IS: Altered Composition Book (USA)

I've made probably 100 of these, and I never get tired of them! Take a composition book from an office supplies store or wherever you find those, and cover the outside and inside cover. You can paint it, apply scrapbook paper, collage various old elements, put gelli-print pieces on it or even directly gelli-print on the cover. I've added jeans pockets to the fronts or library pockets inside, put ribbon book marks, etc. All that is optional. Just cover the current design on the outside and the assorted writings on the inside cover. Sign your name on the back discretely, and send to your partner.

There are three types of composition book pages, regular ruled, college ruled and graph paper. Any of these is fine. My experience with dollar store comp books has not been great, as they are quite a bit flimsier than the nicer $2.97 variety from Staples. It's up to you, though.

• Create a wonderful journal for your partner.
• Package securely and include your name and username, plus the swap name on a separate piece of paper
• Affix sufficient postage (I mailed one recently and sent it in a flat rate mailer as it was cheaper than first class)
• Mail on time, rate promptly