Chunky Fat Book - Part II

[Marretje]

Hello All

Due the Chunky Fatbook Swap in April we all hoped for a second round. Well I thought perhaps it's time to start one, vacation-time is over and the holidays are far away.

For whome who doesn't know what a Chunky Fatbook is checked also Chunky Fatbook of last April thread (http://www.digitalartquirks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=799).

I also thought about 10 participants and a few difference:

- Theme is Childhood: Think about everything what childhood could mean for you, family, friends, dreams, toys, furniture, books or name it.
- Size 1200 x 1200 (4 X 4 Inch) but change it in a house style, the basic is 1200 x 1200 ( 4 X 4 inch) but put a roof on it, and of cause not to forget a lot of embellies or use the windows or doors for hidden messages or quotes or .....?

I thought the house style should be great for the theme because our house or home of our childhood, if it was happy or bad, is one of the fundaments of how and who we are today.

The deadline is November 15th.

For every participant I have a little gift. With the last chunky fat book was the question how to bound the pages together. There be chunkbooks for sale, but in some countries they are very expensive or even not for sale, and a house size page doesn't fit in the original books. So I will make for every participant a housebook where all the pages can be in and will sent it to you with my page.

Examples (http://latwmn.typepad.com/photos/chunky_house_fat_book_swa/index.html)

I have made two templates of houses which can be used, but every angle of roof is ok. Download template (http://www.marb-design.nl/images/houses.zip)

Pm or email me your mailing-address when you join to make the address-list, mar.bleijs@tiscali.nl. I hopes that you will in again or don't wanna miss this round.

Participants:

1. kygirl
2. mizamigo
3. graybonny
4. digime
5. ScrapAlice
6. ruthpics
7. pixeldigger
8. Nevermore
9. indybev
10. myself

[kygirl]

What a great idea, Mar.

Great minds and all, but I'm working on a house book right now. I'd love to participate in the swap. My last chunky book sits on my living room table. It's a truly prized posession.

[mizamigo]

Mar, I missed the last "fat, chunky book" so I would love to be in on this swap. Please sign me up. (mizamigo at gmail dot com). And I'm going to download the template now. Great idea!! Can't wait to start.

[Marretje]

I'm so happy you be in Donna, if more prefer the regular Chucky Fat Book style, well we can change it. I'm very easy going.

[Marretje]

Mar, I missed the last "fat, chunky book" so I would love to be in on this swap. Please sign me up. (mizamigo at gmail dot com). And I'm going to download the template now. Great idea!! Can't wait to start.

Welcome Victoria, I'm also happy that you be in too.

[kygirl]

Mar, I love the idea of a house shape. Thanks for providing the templates.

[graybonnie]

Oh Mar...you have made me smile! My work is super crazy and I feel like I have not been make any progress on my Quirk assignement. Have you ever been just too tried to create??? Well that is my state at the moment. BUT I so want to do this!!!!! So please sign me up :)

[Marretje]

Oh Mar...you have made me smile! My work is super crazy and I feel like I have not been make any progress on my Quirk assignement. Have you ever been just too tried to create??? Well that is my state at the moment. BUT I so want to do this!!!!! So please sign me up :)

O Bonnie I really know what you mean :rolleyes: with to busy, but you have until half november :D. So welcome at the Chunky 'House' Fatbook Swap, I'm so happy that you be in too.

[digime]

I'm in for this one Marr...it's just too much fun to pass up! What a geat theme!

...and Bonnie, I know what you mean about being too tired to feel creative...the effort just seems to be too much and the brain shrivels up and goes blank! Luckily, it comes back and i'm sure that sometime between now and November your creative spark will ignite. I hope you have some time soon to regroup and rest.

[Marretje]

I'm in for this one Marr...it's just too much fun to pass up! What a geat theme!



Thanks Kate and I'm glad you play again Kate, I have sign you up.

[ScrapAlice]

I would like to be in this one, too, Mar! As I said on the ATC thread, those of you who are owed chunky pages from me will be getting them in a separate mailing from the atcs. I am getting back on my feet from the rough spring/summer I had, and am ready to be back in the swing of things...on time!

I love the idea of the house theme! That one can go so many different ways.

[Marretje]

Alice welcome you'r sign up. I think a lot of us where to busy and to tired to do something creative. So lets hope that the house swap gives us energy.

[ruthpics]

I think I would like to join in here...sounds like a neat project, so count me in for this please. (I have seen Kim's chunky book and it is fabulous!) Thanks, Marr!

[Marretje]

Hello Ruth thanks for signing up, you are also welcome.

Wow I think this round will become, just as the last round, absolutly great. Just three spots left.

[Pixeldigger]

I would ike to join in, please, I have never tried a chunky book before

[Marretje]

I would ike to join in, please, I have never tried a chunky book before

Welcome Judy, glad you are in too. Well I don't think you will dissepointed the final result is really wonderful.

[Pixeldigger]

I have already downloaded your template and tossed around a few ideas.

[Marretje]

I know now why Donna was so exiting the other round, it truely is. I enjoy the fact that you all are so enthousiast. And know what you mean Judy my head is also full of ideas. Let's say when you start making houses it could be very adictive.

[Pixeldigger]

I can't see me joining in too often as ten pages is a lot for me to make by hand, but it is a lovely theme and I am enjoying the challenge.

[Marretje]

I can't see me joining in too often as ten pages is a lot for me to make by hand, but it is a lovely theme and I am enjoying the challenge.

Judy, You can also made them digital and put some embellies on it. Last round was also partly digital, or total digital. As you see my page, in the gallery, was also partly made digital and the embellies and the windowhigne by hand. But all the other work was full digital even the window.

It had to be a fun challenge and it is, so when you prefer to work only digital, feel yourself free I can assume you it's a lot better for your hands. When you can do nothing creative after the chunky house book by having problems with your hand, sound not well to me. Than we all miss your other wonderful digital art.

[graybonnie]

Yes, Judith you can do this!!! There just like ATCs only bigger.

[Nevermore]

I have fought with myself all week and lost the battle. I would like to play if there is room please. As Ruth said, I adore my book from the first round. I was thinking I may not have time because of life but I guess the reality is that quirking is now part of my life... please let me know when you have some time whether or not there is still space.

[Marretje]

O Kim, I think you are more than welcome and there is room enough. When I speak for myself I'm so happy that you be in, but I guess that we all are happy and looking forward to your contribution for the Chunky 'House' Fat Book.

I know what you mean, the battle, glad you jumped in. I sign you up.

[Marretje]

Just one spot left! Who is also jumping in? I can assume you, you won't regret it.

[indybev]

I have some fear and trepidation, but have decided to take that last spot, Mar. Do we need to leave a margin on the left for attachment into your book?

[Marretje]

Welcome Bev, happy that you made the jump too. And don't fear you are so creative and you know it's DAQ's rules, so there be no rules and all art is great. Imagine that we all make the same. A little margin could be fine but it will become an accordion-album so there be no problems for binding.

This evening I will sent out the address list.

[Nevermore]

You couldn't have made this any easier, Mar! Thanks for the shapes and the tip on putting them together in a book. I am so ready to play. Now, if I just had an idea !

[indybev]

I thought the entire template was to fit within a 4x4 page. Now, from your note, Mar, it seems the house part is 4x4 and the roof goes on top. If so, hows tall is the completed house? Sorry, it's my first chunky book, and I seem to be full of questions!

[Marretje]

I thought the entire template was to fit within a 4x4 page. Now, from your note, Mar, it seems the house part is 4x4 and the roof goes on top. If so, hows tall is the completed house? Sorry, it's my first chunky book, and I seem to be full of questions!

I have made two templates you can download, the link is in the first post. But how high the roof will be is up to you as long it is a roof. You don't have to use the templates, it's only mend for an example. There be so many kind of roofs even a flat roof :D.

In in the first post is also a link to examples to a page of a chunky fat book in house style. And when you do have more questions please ask.

[mizamigo]

Donna, Donna, Donna!!! WOW! I don't know how to tell you how thrilled I am with my very FIRST chunky fat book page of "Houses". WOW! Did I say that? I love it and this is going to be some kind of super special chunky fat book. WOW!

[kygirl]

Victoria, I'm so glad you liked it. This whole project is just so much fun.

[Marretje]

Donna, Donna, Donna!!! WOW! I don't know how to tell you how thrilled I am with my very FIRST chunky fat book page of "Houses". WOW! Did I say that? I love it and this is going to be some kind of super special chunky fat book. WOW!

Well this is a great waking up. It sounds that the first page is arrived somewhere in the States :D. Lucky you Victoria, that you where the victim to get it.

And Donna this makes me very curious and means that I will laydown for the mailbox waiting for the postman.

Wander how far you all are with the pages? Is there inspiration and energy enough? Hopes that you all find and have so much fun to making and receiving them.

For me, I'm almost finished with the books, needs to do a few little things and they can sent away.

[Pixeldigger]

I need to visit the craft shop, but I'm getting there

[mizamigo]

Mar,
I couldn't believe that I got a package from Miss Donna! When I opened it, I found a couple of ATC - wonderful of course; but not unusual (that didn't come out right, but you all know what I mean) then a large "something". I was thrilled to get it because I have my house page done, computer-wise, but not done completely. I still need to jazz it up a bit and have to go to the store after our golf game this morning to find all the bits and pieces that I want put on the page.

But, I do have a question. Donna did you put a piece of cardboard on the back? I was wondering how we would keep the paper from curling or becoming distorted.

Thanks, Mar, for checking in and giving us such wonderful support with this project.

[Marretje]

However I didn't see Donna's page jet, I think you can work it out the same way as an ATC with artist info on the back Victoria. It hadn't to be to heavy because the books will made of cardboard so there is a strong backup.

O I do hope that you all have the same fun as I have, almost ready with books, yeeeeeh, a lot faster than I had hoped for.

[kygirl]

Victoria, without giving away the surprise, I ended up printing three pieces of cardstock -- the front, center, and back. By the time, I pasted them all together, the page was cardboard weight.

[mizamigo]

Thanks, Donna. That answered my question.

[Marretje]

Ooo, All the books are ready and I'm so happy, read excited but that's not very Dutch :rolleyes:, with the final result. I wish I could see your faces when you opens the packages. When you all had lived in the Netherlands I had delivered them personaly. I only had to do some chunk up on my page and everything is ready to sent.

Hopes you all have such a creative and wonderful weekend too.

[kygirl]

Mar, I can't wait to see what you've come up with. I'll definitely be watching the mailbox.

[Nevermore]

you are making me excited! I had to figure out a few things first but the decks are now cleared for my fat book. I am so pleased we are doing round 2 and pleased I got off my duff and signed up!

[ruthpics]

I am still in the planning stage, but definitely making progress!

[digime]

All I can say is, it's a good thing we have lots of time to finish this project as I'm not home yet from my trip...should be by sometime next week but will have my dad staying with me and will also be looking after my 5 year old grandson....so the week after that, I'll dive into it, wave my creative wand and voila, I'm sure it will magically appear! I'm actually really looking forward to getting into this, it just has so much creative potential!

[Marretje]

Okay, however I wanted to bring you the book as a suprise, I notice that I also wanted to share the books with you. At first my DH kept my camera away :rolleyes:, but finally I couldn't resist to share with you the books.

I hope you like them, it was hard to take a theme, finally I choice for an old fashion look.

I have made a little photoalbum with some notes, if you wanted to be suprised don't touch this link :D and wait for the mail, otherwise enjoy, I hope.

Chunky 'House' Fatbook photoalbum (http://picasaweb.google.nl/mars.artalbum/ChunkyHouseFatbook?authkey=fNP4a18R7f0)

[Nevermore]

ABSOLUTELY INSANE. How on earth could you do this? I just want to yell at you... I simply cannot believe that you did this for us...

[indybev]

I can't believe the work you've put into this! What a gift to all of us. Now to try to create something proper to grace one of the pages!

[Marretje]

Thank you both, it feels good to share it, otherwise I'm on such a tiny ile or something.

Bev do what you wanted to do, I can hardly imagine that your page didn't fit in the book. I think all pages will fit very well.

[graybonnie]

WOW....first Donna's package arrived and then peeked at Mar's link. Oh my do I feel blessed. Away excited...beyond words!

[kygirl]

Mar, the books are simply gorgeous. I feel like Roald Dahl's Verruca, "I want mine NOW!" :-) You are so amazingly clever and your detailed work is fantastic. I love the DAQ Scrabble tiles.

[ruthpics]

(How could I not look at the link!) Mar, this is absolutely beautiful and very generous! Thank you. What a treasure this will be filled with pages from quirksters around the world!

[digime]

Oh Mar...(squeal with delight!)...this is amazing!! I'm so excited and absolutely amazed that you created these lovely books for us! Thank you, thank you, thank you. They are simply beautiful.

[Marretje]

Thank you all, I'm so happy that you all like it. I think they goes tuesday of with the mail. I had to buy some little chunky things for my page tomorrow and than they can posted, envies are ready. So I really can't make it faster Donna or you had to take the plain.

[Pixeldigger]

Mine would be nearly ready except for the fact that my printer packed up in the middle of printing them! I am frustrated. I went to the craft shop, chose just what I needed and discovered that I had left my debit card at home and lent husband most of my spare cash, so had no money with me. I have a cold and the puppy had a bad night, yelling for attention. My husband is grumpy and I am fed up:(

[Marretje]

O Judy, this sounds to me as a real Mondaymorning, one of Murphy's Law. Everything what can go wrong goes wrong.

I think that it's time to make a strong pot of tea and after that to try to take a nap if the pup allows you to do.

On this kind of mondays the song of the Mama's and Papa's always pop-ups in my head. "Monday, monday, don't trust that day, every other day on the week is fine." Sometimes I think they where right. Wish that the rest of the day will become better to you, take care.

[Nevermore]

the puppy and the husband a time out! hey hey, send em to the store for what you need.

I tell you, every single time I really NEED my printer to be on its best behaviour it has a bit of a hissy fit. And no matter how much I stock up on ink, I always run out of the one colour I need. It really is frustrating to get bottlenecked at that stage.

[Pixeldigger]

The printer says that it has lost communications with the computer. I have checked all the wires and rebooted the computer and it still won't behave. On the plus side, I have been to the store WITH my card and have some nice elements to make my page fat.

[ScrapAlice]

I am so thrilled about this book, Mar! You are such a lovely person to do all this for us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

[indybev]

Today it brought me Donna's WONDERFUL chunky house, and I do mean wonderful! Along with it came two very creative ATCs. I'm in love with that little masked wonder who is the epitome of "parts is parts", and "Oh my stars and garters" I loved the other one too! Along with 5 ATCs from another swap I participate in, I'm feeling mighty rich today!!

My prototype house is finished, I think. Now for a trip to the "trinket aisle"!

[Marretje]

My prototype house is finished, I think.

I hope you build a strong fundation Bev, but I think you have ;).

DONNA, WOW, What a gorgeous page! Love, love, love it. Without going in details, I'm happy that I left some space in the book and had made different shapes, otherwise we had to cut of your .... :p.

I'm stuck with my page so the books will be sent out, mmm, I hope thursday. We have had a major crash on the puter at work, I'm still reinstalling everything and however I have good back-up system I really have no idea when I'm ready.

[Marretje]

Want to let you know that the books are all on their way to you including my page. Just catch the mailman I was just right on time, and he was so sweet to wait for me :D.

Hopes the postalstrike in the UK is ending soon Judy.

[kygirl]

Glad you liked the pages, Bev and Mar. I haven't been this excited about getting mail since I was a kid.

[Marretje]

Glad you liked the pages, Bev and Mar. I haven't been this excited about getting mail since I was a kid.

LOL, Is it a virus, me too. Just put the pages IN MY BOOK :p and it worked very great, due I have used heavy plastic sheet is was easy to cut when necessairy. The pages will be hold even when you cut the plastic just 1 inch width or even smaller I just cut it back until 1 cm. You only have to do it with a little care but it worked.

[Nevermore]

can't wait.

[indybev]

My house is on the way, and stars and garters included with those in the ATC swap as well. <HUGE SIGH > It's hard to follow Donna, guys!

[Marretje]

My house is on the way, and stars and garters included with those in the ATC swap as well. <HUGE SIGH > It's hard to follow Donna, guys!

Looking forward to see your house, Bev, it would be absolutly great I guess.

[Pixeldigger]

I'm afraid that mine is going to be late, the postal system here has a huge backlog because of the strikes. Sorry everyone, it will be on its way as soon as the mail is straightened out, I don't want to send them and find they get lost in the mountains of undelivered post.

[Marretje]

I'm afraid that mine is going to be late, the postal system here has a huge backlog because of the strikes. Sorry everyone, it will be on its way as soon as the mail is straightened out, I don't want to send them and find they get lost in the mountains of undelivered post.

Judy, just one month to go so no panic, you are absolutly right to wait. It seems a mess with the mail in the UK at this moment.

However I had send the book and my page to you in the good hope and with crossed fingers that you received it well. Last monday I had send some cards to the UK and they had received them on wednesday (two different addresses) after that knowledge I had posted your book and page too. One package I had send three weeks ago to the UK is still lost :(.

[Marretje]

Wow, thats fast I think you made a new record Bev, your gorgeous house is landed safe and sound in the Netherlands. Thank you so much for sharing your childhood and thank you to for the bookmark too, I'm collecting them.

[Pixeldigger]

Donna, I got a fat page today. ooops, I think I made mine too chunky.
I love the doorbell.

[kygirl]

Bev, I love your page. Not to give too much away, but I really enjoyed seeing your world. Thanks so much.

[Nevermore]

I was driving to work on Monday morning and I was seriously chewing over my fat chunky page. I had a couple of neat ideas. I even mulled it over again during my coffee break.

When I got home there was a fat envelope from Mar. And Donna.

Joe is a man of very few words. I showed him the book and the two pages. His eyebrows went up. "They have set the bar kind of high, haven't they?" was all he said. Whereupon I started incoherently babbling to the effect that high was an understatement.

At this point I honestly feel intimidated beyond belief. (And Mar, you stole my idea for a pointy hat with a tassel!) But you know what? Much as half of me is cowering and upset and nervous, half of me is so darn excited and inspired I am bursting.

I have made some revisions to my plans including dumping the pointy hat and tassel and am soldiering on.

I do think that
1. I am thrilled beyond measure to have this book! It is priceless and I can't imagine it being completely filled up
2. The reason I am so in love with DAQ is that no matter how long I hang out here, I am being pushed and challenged to experiment and grow. Yes, I feel out of my league but that is the nature of a challenge!

I LOVE MY BOOK--and I love planning my page even if my stomach is in knots about it!

[Nevermore]

LOL, Is it a virus, me too. Just put the pages IN MY BOOK :p and it worked very great, due I have used heavy plastic sheet is was easy to cut when necessairy. The pages will be hold even when you cut the plastic just 1 inch width or even smaller I just cut it back until 1 cm. You only have to do it with a little care but it worked.

Now that I have the book and two pages, I understand what you mean by this but NO WAY. I am not cutting this book. I am just placing the pages in it. You ever make it here to Toronto, I will let you cut it but short of that, it stays as is.

[ruthpics]

Donna, what a gem of a page. My mouth hung open as I slipped it out of the envelope. Thank you very much! I am really happy to be participating in this chunky book and can't wait to see the other pages arriving in the mailbox. My page is well underway. I am at the part where I am afraid to continue...I am past the digital part and ready to put it together, but I am missing the undo feature...my glue bottle doesn't come with one.

[mizamigo]

Well, I just had to add my thoughts to this. I already thanked Donna for her terrific house and I will gladly second that here. And today I got Bev's house and OMG how wonderful is it? I have only seen Mar's book; but after reading Kim's note above, I just can't wait for Mar's book and all the rest of the pages to come knocking on my door!!!!!

I'm working on my page (Kim you are absolutely correct when you say "Intimitading") of the book. I still have a ways to go before it is done; but I have the house and my theme and now I just have to put it all together.

Judy, I hope your postal strike is finished quickly. I can't imagine having to wait forever to get these pages.

[digime]

OMG you guys....I haven't seen any pages or book covers yet, but I'm getting more nervous by the minute, reading these posts! High bar...intimidating...out of my league...these words have my hands frozen over the keyboard! Let's all repeat together...this is just for fun, this is just for fun...we will not scare Kate! :eek:

In actual fact, I haven't had any time to do anything with my page yet, but everyone leaves tomorrow and I'll be diving at the computer as soon as the door closes. I have some idea's, so the digital part shouldn't take too long. I'm with Ruth though, on wanting a delete button on the glue bottle!

[Pixeldigger]

This is just for fun, this is just for fun. My page isn't anything like the one I have received so far, I enjoyed doing it though and keep telling myself that it is just for fun and 'different' is interesting to other people.

[Marretje]

O THIS IS FOR FUN, THIS HAS TO BE A LOT OF FUN, PLEASE. I hope that everybody is following their own path. I'm so sorry when you have the feeling that the bar is to high that was never my intention.

Isn't it that just all the different views and expressions of art what makes us and DAQ so special. I truly hope that at the end our book is filled with wonderful pages which all have our own identity.

Kim: I'm so sorry, but please use a pointy hat. And lucky you, you be the first who received the book, never expect it could be so fast at the other side of the world. Perhaps when I can take a long holiday I will come to cut your pages.

Judy a page can't never be to chunky or just not chunky and glad to hear that you got mail again.

Probably you miss the link Kate

Chunky Fat Book (http://picasaweb.google.nl/mars.artalbum/ChunkyHouseFatbook?authkey=fNP4a18R7f0)

[ruthpics]

You have outdone yourself. This book is a treasure to behold! What an amazing work of heART! I keep looking at it in complete awe. Thank you so much. As for your page - gorgeous! I can't thank you enough, Mar!

[ruthpics]

I received your wonderful memories page...your journaling brought tears to my eyes. It is wonderful. Thank you very much!

[mizamigo]

that I got my chunky book "shell" today. I'm absolutely in awe of you, Mar! What a fabulous creation. My husband was asking me all the questions about what is it? What's it for? Why did she do that? and How can you get so many women to create pages for the book?

So after explaining it to him, he said to tell you, Mar, that you did a fantastic job on the book. And I've put my 3 pages into it and it is looking so good so far. I even put "my" page in there to make sure it fits properly. So, I'll be working on my page for the next few days and hope to send it off with my october ATC some time next week.

I don't think I've been excited about anything like this before. I can't believe the wonderfulness of the pages and that book.

Thank you so much, Mar. I am so glad I was one of the people who got to sign up for this. I love it!!!!

[kygirl]

Mar, I was literally jumping up and down when I saw your package in the mailbox. And, then I opened it. Oh, perfection. I hated covering up the pretty inside pages with our houses, but I did it anyways. Oh, it just looks fantastic.

And, I love your pointy hatted girl. This is truly going to be a book to treasure.

A silly, but true story: I asked my husband if my kids would appreciate all this art when I'm gone. I think I'd have to haunt them if they trashed it.

[ScrapAlice]

Mar, I got mine today, too, and what a wonderful gift. I have to say that I open my mail and share it with the lady who manages the UPS store where my mailbox resides, because she is a graphic designer, and just loves to see the cards you ladies come up with every month! Her jaw about hit the floor when I showed her the book and the pages from you and Bev. (She had a preview when I got Donna's wonderful page last week.) She made me promise to bring it back when everyone gets her page to me.

I'm working on mine tonight, and will try to get them in the mail by Monday. I got a lot more involved in this than I originally planned, and am having too much fun!

Thank you, ladies, for such fine work.

[Marretje]

Oooo, thank you all so much, I'm so happy that the books are arriving safe and that you all like them. At first I wanted to keep the book simple and natural, but it was my DH who said 'do what you feel and want to do'. It's of you all that I got the inspiration and courage to do this, and I want to thank you all for that. It means really a lot for me and you all make the difference for me.

Ruth - I want to thank you, your pages and translations helps me

Victoria - It feels good, didn't it, to put your page in the book.

Donna - LOL, Sounds very familiar, your jumpings. I'm happy that I start a new page after I received yours (I had almost the same as Donna's so had made a new one). My daughter ask me past weekend what I wanted to do with all mine and others artwork when I pasted away. I said: 'What do you think?' (she's a only child) Well she said, 'I hope that I get it and not that you give it to one of your art-friends'. :confused: Donna make a will :D, probably they will fight for your art if you haven't.

Alice - Did I understand you well and had you left your book with that lady :eek: to get it back when you are ready with your page? Wow if that's so, what a pressure.

Hopes that the other books arrived soon too.

[indybev]

I am beside myself in anticipation, and haunting my mailbox waiting to receive my book, Mar! I'm so glad I conjured up the courage to enter this swap (thank you, Miss Donna).

[Marretje]

I am beside myself in anticipation, and haunting my mailbox waiting to receive my book, Mar! I'm so glad I conjured up the courage to enter this swap (thank you, Miss Donna).

LOL. When I saw that there was a post I hoped that you got it Bev or one of the others who didn't received it jet. And I'm happy that you be in too and that you have no regrets, your page is gorgeous and a priceless memory of a lovely childhood.

AND..... I got another page today, of Judy. Thanks that the postal strike seems to be over. It's wonderful Judy, I love all the specific elements, what a work you have done and how are your hands. Thank you so much for creating and sharing.

[indybev]

Oh my goodness, Mar, it is exquisite, and with so much work involved! How can we ever thank you? You have allowed for bigger, smaller, fatter, taller, danglies and any qwirkster's desire, and you've made it sturdy and SO lovely to look upon. AND, your very own house is wondrous too! Thanks is too small a word!

I just noticed the DAQ postmark. How clever you are!

[Marretje]

LOL, I'm happy that your haunting the mailbox is over Bev, just only enjoy.

I hope that the other three books will arrived today or tomorrow too. (if you got mail on saturday).

[ScrapAlice]

Alice - Did I understand you well and had you left your book with that lady :eek: to get it back when you are ready with your page? Wow if that's so, what a pressure.


No, no, Mar!! I would NEVER leave my book with anyone else! I merely meant that she wanted to see it again when all the pages arrived and they were all installed. :o

I had to check the "extensions" on my house to make sure it would fit, and it does, thanks to the ingenious design of you book! I worked into the wee hours this morning, and finally gave up when I could no longer stand the smell of the E6000 glue. (Don't worry, it won't smell by the time you get them!)

[graybonnie]

Mar...thanks so much for the chunky booklet....I can't wait to see it all filled up!!!! You are too good for words :D

[graybonnie]

Beverly....what a charming house and special story...thanks for sharing!

[Marretje]

Hey lucky you, mail on sunday, I'm happy that you like it Bonnie.

Well two to go only Kate and Judy are waiting on their book, hopes that they will landing safe within a few days in your mailbox.

[Pixeldigger]

Mar, the post arrived today and I got your book and page - Oh WoW! Thank you so very much, the book is an amazing creation. I love it to bits. Once the book is full, it is going into my treasures cabinet. Thank you so much.

[Marretje]

Judy I'm so happy that it made it safetly and that you get it too. So much packages has a big delay to the UK or are lost, I was feverish when I posted it and had crossed my fingers. Seems it had works.

Only one book to go, Kate's.

[indybev]

I received a lovely house today. No return address. No info on back. Couldn't read the postmark, but the stamp was the Queen & Prince Philip and it came by Air Mail Royal Mail. My powers of deduction, knowing you're the only one from the UK in the swap, have led me to believe it's yours! Thanks so much. It looks really nifty in my wondrous book of houses!

[indybev]

Three of you have not acknowledged receipt of mine, and I'm wondering if they did not make it OK. That would be Kate, Judy and Kim. Give me a shout if it arrived. I'm feeling a bit uneasy.

[mizamigo]

Hey Bev, thanks for the deductive reasoning on the mysterious house that I received also. And Judy, thank you so much!!!!! Your house looks fabulous amongst the others in my "Big Chunky Fat BOOK". I love taking it out and showing it to everyone. My neighbor was especially impressed.

And I have all my pages done, and wrapped and the October ATCs are going along for the ride. I have also put an extra bit of padding in with the page since I thought it might be a welcome item for my BCFB swappees...... (you will never guess so you just have to wait to get yours in the mail.)....

We are going to the Post Office in the morning, so stay close to your mailboxes.

[Pixeldigger]

Bev, I think there is still a big blacklog of mail to be delivered. I'm sure it will get here soon.

[Pixeldigger]

I'm glad you like my page. I wasn't quite sure what was expected, but hey, different is good.

[digime]

Hi Everyone, I've been away so much in the last month...just got home again on Tuesday and have been madly cutting, gluing etc, etc my chunky house page.

I haven't received the book yet Marr...I know you're wondering. It seems to take so much longer for things to get to me than for everyone else...I think the postal service must be dog paddling the mail accross the Georgia Straight from the mainland! LOL!

I did have Donna and Bev's pages waiting for me here when I got back from Seattle which was exciting!! Thank you both so much...Donna, wow, your page is superb...is that 'little you'? If so, I love your little romper panties peaking beneath your dress, lol!...and Bev, your page with all the photographic memories of your childhood is very pretty and sweet. It sounds like you had a wonderful childhood.

Mine will be a little late getting sent out...probably Monday or Tuesday, and who know how long it will take to get there, especially if they're swimming back the other way!

[Marretje]

I haven't received the book yet Marr...I know you're wondering. It seems to take so much longer for things to get to me than for everyone else...I think the postal service must be dog paddling the mail accross the Georgia Straight from the mainland! LOL!

When you didn't got it before the end of the week I will make you a new one. But it should really a pitty when it will be lost in the mail. Let me know as soon it's arrived at your place.

[graybonnie]

Judith...your house was waiting for me when I got home yesterday. It looks great in my book!

[ruthpics]

Judith, thank you for your house! Love all those windows to open into your childhood.

I love watching this book grow! It is incredible.

I should have my page in the mail tomorrow!

[kygirl]

Judith, what a wonderful little house. I loved all the little surprises.

And Victoria, a beautifully decorated house, beautifully wrapped. Thanks so much for the extra surprise.

I love the way the whole project is coming together. I keep picking it my book, unfolding it, and marvelling over all the talents here at DAQ. My little book is making me very happy indeed.

Kate, the little girl in the photo is from Kathryn Balint's Make a Fairy kit. I was a tow-head with big brown eyes.

[graybonnie]

Victoria... your absolutely marvelous package arrived...what a treat!

[indybev]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I received your cute and clever Stars snd Garters, and your chunky book page today! The ATC brought a huge smile, and the house brought tears! I feel honored to share your personal memories, and your house now resides in my glorioius book of houses!

[Marretje]

Hé lucky you all, I'm looking forward to your page Victoria and also Ruth's however that will take a week or so.

Kate, still nothing :( ?

[digime]

My book finally arrived!!! :D And it only took 3 and 1/2 weeks!! I'm absolutely blown away with how much work you did for this book Mar...it's just beautiful! Thank you so, so much. and your page is just perfect....I love the 'Madonna' words too. I love it all.

I was a little worried that my house may not physically fit in the book because I got carried away and put 'eaves' on the roof!! LOL! It does fit if you move the page up to the tip of the book roof thank goodness!

Mine were all sent away yesterday so hopefully it won't take another 3 weeks to get to you.

I recieved Judith's book page last week...thank you Judith for all the 'glimpse's' into your childhood. How is everyone putting their pages into the book? If they're glued in, we can't see the back's...maybe I missed this somewhere in the thread?:confused:

[Marretje]

Yeeeeeaaah, pfff, I'm so happy that you received the book Kate. You can put the pages very easely under the sleeve and puch the up on there right place. You only need to fold Donna's feet :D a little. And my hat, I guess. Some sleeves are somewhat wider, or smaller or had more space. it's just a little puzzeling to see which page fittest the best. But it's easy to cut some plastic away or a door, with a little care you can cut it until 1/2 ".

:confused: Or do you didn't have plastic sleeves :eek: and that I had missed one book?

[Marretje]

Victoria, Wow what a wonderful page and precious memory to share with us, I love it. And thank you so much for your suprise too I'm speechless, what a package. You really made my day.

[mizamigo]

That was so fast, Mar! I'm so happy that it arrived safely to you. And I'm so glad that everyone is liking their surprise.

[digime]

Oh Marr, now I'm embarassed to admit that I didn't see that the plastic was actually a sleeve...and not just a part of the book! How brilliant you are!

I feel much better about putting the pages in my book now LOL!

[ruthpics]

Victoria, your package arrived in my mailbox! How thrilling! I love the surprise, and your page and childhood memory is a wonderful! Thank you very much!

I was hoping to get mine out yesterday, but didn't make it, however, I did manage to get them mailed today...should be arriving sometime next week!

[digime]

Victoria, I received your wonderful package today! Thank your for your sweet chunky page with it's insights into your "navy kid" childhood memories. And thanks soooo much for your surprise...I mourned the loss of the one I had years ago...it disapeared in one of my many moves, so I'm thrilled to have another...everyone needs one of these! (Does everyone have theirs yet?) ;)

I sent my page out a week ago, so it should be arriving soon.

[Marretje]

Wow Kate and Ruth, or Ruth and Kate. You both arrived :D together safe and sound. I don't know who I had to thank first. I'm really speechless, your pages are so beautiful.

Ruth thanks for sharing your happy memories of your childhood, I was very touched. Your presentation is wonderful and I will frame the poem.

Kate I knew it, at least I had guess it. Wonderful and sweet everytime I see something new.

I want to say more but I'm affraid to say to much. Thank you both so very much for sharing and being a part of this swap.

[Pixeldigger]

Victoria, what can I say except thank you, thank you, thank you. I love my package and the page was perfect - Oh, I am glad that mail is coming through at last.

Bev - it came! At long last and it was so well worth waiting for. Thank you so much.

[mizamigo]

Ruth, What a great package. I loved the poem and the "wrapping" and the house itself is wonderful!!! Thank you so much.

My house book is looking fabulous. It's going to be one of my prized possessions when it's completely filled.

[indybev]

Today's gift was from Ruth, and what a gift it was! It's absolutely lovely, and its presentation was original and very special. Like others, I am going to treasure my Chunky Book of Houses, and the artful gifts it contains from my quirk-sisters!!

[graybonnie]

What a charge I received tonight, after an aXX kicker of a day, when I went through my mail!! Kate and Ruth...you guys shame...your creations are out of this world. They are simply FANTASTIC!

[mizamigo]

I can't tell you all how much I enjoy going to my mailbox lately. Today's fantastic package came from Kate. Thank you so much! I am totally blown away by all the wonderful things I see in your house. (I really loved the Nancy Drew Series.)

And I still have a few more houses to look for at my mailbox, so I'll be stalking around there for a while yet....

[Marretje]

And I still have a few more houses to look for at my mailbox, so I'll be stalking around there for a while yet....

LOL, my mailman asked me a few days ago 'Who is your secret lover?' I almost grids the mail out his hands :D

[indybev]

Another trip to the mailbox, another wondrous gift! Thank you, Kate! First of all, the ATC was a gift all its own. Clever, pretty and funny with a little history thrown in. And the house! How artfully wonderful. I've so much to learn from the talented artists here at DAQ! My Chunky Book grows more precious daily!

[ruthpics]

Another beautiful page arrived in my mailbox! Thank you so much Kate! Wonderful house and childhood memory. I love peeking inside! And...thank you for your clever Stars and Garters ATC! Front and back is a total delight! (I am curious to know what kind of paper you use - the colours are so rich and vibrant.)

[indybev]

Today, I lunched with friends, and I took my wondrous chunky book of houses with me. They were speechless! Each one spent forever carefully examining each special house with attendant oohing and aahing. Thank you all. I can hardly wait to fill those last four slots!

[Nevermore]

now that Mr. Computer is back and in a semi ready for scrapping state, I am working hard on my fat chunky page. I have planned about six of them but time is running out and I had to commit to a design. Consider me committed! I have found this to be one of the few times I have approached an altered project with an altered state of mind which is to say I am actually paying some attention to how the heck I am going to make it work in real life. My usual style is to throw it on the monitor, print it out and then try to cut upside down (LOL, just ask Ruth!)

I do hope it is going to be considered "chunky" enough. It certainly will have some embellishments but I must confess I am at the primitive stage. I have thought and thought and thought about this and how I would really like to do it versus what I think I can churn out have a pretty large distance between them! Maybe someday I will be able to execute exactly what is in my mind's eye. For now, I take some comfort and hope in the fact that I am doing some planning!

What a long post. Delaying the next test stage. Yes, I actually have been doing models as I move along. Unbelievable!

I do have a large bundle of mail I have been ignoring for two weeks. My life has been a swamp and I have been up to my a** in creatures who are dying to make a meal of me. I confess I didn't want to open anything that might have a fat page because I do think I was a bit overwhelmed to get the album and Mar and Donna's page. I have put that behind me, got my big girl panties on and am eager to get going.

Hopefully, there will not be too much bloodshed but if that can't be avoided, keep your fingers crossed that I don't smear too much on your pages!

[ruthpics]

Yes, remember Kim, blade side down when cutting. ;)

[Pixeldigger]

Kim, relax. It will happen and no one minds waiting. Having fun is tantamount.
Hugs

[Nevermore]

I will imagine you hovering over my shoulder, chanting your mantra re cutting so I am in good hands!

Thanks Judith, I am actually enjoying this one. But I am going quite slowly! I am a little afraid of my machine right now having suffered incredibly... and I am wise to the ways of "bull in a china shop" charging!

[Marretje]

Who minds waiting? Not me, it makes the fun longer :D. So Kim please take all your time which you needed to make a page you be proud of and which feels good. And I'm truly sorry that I have overwelmed you, I know how it feels. It should had blocked me too.

[Nevermore]

I told you I would! I just wanted to get my card straight in my head before I saw the rest. It was hard enough with everything in my mind without being tossed here and there by what everyone else did!

How do I start? I am not even sure. Each and every one is so unique, so exquisite. Okay, you will have to do this with me. First, we go make a fresh pot of coffee...

Five minutes later, coffee in hand. Get my book.

Kate, oh my! Simply exquisite. Put in in the book. And Mar's catches my eye again--how in the blazes did you thread that button Mar?

Victoria, what a great idea for the roof! And I am loving all the glitter and the decorated door. As for the rest of your enclosures, you will have to read Studio Matters tomorrow.

Ruth, I am so touched by your card. Having met you and shared time with you, I feel a connection to you and I believe you have done a most amazing tribute to your memory of your mother. It is simply wonderful.

Judith, I am a bit jealous you know. Firstly you did the layout of the small village and now you include a memory of pony trekking in Wales. How exotic it seems to me! I love the items you chose to use for your memories.

Bev, alas, I never recieved your page. HANG ON THERE. I was so sad to write this that I hauled out my mail pile and went through it again and I got it! Well dang I knew I shouldn't have opened these! Home is where the heart is is part of my page! Great minds, my dear. Good thing I waited until tonight to open these or I would have been on round 7 of my page, lol! At which rate you guys would get it o say, 2008.

Okay, you all made me laugh and cry and cry and laugh and I haven't even started cutting yet. I have three little ones in the house who are probably shocked out of their minds that they are still up and playing because I have abandoned them to play with putting all your lovely pages in my book. I better go beat them or at the very least, put them to bed (same difference as far as they are concerned).

[mizamigo]

Now that my "secret" is out in the open, I can share this with you all.

I loved today's Raven's Ramblings and here is the comment I left at the SBG blog:

"Kim, you are so welcome, my DAQ friend! I was hoping that you would find you CR bag; but since you hadn’t, I am so glad you like the ones I sent to you. And you are special because I sent 2 of them to you “just because”…

I also sent one as a wrapper to all the DAQ friends who did the Chunky Fat Books, since it really would not be fair in DAQland for just you getting one (two).

And NO, I do NOT drink Crown Royal. In fact, I really should make a point of ordering it just to find out what all the fuss is about - or is it just the Bag that people like? You see, I have a collection of Crown Royal Bags. I also do quilting in addition to my scrapping adiction. I was intrigued by the Crown Royal Bags, and decided to make a quilt out of “Crown Royal Bags”. Well, I’m getting there; and I think every bartender in my area knows that they need to save the bags for me. I ask them all if they have any “back there” for me and invariably they do. So since I’m not ready to make the quilt, I thought that I should share the wealth, so to speak. I wasn’t sure if CR was avaliable in The Netherlands, UK or Australia where some of the Chunky Fat Book ladies reside but it didn’t matter. I loved using the bags are my wrapper and hoped that they could be used by DAQers anywhere. And as Paul Harvey says, “That’s the rest of the story.”

[Nevermore]

I am glad you liked the Ramble Victoria. I cannot believe that you sent one to everyone! Especially from your quilt stash. That is one funky idea for a quilt, I must say. I am still wrapping my mind around the idea of you trawling the local bars to get packages left in the back for you... I think the secret lives of quirks is wonderful to be sure!

[mizamigo]

I really do not frequent "bars"; we have lots of restaurants in the area and they have the "bar" attached. So whenever we go for lunch or dinner, I usually ask the waitress to check with the bartender to see if there are any CR bags. Now, doesn't that "sound" better than trawling the bars???

Oh wait, I'm a Quirkster, so OK, I like the idea that I'm trawling the bars.... As Roseanne Rosanadana would say, "Nevermind"!!!! <LOL> And that might just be a great inspiration for a layout... hummm off to see what I can do with "Trawling".

[indybev]

I can mention my CR. I was afraid to say anything.....although I DID consider PMing you to let you know the bag was empty!!! (Just kidding) What a novel idea, and what an interesting quilt that's going to be!!

[mizamigo]

Bev, and all the other Chunky Fat Book recipients, thanks so much for not spoiling the surprise for Kim. I think you all knew what was going on. And I'm so glad that you all liked the wrapping. Sorry, Bev, I only got the bags... as for the quilt, it probably won't be started until way after New Year 2008, but I promise, when it is done, I'll take a picture so you all can see it. I hope it turns out as well as my Chunky Fat Book.

[Pixeldigger]

I was thrilled to pieces with my CR bag, we don't get Crown Royal here and I was intrigued to know what it was all about. My chunky fat book resides in the bag in my 'treasures' cabinet and will come out and play when relatives descend on me in just under two weeks time.

[ruthpics]

About that CR bag, thank you so much, Victoria! I keep my book in if for safe keeping, it is such a treasure and I can't wait to see it complete. I was so looking forward to Kim's reaction to the surprise. It was worth the wait!

[digime]

(I am curious to know what kind of paper you use - the colours are so rich and vibrant.)[/I]

Ruth, I've just started using Staples Photo Supreme double-sided matte paper (61 lbs) for ink jet printers and I'm really happy with it. I asked Donna what she was using because I just love the look of her printed work! Although I couldn't find the exact same thing, it was a 60 lb paper and the Staples product seems fairly similar.;)

[graybonnie]

Kate, I was also wondering about your printing. Thanks for the information. And, Ruth thanks for asking.

[digime]

Ruth I received your Chunky House Page yesterday...thank you so much! It's gorgeous (of course!) and so full of your feelings of love for your mother. I love your little slide 'thingy' and that picture of you and your mom is very sweet...she's looking at you with such adoration and pride!

Thanks for sharing this piece of your childhood with us.

[Nevermore]

Just letting you all know that I have printed out my page (sort of) and am going to try to put a page together tonight. If it works, I will go into production mode this weekend and ship them out on Monday. We won't talk about what I will do if it doesn't work. You have all been so understanding about my delay, just wanted to let you know that the project is being worked on and I am fervently crossing my fingers that it will actually "take shape" tonight.

I was planning my little letter to you all in my head as I was driving home from work and I started laughing out loud. I realise fully what I have suspected all along--I have tried to cram two themes together. For whatever reason, I thought the theme was "home", not childhood and so I have really piggybacked childhood on but not very solidly, lol! I debated changing it a bit (again!!!!) and voted against it. It is a little off but I suspect that that is actually quite representative of me!

[Nevermore]

almost noon. Have showered and put clean jammies on. Ready to get this page done!

Okay, first problem. Photoshop refuses to work. Takes me from about eleven until now to get it going. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.

Next problem. Trying to print two sided and just notice one side is upside down. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.

Third problem. Office is looking like a tornado hit and I haven't even started! Why are hybrid projects so messy?

Having said all that, I have a set of brand new ink cartridges, a working model, the paper, the elements. I am ready to go (I think!!) Need a fresh pot of coffee because I have to work out this printer thing which is flipping and rotating and reversing and just generally making my head feel done in.

Okay, so who believes I am having fun? Truth be told, I am!

[indybev]

No one does angst quite as you do! I picture this frazzled harridan in flannel pj's, hair askew, frantically poking keys and shredding paper. I don't know about everyone else, but when I receive your wondrous house, the first I'll do is examine it for teeny-tiny droplets of blood and sweat!! Hang in there!

[Nevermore]

I got the idea for (W) from someone who used (B) for big but my butt is really more wide than big!
Bev, you are so right! I do do angst well! Truthfully, I enjoy writing about it as much as doing it and it is just my way of having you all here with me, which you are in spirit anyway. Turns it into a bit of a party for me. At this juncture, fresh pot of coffee is just dripped. I have six of ten elements cut out. It is a ferocious cutting job and I had to stop for a wee bit because I am getting gouges on my fingers. My men folks are giving me a very wide berth. Max did take some time out to read to me for a while while I was cutting and it did help pass the time.

My last model semi worked. As always, my skill with words beats my scrapping/hybrid ability and the project is always a little bit less dramatic than the blow by blow would have it seem but from my end I definitely see a lot of improvement since my first ATC!

I do wish Ruthpics was here, though. It is such a boon to have a crafty person by your side when you do this stuff. Just to point out the little things and have a few laughs. Okay, enough avoidance and on to the next chapter!

As an aside, I am going to buy a digital frame and see what my layouts look like in that. Much as I adore this hybrid stuff, the digital element in them loses big time when it is on paper rather than a light screen. The element I am working on just GLOWS on screen but looks kinda flat on paper. I went through this with an ATC I did that was just what I wanted on my monitor but really a bust as far as I was concerned on paper. There is a bit of that going on with this page for sure but I am not letting that stop me. It isn't a question of paper type or calibration or anything of that nature. It is just a function of the beast.

[Nevermore]

time for the update, lol! It is now some two hours later and I have all the elements cut out. Whew! I have printed the front page. Yeah!

Tricky part. Keeping fingers crossed. I am going to print on the back side of the front page. If the planets are aligned, so will image be. (Envisioning a clutch of quirks everywhere crossing fingers...)

[Nevermore]

:) Now, to do the same for the back! Oh my, this is actually getting done!

[Pixeldigger]

Wow, what a labour of love. When you have pushed your page into the mail box and it has been delivered here, I shall cradle it gently into Mar's brilliant book.

[Nevermore]

I have to quit for the evening. Everything has gone so perfectly, I am afraid if I push on I will do a great big fat booboo. At this point, the back and front are joined together!!!! All the rest of the bits are gathered together, I just have to figure out how to make them work.

I was smart enough to try a practice piece for what I wanted to do for the front and it didn't work so I won't use it. THIS IS SO UNKIMLIKE! Normally, I would just plow ahead and cry. I am going to use all the practice pieces for cards. Asked Max to help and wow! he reached for the paper crinkler and wham, he is putting together some great cards! I gotta get this kid working for Hallmark.

You have no idea how pleased I am that I think I am going to get this done soon! I was so worried I was going to let you all down. And now I just think I will be fashionably late! Especially with my faithful sidekick helping out.

I so wish we could get together and swap 'em live!

[ruthpics]

Thanks for sharing the journey of this page making, Kim. I keep coming back here to read the next installment. You needn't worry about letting anyone down...that won't happen. I think you need to read line 7 of your copy of the Quirk's Creed. ;) Swapping them live...now that would be something!

[Nevermore]

over Bev's angst comment. Yesterday, when I went to start, Photoshop would not load. I tried repairing it twice before I gave up, uninstalled and reinstalled it.

This morning, I sit down, crank up the laptop and I get a message that my Vista activation is incorrect and I must contact HP or work with reduced capacity. Something must have gone haywire when they fixed the motherboard.

I am angsting, Bev, I am angsting. I am so ready to throw this laptop off the balcony and go out and get a Mac. I am going to brush my teeth, get a fresh pot of coffee and put the call in to HP and see what they have to say for themselves. Feeling Shirley Jonesish: I'll scrub my neck, I'll brush my hair, I'll buy me a brand new dress to wear ... and start all over again...

[Nevermore]

with HP and Microsoft, I got my Vista reactivated.

I now have 4 pages done. I am in heaven. I am so so so happy!

The wretched child is actually being true to his word and is beavering away like crazy on the cards.

I am going to be able to mail these tomorrow. Let the joyous news be spread, Raven's Vista is not actually dead.

So far, only one minor cut (pages carefully inspected but do not appear to contain an errant DNA).

I am so going to give a big whoop of delight.

[Nevermore]

We interrupt this angsting program to tell you we are heading out ... to buy envelopes!

[Marretje]

Kim glad to read you are on the run with your pages. And truly looking forward to your final pages. I don't think you dissapointing us. Your work is always gorgeous.

Sorry that I was off a few days.

[Nevermore]

afraid that you were sick or in jail or suffering from some such difficulty.

I loved putting them together. It was actually the best part. I had a little "factory" and my wretched child on the floor doing his thing. Joe peeped in and said "Wow". They always look so good when they are all together--I felt the same way about the first page.

I will go over to the post office on my lunch and get them in the post.

Just to let you know, the sky is supposed to be a typical Dutch sky--of course that was before I quirked it to the high heavens so to speak.

[Marretje]

Glad that you finished the pages and above all that you be happy with the result. I know what you mean, the little factory LOL, but also looking with a fantastic feeling to the final result. I have looked two days to all the books together :D.

Looking forward to your page, sounds very special.

I was not at jail :D but I had the flue and my FIL is very ill again. So I'm running around like a chicken without a head, between my home, the hospital, my work, my MIL and try to do between some artwork which not worked. I feel myself so very very tired.

[Nevermore]

Just got back from the post office... Sorry to hear you are so tired, Mar. I will have a little cyber get together with you in my head. I will bring soup and herbal tea and you can tell me stories from your childhood.

[Marretje]

O Kim, However I'm no soup lover I guess yours will taste very well and will gives me a lot of energy. Thank you so much, in my mind I will smell it and taste it.

[ruthpics]

When Dan picked me up from work today, he handed over the mail. It was dark so I couldn't really see, but I could tell that it had to be a chunky page...but from who? I was angling the envelope under any light I could find just to read the stamp and it was Canadian! So for the next 10 minutes I just sat holding it ever so gently, wanting to tear it open, but trying to be patient...which I am not. We couldn't get home soon enough! Well worth the wait! This is a definite raven piece! LOVE it Kim...very clever. I keep opening it ;) I have inspected it closely and have found no evidence of blood. Thank you, Kim! This book is so awesome!

[Nevermore]

I am so glad you like it Ruth but don't open it too much--I can't guarantee the construction, lol! I am best pleased that it landed on someone's door step!

[ruthpics]

Kim, I was so excited when I got your card and I kept opening and closing it. Finally, this morning, I put it into Mar's fabulous book creation and realised that I had forgotten to thank Max for his creative thank you card. So make sure you tell Max that Ruthpics says he is a terrific little artist and thank you!

[Marretje]

KIM how many does you pay for a fast delivery? Just got your housepage, wow, wow, wow, thank you so much it's gorgeous. I also start open and close it and open and close it and ......., and I simply love it. I guess it will stay a few days on my workingtable to look at before I will put it in the book.

Will you also give a big thanks to your little artist for the wonderful Thank You card. I'm looking forward to more of his designs.

[graybonnie]

Finally...I have finished my house construction! Off to get mailing supplies and the post office.

[Marretje]

Yeh Bonnie you make it too, hopes that you have had a lot of fun to making your page. Can hardly wait to receive yours too.

[Nevermore]

Bonnie, you did it without any whining! Wow, that impresses me, lol! Can't wait.

[Pixeldigger]

I got a Nevermore creation - clever and touching, Kim, it worked beautifully, thank you.

[graybonnie]

Bonnie, you did it without any whining! Wow, that impresses me, lol! Can't wait.

I wouldn't even try to spin my creations woe in the presence of a mater. LOL...I just hid behind your story Kim and worked away while you entertained the masses. Thanks for the assistance...distraction...not sure anyone even realized I was missing.

[mizamigo]

I got my wonderful Nevermore/Raven House today - WOW! I love it, Kim!!!!

[Nevermore]

I am so glad my page is getting to your houses! Glad to know I stuck enough postage on, lol!

[indybev]

Good thing you put enough postage, Kim. There was no return address! BUT, it arrived safe and sound on a cold rainy morning. At last! ... the highly touted house of Kim and card of Max! Lovely both! Very creative way you "opened" your house, Kim. I'd never have thought of that. Very effective as well!

[indybev]

On the same cold, rainy morning I received Bonnie's house. It's really quite wonderful, Bonnie, and looks labor intensive. I love that it's filled with the people you love and who love you! I have only one sleeve remaining in my gorgeous book of houses. What a treasured memento of my cyber friends at DAQ!

[ScrapAlice]

Ack! Once again, I trail the bunch in getting my things mailed. :( I got very thick and chunky with my pages, and didn't know when to quit. I still have a little bit more to finish on each of them.

All these houses have been a wonderful glimpse into each of your childhoods. Thanks so much to everyone for such a fantastic swap!

[Nevermore]

Bev, they asked me at the post office if I wanted to put a return address on and I said, No! I don't want them back, you must deliver them.

[mizamigo]

I must say that my chunky fat HOUSE book is looking so good right now. I just put Bonnie's house in there and it is spectacular! I love it!!!! Thanks, bonnie.

Now, I'm like a kid waiting for Santa - Alice, take your time; but that spot is just calling out to you. I, too, will treasure this House Chunky book just because it is super, fantastic, wonderful, and chock full of fabulous houses from DAQ friends. And a special thanks to Mar for providing the foundation for all those wonderful houses. Thank you all!!!!

[digime]

Kim, I recieved your Chunky House book page today...absolutely beautiful! That sky is just amazing and I really like that you chose such a unique orientation for the opening. All the blood sweat and tears paid off. Please thank Max for his wonderfully creative card. What a treat to recieve something from him...you're so lucky to have an assistant!

Just 2 more pages and it will be full...sounds like Bonnie's may be winging it's way here as we speak. And Alice, don't you worry about getting your page out...it will happen when it happens. There's already 'way too much stress on people at this time of year and we Quirkers are always happy to get a quirk page, whenever it arrives!

[graybonnie]

OMG...what an amazing creation Kim...you have out done yourself! Love Max's card. Please thank him for me.

[Nevermore]

Your fat chunky house made it to mine in one piece, safe and sound! How lovely! Will have to get out the Crown Royal bag and the album and put it in place. What an incredible piece of art I now own! Makes me feel so flipping rich :)

[graybonnie]

I wanted to tell you guys that there were many murmurings of wonder and amazement last week at my dinning room table. I shared our chunky house with several of my special friends. It was very cool to see the looks on their faces and to watch them carefully examine our creations.

[indybev]

Same here, Bonnie. I took it to a lunch with friends from a journaling class. They were mesmerized! And Mar, they were amazed at your creativity in creating the accordion holder for our houses, and couldn't say enough about how lovely it was. Thanks to one and all!

[ruthpics]

Bonnie, thank you so much for you house of love!

This book is the most amazing creation and is such a treasure. It is so wonderful to share personal art from my DAQ friends, and have it all contained in Mars fabulous book (and tucked gently into the Crown Royal bag). Thank you!