AIA: Build an Art Journal Together-Botanical #2

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⚠️CREATIVE PROMPT for this swap #2:

• Include a BOTANICAL FAIRY - Some ideas 👉🏻HERE

Let’s continue to build our gorgeous, collaborative botanical art journal together—four beautifully decorated pages at a time. This will save on postage as we won't be sending heavy or bulky journals around the USA!

What is considered botanical, you ask? So much more than just flowers!

Plant‑Related Elements - plant anatomy diagrams, leaves, roots, trees, cacti, succulents, branches, seaweed, field study notes, seed packets, botanical charts, arborist notes.
Fungi & Forest - Mushrooms and fungi, trees, moss, lichen.
Wood & Tree‑Derived Materials - tree rings, bark rubbings, woodgrain patterns.
Botanical‑Origin Foods & Drinks - coffee, tea, cocoa, spices, all fruits & vegetables, herbs, wine, beer.
Tools, Materials & Processes - paper made from plant fibers, garden tools, pots, habitat maps, garden design, ecological diagrams, planting guides.
People & sciences- botanists, gardeners, agriculturists, horticulturists, mycologists, tea masters, ethnobotanists, farmers market hucksters, botanical artists, women in floral hats, and so many more!

👉🏻Botanical journal flip through

Each month, participants will create, decorate, and send one 8.5" x 11" sheet, folded on the 8.5" side in portrait orientation, to their one partner. This will create four 8.5" tall x 5.5" wide pages for you to decorate in botanical fashion. 👉🏼Journal Page Swap Example

📜 Page Format:
* Use copy paper or light cardstock weight, keeping in mind the bulk.
* Finished Page Dimensions: 8.5" tall x 5.5" wide, portrait orientation
* Page Count: One folded sheet (do NOT cut) = 4 pages (decorate all 4 pgs)
* Unbound: Artists will eventually bind their own journals as they wish.
* Keep in mind that when all these pages are stacked for binding, your inside (full page) will likely be divided/separated from each other, so make each of your 4 pages stand on their own.

🗓️ Swap Rhythm:
* I'll host one swap each month. The series will include 12 monthly swaps, resulting in a journal with 48 pages.
* Each round will include a special creative prompt (see at 👆🏻TOP of swap description) for example: add a border ruffle, include a hidden paperclip, add a belly band, etc. You only need to include the creative prompt on one of your four journal pages—but feel free to use it on more.
* I'll include video tutorials and helpful links to spark creativity.
* Participants can join at any time or skip a swap if they wish; you'll just end up with fewer journal pages.

🌟 Guidelines (as you see fit to create!):
* Make each of your pages in botanical charm using any art style you wish (vintage, modern, retro, etc.)
* Adding 👉🏼interactive elements, like foldouts, waterfall tablets, etc. is strongly encouraged!
* You may use collage, diagrams, illustrations, stamped elements, layered papers, transparent materials, paint, specimen‑style labels, or anything else that inspires you.
* Pop in some lovely botanical-related ephemera pieces. It's OK to use ephemera pieces made for you by others in separate swaps.
* Avoid glitter fallout or excessive bulk.
* Include your username discreetly on each of the 4 pages. When looking back through your journal, it's nice to know who contributed.

NOTE: Journal covers and bindings will be completed by each journal owner in their own style. I'll include both cover and binding tutorials in the final swap. In the end, you'll have one incredible art journal like no other!

Be inspired every day!