Off the Shelf: ReUse RePurpose: Book Art

Books have a shelf life. They just reach the point of where they become what we used to call at Once Upon A Child, "well-loved". This is when the question arises as to what can possibly be done with the book, one answer to this is of course crafts. Altered books, blackout poetry, and even my nemesis origami are all different things one can do with an old book. Many, oh so many, books are mass-produced, so one really does not need to feel any fear that altering the book in any way is somehow committing a sacrilege. If you have questions on whether one or more of your books may be a hidden gem, consider checking out Your Old Books for information on whether or not to get an appraisal.

Now, onto the crafts. If you are more comfortable with using drills than I am, there are quite a few projects in The Repurposed Library: 33 Craft Projects That Give Old Books New Life by Occhipinti that look interesting. I'm am highly tempted to make a music box, I may just involve my 16 year old as he seems more comfortable with power tools. The Kindle Keeper and the Tool Bin seem to be more my speed.

For these projects, Lisa Occhipinti rescues and repurposes orphaned and outdated books from flea markets and library sales and turns them into new art objects and practical items for the home. Her creations range from artfully constructed mobiles to a Kindle "keeper" for those who want to replicate the sensation of holding a "real" book while reading from an e-reader.

Altered Books Workshop: 18 Creative Techniques for Self-Expression by Brazelton, Bev

Presents eighteen step-by-step projects, along with variation ideas, to create an array of altered books.

Bound: Over 20 Artful Handmade Books by Ekrem, Erica

"Bind a book beautifully, with these whimsical and stylish projects from bookbinder extraordinaire Erica Ekrem! With her novel approach to traditional techniques, and the use of repurposed materials, Ekrem has devised creative fun for book artists of all levels. Choose from three categories: Vintage, Nature, and Leather. Make books from mason jars and seashells, a classic leather-bound photo album, and other works of art"-- Provided by publisher.

The Altered Book Scrapbook by Ure, Susan

Combine two of the hottest trends in crafts—altered books and scrapbooking—and you get an exciting technique that’s sure to be a hit. Just take an existing volume and add embellishments until it’s transformed into your own personal scrapbook. Susan Ure—a frequent guest on The Christopher Lowell Show—shows exactly how it’s done, from choosing the right book to alter to creating a pleasing composition. Work from a variety of artists provides inspiration and ideas for materials and techniques—including metal, paper and cloth collage, lace, and beads. A sense of playfulness and creativity are all that’s needed to get great results.

Altered art for the first time by Arendt, Madeline

Altered art is one of the hottest new crafts--but for the uninitiated, it can seem intimidating. Not anymore, with all the basics outlined in a simple question-and-answer format and shown in plenty of sparkling, detailed how-to photos. Find out the best type of books to alter, as well as the right adhesives and paints to use. As your skill develops, the alteration thrill will inevitably build, and so there are also projects for transforming more than just books--including making pendants out of matchboxes and gum tins, and revitalizing purses and luggage.

If you search "Altered Books" on YouTube the number of tutorials seems never-ending. And when watching some on altered books I was amazed at all the little details involved. The tool supply lists that the books and videos tend to offer are often of a higher calibre tools than I own. What I do have is a lot of scrapbooks supplies that have been gathering dust for longer than I care to admit.

However, Here is my first attempt at altered book pages.