CHUNKIES: Alice in Wonderland Chunky Book Swap Due April 30

[pumpkincoach]

[B]Swap Due Date - April 30
Signup/withdraw date - March 31
Number of Cards - 9 for 9
Number of participants -10


I love Alice in Wonderland! Come show us what your vision is for this fabulous book!

You must have a minimum of +10 itrader points to join this swap.

I will allow international players provided you are willing to send enough U S postage stamps to cover your returns. See the chart below for estimated International return costs. An IrC is acceptable too, but I can't refund unused money from these as the post office just sticks them on and doesn't give change.

These will be due on April 30. You can sign up until March 31st, or until the slots are full. You can withdraw until March 31st. If you choose to withdraw after that date you will receive a neutral i-trader rating due to the fact everyone is counting on you and making enough pages for everyone.

In a traditional chunky book, each player makes a page for each other player. I'm going to allow up to 10 players per group in this chunky book swap, so then if you want a page from every player, you'll be making 9 pages (10 if you want one for yourself) for each group you sign up for.

This swap is for a 4x4" chunky book. You may choose from one or both themes, but please be sure you will have time to complete the work you sign up for. This is an OPEN MEDIA chunky book - so work in what you are comfortable with. No plain graphite please, I prefer to see color. If you desire a black and white scheme please use collage or paints. I ask that everyone do their ***best work***--please create pages that you would like others to receive and that you are proud of. Please make sure all stamped images are well used and not just stamped on paper, with nothing else done to them or around them. Any stickers used should be altered in some way. ALL pages must be original artwork. NO photocopies, and I prefer no digitals. You may make every page the same or every page different, but they must be *real* pages and not something you took to the store and copied off.

Please create your pages double sided so that when they are in a book, they look nice on both front and back. Also, please use a thicker paper or light board for the pages themselves--I want them to be at least somewhat sturdy. The minimum would be 140lb watercolor paper.

1. Illustration board or Mat board is the perfect weight for these. You can buy it at most craft stores for anywhere from $3.99-$6.99. I just bought some last night and was able to cut 35 4 inch squares from a piece of Illustration board. Use an Xacto knife and a yardstick. If you have a clear, grided quilt ruler with measurements, these work AWESOME for helping to cut paper! I have on that is about 22 inches long and I LOVE it! If you have already made your pages and they are not quite this heavy, that is ok too.

2. Please incorporate you user info on the back side, in some kind of artistic manner, like in a spiral, collaged on and brushed with ink, etc. Basically, I want it to blend in and not stand out in glaring black and white.

3. As to the pages, you can make them all the same or each one different, it is up to you. I just ask that you don't make one page, photocopy it and send in photocopied pages. These should be all original.

Remember these pages are going to be in a BOOK or hung. Please do not place chunky embellishments at the top or left edges, as this is where people choose to bind them or use them for hanging. Some people will be hanging these so the 4 corners should be the same so the design doesn't get ruined. "Chunky means fibers, wire, beads, tags and things dangling off of and around the pages. The pages themselves can have a little bit of embellishment, but should not be so think they aren't able to fit comfortably in a book.

Please make sure your pages are not sticky...some might use decoupage to seal it...but sometimes this makes them tacky. Allow plenty of dryin time. Gel medium works great to seal pages! I do not hold swaps up for late people, so if you know you can't get these done in time, please withdraw by the specified date above.

Assembly: You will be binding your returns together to make the book. You will receive 1 page from each of the people signed up. I suggest, but you don't have to, that you make an extra page to keep for yourself and bind it in with your returns. If you need book binding tips, search the internet, as there are lots of good instructions and styles out there. If you need those rings that slide open (book Binder rings), check the craft stores in the embroidery thread section, as they sell them there.

Postage: When you take your chunky book pages to have them mailed, BEFORE sealing the envelope, have it weighed and then add the same amount of postage it will cost you to send to your SASE return envelope. Also, please include 2 loose stamps, in case your returns are heavier than what you sent. I will return any unused stamps to you. Please let me know if you need further clarification on the postage! Please DO NOT send cash, checks, paypal, etc. Stamps make it safer and easier for everyone. Internationals can send an IRC, but please make sure it is properly validated. I cannot refund any unused postage cost for IRCs.

Canada - $3.00 airmail
Australia - 10.00 airmail
New Zealand: $8.00
Europe: $6.30 - $7.20

Due: The chunky book pages will be due IN MY HANDs by April 30th, 2008. This gives you plenty of time to get pages done.



Alice in Wonderland
1.pumpkincoachfinished
2. curbsidetreasurearrived
3.egrobeck arrived
4.swmpangel arrived
5.SallyAnn arrived
6.ilmsykmaarrived
7.Natasha arrived
8.Monarch formerly carol schmidt arrived
9.ElectaBlue arrived
10.stormarela arrived

[curbsidetreasure]

i'm just checking in!
please change tealights to curbsidetreasure, thanks!

[ElectaBlue]

Are there spaces open now? By the time I decided to join they were all full. If there is room for me, I would love to join.

[pumpkincoach]

curbsidetreasure~ you are updated.
ElectaBlue~ Welcome to the swap! Yes, there are two spaces open and now you have one of them!

[curbsidetreasure]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2394/2184627712_d38d7a86f0.jpg
i just want to share my work again :) i cant wait to see what others come up with!

i painted the text background gold, then glued on sheer red dotted tissue paper. i added on collage elements - most of them from catalog pages and a cut out images of a model who looks like alice.

[pumpkincoach]

Awesome pages curbsidetreasure!

[Linda4atc]

Hey Pumpkin is the mermaid chunky in a seperate place? I can't seem to find it.

[pumpkincoach]

Kinda4atc~ Yes, it has been moved over to Active swaps because all the spaces are now filled with players.

[knesi07]

i would love to play..i pm'd you with a question

[pumpkincoach]

knesi07 does not have enough itrader for now, so we have one spot open in this swap.

[stormarela]

please add me to this swap. I love the cheshire cat!!

[pumpkincoach]

Ok Stormarela! I am signing you up now! YAY!!! Our spots are filled!

[monarch]

Hi - Just checking in..........I have 1 page done......I'm going to start the second one now.......Have a good night....................

[pumpkincoach]

Thanks Monarch! I have 3 pages done and the others are half way there. I can't wait to see what you come up with1

[monarch]

Here are three of mine......

[pumpkincoach]

Monarch~ Those are great!

[monarch]

My 4th page..............

[pumpkincoach]

Monarch~ another great one! That is my favorite part of the book and the movie! I love the Cheshire cat.

[pumpkincoach]

I just spent 3 hours painting these and my Marie Antoinette chunky pages! WHEW! Now I need to embellish them, add chunkiness and paint my info on the backs. Two chunky book swaps almost done...one to go! Talk about crazy ideas...Hosting 3 chunky book swaps at once...am I sane?

[ElectaBlue]

Talk about crazy ideas...Hosting 3 chunky book swaps at once...am I sane?

I have to admit I was wondering that myself!;) I think I have earned the right to question your sanity, because I am in all 3 of your chunky swaps, in addition to making pages for 2 other ones that are due about the same time.

I know I spend as much time on one chunky swap as I do on 10 or more regular ATC swaps, but I think the results are worth it. I think I must spend a minimum of 2 hours on each chunky page, but probably much more than that.

Alice in Wonderland is the most difficult one for me to do. I have been researching other artists versions of Alice on the internet and at the library. The one book I really want that is a history of Alice illustration is checked out!

[pumpkincoach]

Lisa~ That's ok hon, question my sanity at any time! Wow, and I thought I was crazy! I am going to finish up my swaps, and the few ATC ones I have and take a month's break or so just to draw and recoup. There are things I want to work on, so the craziness will settle in awhile.
For Alice illustrations...there are some GREAT web site with awesome pics. Just type Alice illustrators into google.com. I did collage for both Alice and Marie...actually I took print outs of images and altered them with acrylics and added a few collage elements. Mostly it is paint over an image work. For mermaids, I am doing watercolors, probably with some pen work, so these will probably take a little longer.

Here are a few Alice websites for you:
http://www.exit109.com/~dnn/alice/
http://www.bugtown.com/alice/
http://www.alice-in-wonderland.net/
They should give you a place to start!

[ElectaBlue]

Rebecca, thanks for the ideas and webpages! The first two were great, but the third one wouldn't work. Here are a few that I found helpful: http://www.xahlee.org/p/alice/alice_art.html This one has some more unusual ones, including some adult only ones (that I didn't look at!)
http://www.laurenharman.com/alice/

I am thinking of doing mine with a lot of collage elements mixed with painting and drawing. I am trying to figure out how to incorporate some of the miniature playing cards onto the pages. They would work perfectly for some of those scenes with the queen.

I have backed off on atc swaps, as well, while I am doing all these chunky pages. I am also busy making a lot of glass jewelry for a big arts show I am in every April and really need to focus more on that.

[pumpkincoach]

I just posted 4 new Alice pages to my gallery, plus the 3 old ones are renamed. They are in my chunky book section! Yeah~ Only 3 to go and these are all done!

[Natasha]

Love all the pages.

[pumpkincoach]

I just posted the last 12 Alices to my Gallery, if you want to check them out! The scans are ok, some better than others. Unfortunately, my scanner does not pick up the rich, VERY bright hues I use, but you can get an idea!

Natasha~ Thank you hon!

[ilmsykma]

I agree with you electa. it is definitely worth spending all that time on the pages. I'm in two chunky book swaps. And I know it's slow-going, but I love how each of my pages are turning out.

[pumpkincoach]

Curbsidesweetie, you beautiful pages arrived today! I will leave feedback for this swap as soon as the system lets me!

[ElectaBlue]

Mine are all ready to go, once I can get to the post office. You can see some samples of them in my gallery and there are more in my Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/electablue/

Rebecca, I know what you mean about the scans not showing all the color. The Queen of Hearts ones I did don't show the gold embossed trim at all.

[pumpkincoach]

Lisa~ Awesome pages! I like your books too! About scans...highly annoying isn't it? You know your work looks better in person and there isn't anything you can do about it. Pooh on scanners!

[stormarela]

I just posted to my gallery my Alice pages. They need to be embellished still, but I'm not just sure with what. Its such a great story, I think I could have made 10 more pages, so many vivid images to use.

[ElectaBlue]

Stormarela, those are so colorful and fun! I like how you included the Alice quotes on them. I considered doing that, but ended up not having enough space on my cards.

[stormarela]

I picked the quotes first, and tried drawing around them. I think they look kind of 'un finished' but don't really know what to do about it. I can't really colour around the letters now! I didn't really have a good plan. I do like that they are kind of 'colouring bookish' or 'children's bookish'....
Today is the 'ribboning' day.




Stormarela, those are so colorful and fun! I like how you included the Alice quotes on them. I considered doing that, but ended up not having enough space on my cards.

[pumpkincoach]

Stormarela~ Great cards! I love them! I can't wait to see them embellished and in person. This is a great theme for chunky books...so much to feed the imagination!

[pumpkincoach]

Lisa~ Your gorgeous pages arrived today! I can't wait until I have a few minutes to sit down and look at them all!

[ElectaBlue]

I am so glad they made it! I was a little nervous because they were so stuffed in the envelope. I am also really annoyed with the postal clerk here because she keeps saying I have to pay extra because of the thickness of my envelopes or whatever and with the priority mail envelope she said it is only supposed to be 1 inch thick or she had to charge me regular package rate. My understanding is that it is 4.60 for whatever fits in the envelope. Then I was nervous wreck that they were going to fall out of the envelope. If those were lost I would probably have to just give up trading entirely because they took me forever to do.

[pumpkincoach]

Lisa~ The priority mail rules changed when they changed the postal rates last time. Now the the envelope has to be under and inch thick and it cannot be folded over, etc. It has to do with the machining. If it won't go through the sorter, it costs extra. It is annoying, as the postal rules seem to keep changing and they seem to vary from one PO to another. Probably the most economical way to send these would be media rate, if they will let you send artwork that way. Otherwise, the priority box that costs $8.95 is probably the fastest, safest way for mailing lots of bulk items. That is what I had originally planned to use for these swaps, but the cost is high for a lot of people, especially paying it both ways. It should be interesting to see what happens when I take these to the po to mail out returns! Oh well, the price of trading art. At least this is a really great swap with lots of great art for returns!:D I am glad they didn't get lost either, that would be terrible! I know after my ENTIRE Pompeii swap returns ( 5 people total) went AWOl in the Postal Zone. People still haven't received any and none have come back to me. I finally sent out a secondary batch, but it was sooooo disappointing!

[stormarela]

I'm sending my pages in tomorrow. I finished them with ribbon and stickles, going to post in my gallery. I had a very hard time choosing one to keep ( I picked the caterpillar)
I borrowed Alice's Adventures in Wonderland from the library, and now I think I 'll read it, cover to cover... thanks for the inspiration!

[pumpkincoach]

Great pages Stormarela! I know what you mean about choosing a page to keep. But, you are going to get some AWESOME artwork back too! I am glad you are inspired to read the book! It is one of my favorite books. Enjoy!

[pumpkincoach]

swmpangel~ Your gorgeous pages have arrived!

[pumpkincoach]

Hi everyone! This is just a friendly reminder that your pages are due in my hands April 30th. So far, I still need pages from the following: SallyAnn, ilmsykma, Monarch, Natasha and Stormarela. Please let me know if these have already been mailed. This is going to be a great swap everyone!

[stormarela]

yes, my pages are mailed, they should be there very soon! I mailed them on the 6th

[ilmsykma]

i have 2 pages left to go! hopefully will be mailed by next week!

[SallyAnn]

I have a couple of pages to finish, too--will get them in mail beginning of next week.

[pumpkincoach]

Thank you all for letting me know! I can't wait to see what you have come up with!

[ilmsykma]

they're in the mail, and also uploaded into my gallery!

[pumpkincoach]

ilmsykma~ Awesome pages dear! I love the roses and the Chessie cat, but they all rock!

[monarch]

Hi - Sorry I haven't checked in lately...... and I haven't forgotten about this group......Had a illness in my family to contend with which lead to a death .................I will finish up my pages next week..............I have three left to do....

[pumpkincoach]

Carol~ I am very sorry for your loss. Please don't feel rushed, as I certainly don't want to add to your stress right now. Thank you for checking in!

[Natasha]

Monarch. I'm so sorry :(

I have finished mine. It took me ages to do. But I don't feel like its up to standard when I see it in the gallery. So I'm sorry.

[pumpkincoach]

Natasha~ I think those are great! I can't wait to see them in person!

[SallyAnn]

I mailed my mermaids today---she is in my gallery if you want to take a peek.
I don't think I will get Alice in the mail until Friday.

[monarch]

MY pages wouldn't get into the mail till Monday.......I'm almost done but won't be able to finish them by mail day tomorrow.........I'll mail them priority mail - I just got alittle behind because of the sickness and death of my brother in law - If you need to leave a negative feedback, I will completely understand........I'll post again Monday to confirm my mailing.......

[pumpkincoach]

SAllyAnn, I can't wait to see them in person! Monarch, I understand and I will not be leaving you negative. Thank you for taking the time to let me know in advance! Have a great week, both of you.

[monarch]

pumpkincoach - My package has been mailed today.......It went priority mail with a dc # of 0307 1790 0005 7403 1403....................

[pumpkincoach]

Carol~ Great! I will let you know when it gets here!

[monarch]

I'm not late:D:D I see my package arrived at your post office!!!!!

[pumpkincoach]

Yes Carol! I just got it today!!!! I am going to open it later and see what beauties you sent. YAY! WE should be swapping this out super soon!

[pumpkincoach]

Sallyann~ Your gorgeous pages have arrived!~

[pumpkincoach]

As soon as Natasha's pages get here I will be swapping these out! You all are going to love these returns!

[Natasha]

Both of mine (mermaides and alice) are in the post.

I apologise so much for the lateness.

Natasha

[pumpkincoach]

Yay! Soon we can swap out pages! Thank you for letting me know Natasha! We all know life happens and I hope everyone will be patient in waiting! It shouldn't be too long now!

[pumpkincoach]

We are still waiting on Natasha's pages. They are coming from Australia and I hope they will be here this week. If not, then I will trade out pages without them, if need be. Thank you all for waiting patiently!

[pumpkincoach]

YAY!!!!!!! All the pages are in. I have traded them out and will be taking them to the po tomorrow for mailing! I didn't include a thank you note inside, so here it is:
Thank you ALL for such great pages and for all your hard work! This has been a great swap! Thank you to all those people who sent me extras! They are always appreciated! Have a wonderful week and please let me know when your book pages have arrived!

[monarch]

Ohhhhhh I can't wait to get them!!!!! Thanks for all your work!!!

[pumpkincoach]

All packages were mailed out today! If you had left over postage, I placed it in a plastic baggie inside the package! I hope you all like your returns!

[egrobeck]

wowser! I got my cards today - gosh that was super duper fast! thanks everyone for the great cards, and special thanks to Pumpkincoach - you're a super host! ok, off to do ratings!

[pumpkincoach]

Awww...thank you! I am glad they arrived safe.
Itrader reminds me....I tried to be sure EVERYONE received all their feedback, but if you DID NOT get feedback for one of my swaps, please, please let me know and I will do so right away! I know some of you are in two or more of the chunkies and so you are at risk for not receiving all your trader points.

[ElectaBlue]

I received mine for this one as well, of course! I will leave ratings the next few days. I think you left ratings for me, but I will double check.

I can't believe that they could get from Connecticut to Texas so quickly! Usually it takes 3-4 days, or more. I was so surprised to get them!

[pumpkincoach]

My post office must be doing something right this week! I hope everyone gets theirs quickly and safely! I am so glad everyone is happy with their returns too!~ Please consider leaving rep points. I am not sure, but I think in chunky swaps you may leave itrader for each person you receive a page from, but you may want to double check that with the powers that be.

[ElectaBlue]

What I have been told is that you only leave reps for people in chunky book swaps, unless it is a PAT swap. I plan on leaving reps for everyone, but it might take me a few days as I got so MANY wonderful pages at once!

[curbsidetreasure]

i got the pages today :)
thanks pumpkincoach for being a great hostess!

[SallyAnn]

Hi, I got my pages yesterday. Thanks to all for wonderful pages and thanks to pumpkincoach for being a great hostess for the swap. I am off to leave IThader and reps!

[SallyAnn]

Hi, I made my book today - if you would like to see the cover it is in my gallery. I absolutely love the pages in my book! Thanks everyone, again!

[stormarela]

My Alice chunkies came today! Wow, it was so worth the wait! I love all of the pages, thank you all so much. Now, the binding begins...lol. Thank you pumpkincoach for a great swap!!

[pumpkincoach]

Has everyone received their pages yet? I am going to close out this thread soon and want to be sure. Thank you!

[ilmsykma]

i'm not home and wont be for another week, but i've been told it has arrived.

[pumpkincoach]

Lauren, thank you for checking in! I hope you are having safe travel and a good time!