Welcome to the International Traveling Pages Round Robin, a collaborative international mail-art project for five participants. Each person will decorate two pages in every A6 journal they are sent. Once each journal completes its journey through the group, it returns to its original creator, filled with creative, personal contributions from every member.
This format, inspired by a successful Dutch version, is designed to keep postage light and manageable in the beginning. However, journals will grow heavier with each round.
- If international shipping costs may become a problem at any point, do not join. This is a long-term commitment, and once the swap begins, your group will depend on you to keep it moving. It’s a shared responsibility that only works when every participant is consistent.
- Participation requires time, creativity, and reliability over several months. Each round allows four weeks to complete your pages and send the journal on. Delays affect everyone, and even small setbacks can stall the entire group. You’ll be handling and mailing multiple journals throughout the swap. If you're unsure whether you can stay on schedul, please do not join.
To prevent losses, you must scan or photograph your pages before mailing. If a journal is lost in the mail, your contribution can still be preserved and shared digitally.
When starting your journal, you’ll decorate one A6 cover page and one back art page. Loose pages are fine or half an A4 folded is perfect too. The cover must clearly show your name or nickname, and your Round Robin journal ID, this is essential for tracking.
A mood board on the cover sets the creative tone. On the back, include a short introduction, a theme, or prompts for others to work from. If you're using a loose-leaf format, mark the binding edge so others know where to leave space for hole-punching.
When you receive a journal, add two A6 pages (four decorated sides) using flexible, lightweight paper. Your name and Swap ID should be clearly visible on your pages. If you'd like, you can also note the round your pages belong to.
Journals must be sent individually, bundling is not allowed. If one goes missing, this ensures only one is affected. Tracked shipping is optional but strongly recommended, especially for international mail.
At the end of the swap, after your final contribution, you’ll return the journal to its original creator. Each journal will contain ten pages in total: one decorated cover and back, and eight completed contributions.
No extras or gifts are required in any round. When your own journal returns home, please finalize the swap as soon as possible., leaving feedback. Uploading a few photos to the Art Gallery is warmly encouraged and much appreciated.
A private forum will be available once the swap begins. This space is for group updates, communication, and delay notices. If you expect to be away, due to travel, illness, or mail disruptions, please inform the group in advance. If possible, send your journal early to avoid holding things up.
The Round Robin will officially begin on August 31, provided all five spots are filled. If the group fills earlier, it may start sooner.
By joining, you agree to follow these guidelines and honor the time, trust, and creativity of every participant. This is more than a swap, it’s a shared creative journey. We’re excited to have you take part.
Important Points to Remember
- Journal size is A6
- The theme is set by the journal’s owner, read their introduction or prompts before you start.
- Swap begins August 31 (or sooner if all spots are filled).
- Add two pages (four sides) to each journal you receive
- Include your Round Robin journal ID clearly on your cover
- Scan or photograph your pages before mailing to ensure a digital backup
- Send journals individually >> do not bundle
- Tracked shipping is recommended, especially for international mail
- Clearly mark the binding edge on your journal cover
- No extras or gifts are required in any round
- Postage will increase with each round, plan accordingly.
- Use the private forum for updates, communication, and reporting delays
- Return the journal to its original creator after your final contribution
- Mark your swap as complete on Snail Mail Friends once your journal returns (click the finalize button)
- Upload a photo(s) of your journal to the Snail Mail Friends Art Gallery, sharing is encouraged and appreciated
- Enjoy the journey and have fun creating together!
For more information and to access the official Round Robin, visit https://www.snailmailfriends.com/view-event-details?id=433.
Founder of Snail Mail Friends, spreading happiness through Snail Mail. Making the world a happier place, one snail mail at a time ^_^