Discover the Magic of Altered Books!
Hey there, fellow art lovers! Have you ever thought about transforming an old book into a unique piece of art? That's what altered books are all about, and it's an art form that's been around for ages. I first stumbled upon this amazing world thanks to my wonderful mom. She gave me my very first book on the subject, and once I started flipping through those incredible pages, I was hooked!
Over the years, I've watched this art form evolve, and now I love mixing it with art journaling. While they share a lot of similar techniques, altered books feel like a playground for experimentation. They're all about trying new things and creating a beautiful, one-of-a-kind art object.
Ready to Create Your Own Altered Book?
You absolutely can! Here's how to get started:
First, grab a hardcover book. A sturdy cover is super helpful because it protects all the amazing art you'll be making inside. As a bonus, diving into altered books even taught me a bit about how books are made—like how to sew pages and glue the spine. Knowing that helped me keep my books nice and firm, but don't worry, you definitely don't need to learn bookbinding to have a blast with this art form!
Now, a little heads-up from my own experience: I've definitely lost some cool pages along the way by being a bit too heavy-handed with glue or paint near the spine. It can make the paper wet and fragile, causing it to tear. But here's a secret: you can usually save those pages by sewing them back in later!
Always be mindful of the spine and those delicate pages right next to it. If you're planning on adding heavier elements like collages or fabrics, I highly recommend reinforcing the spine or the very center of your book. It'll make your altered book much stronger and ensure your beautiful creations last!
Tips for Creating Your Pages!
When I'm working in my altered books, I usually like to glue two pages together. This makes them super strong, so I can go wild with all sorts of paints and mediums! Of course, you can definitely work on single pages too, if you prefer.
To help your pages last, adding a thin coat of gesso or another art medium can be really helpful. Just keep in mind not to use too much watery stuff, as that can make the paper fibers weak and eventually cause them to tear.
Here's a neat trick I've learned: if you're worried about pages sticking together because of too much medium or acrylics, rub a candle over the entire page once it's dry. The wax creates a barrier that prevents sticking! Another option is to simply place a piece of waxed paper between your pages if you want to avoid any smudging.
The Joy of Experimentation!
The best advice I can give you is to experiment, experiment, experiment! Remember, every artist starts somewhere, so be patient with yourself. Play around with the art supplies you have and see how they react on your book's pages.
Not all book papers are created equal! Some are stronger, some are very thin, and they'll all respond differently to various materials. You might even find that some older book papers are quite acidic, which can make them brittle over time. (Don't worry, there are products out there to help with this if you get serious!)
Children's books are an excellent choice for altering because their pages are usually thick, almost like cardboard! You can do so much with them. Just a little tip: you might need to lightly sand the glossy surface of the illustrations to help your mediums absorb properly, or even remove the plastic coating first.
Of course, you could always make your own books or journals, but there's something truly special about finding an old gem at a flea market or a used book store for next to nothing. The possibilities with altered books are truly endless!
Choose Your Theme!
Here's a tip that can really bring your altered book to life: pick a theme! Just like I do, you can decide on a central idea for your book. This makes your work feel cohesive and can actually make the whole creative process much easier.
Once you've got your theme, the possibilities for each page are truly endless. Make every page unique and have fun using all sorts of different materials! I love collecting bits and bobs, and I'm a huge fan of exploring flea markets. It's amazing how those little treasures can end up in my work, taking on new and interesting meanings
Designing Your Cover (and Beyond!)
Now, let's talk about the cover of your altered book – it's like a sneak peek of all the wonders inside! For one of my books, I wanted to showcase the theme right from the start. I looked at many different images of virgins but ultimately chose the Mexican Virgen María for both the cover and some central pages.
I even created one page to resemble a small altar. If you've ever walked through the streets of Mexico, you've probably seen those little glass boxes with an image of her inside – that's exactly the kind of feeling I wanted to capture on that page!
The Grand Finale: An Altar of Devotion
And now, we come to the very last page, a special altar that represents the heartfelt love of a devotee for her archetype. This page celebrates the feminine, the virgin, the mother, purity, and the essence of womanhood, truly an object of deep devotion.
To give this altar depth and dimension, I've glued many pages together. The little niches you see were patiently hand-carved, then carefully glued into place, painted, and finally adorned with tiny found objects. It's a true labor of love!
A Cherished Creation
This book is truly special to me. Creating it was an incredible experience, and it taught me so much along the way. While putting something like this together definitely takes some time, I can tell you it's super worth it in the end! This particular book is now part of a private collection.
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| The key holder Altered Book |
I've also had the pleasure of teaching live classes at Hands and Heart Studio!
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