Altered Book Tips and Inspiration

An altered book is a book that artists “alter” or change using various art and craft techniques to create an object of art.

• Find books for altering at library sales, thrift shops, garage sales, flea markets, and from family and friends. At first it might be tough to “damage” a good book, but remember you are creating art.

• Your altered book might focus on a subject, theme, or be a random act of creativity. The book can remain close-able or create it as an open book (like a centerpiece).

• Simply add your own page(s) to a book. Cover a page of the book with white paper and start creating.

• Rip and tear pages, then add your own touch. A craft knife with sharp blade is best if cutting windows or removing several pages of the book at one time.

• Paint or ink page(s). Brush, sponge, dab on paint. Smear, blot, or tap on ink.

• Cut out a shelf or hole in the book. Cut out and then adhere pages together to create the shelf or hole.

• Punch some pages. Ink or paint a frame around punched shapes or place contrasting color of paper to highlight the punched shape.

• Use fun embellishments to decorate or collage: buttons, fabric, lace, game pieces, puzzle pieces, metal,

• Use mulberry paper, handmade paper, photos, magazine pictures, tissue paper, photocopied memorabilia, vellum, wall paper scraps, and decorative papers.

• Add to the book’s front/cover. Paint it. Collage it. Drill a hole and add a dangling charm or grouping of ribbon.

• Add stickers, ribbon, rubberstamped images, coins, beads, glitter, or glass slide.

• Antique it with metallic rub, paint wash, sanding, denting, tea staining, or water marks.

• Write, doodle, and draw on pages. Use watercolor and colored pencils, fountain ink, markers, and calligraphy pens.