Ex Libris ~ A set of bookplates

I have recently been designing and creating my own bookplates and have just carved my very own stamp version so I can create multiples of my design, it is so much fun and the creative possibilities are endless!

So, for this swap you will create a set of bookplates for 1 partner.

You must design and make a minimum of 6 paper bookplates. Using a lightweight paper which can be pre-gummed if you are able or left for your partner to glue themselves.

I could be wrong but there does not seem to be a standard size for bookplates and there are also some created in different shapes but for the sake of this swap I would say please make your plates either square or rectangular, portrait in design and roughly the size of an ATC (in width if making them square) I say roughly so this is not a rigid rule but a guide as to what I think is a suitable size for this project.

You can stamp, draw or print out your design but it must be a creation of your own and not an already existing bookplate design. You can use already existing images if you are using rubber stamps but do not just take a clip art image and plonk it onto the paper, put some creative effort and care into what you design please.

Your bookplate must read either 'Ex Libris' or 'This book belongs to' but please do not include your partners name, just leave a suitable and obviously marked area for them to write this themselves.

You also need to consider how you will reproduce the multiple copies of your bookplate such as stampting them out individually, scanning and printing or photocopying.

They can be colour, black and white or anything in between, and that is senders choice.

This is to be a profile based swap and you are to create your design based on an theme or themes from your partners profile/likes etc so please put effort into creating something that suits them and that they will love to have adorning the inside of their favourite books!

Send your plates in a sturdy envelope or using card to support them in transit and package them nicely and safely.

There are alot of wonderful examples online and plenty of ideas so if you need some inspiration, simply put 'Ex libris' or 'Bookplates' into Google!

There are also a few tutorials and guides on making your own but the majority of these seem to be using downloadable designs or online resources which is not what we are doing for this swap as we are all far to creative to use pre-made designs!!!

Any questions or queries please feel free to comment below or send me a message =)