Here's The Skinny on My Fat Skinny Book in The Altered Abbey's Skinny Book Swap

I have been waiting somewhat patiently for the return of my first-ever book swap, having joined back in about September The Altered Abbey's Skinny Book Swap. I first read about fellow ZNE member Chrysti Hydeck's background techniques in Cloth, Paper, Scissors magazine and noted she was hosting a swap. Although her three all originals books were already full, I signed up for the fourth book, copies or originals, in 4 x 8 inch format.

With the deadline of Oct. 31 looming right after vacation, I finished up my mostly all original pages in early Oct., and shipped them off to North Carolina. I didn't dream, and neither did Chrysti, that I wouldn't see my finished book until Jan. 30. It was well worth the wait! Not one page was disappointing in the least.

However, I cannot imagine Chrysti's frustration at coordinating over 100 incoming pages from all over the world, as well as a hoped-for 50 extra pages for charity auction books. Many of the original participants did not come through, and so many substitutions were needed at the last minute. On top of this, Chrysti created original covers and bound all the books. I wonder if she bound her own set into one big book of 100 pages?

This book is something I will always treasure and for now cannot stop looking at it! It has also inspired me to take on the Art & Soul "By the Sea" all originals chubby book (4 x 4) swap as well as the ARTchix By The Sea chubby book (up to 100 color copies), both due right around April 1, along with my 25 charms for the Art & Soul charm swap. Looks like my March is planned for me!