This week, I took a little break from my posts about Spain… although I still have two more posts in the works about my trip. Instead, I’m writing about my altered book.
What is an altered book? An altered book, is when an artist takes an old book and repurposes it into a new piece of artwork. The altered book could have a theme such as nature, the sea, pirates, space, etc.
My altered book is an old etiquette book that I am repurposing into a holiday meal plan. It includes our family’s favorite Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter recipes along with pictures and keepsakes. It will also include copies of recipe cards given to me by grandmas and aunts of the McKeever kids’ favorite recipes.
I’ve been working on this journal for quite awhile. I’m not sure it will ever be “complete.” It doesn’t help that I only pull it out to work on when there is an altered book class to go to in town. I like crafting with other people. I enjoy the camaraderie of it. There’s something cathartic about sitting with other people making the same thing, but differently. Learning and sharing with each other.
My latest class was taught by Linda Liabenow, aka The Paper Maiden. Our group spent four hours together at Main Street Floral, in downtown Cadillac, which is a great space for a small art class. Jack and Willow, the resident cats, provided entertainment when we needed a break. There was a great playlist playing softly, and the ambiance of the store was perfect to get our creative juices flowing.
One of my fellow artists treated us to savory scones, warm from the oven, from Wildflour Bakery (located in downtown Cadillac) which were delicious and a perfect way to take a break from creating. If you haven’t tried one of Heather’s scones, you need to do it now!! The texture and flavor are scone perfection!
***Disclaimer*** As an Amazon Associate, if you click on a link and order something, I may receive a commission. Please click and order! Momma needs to pay off her credit cards from her trip to Spain, AND has an addiction to ordering too many craft supplies!
What do you need to create an altered book?
#1 – a hardcover, stitched, not glued, book – if you don’t have one lying around the house, check out garage sales or eBay. I bought a lot of 10 books from eBay, so I have plenty of material for my next altered book projects.
#2 – decorative paper: you can pick this up at Hobby Lobby, but I think it’s a bit more affordable from Amazon:
plaid: https://amzn.to/4cMYueS
lace: https://amzn.to/421vPxU
vintage floral: https://amzn.to/4cxSQP5
#3 – paper cutter
guillotine: https://amzn.to/4mXNOPC
paper trimmer: https://amzn.to/4mUAb3u
#4 – glue – I prefer Fabri-Tac – I think it sticks the best: https://amzn.to/42uNLky
#5 – ephemera – collected memorabilia, you’ve collected on trips or while you are out and about. Stickers, skeleton keys, charms, ribbon, tags, receipts. I also purchase some of mine from Amazon. Here are a few of my favorites:
tag packet: https://amzn.to/3QLKvyG
vintage packet: https://amzn.to/4cLQ1sF
cottage decor packet: https://amzn.to/4ubzy8e
Hive & Seek 
Leave a comment