Swap-Books

I love my Bind-It-All logbook binding machine by Zutter - BIA for short. So many letterboxers have splurged on this handy little logbook maker. I have enjoyed making logbooks for everything from traditionals and stamps I send across the country for other 'boxers to personal notebooks to carry in my purse. The logbooks turn out so professional looking - very impressive, indeed.

My latest brain storm was to punch LTCs and bind them to make a book. Not only does this keep the swap together, but is easy to take for show 'n tell at gathers. Much easier than taking a three-ring binder, for sure. The above photo shows the Swap-Book I made from the State Quarter swap (which was a fabulous swap, by the way, even though it took a long time to get here). And, yes, you do have to sacrifice a bit of the carving and artwork on the cards (especially if the art goes all the way to the edge), but once it gets bound, you don't notice much. It's pretty cool to just flip through and see both the front and back of each card - fun! These little books would be fun to keep in a pretty glass dish on your coffee table for guests to look through, as well. Just another way to showcase the wonderful art we are swappin' around.

While I'm talking about the BIA, I want to say a special THANK YOU! to Mariette, aka dbltall, who so generously gifted her BIA to me since she is super busy in school right now. Much love to Mariette and lots of luck with your studies. I know you are going to be the best CPA in the Seattle area! And, just so you know Mariette, I'm putting your gift to good use!