Sam's duct tape journal

Sam's journal has finally arrived from the UK, and let me tell you, it was worth the wait.

Look at the amazing embellishment on the cover and spine!

In her own words she says "I got completely carried away with glitter, embellishments, washi tape and even feathers!  This was so much fun!"

Many of the pages also feature her drawings.

The first page is a map that shows where she lives, and there's also a page of local news, a postcard of her part of England, and a Union Jack gift bag.

Thanks to all 28 of you who participated in this swap.  I've had the best time seeing your journals and you've completely inspired me!

Karen's duct tape journal

Karen M. sent this beautiful journal

Love that crow.

She's got some great envelopes tucked inside.

The one pictured here in the center says "An Anytime Indulgence"

 Inside, look for the page from a textbook, complete with underlining and notes in the margins.

I have now posted every journal I've received.

I'm waiting for Sam's journal to arrive from the UK.

That will make for a total of 30 journals from 27 participants!

That's the most people to join a swap to date.

If you have sent me a journal and haven't seen it posted, please let me know.

I'm going to start sending these out this week, but I will likely spread it out over the course of several days so I don't have to stand in line at the post office with 27 packages!

Katie's duct tape journal

Katie's journal is a wonderful collection of hand-painted papers bound together by maps.

 Just look at those flaps and tabs and paint and stitching.

 each page is a work of art, and there are lots of pockets and tags throughout.

(watch for the sudden appearance of black paws as Jake jumps on the table to try and help with the filming)

Barbara's duct tape journal

Here is Barbara's lovely hand-painted cover.  It's not easy to tell from the picture, but those flowers are 3-D.

It's a wonderfully big size.  The page on the right is part of a big mailing envelope.  The painted pages are wonderful

 Have a look!

Christina's duct tape journal

Can you hear that?

It's Christina's  journal, and it's calling you.

It's saying "Customize me!"

 This one's an art journalers playground.  Loads of patterned paper, with plenty of open spaces for writing and a nice mix of blank or solid color papers for adding your own patterns.

 So much fun, and so many possibilities...

Carroll's duct tape journal

The amazing detail in Carroll's journal had my mouth hanging open in wonder as I flipped through it.

See that cover?  That's not pre-printed paper, it's all hand drawn and painted.

 Inside, each and every page is enhanced with paint and doodles and stamps (and often all three in wonderful combinations).

 You really need to watch the video to see for yourself.

I'm going to have a hard time letting this one go!

Ellen's duct tape journal

Just look at the gorgeous fabric Ellen used on her journal!

Instead of a rubber band she tied a length of fabric around that cupcake duct tape.

The inside of her book started out as one of those Trader Joe's fearless flyers.
She painted, taped, and glued all kinds of wonderful things onto those pages to create this work of art.

See all the pages here:

Judith's journal

Time to take a look at Judith's journal!

 sprinkled throughout her pages are bits of text and funny collaged items.

 You won't be able to see all the details in the video, but trust me, every time I look through it there's something new to see.

You can see more of Judith's work on her wonderfully named blog, Sticky Fingers on Paper.

Gina's duct tape journal

The lucky person who gets Gina's journal gets two kinds of art in one:
Gina is a printmaker who designs a lot of original artistamps.
(You can see more of them here.)
Here's her cover:

And here's a peek at the inside.  The stamp on the envelope is one of her designs.

It's Susan B. Anthony saying "Vote, damn it"

There are more of her stamps sprinkled throughout - take a look.

(this is now the correct video!  sorry about that, Gina!)

Corinne's duct tape journal

This big juicy journal is from

Corrine at Sparkle Days Studios

To read the story of her cover, head to her blog for "How to make a duct tape journal when you can't find the duct tape and then you do..."

Inside are her signature painted papers and lots of washi.

A playground of color awaits.

Mary's duct tape journal

Another stunning journal for the swap.

This one is from Mary at Joyful Ploys

 Loving that paper cut out on the left.

 Lots more deliciousness inside:

Christine's duct tape journal

Christine's journal has a wonderful hand painted cover.

and I love having a translucent page or two in a journal.

(and the page on the left is a paper towel- great idea!)

See the details here:

It's a great size to slip in your purse, or even your back pocket.

Liz's duct tape journals

Yes, that's right.  Journals.  plural.

You people say that I have a lot of energy, but seriously, I don't think Liz sleeps.

Her blog is a non-stop party of color and energy.

She's been on a journal making spree for months now, so it shouldn't have surprised me when she sent me THREE duct tape journals.

Just look at these painted covers!

and here's a sampling of inside pages from each book:

I captured all three journals in a single video.

Lots of loveliness!

April's duct tape journal

The talented April Cole sent this journal.

The cover appears to be layered and painted masking tape.

It's got great texture.

 Don't you love those little heart tabs?

The video shows off all the cool stencils on the pages
 

April has great pictures of these pages on her blog.

Cal's duct tape journal

 You know how excited I get when new people find the blog and join the swaps...

Here's a journal from first time MMSA swapper, Cal.

 Cal's pages are sprinkled with great rubber stamps and tapes.

take a peek:

Cal's been doing mail art since the pre-internet days.

(remember those?)

She didn't give me a link to a blog or flickr or anything, but lucky me, I have her address.

Watch your mailbox, Cal!

I'm always happy to make new mail-art friends.

Dori's duct tape journal

Look at Dori's journal with that wonderful closure:

 The painted pages inside are heavenly, and many of the edges have cool cut-outs.

 take a closer look:

Fantastic work!

Caitlyn's duct tape journal

Caitlyn's sweet little journal is packed with goodness.

 There's a nice mix of hand painted papers and interesting book pages and little embellishments.

 In the video, watch for the painting of the woman with the purple hair.  It's awesome.

Check out Caitlyn's blog: My Brain and Other Curiosities

Terrie's duct tape journal

Our next featured journal comes from Terrie at Creative Explorer

Look at those little flaps hanging out.

This book just begs to be opened.

 Inside there are pockets and tags and paint and tape:

 In this video, you not only get to see Terrie's amazing book, but I think you get to hear my husband walking around the house talking, ostensibly to me, but actually to himself, as he never requires, or even expects, a response.

Gorgeous journal, Terrie.

Cynthia's duct tape journal

Here is Cynthia's duct tape journal.

I love that sweet ribbon around the top.  You can slide it up to open the book and slip it back down to hold it shut.

 The quick peek at the inside pages

and the video

(I finally found a tri-pod for my camera so that I can use two hands to hold the book and turn the pages.  I'm hoping this lets you see more of these beauties)

Jean's duct tape journal

Jean used this great old paperback as the cover of her duct tape journal.

In this shot of the inside you can just barely get a glimpse of the gold doily she used in the center,.

You get a much better view of all her pages in the video: