RM: Fall/Winter Anything Goes Magpie Journal

Fall and Winter must be a magpie's dream come true! All of the bright and shiny lights, ribbons, papers - just imagine!

Fall and Winter have so many different holidays and observations. Let's record and share what we do! This will be a long-term and International journal swap. Partners will be assigned early on, and you will have until early February to finish up and send. This is a serious time commitment, and postage could be high, so please consider those things before you sign up. :)

If you don't celebrate much or observe any holidays in these months, you could just magpie those months (Oct - Jan). I thought of magpie's liking shiny stuff, and seeing all the foil lined deco's in the stores. But the swap isn't specific to holidays - just fall and winter.

Anything goes means you can create this journal however you wish. You may use a pre made book or you can make your own journal. Size should be no smaller than 4x6 in. You will need at least 30 pages for this journal.

So, what to do. One page of your journal should include the holidays or observations you and/or your family observe over the October, November, December and January time frame. You can either write the details in paragraph form, or in a list. Or, if you don't celebrate or observe anything during that time period, you can write about your thoughts of the season, if you like the weather, seeing others decorations - just something about the fall and/or winter seasons.

Choose 2 holiday observations and write more details - who is involved, what special foods do you eat, what practice do you observed, are there special decorations for that holiday. For example, our family observes Thanksgiving, and we really get into the 'giving thanks' idea of the holiday. One of the special foods I always make is sweet potato pie, so I might include that recipe and details about how and why it has become a tradition for our family. If you don't celebrate the holidays, write a bit about your observations of the holidays in others, in the media. What do you like or dislike about it?

That would be page 1 (at a minimum) For the remaining pages, you will include magpie journal items relating to these months and the holidays and observations for those months. You may include items for October holidays as well, even though partners will not be assigned until Nov 4th.

What to include? Bits of wrapping paper, ribbons, cards and envelopes from the holidays. Those shiny wrappers from holiday themed treats, brochures and fliers for holiday events. Holiday themed cartoon comics, etc ... You can cover the pages just with items, or add in some written entries. Maybe attach a favorite recipe and write a little bit about why it's a favorite. Or include a photo of the finished product. Share your fall and winter with us.

Recap:

1 journal - store bought or make your own - 4x6 or larger with a minimum of 30 pages

1 page (minimum) listing the holidays and observations you have during the months of October, November, December and January. Or your memories or opinions of these holidays.

2 holidays or observances from the list with more details about the celebration (1 page minimum). Or your feelings or observations of these holidays

28 pages of magpie awesomeness (or written journal entries)

"Be warned" :) - I communicate with swap participants by email! I will send emails about the swap to the email address listed in your account. :)

Please let me know if you have any questions or if need to clarify anything. :)