Magpie Journal - Spring 2017

I was in several of these swaps a few years ago and just loved them. I've hosted several over the past few years and they're always fasincating! I think the original was hosted by honeyblossom.

What's a magpie journal? Well, a magpie is a bird related to the crow that is know as being a collector. Similarly, people are called "magpies" who collect things, particularly things that seem to have little value. So, for this journal, you're going to collect various items and paste them in a small journal.

For the sake of postage, you need only make 30 entries of collected items - you don't need to fill an entire journal (but please feel free to do so if you wish). Please keep the journals no larger than roughly 5 x 7 inches - smaller is definitely okay. I generally use a small composition book (roughly 4x6 inch size). Decorate the cover any way you like.

What to include inside the journal? Here are some ideas:

Recipes/Menus/Postcards/Playing cards/Stickers/Tags and labels/ Interesting stamps /Coupons /Found items (as long as they're clean)/Notes /Grocery Lists /Poems /Song Lyrics/ Interesting bits of paper /Interesting ads /Flyers /Clippings from newspapers and magazines /Inserts /Labels from favorite products /Candy wrappers (make sure they aren't sticky) / Washi samples

Try to include things that have visual interest or meaning. Feel free to add a note here or there to explain why you included something if you'd like. Doodles and other decorations are likewise encouraged but not required. If you'd like an extra challenge, see how much of the journal you can fill within the deadline!

Basically anything goes - just make sure you have 30 entries and nothing dirty, smelly or sticky! I've included photos of my own Magpie journal for inspiration as the official swap photo, but if you have any questions about the swap or requirements, feel free to ask!

There's a long lead time on this one, so you can go ahead and get started as it's sender's choice and not partner-specific! If anyone doesn't want to join this International swap but would like to host a US one or swap privately, please feel free to do so, or contact me and we'll swap privately!

Have fun!