original Artist Paper Swap (mixed media)

Okay artists--this is for those of you who adore paper and originality!

Each artist will create unique art papers using painting, printmaking, hand carving or mixed media techniques and will send 4 different sheets to 5 different artists. (This is a bit of work but you will have a month and will finish with a gorgeous array of papers!)

*USES: Some people keep a portfolio of these papers as an exhibition, inspiration or to learn new techniques, while other artists utilize them in their art, journal/bookmaking, collage, mail art or other creative endeavors.

*SENDER'S/ARTIST'S CHOICE--Please create what you love and share what you do best!

*MEDIA: Use any technique or media to create luscious papers except paste papers, photocopying the paper itself, laser or inkjet printing, commercial rubber stamps, or media that will remain tacky. (It is good to interleave acrylic and encaustic papers with wax or freezer paper for mailing so they don't stick together!)

*IMAGERY: All imagery must be your own (stamps, photo transfers, drawings etc.).

*SIZE: each sheet should be a minimum of 7 x 10 inches (no max) per piece or approx. 18 x 25 cm

*SEND: min. 4 different sheets to 5 partners (20 sheets total) Papers may relate to one another (i.e. all be blue in some way) but cannot be identical.

*One way to complete the project-->You can take four large sheets of paper (many art papers are available that are 22x30 or larger), create your gorgeous paper and then cut them into six equal pieces.This will allow you to keep one set of your own papers if you like. (Or complete this however you choose!)

*QUALITY: Explore, experiment and try new things but do not send quickie papers. The focus is on creating and sharing unique art papers that make your partners swoon!

*PAPER: Base paper can be any weight must be a good quality paper such as printmaking, watercolor, handmade paper, cardstock, even asian lace paper or mulberry etc. (Do not use copier/printer paper, newsprint, construction paper etc.)

*PLEASE sign your work and include a little note sharing a bit about your materials, technique or inspiration (whatever you want to share).

*REQUIEMENTS TO PARTICIPATE: Please do not sign up if you can't follow through. No flaking folks! I'll ask that all artists have a minimum of 15 type three swaps and impeccable ratings and will check profiles before assigning partners. Please PM before signing up if you have any questions at all or have been rated unfairly.

*INSPIRATION & RESOURCES: The last time I ran this swap for another group I had more than 45 artists and the papers were awe inspiring! Everything from encaustic covered papers and multilayered mixed media collage to papers featuring drawings, photo transfers and doodles and fresh hand carvings. I've seen the resultant papers used for artwork, craft, bookmaking, mail art etc. Need inspiration? There are many books on mixed media/painted papers and encaustic, image transfer, printmaking and stitch techniques which could be used for this project by authors such as Alisa Golden, Sherrill Kahn, Julia Ayres, Dorit Elisha, Ann Baldwin, and even Kelli Perkins who participated in a previous swap! Do try to make them your own though and send papers that are unique to you rather than derivative work.

***ABOVE ALL, please don't hesitate to PM me with any questions. There are a lot of notes and details to this swap but I've done it three times with great success and find these guidelines insure that folks send and receive great papers.