If you have been reading my blog, you know I am now writing a column, Telling Your Story, for our local newspaper. Every other week I will be interviewing local artists and crafters about their creative outlet.
This week’s column was about Kim Jones, a mixed media artist who lives just across the river in Henderson, Kentucky. One of her favorite crafts is altered books. I’ve been interested in this art form for quite awhile, but really have a fear of taking a good old book and messing with it! So who better to ask about this art form than Kim.
Kim Jones with one of her altered books.
Check out my article on Kim and her altered books here. For more information on Kim, check out her blog, Serendipity Vintage Studio.
Now I have adventured into altered books, but only by using old board books. I figured they weren’t quite as sacred as those old dictionaries or books sitting on the shelves at the local Goodwill. However, before starting, I surfed the web and visited bookstores to find that perfect how-to book.
One of the books that has helped me with my fear of tearing, cutting, and mutilating these old books is Altered Art for the First Time by Madeline Arendt.
In this interesting and colorful book, the author takes you from the basics of altered art to a variety of projects. She starts out by walking her readers through the paints, cutting tools, adhesives, papers, and other tools needed to get started. In that intro section she also includes how to prepare covers, glue a block of pages together, create pockets, cut windows and doors, and other helpful techniques.
The following two sections include projects. The first 12 projects in her basic section can be easily completed with her clear instructions and pictures. She calls her second 12 projects “Beyond the Basics” with instructions for tag books, tin and matchbook pendants, envelope books, and more. This is a great book to get started with altered art.
Well, I did work a bit on my board book. I covered the pages with white gesso and then added acrylic paints. But that’s as far as I’ve gotten. It’s so pretty now I hate to mess it up!
My newly painted board book waiting for the next step.
Well, since I don’t have a completed project to show you, here are a couple pages from one of Kim’s.
After visiting with Kim I am ready to put aside my fear and take the next step and mess up one of my old books. I’ll keep you posted.
Lynda, it was such a pleasure to meet you! Thanks for including me in your column. I can’t wait to read your future articles. I’m so excited to see that you’ve started an altered book project already! Have fun creating!
I haven’t altered a book yet myself but after reading your blog and newspaper article and seeing Kim’s inspiring work – I may be the next one to try!
Kim, it was my pleasure! I think I needed a bit more than lip gloss on my picture on your blog!
Michelle, so glad you stopped by and glad Kim inspired you. Would love to see some altered art from you!
I first visited you during OWOH and bookmarked your blog. It was quite serendipitous that I found you again today, after your lovely article on altered books. I feature a blog each day on my blog and today I’m featuring yours. Enjoyed the article, and enjoy your blog. Really like your cats! Can’t wait to visit Kim’s blog, too.
Elizabeth, Thanks for coming back!
That is so sweet of you to feature my blog today. Thank you!
Lynda