RR USA Journal Swap #3

I moved the "mailing deadline" ahead one day, since the 28th is Memorial Day in the US, and there is no postal service that day.

MaryB

Is the focus in this round robin to be the art or the writing? I am interested but I am not that much of a writer...

that's a good question - the journal that you start with, will be your OWN journal - and it will come back to you, after everyone else has a chance to add their talents - I would say start with what you know and love - pick a journal that YOU like, and do with it as you will, if you want to (I know some in some of these rr swaps have sent off "blank slates", to let the others create - FUN!)

Please do not be too hard on yourself, especially of your own journal - if this is your first foray into round robin journal swaps, you can check out some of the galleries on the others, that are going on right now - (just change the swap number in the address bar - - swaps #2780, 2788, 2766, 3050 and 3054 - I don't know if there are pictures in all of those yet, but you can also read some of the comments on those, for some ideas - and LOTS of inspiration) - -

I do hope you will join us, and have some FUN with this -

I do hope that helps - MaryB

It's great to see some familiar names from the other RR journal swaps, and also wonderful seeing some new people join us.

You can get your journals right away and begin to decorate/embellish them, so that they will be ready to send as soon as you find out who you are sending to.

Once the partners are assigned, I will be messaging each person with the name of the swapper that they RECEIVE from also -

especially if you are in more than one of these RR swaps, you will want to keep track of who sends to you, as importantly as who you send to.

Be sure that your own name and swap name, as well as your address, are posted some place clearly visible on the inside front or back cover of your own journal.

And once these little gems begin their journey, be sure you sign the pages that you do for each other!

have fun with this! MaryB

(some faq's, if you will, from previous rr journal swaps)

"What size journal should I get?" I think we don't have to go larger than about 9 inches by about 6 inches, (22.86 cm x 15.24 cm) - not too big, not too small.

I've also seen some smaller, some that are more square than rectangle - - but the point here, is that you are picking out YOUR OWN journal - and it will come back to you, so if you LIKE some particular style, then that should be YOUR choice. (does that make sense?) Please be kind, and don't pick something that weighs a ton, because 10 people are going to be shipping it around the country - ~smile~

"What is the PROCESS of how this works?" Every person will receive (from me) the swap partner that they receive from, and also (from swap-bot) who they send to - (and yes, you will always receive from and send to the same swap-partners) - this is why we are limiting this to about 10 swappers, or it could get very outrageous!

Since we are not open to newbies, I sure do HOPE that means that we all understand what it's like to be on the receiving end of a no-sender, so this will help to track down any journals.

AFTER you send a journal, please post here that you received so-and-so's journal and sent it on its way. That way we know where each one is in the process, and yes, can track them down if necessary.

"Can I do the same thing in each journal, or does each one have to be different?" As far as I'm concerned, you can do whatever your creativity guides you to do - if you have a wonderful idea, carry it through so everyone can be the happy recipient of it - if you think of a "theme" where each journal is related, yet different, that would be awesome also. And if you want to go completely off in a different direction on each one, that will be superb! I think I can safely speak for this wonderful COMMITTED group of swappers that I'm sure we will enjoy whatever each person puts forth - let it speak from your heart - even if you don't think you are artsy, be encouraging. It's gonna be FUN!

more than 1 journal? it may be possible that at some point in this process, you will end up with more than one journal in your possession at a given time. If that is the case, you CERTAINLY can send them all off together, since they will all be going to the SAME partner. (Plus this would save on mailing!) Please, however, do not hold any journals more than a few days, "waiting" for others to arrive. (Just make sure that you remember to add something to every journal before sending it on its way! lol)

Remember, this is a HEALTHY addiction - artsy round robin journals! I'm lovin' it so far! MaryB

Thanks Mary. I signed up and looked over the other folks who are playing. I'm looking forward to it. I've done many round robins and I've never been disappointed. I've had pretty good luck too, I've only ever had one things vanish, but yes I do know what that's like.

My journal is handmade, 6x4" portrait orientation, bound at the top, and has 48 cardstock pages. So it should hold up to whatever y'all want to do to it! It's hardcover but very lightweight. So if the swap fills, everyone could conceivably use up to 4 pages (or 2 spreads) if they felt inspired. Quality over quantity though! Don't feel like you have to meet a quota.

I've updated my profile to reflect my current address and added some more info about myself.

Carol

it's great to see you joined us, Carol, I had a feeling you were "thinking" about it, when you posted your question a few weeks ago...

EVERYONE should be working on their own journals, and getting them ready, so that they can be sent off when you get your partners.

There are now FIVE other journal round robin swaps going, and they are moving along wonderfully - communication is the KEY - we all know that sometimes rt things come along, even to the point of disrupting a person's life - so just keep us posted, we are a wonderful group of very committed swappers, and I'm looking forward to a VERY successful and FUN swap!

have a good week everyone, MaryB

and just for everyone's info, There has been much interest expressed in some of the other rr's, about having a "HAND MADE" journal rr swap - so that will be later this summer, after the others have wound down.

(Also, I'm moving mid-summer, so will wait til after I'm settled) - but be watching for it - -

Carol, you just MIGHT want to wait with your hand made one, til then, or go ahead and send it off with this one - your choice.

MaryB

Thanks -- I'll go with this one for now though I think. I can always buy or make another hand-made one later on. I bought this one -- it was made by Karen um, somebody. The altered diva. Her last name escapes me just now. I've been sitting on if for a while -- now just feels like the right time to use it. ;o)

Maybe if some of the players in this robin have never made their own journals, this one will inspire them to try their hand at it.

Carol

that's a great idea - I know for myself, I can use some ideas and inspirations toward actually trying my hand at making one. This will be FUN - I can hardly wait! enjoy, MaryB

Mary B, may I give it a try?

I'm not a newbie any more ;-}

Sharon, I see you have some excellent ratings, so YES, you certainly can join us, and we are happy to have you!

I've contacted the newbie who has signed up. No, the swap is not open to newbies, as it is very important that everyone feel confident and secure about each other swap participant (and all we can go by is a person's ratings) - -if she receives some great ratings before the deadline, then she is MOST welcome - otherwise, she will have to drop, or I will have to remove her for now.

Keep in mind that there WILL BE more of these round robin journal swaps starting this summer - I'm just going to wait until the six that are going now, have a chance to wind down - and by then, hopefully a lot of the newbies who have contacted me will have received some great ratings, and will then have a chance to be a part of the group also.

have a good weekend, everyone, MaryB

As I've alluded to on some of these journal rr swap pages, sometime perhaps mid-summer, I'm thinking of having a "Hand-made" journal swap, still in a round robin like this - and I've just seen some gorgeous TINY journals - like 3"x5" (index card size), up to maybe 4" x 6" - I think that just might be perfect - toss the idea around in your heads a little bit, and let me know what you think....

I think it would be FUN - and would be SO easy to mail them!

have a great weekend, everyone MaryB

Partners will be assigned SOON!

emails have been sent to everyone, please check them, and respond if necessary.

Have a great and artsy weekend, everyone, partners will be assigned SOON MaryB

Very small handmade journals would be fun! I really like working small.

For labeling my items - I buy the big printable avery labels. So the inside cover of my journal has a 4x2" label with my name & address. I added my email, and the designation "RR USA #3 * pequad * #3417 @ swap-bot.

I am also going to send my journal off in a big zip-lock baggie, and the baggie will also be labeled with this info. Hopefully the journal will be stored and mailed on in the bag.

I have pulled out some fun bits and I am going to start on my journal today. There will be a sign in card at the front, I would love it if everyone would add their name, location and the date there. I anticipate having my journal ready to send before the end of this weekend. I love doing these round robins, I enjoy so much seeing everyone else's book and all the art.

Carol

Great ideas Carol - I know that lots of the participants in the other rr's include a "sign-in" or "Autograph" page, it's always nice to have everyone sign these.

Some have started a line of a poem, and asked everyone to add to it, one even started a picture, and asked each person to add somethings to it, so that the "final art" would be a surprise, to the one who started it....

"Interactive" is a fun idea - but it's certainly not a requirement - and the only "rule" is that your own name and address and swap name appear on your own journals someplace clearly visible. - other than that, let your creativity take off.

enjoy, MaryB

and be sure to sign the pages that you do for each other!

MB

I bought my journal tonight ;-} It is 3.5 X 4.5 with fabric colors...sort of India da di da da da da di da da da oops getting carried away! I'm going to write poetry(free verse)and discover what these pages will tell me...grinning!

I've been contacted about setting up a yahoo site for keeping track of these journals - I do not have any plans to send anyone "off site" from here, because I think that may just add to the confusion.

There are now FIVE of these round robins going (actually six, but I'm not a part of the one that suefitz is running) - and I've learned, both by people who ARE in that one, as well as the ones that I'm hosting, that communication is the KEY -

it IS very possible to run a totally successful round robin swap, and I am witnessing them - FIVE of them, that I am honored and very happy to be a part of.

It is VERY important that by being a part of this group, you AGREE to keep us informed - and yes, I do keep track of the journeys of each of these little beauties, and it's a BIG responsibility to be a part of the group.

If you do NOT agree with that concept, then please drop out of the swap. It's as simple as that, dear hearts. I do want you to be a part of this group, but I also want you to be able to carry thru on the commitment.

• • the inspiration, the FUN, and the excitement are SO well worth it - please keep us posted, when you send a journal, tell us WHOSE journals they are, and please - - have some FUN with this!

(climbs off my soap box)

and be sure to SIGN the pages that you do for each other. MaryB

I have participated in several round robins as well as hosting a few myself -- YES it is very possible for them to be successful. But a round robin success lies in ALL PLAYERS living up to their commitment to work in all the books and pass them on it a timely manner.

Good communication will help us avoid bad feelings and distrust! Sometimes things happen and you can't mail on time, no one will get mad at you if you just let everyone know what is up. Take care of everyone's art and treat is as if it were your own while it's with you.

I am really excited to be working with a totally new group of players.

Another bit -- YES sign your pages! Also, I want everyone to have fun with my book. No stress! Do with it what you feel inspired to do. I love all kinds of art, so please don't worry that I won't like it or that I'll feel disappointed. Art is not a contest. If I wanted a book full of art that looked like I made it myself, I would not join a round robin, I would keep my book at home and fill it myself. So have fun with it!

Just my 2 cents (plus maybe a little more) ;o)

Carol

I'd like 9 or 10 (me) tiny envelopes for the artists to write me! Do you know any urls that might have paper to fold into envelopes? Thanks!

Sharon, I've made tiny envies from scrapbook papers, vellum, or even gift wrap - just cut out the piece of paper you want to "fit" and then create the envie around it - you do NOT need to buy a pattern, unless you really want to.

and pequad, I so agree - and everyone - please do not be too hard on yourselves over the "artisticness" (new word) of these little gems - even if we can't be artsy, we can ALL be encouraging!

most of all, have FUN with these, MaryB

there is a Canada RR Journal swap just starting, I've been in touch with the host, and I think she is headed in the right direction - the size of the group is limited, the ratings must be high, no newbies, and she is stressing the communication of all members.

there is another rr swap going that I am not a part of, but communication was never stressed or even mentioned, until some of the members just started to do so - it did not start out as a rr, and no one knew how high the numbers might go, once it "turned into" a round robin -

it is very true, we learn by "doing" - and I don't hope you think I'm pounding this point, but yes, it IS so important that you let us know what is going on here - as experienced swappers, we all may know what it's like to be partnered with a no-sender -

have a good week everyone - only room for one more, and tomorrow is the deadline to sign up - 9 is a very comfortable group size also - so i'll be happy with it.

partners will be assigned soon - MaryB

We reached TEN swappers - Yippee! - and the swap is now closed. I will be checking profiles, and names, and assigning partners SOON - get your journals ready to send, the mailing deadline will remain the same - 2 weeks.

If you have any questions or problems, let me know - otherwise, prepare to be inspired and have FUN with this!

have a great week, everyone, MaryB

Awesome! My journal is ready to go, unless I decide to do 2 more pages.

Since we have 10 players, my book will accommodate everyone using 2 spreads or 4 pages. I would love for my book to come home FILLED, but you don't have to use that many pages unless you feel inspired to. Especially since we are not supposed to keep the books for long.

Just please don't tear out any pages. If you feel like you made a mistake, paint/gesso over it or glue another paper over it. If you tear out pages, other pages will fall out, because of how the journal is made.

Those are my only requests! Can I upload scans, or should I wait?

Carol

would LOVE to see pics in the gallery - everyone - so yes, please post them -

as the journals are making the rounds, if you want to also take pictures as we go along, you can post them, or wait til we get closer to the end - your choice -

but definitely, the gallery is such an inspiration all by itself!

Partners will be assigned tomorrow - MaryB

head's up everyone - partners have been assigned! I've also messaged everyone who you RECEIVE from - that is something you will want to keep track of, especially if you are in more than one of these round robins. (Wouldn't want any journals suddenly joining the wrong swaps!)

Have FUN with this, please post here as you SEND off any journals, including WHOSE journal it is, and when you receive one -

yes you CAN mail more than one at a time, that is part of the reason why we always send to the SAME partner - plus it cuts down on the chance that any journals may get lost along the way.

I am hosting SIX of these round robins, and YES it is absolutely possible to run a completely SUCCESSFUL round robin swap! Communication is the KEY to success!!

so let us hear from you! have a great week, everyone, MaryB

when I send a journal (including my own) I will NOT click the Sent button, because that will move the listing to the bottom fo the "My Swaps" page - as host, and since these are longer-running swaps, I prefer to keep them at the TOP of that page.

Any of you who prefer to do that, you certainly may, so they do not get forgotten or risk disappearing into the many other swaps. Just something to think of -

MaryB

Yay! Can't wait! Will finish mine this weekend and send it out next week to you, Gram's button box!

OK -- I have the names of my send-to and receive-from partners, and I uploaded some eye candy. :o)

I think it's a good idea what Mary said, to not click that you've sent, so that the swap stays in your active swaps. I'm just going to post in the comments when I send & receive.

Carol

Carol~ where are the uploads of "eye candy" ~Sharon F

in the YELLOW box, is a link to "Upload Swap Image" (for posting pics of your own into the gallery.)

At the top of the GREY "description" box, just under the title, it says "Launch Gallery Slideshow" - that is where you can SEE what is there - -

go check it out, those are beautiful, Carol!

MaryB

Oh, Carol!!! They are beautiful! Zionville, PA I was born and grew up in Kennett Square, PA! I miss the country so much.

wow pequad! very inspiring!

Hi Everyone! I'm Susan (suzylucie). I have started a flickr group for the round robin journal swaps. This is not a requirement but an additional resource you can utilize if you want. We will have discussions, inspirations, lots of photos of the art in progress. I hope you all will join. Flickr is free and easy to learn and use, if I can do it, anyone can! Go to http://www.flickr.com/groups/roundrobinjournals/ or do a search in groups for round robin journals.Hope to see you there!

Thanks Susan,

yes, come and join us "over there" - lots of beautiful pictures should show up, I hope that EVERY one of these swaps comes thru, with lots of us being a part of the group.

enjoy, MaryB

Thanks everyone! :o) I joined the flickr group & I'll upload future scans there.

Carol

please remember everyone - that while the flickr is a great place to go and see lots of beautiful pictures, I still hope you will keep us informed as the journals are travelling around by posting HERE -

I check the swaps several times a day, but I am not going to looking for posts in flickr to tell me if someone has sent off a journal.

hope you all understand - MaryB

Sure thing! Flickr for inspirational pics, but swap-bot for updated information.

Carol

I just posted a picture of part of one of my pages. I found these cute fabric "Handmade by" tags that you can write on with a regular ink pen. Everyone is welcome to use one on their pages for me and if it doesn't work with your design, you are welcome to take one to use on something else. Enjoy!

Also: I'm posting other pics of my journal on the flickr page :)

WOW - I just see that there is a new link in the yellow box - seems we can rate partners immediately, when they are assigned - and I guess that you can also now rate hosts - that is cool -

have a good week everyone, MaryB

One thing that I suggest everyone do right now -- is get your address book and write down your send-to partner's address. That way in case you have computer trouble or something, you can still keep the books moving.

I bought a special address book that I keep all my swap contacts in, and with that, I keep another notebook with to-do lists & a record of when I send everything out.

Carol

In the Intl. RR Journal I'm in, one of the swappers made a list of the journals path. How did she do this and can we? I would love to know my journals journey.

(because I sent it to her, hahaha)

anyway - it's no problem, and I'm actually still learning the best way to "do these" round robins - thanks for the request, here it is -

our "Journal's Journeys"

sungazer - (Cara Rae - Tennessee) -
nktigger99 - (Nichole - Oklahoma) -
pequad - (Carol - Pennsylvania) -
timanna - (Timanna - California) -
Dixie Witch - (Mikki - Alabama) -
jakfrostwife - (Doris - Washington) -
SharonF - (Sharon - Rhode Island) -
suzylucie - (Susan - Florida) -
Joanne - (Joanne - Utah) -
me - (Mary - South Dakota) - (and I send to sungazer)

(So just find yourself (sounds like zen) - and travel DOWN the list, to come back to your name)

I was certainly NOT intending to keep anything from you, especially if it helps you feel more comfortable or confident about sending your beauties "out in the world" -

have FUN with it, and yes, you certainly can keep track of each one's journey this way, to know who and how many YOURS will travel to before coming HOME again -

hugs to you all, MaryB

Mary, are you familiar with Lisa Vollrath's website? She has a guide to hosting round robins. I think you have to join her site but it's free and it's full of useful information. It's www.lisavollrath.com -- after you sign up, click "the world according to Lisa" at the top of the page. then click "about groups" and I think you can find it from there.

I think you're off to a great start. You're a very active hostess and that says a lot for your level of commitment. In my previous experience, the more involved the hostess is, the less likely thing are to go wrong. :o)

Carol

thanks Carol - I've visited her site in the past, but can't remember for what now - I didn't know she had anything like that, so I'll go and see it again -

it's been a wonderful challenge, but I am continually awed and humbled by the people and talent that comes my way because of these - I honestly had no idea they would become so addictive and inspiring.

enjoy, MaryB

I wanted to add -- that link of course, is what works for Lisa. If your way is different from hers, there's nothing wrong with that -- everyone has to find their own style in these things. What works for one person won't necessarily be the right way for someone else. Reading her guide might be a stepping stone to finding your own way. ;o)

Carol

that's very true - and what may be the best possible thing for one person may just feel unnatural or weird to another - a lot of what I've had to do with these round robins, has been learned by doing - but I did try to "work out" all the possible scenarios before starting - and that's part of why the swap info in the grey box is so extensive - I really did want to be able to reassure every one in the swap, and be sure that no one could come along say "you didn't tell me that" -

but yes, I'm still learning - and posting the "journeys" is really something simple that probably should have been done on all the swaps right away - but hopefully it's all good.

thanks so much for your helpful encouragement - I really hope you are enjoying this, and will have lots of fun with the little gems heading your way.

MaryB

Thank you Mary! I really just enjoy seeing all the different places my journal will be going. Most of the states I've never been to myself, so it's very exciting. I'm also really glad to see we are all from different states. Thank you!!!

Mary - my journal was posted today - should take 3-5 days to get to you, I have a tracking # just in case. LOL - you are probably going to have both of my journals at the same time! The USA one is marked as such, I can't remember if I marked my International book. Enjoy!

thanks Joanne, I'll be watching for it - sungazer is moving, so I am waiting for the "go ahead" to send to her, and it will be great to be able to send off yours and mine together.

Have a great week, everyone, enjoy the little gems that will be heading your way! MaryB

Joanne - yes, I've received your int'l journal (#2788 - from Angel Faery) -

I always put them into their own ziploc with a label of their own, that says WHOSE journal it is, and which swap it's for -

can hardly wait to get THIS one, also - it's kind of funny, thinking that their journeys "merged" in South Dakota, but I'll split them up and send them to Tennessee and Florida from here -

have a great week, MaryB

Thanks for taking care of them for me :) the ziplocs are a great idea!

please - any and ALL of you - come to the flickr site - there is some great conversation going on there, as well as getting to see the pics for ALL these round robins -

It'd be so much fun to have ALL the journals from all these RR's show up there - what an inspiration and beautiful FUN that would be!

hope to see you "over there" and have a great week, everyone, MaryB

I have sent my journal on to nktigger.

Mary-I am moving this Saturday instead of Tuesday. I am staying with my grandparents for the summer, the address I gave is theirs. You can send it now, if you'd like. It'll be safe since it's a p.o. box.

I've posted pics of some of linie's pages and a couple of mine in the flickr group.

PLEASE NOTE - I will be offline until Tuesday or Wednesday - please do not worry, but I will not be able to post anything until I return.

Also, there is no mail service Monday (in the US), with the holiday, so please do not be concerned if you are "in between" - or do not hear anything for a few days.

Have a wonderful and safe holiday weekend, everyone, MaryB

I will be mailing my journal to Timanna today -- I did 2 more pages and they're drying now, so I'll scan them and the pack up and my journal will be off on its journey this afternoon!

As Mary suggested, I will NOT be clicking SENT, I will leave this swap open until my journal returns home and I have worked in all the journals.

Everyone please enjoy my journal and do what you will with it!

Carol

Oh and everyone have a happy and safe holiday weekend!

C

Oops posted on the wrong journal!

(Goes over to the INTL to post message about pics)

I was going to send my little journal today to suzylucie but it will be coming Tuesday and arriving at her home Thursday or Friday.

looking forward to it, Carol. Mine is almost done, I ended up being pretty simple with it. I'll mail it Tuesday, I forgot about all this holiday business.

I just received Mikki journal and had hoped to mail my today (lost the car keys?) So....as I'm stuck at home I guess I will work on it, So Sharon you just might get both at the same time....Doris

okie dokie, Doris!

I'm back - thanks to everyone who sent 'well-wishes' - and yes I was in the hospital a few days - but am back "on track" now -

sungazer - I have TWO journals ready to head your way - mine and Joanne's - I will send them to the PO box address, is that correct? (let me know soon smile)

I really DO apologize if I've created any bottlenecks, but hopefully, with the holiday weekend, things are back in motion again.

have a great week, everyone if you haven't yet, go and check out the flickr site for Round Robin Journals - all I can say is WOW -

just LOOK at those pictures - every round robin swap I've hosted has been invited "over there" - and just for the inspirations and the oooohs and aaaaahs, it's really wonderful!

MaryB

Mary,

Since most of us are not marking this swap as sent, maybe you could change the due date so that SWAP-BOT doesn't start sending us those "reminders"? I'm also not marking it as sent until my book is returned home.

Doris, jakfrostwife

Doris, that would be a great idea (I keep getting reminders for the others also) - but that would open the swap again - and new people could slip in -

So, please everyone, you can just ignore those "canned" reminders - they have NO effect on your standing with swap-bot, no one is "checking on us" - and in fact, Rachel told me that these are some of the best running swaps.

thanks for understanding, everyone, MaryB

Thanks to a wonderful suggestion (and I had not even thought of doing this) - to avoid receiving all the "swap reminders" for these round robins, I am moving the 'mail to' deadline date ahead -

this will not change anything in the swap, and it will not "open" it again, so no new people can slip in - but hopefully it will cut down on all those reminders coming into our inboxes.

(thanks to jakfrostwife) MaryB

Just a reminder request - everyone - - please - when you post that you've received/sent a journal, PLEASE tell me WHOSE journal it is -

it's also very helpful if you post WHO you received it from - especially if you are in more than one of these rr's.

I do try to keep track, and it does not help me much to just know that you've sent off two journals, if I have no idea who they belong to.

Your help is so appreciated, thanks, MaryB

I received Sharon's journal from Sharon

Sharon, you had posted in your journal that everyone has six pages, but I don't think the book can hold that amount. As it is, I'm thinking pages are going to need to be removed otherwise, as people add, the spine will break and the book will become round.

Susan, I thought it had enough pages....sorry...maybe 3?

thank you to those who have responded here or answered my email SO quickly - As many of you know, there are SIX of these round robins going - (If you have not answered the email, or posted here, please do so as soon as possible - thnx)

there are only a few people I have not heard from yet, but I do know where most of the journals are in ALL the swaps - there are several cases of "more than one journal" at one swapper's place - and that is true for one of these round robins.

I myself, have TWO journals, in two different swaps, and will be sending them off Tuesday - there are also (at least!) THREE cases of swappers who have FOUR or MORE journals right now - so these little gems ARE on the move - and lots of them are "same swap, travelling together" journals!

Especially with the increase in the postage rates, yes, that means that you MAY be getting more than one at once - so if you are "without" at the moment, enjoy the reprieve - it won't last long! hahaha

please be patient, do NOT give up, our journals ARE on the move!

Have a great week, everyone, MaryB

I emailed you Mary but I also wanted to respond here on on the page that I have not yet received a journal to work in. I will post here as soon as I receive one, and post again when I send it off. Rinse and repeat. :o)

Timanna, have you received my journal yet?

Carol

Is a journal on it's way to me? I haven't received anything yet :)

Today is Wednesday(looking at my watch) I havent receive a journal yet...sigh

I still don't have one either - seems like since the rate increase the mail is moving more slowly than before.

I WILL be sure to post as soon as I get one.

Carol

Sorry Sharon, I must not have stated it well, I'm saying the book will get fatter and fatter as people add on so there are actually too many pages in the book as of now. I didn't remove any, I'm not as experienced as some of the altered book artists in this group. I'm sure someone will be glad to perform surgery on the book!

On a sad for me note, I received a "we're Sorry" damaged mail from the post office with my trashed journal in it. (good thing I put my info inside the journal!) I worked hard on this and was very upset. Since the clock is ticking, I threw something together and mailed it out to Joanne today, along with Sharon's book.

Pictures are posted on Flickr

I WILL do some checking, everyone, and contacting people, the original "mailing deadline" was the 29th of May, and I know that sometimes people have pushed that envelope just a bit, in these journal round robins -

I want to HEAR from people in this swap, if you have NOT sent yours yet - let's get these going - I know the postage has gone up, so if you are holding one til another arrives, I suppose that's ok, but please do NOT hold out for any more than that!

Get these "on the road" please - MaryB

Oh so sad! What's the use of a postal service that destroys mail! I feel for ya suzylucie, I'll try to do something really special to make you feel better :) PS- the pics are great!

Oh no!!!Susan! {{{{ hugs }}}}

Oh no! :o( Is your journal repairable?

If a book has too many pages, there are instructions on one of Lisa Vollrath's sites (they're probably at gomakesomething.com) for removing pages. Looks for her instruction on choosing/preparing a book to alter.

I still don't have a book as of 3:30pm yesterday. I'm just dying to get one, look at all those pics in flickr & how much fun everybody's having without me!

Carol

Thanks for the hugs and sympathy! It wasn't repairable so I hastily put together something new.

And carol, you are just the person I was thinking of when I posted we have an experienced book alterer (is that even a word?!?) in our group. I'm not sure where you fall in the mailing order, but maybe you could help sharon's journal! I didn't want to have my first page removal be on someone else's book!

Carol, sorry I haven't been keeping up with this thread the way I could. I got your journal and it's so awesome, I'm feeling a little intimidated! It will be on its way soon.

Thanks for checking in timanna! Please don't be intimidated, I just want everyone to have fun! Really.

I can pull some pages out of Sharon's book, but the best way is to remove every other page, rather than blocks of pages. If you want to tear out one page behind your art - lay the edge of a ruler along the middle of the book, and leave about 1/4" of paper near the spine, rather than removing the whole page. This is so that other pages won't fall out. It's not as intimidating as it seems!

I still don't have a journal. nktigger99, have you mailed to me yet? Should I be worried?

Carol

please everyone - keep these little beauties going - I know how frustrating it can be to be waiting - I do not think that there is cause for worry, but I do know that in some cases, some people have almost a half-dozen journals (not all in the same swap, thankfully) - but it still means that they are VERY busy -

nktigger, please let us hear from you, even if it's just to say you are busy -

I hope everyone has a good weekend, please do NOT get discouraged - suzy, I feel just awful about that - sending you some hugs and lots of gentle thoughts!

MaryB

Hello Everyone! I received 2 journals this morning. One was Doris(jakfrostwife) & the other is Mikki(Dixie Witch). Now to begin...

Sharon F

WOW that took a long time~it was first class rate too! They will try to talk me into going book rate which would of been like $2.50 not the $6.25........so why it took so long I don't know?? Doris

Maybe it had a stop for the postoffice to see if it was "books" they hadn't read......LOL

Hi everyone, still no word from nktigger - I hope she is doing okay -

thanks everyone else, for keeping us posted - I'll be in touch in the next day or so, but all's well - hugs to you all, MaryB

Got Susan's and Sharon's journals today! Hurray, I'm so excited to get to work. And Susan, I gotta say, it is inspiring to be sent a blank slate - I'm sure you are right about it developing into something really wonderful!

Mary, I got the two journals today, and I am so excited about playing in them!

Contact me sometime in the next week or two about nktigger. I don't want to send anymore journals her way if she has gone awol, but it's your call.

Mary, I got the two journals today, and I am so excited about playing in them!

Contact me sometime in the next week or two about nktigger. I don't want to send anymore journals her way if she has gone awol, but it's your call.

Just got today's mail and I still haven't gotten a journal from nktigger, and haven't heard from her. I will let y'all know as soon as I do get one. I feel a little silly getting on to just say "still nothing" but at least you know I'm still here.

Carol

How many journals have already gone to nktigger? I hope nobody's gets lost!

I've messaged sungazer and pequad, please check them - i hate to just bypass someone, but I have a responsibility to ALL of you - and we have not heard anything from nktigger -

take care everyone, have a good week, MaryB

pequad and sungazer - please contact each other, soon -

have a good weekend, everyone, MaryB

Gram's - suzylucies & Sharon F's went in the mail to you today. Should take 3 days! They were fun journals to work in! PS - thanks for looking out for us, I feel much better about that now :)

Sungazer, is there anything I can do to help in case your journal is MIA?

I am sending sungazer a message now. Sungazer, if your journal is MIA with nktigger, can we make tip-in pages for you, or can you restart yours? I hate for anyone's book to be lost but at least it's early enough that something can be worked out so that you get a journal back at the end.

Carol

nktigger is MIA in every swap she signed up for. I contacted all of her swap hosts and received th feedback that she isn't answering messages or sending swaps. One she was the host for. I wouldn't feel bad about bypassing her, She obviously can't participate at this time in her life.

As I've already contacted nktigger's sent TO and receive FROM partners, to tell them, yes, we are bypassing her in this swap -

sungazer - I feel just awful if your journal disappeared -

it's really too bad, I know that there is not a totally "foolproof" way to prevent such a thing, but as mentioned, it IS still fairly early in this swap -

maybe someone please "jump in" and start another journal, even a blank one, and yes, the cover can even be decorated - just please post it here -

and I know the rest of you are fabulous - hugs to you all, please have a good weekend, MaryB

sungazer - I have an extra journal that I made, I would be willing to donate if you don't have anything else? Let me know and I will send it to Pequad so that it makes it's orginally intended course.

thank you so much Joanne, I really appreciate you coming forward like this - hugs

I sent off Sharon's and suzylucie's journal today to sungazer -

be watching for them, and have LOTS of fun with these!

have a great week, everyone, MaryB

it's getting HOT here - think I'll go get some ice cream! haha

enjoy the weekend, everyone! MaryB

Oh I hope I get a book to work in soon.

Where is my book now? Still with timanna?

Carol

please yes, everyone - if you HAVE a journal, tell us whose, if you recently SENT a journal, please tell us whose journal it was - -

I'm NOT worried at all, I know in a couple of the other RR's, there are four, and even FIVE journals travelling together!

If you are "without" at the moment, enjoy the reprieve - it probably won't last long! hugs, MaryB

I don't have any books. :o( I don't know where my book is. :o(

I wonder if everyone can please check in? Say what books you have, if any? I've been in a lot of robins and the most successful ones are those where the players check in and communicate often. It helps keep the enthusiasm going and helps build trust.

Carol

I agree Carol. I don't have any books right now but have been checking the discussion space often to see if any are headed my way. Haven't seen anything to indicate so, though.

Hi Everyone, I have Mikki's and Doris...Mikki's is all done and Doris will be finished tonight. Sorry for the lateness, I had a terrible pain....whew...I hope never to get THAT pain again!

I don't have any. I'm patiently waiting.

Timanna, if you read this, can I please just get my journal sent back to me? The address is inside the front cover. I would appreciate it.

Carol

Hey guys, sorry I can't communicate as much as I'd like, working 60-70 hours a week these days.

Right now I have four journals, and I just got a message from pequad saying she's dropping out. Timanna is next on the list. I will contact her for an address, and send her four journals at once. After she gets a chance to work in them and send them on, I will make a new journal for myself, since mine is gone (and boy i'm pissed because i put a lot of effort into it and it turned out gorgeous)

So my journal will be out of turn, but it will make its rounds.

If anyone else thinks they might drop out, please do it now so we can get on track with less complications.

sungazer, please do NOT send to timanna - I've not gotten any responses to anything, neither has pequad - so for now, unfortunately, we are bypassing her - you will send directly to Dixie Witch, if pequad (Carol) really wants to drop - I send to DixieWitch in another swap, so COULD send her a journal for Carol, to get her back into the swing of things, if she'd like -

I know we have already bypassed nktigger, and yes, it looks like we are also having to skip timanna - as I said, no one has heard anything from her -

I do NOT have internet service, right now, am at the library, but only get 30 minutes a day - so will nto be back online til tomorrow - please Carol, stay with us, but let us know by tomorrow afternoon - Cara Rae, whatever happens, please do NOT sent to timanna - she has not posted her, or responded to anyone in a very long time.

If she does come forth, here, by then, that MAY change things, but otherwise, for now, you will send to DixieWitch (Mikki) - - or Carol.

hugs to you all, I'll check in tomorrow - MaryB

Joanne had mentioned that she could start a journal for you, sungazer, she sends to me, so I'm kinda watching for it - - will let you know -

MaryB

OK well. I was really ready to drop, but I think I will hang in there, thanks mostly to Mary's kindness.

Sungazer, not checking in because you're busy with work is totally acceptable and understandable. What I got upset about was that an unnamed party had logged into this site but had not answered a PM I sent last week. I know it has been read because it says so in my sent messages, so read but not answered which I don't understand and am pretty unhappy about.

I think my journal is probably gone too, and I am pissed as well. I bought that from another artist, who made it, and I was really excited about getting to have it filled with art. But you know what, let's have ourselves a successful robin if for no other reason than to spite them.

Sungazer, you have my address, send when ready. I will skip timanna and mail to Dixy Witch.

Do the MIA people have journals that are traveling with the group?

Carol

Mary - sungazer is going to work on a new journal and get it sent out. I would just like to request that everyone with a journal post the names on here, so that we know who still has a journal out there. In the other swap I'm in, we are posting when we receive and send a journal and the name attached. I think this helps everyone feel confident that their journal's are still moving. I hope we can all try our hardest to do that.

I'm still here...{{{{hugs}}}} to each of you.... By Friday, Doris and Mikki will be on their way!

I contacted DixieWitch to get her address. It says on her profile page that she doesn't have internet at home right now and is using her parents' when she goes to their house. I am sure she's still playing, just maybe does not have time to post.

I asked her if timanna has passed my journal on to her, but I'm not especially hopeful of this because I can't understand why timanna wouldn't answer my PM about it, if she's sent it on already.

Timanna, if you read this and you still have my book, I am willing to reimburse your shipping costs if you will mail it back to me or on to DixieWitch. I will be very deeply disappointed never to see it again. I put a lot of work into it and I was really excited about using it for this round robin. I joined this project in good faith that I would get my journal back, and I really would like to have it back.

Carol

I'm moving in a few weeks, so only have internet access at the library, for 30 minutes a day - to save some money for the move, etc, but I can only "check in once a day" then -

Yes, DixieWitch is "still playing" - I send to her in another RR swap, and she's doing okay, just can't keep in touch so much here - neither can I for now -

no word from timanna - I may try calling her - will let you know tomorrow if I find out anything - I'm SOOO sorry, Carol, I know how it is to put a lot of yourself into something, I really hope this does not turn out to be disappointing!

MaryB

OK everyone, I am very happy to say that I heard back from timanna. I do believe she will be passing on my journal soon to the next person.

I am really relieved. I have been high-strung lately because I am in another round robin on a different site & one of our players made a cross-country move & did not tell any of us. When the hostess called her to ask her to send on the books she had, she got really mad about it. At the time of her move, she had my journal and is now not in communication with our group, so I think my journal is in the landfill in whatever state she's actually living in now. So, I really did not want to have another lost journal.

Making some fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie therapy now.

Carol

Mmmm! chocolate cookies!!!!

sungazer said (I think,) she has 4 books to pass on. Now, is it better for everyone if I pass al of them on in one package, or is it better if I break them into 2 mailings of 2 books each?

Sometimes it can be stressful to have a whole lot of books at once, is why I ask. Feel free to let me know what y'all prefer.

Carol

I don't mind getting them all at once, but I think that if it will get more on the move faster then it might be a good idea to split them up. :)

it doesn't matter to me either, but also it may add to the time that someone can send them onward also - splitting them up just MAY be cheaper also - I found that out sending to Canada -

whichever works for you - and welcome back timanna - sure would like to see you post HERE also -

MaryB

I'm really SO sorry, but cannot be online every day - I'm moving in a few weeks, and being on Disability, have turned off my internet to save some money -

I'm SO thrilled tho, seeing how wonderfully everyone is keeping in touch - if it ever DOES become an "emergency" you can surely call me - my phone number IS listed, and Huron, SD is a very small town, in area code 605.

I can only be online at the library, for 30 minutes a day, and they are NOT open sundays. AND they were closed yesterrday - (Friday) -

Please be well, everyone, take care, and have a good weekend, I really AM keeping track of things, but just don't always have time to post much!

hugs to you ALL! MaryB (Boatright)

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am still here and I am still in it! I have timanna's book...should I send it on? Also, just curious as to where my book is? :) As pequad said, I am on limited internet access. But I do check my messages and come here as often as I can. I've sent on all my books except timanna's if someone could PM and let me know if I should send it on or back to her, I would appreciate it. I can check my PMs here on my cellphone.

Hi Mikki...your's & Doris'(Jak)are on the way to Susan(suzylucie)

Timanna never said anything to me about dropping out, just that she had been busy, so I would say that you could go ahead & mail her book on to the next person.

Carol

Just to let everyone know - I AM moving, but not until the last week of August - so any journals heading my way, go ahead and send them -

Also, even tho I cannot be online much, I DO promise to work on any journals that come my way quickly, and get them sent!

(It would be nice if EVERYONE made a similar promise - I know it's summer, and lots of family activities going on, so no one is online as much it seems) - -

you are ALL such an awesome bunch - hugs to you ALL, MaryB

DixieWitch, are you or have you mailed me anymore books? I've only received yours from you so far? Are they are there way? I'm bookless and waiting....... :;( that's cause I need to get my fingers inky! LOL Jakfrostwife!

Please do not worry, anyone - as I posted, with the summer, comes lots of family and other activities, that tend to compete with any leisurely online time -

Even if we do not hear from members often, I really DO believe that all in the group are now active and committed to success. Please be patient, everyone.

you really are all such a fabulous group, I honestly feel like I've made this whole group of new friends! And "creative" friends - that's the BEST!

have a safe holiday tomorrow - I cannot be online at all, since the library is closed, also there's no mail service either, so be aware that there might be a bit of a delay.

hugs, MaryB

I am without a journal at the moment, and suffering greatly! hahaha - - actually, enjoying a bit of reprieve - have a good week, everyone - I can't be online tomorrow, and don't know yet if library is open Saturday - it's definitely closed Sunday, so I might be "incognito" til Monday!

Please be well everyone, and yes, if I get a journal, will hurry with it and send it onward quickly!

hugs to you ALL, MaryB

Still here, still haven't gotten any journals but I'm expecting 4 from sungazer, anytime.

Carol

I have had a wonderful Sunday with my family. It is really nice to "get away" from all the hustle bustle!

please do not get discouraged anyone - this swap IS on the move - there's been a lot going on, with summer here, and lots of family stuff, as well as some emergencies, even -

I was going to try to call everyone, this weekend, but actually could not get phone numbers for MOST people - even with addresses - just to re-encourage everyone, and to keep the good thoughts!

I'm in all six of these RR's, and have been without for almost a month - but I know also, that in several of the swaps, there are FOUR and even FIVE journals travelling together.

Please don't be down, or worry - I see NO reason to doubt everyone's commitment to a successful swap!

hugs to you ALL, MaryB

I am off to the Florida Keys for two weeks of fishing, diving and hunting lobster! Sorry I am boasting but I'm very excited. I will be keeping my eyes open for inspiration and fun goodies to tuck into the journals!

Sharon posted on the first that Dixie and jakfrost's were on the way to me but the snail mail has turned into slug mail cause I still don't have them. I guess they will arrive while I'm gone.

I hate to slow things up but I promise to come back with my batteries all charged up, creative juices flowing and jump right on whatever journals I find waiting for me. Looking forward to that should take away some of the letdown of vacation being over!

Hugs to all and talk with you in a couple weeks!

You have a fabulous time, and enjoy the keys!

I know with summer here, lots of family vacations, kids outta school, travelling families, etc, people just cannot keep up with everything as easily -

but these beauties ARE on the move, I do feel good about the ongoing commitment of the dear ones in this group - so please be patient, everyone. Some of these RR swaps are actually starting to wind down -

and yes, I AM going to be starting another batch of them, but think I'll just wait til I move (end of August) - with kids back in school, and fewer family vacations/absences, it might be easier for everyone to keep track.

hugs to you ALL, have a great week! MaryB

Happy vacation!

I am happy to say that I have received 2 journals - Sharon's + Joanne's. I would love to know if my journal has moved yet. I sent DixieWitch a message last week to see if she has it yet. She hadn't gotten it and said she'd send me another message when she received it, and I have not heard back. So I guess timanna still has it.

Timanna can you please check in and let me know when you expect to mail my journal? I would really like to see it get moving. Thanks.

Carol

Still twiddling my thumbs...

I have heard from DixieWitch today that she still has not gotten my journal, in spite of the fact that timanna told me 3 weeks ago that she would pass it on. As much as I was hoping to have that one back, I just don't see it happening. It's just obviously not important to her to mail it nor to post here or answer emails & messages. I've even offered to send her stamps, gas money, and a handmade RAK.

I figure it's time to just let go and stop beating the dead horse. I will probably start myself another book. I would still like to have the other one back, since it belongs to me and I never intended to just give it away.

TIMANNA IF YOU EVER CHECK IN HERE: please do the right thing and mail my journal. It's your karma, what you do in this world comes back to you.

To anyone else down the road who's thinking of joining a project like this -- don't do it if you're going to let the rest of your group down. It's so very disappointing, frustrating, stressful and NOT FUN when somebody flakes.

My ETA for mailing Sharon's + Joanne's books is july 27. I'll post again when they're actually in the mail.

Carol

also, to add to those wise words, I have learned a LOT by doing these RR's, and one thing that will be required of any future "RR swappers" will be a phone number as well as an address - -

also, I will not have someone in one of these swaps who has not kept us informed regularly - -

that was one of the first requirements, stated at the beginning - but it's been now a month of more for these, and yes, I've been keeping track of who we hear from , and who disappears.

also - -

I AM moving, and it's been "moved ahead" - to August FIRST!

I will message who sends to me, with my new address, please use it effective right away for any journals coming my way.

please try to have a really GREAT week, everyone, warm hugs to you ALL! Mary

message me or email me with a telephone number, please - do not worry, I will NOT abuse it, and probably will never use it, but as I've said all along, I've been learning as I go with these - and yes, MY commitment is still strong, and most of the rest of you - -

unfortunately, it only takes ONE - or two - I just feel badly that we bypassed timanna once, and then re-instated her, based on a single post in over a month!

sigh, Mary

I've heard from her again today that she's mailing now. Hopefully she will. I did look over her comments & stuff and she does not seem like someone who lets people down as a habit.

Mary I'll send you my phone number now. I'm nearly always online (me or one of the kids) but I have voice mail & if you need to contact me you can leave a message. :o)

Carol

Hello, everybody! Just thought I'd say have a wonderful weekend!!!

Just wanted to update -- I have worked 2 lay-outs each in Joanne's & Sharon's books. Those are drying now and I will scan & post pics at the flickr group tomorrow. I will mail these to Mikki either friday or saturday and I will post here when they're en route.

I'm putting each of the journals in a baggie to travel. I recommend sending them in a ziplock to protect against dampness & odors - you know, some people smoke, other people have allergies - I myself stink up my house daily with fragranced candles & incense. Plus it's never happened to me, but I've heard of art arriving wet from rain or snow during bad weather, when someone's mailbox leaked or the carrier wasn't too careful. So I always send things in a bag just to be safe.

If I don't hear by about aug 1 that Mikki has my book from timanna, I'm going to start on another one for me. But I am still hoping.

Carol

Thanks for doing that for me Carol. And I will definitely take your advise in the future. I am still with