The Skinny on the Fat Book

We are so excited about the first ever fat book exchange here at IS!  Already, your theme ideas and the excitement over participating totally ROCKS!  We're so psyched about putting together one of these books with you:

This is the one we did last year for Artfest (with a sea/sea monster theme).

So what is a fat book and how does it work?  Well, here's the skinny:

What is it and what's the process?

• Well, there is a host for the book (that's us) and a group of artists that contribute to the book (us and y'all).
• To get a book, each artist makes enough pages so that every book has one of their pages (usually, it is the same design, over and over again).  In other words, if there are ten artists in the group, each artist makes ten pages -- one for each book.  Then, the artist sends their completed pages to the host.
• The host compiles the books and sends one out to each artist.
• The book is fat because of all of the wonderful goodies on each page (mixed-media has dimension!).

What materials are used in the book?  Anything you want (that isn't harmful or toxic).  We've even seen tile used!

What kind of art is included?  Anything goes:  Scrap pages, printed digital art, mixed-media of all sorts, wax, canvas, etc.

Is it archival safe?  Well, to be honest, that's usually the last thing we worry about for a fat book.  But, I think that it'll last a long time, even so.  After all, most of our supplies/materials are pretty long-lasting.

What size are the pages?  We're going to go with a 4x4 inch format and will share a template when we launch the project (so you know where the "punch zone" will be and can avoid placing items where we'll punch holes for the binding).

How long to complete the pages?  We're going to shoot for a two-month target, but plan to work together with the group on the schedule.  After all, life always comes first!

Okay.  I'm sure I've missed something here, so please leave us a comment for any questions, thoughts, etc. you have about the project.  And, I can't wait to get rolling on this one -- it's going to be so much fun.  Also, if you haven't done so already -- give us a theme idea and join the fat book fun, by leaving us a comment:  Here.