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Chunky Poetry Book Swap (Edited for Dates)

Launch gallery slideshow

Chunky Poetry Book Swap (Edited for Dates)
Swap Coordinator:Windchimes (contact)
Swap categories: Paper Goods  Books  Art 
Number of people in swap:24
Location:Other
Type:None
Last day to signup/drop:October 15, 2016
Date items must be sent by:September 15, 2007
Number of swap partners:1
Description:

I'm Nobody! Who are you?
Are you--Nobody--Too?
Then there's a pair of us?
Don't tell! they'd advertise--you know!

How dreary--to be--Somebody! How public--like a Frog--
To tell one's name--the livelong June--
To an admiring Bog!

Emily Dickinson

Do you know who you are? Or is this an non-ending exploration that will take you a lifetime? I hope so. As you travel your journey, have you shared who you are with someone else? This is your chance. This is a swap for one chunky book of poetry - one book and one swap partner.

As you organize this swap in your mind, think about trying to give your partner a unique view into what is important to you. What makes you tick? What makes you laugh and cry? What poems have you read that have touched your heart?

Here are the rules and requirements:

  • Poems should not be original - introduce your swap partner to your favorites works and favorite poets.
  • 10 or more WRITTEN pages in the chunky book - this means 10 poem minimum but many poems could be more than one page - just don't go under 10 pages.
  • Covers do NOT count as pages.
  • For art work and illustrations (these would be similar to ATCs) you will need extra pages. Use as many pages as you need; as a poem could be 4 pages and if it is illustrated, that could add another page or two.
  • This means 10 pages of words. Other pages (art, covers) do not count into the 10 page minimum.
  • One poem per poet, however you may use a genre you like throughout the book (romance, faith, loneliness or sonnets, freeverse, metered) I like them all mixed up myself as it shows a more realistic portrayal of the complex person (the bookmaker).
  • Use cardstock or other heavy paper - let's go with no smaller than 4 X 4 - larger books are easier (and more fun) but keep in mind the larger the book, the more area to cover and the weight, and subsequently the postage, will increase.
  • You may do the formatting any way you choose: You can handwrite it, design it on the computer, or any combination that pleases you.
  • Embellishment of course is what makes the chunky book so special, so don't be shy with all of extras.

About Binding

Most of us do not have those nifty coil puncher things. If you have access to one, great. Kinkos or places like that have this service that are very inexpensive. If you can't do that, we will get by just fine. Take a paper punch (larger than normal if possible) and punch two or three holes on the left side. Then you can tie your book together with decorative ribbon or use those rings that open and close (found in the office supplies).

The Fine Print

This is important - Please Read Clarification on ratings rules: Technically this is a swap for people with 5.0 ratings only. However, to every rule there is an exception. If I know why you have less than a 5.0 and it is because of another swapper rating unfairly or being petty, and I have been aware of this situation from the beginning, you will be allowed to participate. However, the "no newbie" rule will be enforced; if you are a newbie, then work your fanny off to get some ratings and be sure they are high ones. And if you are relatively new, I will be going over your profile/blog/web site like a hawk - this is only for the swappers with this highest level of commitment. Making one of these books is a huge investment of time - I don't want to hear about anyone not receiving a book that is a reflection of that time and personal investment.

If you have less than a 5.0, and I don't know you personally and therefore know the reasons why this happened, I want to hear from you. If I do not, I will take you out of this swap on the last day of sign-up.

  • This is international - I hope to see many cultures and traditions represented.

You will have over 30 days for this swap which gives you over two days per poem and accompaning artwork, so that you can select carefully and do the embellisments and illustrations without feeling rushed.

Remember, this is sender's choice - it is a reflection of you so what you put in it is at your discretion. And that gives you a little extra time if you sign up early!

Your goal: To make a little poetry book of the best poems you know for your swap partner to keep forever.

And don't forget to sign in and date it! First (and only) editions are always more valuable signed and dated! :)

Tutorials

Good Basic Tutorial

Digital Art Quirks

Chunky Book Tips

Some Great Advice on Chunky Books

Layout Example #1

Layout Example #2

Awesome Chunky Book Examples

Wonderful Chunky Book

Chunky Book Pages at Flickr

The Creative Quest

Feel free to list any links below that you have found to be helpful.

I changed the dates on this for a couple of reasons. One is that several people who signed up approached me hoping for an extension because of the level of work required in this project. The other reasons is that summer and vacations are occurring in the middle of this swap preparation time; this should ease the stress of getting your book done without worrying about summer time fun and vacations. It is important to not feel stressed in a swap because then it becomes work and not fun. And if it is not fun, what's the point? I want you all to have a lot of fun with this. So... deep breath everyone... you have time!

And don't forget to take photos of your work in progress as well as the finished book. I will also have a Flickr group set up for us - I think we will have a lot of fun looking at each other's work.

And check out my other chunky book swaps:

Glorious Autumn

Winter Celebration

Spring Renewal

Summer Extravaganza

Discussion

bordercollielover 05/ 2/2007 #

great idea for a swap! Thank you so much!

alex 05/ 3/2007 #

Sounds like a fab swop to me, just wondered if it is ok to buy a nice blank journal and customize it? Am away until the first week in June, so do not think I would have time to make the journal as well, but would love to have a go at the rest? Warm wishes, Alex UK

user6740 05/ 3/2007 #

Once I get a rating (Monday, hopefully :P), I'll join up! Looks like fun :)

ohhhkay 05/ 4/2007 #

Hoping I will get some ratings in time to join this swap! I love the idea and it's something I think I would be a natural at as making books and poetry are my two of my most favorite things in the world! :)

FarStarr 05/ 4/2007 #

Hi..Can the "chunky book" be an altered board book (of more than 10 pages)? Or does it have to be individual pages that are then bound?

Veterok 05/10/2007 #

This is great, I'm in.

alex 05/13/2007 #

well guess i wont be in as still no answer to my question and i leave for vacation soon, enjoy the swap y'all!

Windchimes 05/15/2007 #

I am so sorry I haven't been here to answer these - I have been horribly sick with the worst sinus infection I have ever had - I still am fighting dizziness but it is a little better! I am better now and can answer these questions, I hope to your satisfaction. So let's do them one at a time:

  1. Ayii - you are clear to join - you sent to my daughter in one swap and I know the rating she will be giving you so you are okay and in the clear. Go ahead and stay with us and have a lot of fun.

  2. Alex - I don't think that would actually qualify as a Chunky Book (Fat Little Art Book). Much of what determines that is the way the pages start loosely and everything is altered or original - but I have an idea that should make this just about as easy. Do your pages and then do a cover (front and back). Then punch holes (with a paper punch one page at a time or take it to a printer and have them punch them where you want them - 2 or 3 holes on the left side should do it. Then use either the loose leaf rings (like in binders but loose in a packet) or even tie the book together with a pretty (and strong) ribbon through each hole. (I hope that makes sense). It will actually be less work that way because the thickness of book will be easier to put together via the rings or bows. A premade journal will not allow for the "fat little pages" - that would be my main concern. Take a look at the tutorials I found above in the description. And look at the picture that represents the swap (above on this page) and I think you will see what I mean.

  3. FarStarr - I confess. I do not know for sure what a book board is. Is that one of those big boards that has a photo or graphic for page one and then another for page two and they are lined up like a series of comic strips or a storyboard for a movie or TV show? If that is what it is, how on earth would you mail it? Maybe you better clarify this for me - I am the first to admit I am new to this area of art so I am not totally literate in the terminology.

Okhay - If you don't have your ratings yet by the signup date - well a few days before and let's chat about it.

To everyone: Remember the 10 pages is a MINIMUM!! Ten poems, ten pages however you may need more than one page for one poem so you would have more than 10 pages just in the poetry alone. Your graphics (illustrations or whatever) will be even more pages - so you could have quite a few pages - much more than 10 individual pages. The minimum is 10 poems and 10 pages but you might have 10 poems and 40 pages what with the

CraftyDiana 05/15/2007 #

thanks a bunch for clearing up the questions. i am definitely in! :) diana

inky 05/15/2007 #

First.........a board book is a children's book constructed out of very thick pages...board-like. They are fairly easy to alter...don't know if they would qualify as a chunky book either.....Windchimes? Next...I think this is one of the most exciting swaps I've joined this year! Am so eager to get started! I know what my reading material will be this week!! Can't wait to see the finished products. ")

inkybru

cookiebear 05/17/2007 #

I would have thought that what makes a "chunky book" chunky (or a "little fat book" fat) would be the embellishments added to the pages. Who knew!? [chuckle,chuckle]

CraftyDiana 05/18/2007 #

sorry all, i had to drop out..i am soo overwhelmed with work and will not have time to complete the project. have fun! :)

Windchimes 05/19/2007 #

I would think that the difference between a board book and a chunky book would be a matter of semantics. Am I wrong? They both are made of heavier material and whether or not it is embellished would depend on the book that is being made. Unless I am missing the boat entirely, I don't see the difference.

Windchimes 05/19/2007 #

I am considering extending the deadline on this - I have received some feedback regarding the date and it seems like this is a bigger project than I anticipated (no surprise there!) What would you all think of extending it so it is mailed first week in August - these books take time what with finding all you want and glue drying and it is summer and vacation time too.

Anyone have a problem with that?

Windchimes 05/19/2007 #

Wow! Talk about unanimous! I have been buried in emails about this.

Date is officially moved to August 10! That should help a lot. I know I feel like I can breathe easier!!

Thank you all for your kind responses!!

CraftyDiana 05/21/2007 #

The new dates are so much better. I'm back! :)

funkykchicken 05/21/2007 #

Ok i have a question which i probably already know the answer to.I just want to be clear.I can alter the pages of art work however i want correct? I have done a lot of these and altered books as well.As long as it falls into the chunky category i am alright?

Thanks for the new send out date as well i am so excited about this one.Oh and i almost forgot i can use poems i like i don't have to wait until partners are assigned?

Signed up for all 3 swaps thanks for hosting.

Windchimes 05/27/2007 #

FunkyChicken: Yes - doing a chunky book is a lot like an altered book in that you can use a lot of altered art on the pages - some pages will have the poems and there won't be as much room for altering. Others will have only altered art because there won't be any poem. Does that make sense?

and yes, by all means start right away. This is a reflection of YOU so it doesn't depend on who you get. And take your time. Each one of these is three months long so people can really work on them and indulge themselves and make something really cool.

I wouldn't think that it could possibly be less than about 30 pages - poems are at least 10 and probably more because of the size of the book and the poems will likely take up more than 1 page. So set up your poems and then you have a matrix with which to do the pages w/o poems.

Don't hesitate to make the chunky book... well, chunky - in other words, lots of pages.

does that help?

Windchimes 05/27/2007 #

Good to see you Diana - I think these dates make it a lot easier and I will be adding in Spring and summer pretty soon. It should make a nice collection to have and we have a whole year to do all of them!

robertaj 05/31/2007 #

I am so sorry, people, but I'll have to drop this swap. :-( Brazilian Customs are turning swap into a living hell for me at the moment. Everything gets stuck there and they won't release anything.

I am really sorry to drop this! I was really looking forward to trying my hand on chunky books.

I hope you all have lots of fun!

vintageprincess 06/ 4/2007 #

This swap sounds so very interesting and I would love to participate, but....I have never made an altered book of any type (it is on my list of things I want to do), so I am going to sit this out and make my own following the great guidelines given and see what I can do...if I discover that I can do this I will sign up for the seasonal chunky book swaps you have listed...Your guidelines and directions with the links are GREAT! You seem like a terrific hostess and I hope to do a swap with you in the future. Have fun everyone and I hope you post pictures. Lana

darkmutinousshannon 06/ 5/2007 #

I want to echo what Vintageprincess said. I love the idea of this swap, but having never made a chunky book before, I think I'm going to use the idea as a private art project for now and see what I can come up with. I'd feel bad sending something amateurish to a swap partner. Thanks for posting all of the instruction links.

SummerLion 06/ 5/2007 #

Well, just dang. I got myself all psyched up for this, but I've just been called for jury duty (today). I don't know yet whether it will last a week or a month... I don't want to drop, but I also don't want to disappoint anyone.

Perhaps those of us who end up doing this as a "private" project using your swap guidelines can share pix or something with the rest of you? This is the kind of swap that begs for its own photo group.

I'm so sorry, Windchimes. I said I wouldn't drop, but I didn't foresee this...

Windchimes 06/ 6/2007 #

I am so sorry we had to give up SummerLion but I guess jury duty is something that just isn't going to have good timing!!

We will have a photo group on Flickr and I will get that info to you!

JerseyTjej 06/12/2007 #

Meant to point out the last day to sign up dates on these chunky books are long past, lol!

inky 06/12/2007 #

ANYBODY notice the dates at the top???? Windchimes....are you messing with our minds or what? Sign up/drop: November 30.....1999?!! Send out date by Sept 5, 2007..... the only thing I have read on that was due to mail out the first week in August. I hope the send out date is by Sept. 5. I've had a fast and furiously busy last 2 weeks and have not been able to even think of this book. This week I have grandkids; next week our annual garage sale.... hoping to get some late night hours on this book. I'm more excited about this swap than anything else I'm in. ")

sharon

Windchimes 06/13/2007 #

I have no idea why those dates changed. I have written Rachel but haven't heard back yet. It was really weird. I was online and it was fine. Came back later and the dates were all wonky! I have no clue as to why.

At any rate, the send date is still the same - I fixed that - I can't do anything about the signup date one - isn't that just weird?

It sure popped it to the top of the "Your Swaps" lists, didn't it? Sheesh!

You all still have to September 5th still. And don't panic. I haven't even started yet!!

Windchimes 06/13/2007 #

Is everyone in the Yahoo group for discussion about this project - that is where we can share the ideas, inspiration, and good sales on the stuff we might be using. If you need another invitation to the group, email me. windchimes@runbox.us This group is NOT listed publicly so you won't find it by looking at Yahoo groups.

Windchimes 06/14/2007 #

NEW RULE!!!!

Actually I am removing a rule - the book must be a minimum of 4 X 4. You may make it larger. However remember that larger books have more space to cover and will weigh more, and subsequently postage will be more.

I think this will be a positive change and thank you to our swap member who suggested this revision!!

Veterok 06/27/2007 #

That's cool, because I originally did bend that rule & made a bit larger book :D

Windchimes 07/ 5/2007 #

I am considering the change in the dates to be divine intervention. I honestly did not do it. I know how the sign up date was changed - it was a glitch in the computer system at SB. No big deal. But the mail out date just mysteriously changed - I have no idea why and neither does anyone else.

Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. LOL

I need the extra time too. I have lost a lot of time doing everything in general because of my computer and the cat and ... and... and... It is that real life thing!!

So let's be grateful and enjoy that extra 30 days. These books are pretty intensive so I am sure we can all use it.

Now my hard drive was just delivered by UPS and so I'll be offline today and tomorrow - then I'll be back so let anyone know if they wonder where I am.

Happy book creating everyone. I will give you some great links I have found with nifty supplies when I am back online.

See you over the weekend! I'll be sending this message on our mailing list too because not everyone here is on the list - but to get the links, get on the list!!! Ask someone here if you need help since I am offline to get the computer in and out of ICU. :)

I am SOOOO excited to see what each of you come up with. Please don't forget to take pictures!!

Adelle

Windchimes 07/ 5/2007 #

The send date is September 15th. I nudged it up 10 days so people can use their first of the month paychecks to do any finishing stuff on the books - I have heard enough from some of you to know that this isn't the cheapest project - this should help a lot!

Windchimes 07/ 8/2007 #

I just received an email from someone who wanted to join this swap, but due to an error did not make it to the signup in time. I believe it was when the dates mysteriously changed on the signup.

Anyway, I can't let her in after the closing date of course, but I am wondering if someone would like to make another one of these books and do a one-on-one swap with her. This is a swapper with a good rating. I am hoping someone will be interested as she is really wanting to participate in this.

Drop me an email at windchimes@runbox.com if you can do it - put Chunky Poetry Book Swap in the subject line or of course, answer on our mailing list.

Adelle

Windchimes 07/ 8/2007 #

The last one in the Seasonal Chunky Books is up! Summer's book can be found at Summer Extravaganza. I hope you all join and don't forget about Spring and Winter if you haven't already joined. Those links are above in the blue description area at the bottom.

Windchimes 07/16/2007 #

I would suggest that all of you take your book to your local copy store (Kinko's, whatever) and color photostat your book so you will have at least a copy of what you have made!! You will be glad in the future that you did. And photograph it too so we can put it in our Flickr album!

CraftyDiana 07/17/2007 #

Hi everyone...I'm kind of excited, cuz I just started my own swap...

http://www.swap-bot.com/swap/show/5605

Thanks for looking! Diana :)

Veterok 08/ 4/2007 #

My book's quite ready, I hope I'll be able to send it soon. ^__^

inky 08/15/2007 #

Claudia,

I'm working on the covers for your book. Hope to have it in the mail to you by Monday, August 20.........will email you personally to let you know....what a lot of work went into this book. ")

sharon/inkybru

inky 08/15/2007 #

OOOOPS!!! That last message should have been to

BAVARIAN! Sorry about that. ")

sharon/inkybru

inky 09/10/2007 #

Bavarian...........your book is going out in the mail today! Will email you personally.....

inkybru/sharon

Veterok 09/17/2007 #

Uh, I'm going to be a bit late with this - the book is now finished but I can't send it yet.

eonsmomma 10/ 1/2007 #

I am so disappointed with this swap. My partner has deleted her profile and I haven't rec'd anything from her,even thro she maked it sent.

inky 10/ 3/2007 #

What's happening to this group? I sent my book but have not heard from my partner that she rec'd it. Checked her profile and she has DELETED it! All that hard work and now I won't be receiving a rating. This was the best book I have ever made and now it's in someone's hands that will not even give me a good rating. I have tried to contact our moderator 3X and she hasn't even bothered to contact me.

CraftyDiana 10/ 8/2007 #

Me too! I emailed the swap coordinator over 5 times and she hasn't replied. According to the system, she didn't even open the emails at all. I sent my book a while ago and the system still shows "not sent". I'll contact customer service and see what happens with that. But I agree with InkyBru...why did this swap fall apart???

ae4me 10/12/2007 #

Hey ya'll, my name is Amy. I am Connie's (ae4me) Youngest daughter. As some of you know, my mom was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer in January. After much Chemo and Radiation Therapy they thought they got rid of it all. Three weeks ago they found a tumor where the cancer had spread to her liver. Since then, the cancer has spread all over her body and we think is starting to invade her brain as well. All of us (3) kids have came to Arizona where she lives and are taking care of her. We have at home hospice set up so she can be comfortable, and we are making sure she has as little pain as possible during her last days. Two weeks ago the doctor told her she had about 3-6 months left to live, but last week she took a major turn for the worse. She can no longer talk, or support her own weight. We are guessing she may have another day or two left now. Please keep her in your prayers.

Since I have gotten here on Monday, we have been finding multiple "swaps" that were sent to her that she was unable to open. And I want you all to know, that when we have opened them with her--she lights up! She was crazy about swap-bot... Every phone call I had with her always had something to do with the current swaps and the great people that she has been meeting.

I am having trouble getting into her Email account, so if you have any way of letting other fellow swappers know about this please do. I would greatly appreciate it.

If you have any questions, email me. Amyaustad@yahoo.com

inky 10/13/2007 #

This is so sad.......Connie has the sweetest spirit and has been so excited about making this book. It is a very sad end to this swap.......she was making a book for me, but due to her lack of energy she has just been unable to get anything done. Please remember this family in your prayers.

Veterok 01/ 8/2008 #

Haven't received anything. Duh.

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