Before we begin, I’d like to spend a little time introducing ourselves in a non-book-arts context, for those who aren’t stalking us on facebook. ;) (Though if you really want to get academic, you can read my statement and such here.)

This is us, two li’l punk kids that we are (somewhat sunburnt!):

You may or may not know me in real life, as it were, but just in case: Hi! I’m April Hannah Llewellyn, and I’m obviously very excited to start this trip — it’s been in planning for over a year now (I might have a tendency to overplan, though…).
I’m a generally enthusiastic gal, but even I can get overwhelmed sometimes, so getting this going is the best part. :) I am most looking forward to meeting people. I am least looking forward to changing beds every night! (I love sleeping… :D ) When I’m not sharing or learning about arts, crafts, and activism, I’m interested in MarioKart, origami paper cranes, sappy movies, and poorly attempting to grow plants.

Matt’s not a “book arts” person, but he likes books, and art, and the combination thereof. :) He’s tried his hand at papermaking and some printing and enjoyed it, and of course he’s interested in the trip itself.
He’d like to add a few words, too:

Hi, I’m Matt. I’m terrible at writing about myself, so I’ll just rattle off a series of things I’m interested in. Skateboarding, fantasy novels (lord of the rings, dungeons & dragons), larping/boffing. I’m an avid cyclist, and have never owned a car. I bike ^6 miles to work most mornings the weather permits. I’ve lived in chic ago on and off for the last 7 years and, I consider it my home even though I’m originally from a small town Michigan. I prefer big cities to small towns, I prefer the alleyway to the forest, and the underside of a bridge to the rivers and streams. I like meeting people in person, in small groups I’m more well received. The end.

Together, Matt and I both love: Star Wars AND Star Trek, metal and electronic music, Renn faire stuff, craft beer, and public art.

now that that’s done!

on to the thanking!

I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to our journey so far (in order of appearance!):
Starr Weems-de Graffenreid
Jennifer Leech
Sue Hawks
James Reed
Marcia Preston
Ann Silverman
Diane Waite
Mimi Schaer
Carl Blaksley
Geneva Llewellyn (hi Mom!)
Jason Bingham
Emily Marie Scheider
Nichole Smith
Penelope Thrasher
Jill Johnson
Dan Nelson
Kimberly Hart
Brandon Robinson
Frank Looney
Rachel Lackey
Kaitlin Kostus

seriously, I have no idea how I’d do it without y’all!

let’s get on this!

Hi everyone!,

as a reminder, I am taking an extensive roadtrip this July to visit book and paper art centers and community art centers in the midwest and the east coast. I will be visiting directors, artists, craftspeople, and other interested parties to research what roles art, craft, and gifting can fulfill in building community. Secondarily, I will be making a gift for everyone that participates in any fashion, and will subsequently be making a artist books to record my findings and the trajectory of these gifts . This is the beginning of my thesis research on the intersections of craft, community, and gifting.

I tend not to use a ton of expensive equipment or materials in my art, but, unfortunately, I’m estimating this trip now to cost me over $1750 (gulp!):
$750 for gas (it is over 4,000 miles)
$1000 for hotels/hostels/camping (though we are looking to couchsurf as much as possible to keep this down!), and extra food costs (because eating out on the road is expensive, sigh).

As such, I’m hoping people might be interested in pitching in, in return for a gift from the trip!
I’m trying to raise $750 by June 29th (the departure date), and so far I’ve raised: $650!

I’m offering rewards for donations as follows (though you are free to graciously donate any amount that you like!)

$5 — a commemorative letterpress postcard (printed by me!), sent from any location on the trip

$10 — a set of three decorative letterpress postcards, as well as a commemorative postcard send from any location on the trip

$25 — a commemorative letterpress postcard, a set of three decorative letterpress postcards, and a set of three handmade paper notecards. These notecards (which you can see me making the paper at at www.aprilhl.net/papermaking) come with info about their fiber content and the URL for the papermaking process–they also make a great way to keep in touch.

$50 – Day Sponsor! Receive all of the above, plus a small drawing done on the day/city of your choice! I’ll take something beautiful, unusual, or just plain weird that day to commemorate in a small drawing. I’ll post an image of this drawing online with a thank you (unless you’d rather keep it a surprise!), and then send you the physical artwork along with your other goodies. See the route/calendar at www.aprilhl.net/roadtrip

$100 — Extra Bonus Day Sponsor! Receive all of the above, including a Day Sponsor for the city/day of your choice, and a handmade paper/handdrawn map of the journey.

I’ll be accepting donations until the end of the trip, but if you want a postcard sent while on it or from a particular city, I need your info ASAP! When donating, please make sure to let me know where you’d like a postcard or day sponsor from; otherwise, I’ll pick out what I think you’ll be most interested in. :)

I made a drop down paypal menu, if that helps ya:

Donation rewards

Letterpress commemorative postcard from trip (pick any city!) $5.00 All of above + a set of three decorative letterpress postcards $10.00 All of above + a set of three handmade paper notecards $25.00 All of above + commemoritive unique drawing from the trip!! $50.00 All of above + handmade paper commemorative travel map! $100.00

City to mail postcard from:

or you can donate any amount (and then specify your reward!) through this button:

again, thank y’all SO much! this sort of journey isn’t possible without people like you. <3