmopooch]

Crafter - you did a wonderful job on your chunky pages. They fit right in! Typically there are fibers and embellishments hanging on chunky pages, but it really is just personal preference and what you feel works best with your own art. I didn't put any on mine this time because I didn't think it would look great, but I love receiving pages with lots of pretty stuff hanging from them!

[kosmopooch]

I completely forgot to post the photo of all my pages together! Here it is!

[catsavannah]

Gorgeous work Kosmo!

[Amerasu]

I agree! Beautiful pages!

[kosmopooch]

Hey Canucks: Is mail terribly slow getting there?

How on earth does mail get to the UK faster than Canada?

[Amerasu]

Yep, it's usually slow coming to Canada. Sending to the USA is generally pretty quick but coming North is another story. I believe Canada Post is the slow one. Mailing within Canada is quick enough most of the time but involve another country and things fall apart.

[abi]

mine made it here! Thanks to everyone, I must say I have not had energy to go through them all, just been tooo sick. When I take a closer look I will let you know which ones I have and how much l absolutely love them :)

[kosmopooch]

Get well, Abi!

[Amerasu]

Mine have arrived!! Thank you Kosmo for a fun and cool 4x4 swap :)

EraserQueen - supr cool punk rocked pink cubist
Dina54 - December, which matches me!
Mrs_W - a pretty pink portrait
altermyworld - gothic girl - I love the little "about me" on the back! VERY cool!
studiomelange - colby's self-portrait - Love it!!
Kosmo - Punk girl, lucky me - I was hoping to get this one!
adriayna - a super cool green and purple swirly tree, dana's specialty!
livia - snow stroll, perfect for me!
crafter412 - a wooded thicket with hooded figure - this is truly gorgeous!
catsavannah - tomb raider, superb 3Dness going on!
abi - wide eyed fear, with text! Love it!

Thank you very much everyone!

[altermyworld]

ooooooooooooooomaybe mine will be here tomorrow.
ANg

[altermyworld]

Mine came!!!! OH my. I will leave some major rep points when i am not at work probably fri.
Kudos to everyone.
Ang

[mrs_weyremaster]

Mine arrived today, thank you everyone they are wonderful.
Suzi

[dina54]

I found this cool wire mobile with little clips to display my chunky book pages!:D
They are sold for around $10.00 in most museum gift shops (I got this at the MoMA).

[catsavannah]

How neat, Dina!

[kosmopooch]

DIna - that's very cool!

[Amerasu]

Hey that's a neat idea!

[mrs_weyremaster]

That look's really neat Dina, cool idea.

[studiomelange]

I WANT!!!!! Thanks for the info.

[abi]

I am just now getting caught up on my i-trader ratings and I was wondering if I should leave points for each individual player in this swap or just kudos here.

[adriayna]

Each trader, I think. That is what everyone else did.