Could I make it 4x6" or 5x7"? I could use better quality card that way.

Great question.. I changed the size to 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".. So that would equil folding a standard 8 1/2" x 11" paper in half.. I would say not to go any smaller than 5' x 8".. because your images will end up very small.

When we start the "writing" part of the Journal, are we writing prompts for our partner on each page to fill in or do we write/finish the whole page?..

Great Question... The journaling part is your choice.. and if you want to do prompts that's sounds fine to me.

I LOVE this idea!! watching for now..I don't have 10 swaps completed. Hopefully by the sign up date I will.

snowqueen you are right, making the Journal any smaller than 5" x 8" - not only will images be smaller, the writing too. Don't want the writing so small someone will need a magnifying glass to read.
The journal in the tutorial is large with large images, large lettering, that can be time-consuming in making a large journal.
I think snowqueen has selected the best size for making these impressive -artful journals. Good size to work with, not too much postage to send on. Though I'd put a tracking # on my journal to make sure it was received.

snowqueen - my suggestion only because of this summer's high heat - Mod Podge & other acrylic clear mediums will become sticky when exposed for periods of time to heat, especially high heat. This could be a problem if journal-makers live in those areas where its really hot even in September. Any exposed Mod Podge, acrylic medium to heat will stick to the facing page, envelope, letter, etc. To protect your journals, your artwork, collage, writings, I suggest a clear layer of crystal clear contact paper, clear wide tape, dry clear varnish be put over areas where acrylics have been used, wax crayons, oil pastels too, to keep the cover, pages from sticking together. If not those then use glassine papers over the cover & back, & between the pages. This also helps for storage of the journal if there's no A/C.

Yes Mod Pdge is a good product.. But I always use MATTE.. and then I use it thinned out.. If you let it sit for a day and seems tacky in any way... I will lightly dust pages with baby powder.. then vacuum it off. But basically applying it very thin is important..... But the Mod Podge is not required.. other forms of protective products are welcomed.. or... just make sure all edges are glued well. Heat can affect so many different things.. so use your best judgment.. : )

Does Anyone Need Help With Paper For This Journal?
My suggestion: Borden & Riley #116 Artist Vellum Paper Pad is sold at Michaels' craft stores. This Vellum Paper Pad comes in different sizes - I bought a 9"x12" pad - has 40 sheets of paper.

116 - Artist Vellum Paper is a good weight paper to work with - 90lb, has a slight "tooth" to hold pastels, chalks, this paper is excellent for mixed media - pencil, colored pencils, pen & ink, charcoal, light washes of watercolors, acrylics. To rubberstamp you'll have to stamp on another paper then glue to the Vellum paper.

I took 2 sheets of this Vellum paper 9"x12", folded in half as per snowqueen's directions, though had to cut edges to get required size of 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" - & have first journal to begin applying artwork.

Hummm after all that and @Whippet does not sign up.

Please remember to rate, and if a problem arrises.. please contact me,,,and stay in touch with your partner..

Have a great time with your journal and thanks for joining in.. cj