Friendship books (also known as "FBs" in their abbreviated form) are small booklets made by stapling paper together, or are sometimes just sheets or strips of paper. They are usually decorated and the person who starts the book writes their name and address as the first person sending the book. People often include a list of interests as well. The FB is then passed around from penpal to penpal, and can often also become a way for one to meet new penpals. Most people hope to see the book again once it is full so they add their return address to the back cover of the book too, or inscribe "Return to Sender" on it. People also sometimes make FBs for someone else rather than themselves, in which case they write the name and address of the recipient on the front/at the top. Some people find friendship books fun because you can see where they have been in a trail back to the original sender/recipient.
This is the very first fb I have ever created. I love the fun and colorful style that I used for it. It just makes me happy to look at. Now if I can only get up the courage to send it out.
8 comments:
this is pretty but what are FBs, I see them on SB all the time but not sure,.love glenda
I've heard of FBs but never been part of one. Sounds quite fun actually since it must be a great way to meet new people. Also a great way to keep in contact with those who have moved away :)
-jcblink
The blog post gives the definition of an fb. It is a decorated book that you make with blank pages inside and then send it to your penpal who writes down their mailing info and interests and then sends it to a penpal of theirs and when the book gets full it is returned to the owner with tons of new penpal addresses in it.
I love it! I cannot wait to send you something! I actually made you a special someting (in case I got you for the bookmark swap) But I'M NOT TELLING! I love being a brat sometimes.
That is such a neat concept! I've never heard of it before. What a wonderful idea. I know I've done similar things in camp but never thought of doing them through the mail, or using them as a way to meet new people. And to have a whole created book out of the ordeal...that is just so fantastic.
Okay, it's settled, I'm so adding your blog to my follow list. I don't often remember to check it, but yours will be on it when I do! :P
- Kiwi / CarbonxKiwi (SB)
This is such a great idea. I would love to receive something like this and be able to pass it on - just imagine all of the collective insights and information. It would also be a great way to learn about other regions of the country and see what they have to offer.
Natalie (nicesnow)
I am really excited to get mine sent off. I have a pen pal in New York and I was thinking of sending it in her next letter. I just hope it comes back. :)
I've been making and swapping FBs since I was 14yo, and 14 years later I'm still making and swapping them. I've tried giving them up but they are just too addictive! :) I love getting them and reading through the entries and imagining all the wonderful places they've been and all the adventures they've had...(sigh) Such lucky little books!
~S.
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