My Mariposa Altered Art Book (still a work in progress)

 A number of months ago I was gifted an altered book class. I went with my friend Joy, not knowing what to expect. I was handed a discarded, hardbound book. I was told by the instructor at Ink About It to "tear out pages"! 

I love books! I mean, I LOVE books!

I have stacks of books. My Beloved shares my love of books. The perfect date for us is in a bookstore, especially if it is a used bookstore with old books.

So, when the instructor told me to, "Tear out pages" I hesitated. I began reading my discard. It was titled Doctor Love. It was trash; pure (well not in the least), banal trash. What publisher in their right mind would accept this as a book? It was horribly written. I won't even apologize if you are the author. I tore pages out with fervor. 

Then I had my choice of inks and stamps and decorative papers and glue to use. 

 Our little class of five ladies went home with our discards having altered six pages.

  Altering this discarded book has been a fun experience. Somewhere in the midst of Twinkling H2O's and a glue stick, it morphed into a theme of butterflies.

Every page has a butterfly.

 I have named it my Mariposa Book.

I am already dreaming of the next book I will alter. I hope to do a bee theme.

This one is not finished yet. When will I ever find the time? This page is still a work in progress.

I have enjoyed the freedom in this form of art. There are no rules in art. Right?

my recent artistic endeavor ~ altered book

I was recently invited to take an altered book class with one of my friends. I had heard of this art form a while back and was interested in learning more. The class was held at a local stamp and paper shop. Our teacher has had years of fun and experience altering books. She had hardbound books ready for us to literally tear apart. I am an avid book reader and lover of fine books. It was not difficult for me to tear pages out of the pulp fiction sitting in front of me. The book was bound nicely but, the writer had much to be desired. The words were trash (the book I'm altering is titled Doctor Love; you get the idea)!

I had a wonderful time painting, inking, taping, tearing, and covering words and creating a completely different book.

I learned how to make a "peek-a-boo" window, a pop-up, and pockets.

We altered three pages in the class. Our instructor encouraged us to finish those three pages at home and to continue experimenting with our book. There are no rules in art!

 Using clip art, ink, acrylic paints, glue, torn pages from other books and stamps, I have enjoyed altering more pages.

Unfortunately, I am unable to download a lot of the altered pages I've completed but, you get the idea.

My friend Joy, and I hope to go to the second class in January. I think we'll learn how to make niches and drawers. Have you done altered books or collage before?