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Altered Art Has Stolen My Heart!

Updated on April 16, 2010

Collages and Altered Book

"Beginning of Life" acrylic paint collage with beach glass, old jewelry, driftwood, seashells.
"Beginning of Life" acrylic paint collage with beach glass, old jewelry, driftwood, seashells.
"Sea-Sons"-acrylic paint based collage with paper, glitter, seashells and jewelry.
"Sea-Sons"-acrylic paint based collage with paper, glitter, seashells and jewelry.
Altered Book in the beginning stages. So far I have put a thin coat of paint on the outside boards, then started applying the paper images chosen from magazines and papers.
Altered Book in the beginning stages. So far I have put a thin coat of paint on the outside boards, then started applying the paper images chosen from magazines and papers.

I'm In Love...With Altered Art and Collage!!!

If I appear a bit giddy, it's because I am in love-with Art! No, not the man, but the actual process of creating art-especially "altered art"! If you haven't tried this way of artistic expression, you should really give it a try. It is almost a form of therapy for me, which I am sure I need plenty of...

The total "stream of consciousness" way that collages and altered books are put together is both exciting and relaxing at the same time. I have included two instructional videos, as well as a few samples of my own work, that will hopefully inspire you to begin to create on your own. I feel that as children, we are all born artists-but some of us forget how to play as we grow up! I also hear "I can't draw a straight line!" from so many people who would love to do something artistic, but don't have the self confidence or faith in themselves to give art a try. The collages and altered art and altered books make it easy for those of any age and level of experience or talent to create and express themselves!

Now that you are ready and inspired to create, read below for a list of some of the supplies you will need, as well as a few simple instructions to get you started. Don't forget to watch the two videos as well-they should get you ready even if you are a beginner!

Another Video of Altered Books!

Let's Get Started!

The great thing about this type of art is it can be so inexpensive to make. In today's tough economic times, that makes it a welcome relief to other, more expensive hobbies! The basics you may want to keep on hand are listed below. This is just a tiny sampling of what you can use and I am just listing these to "jog" your creativity into gear! Spend a bit of time thinking of what type of theme or "look" you want your work to have, then assemble the bits and pieces you will need as you go. These types of projects can take a while to finish because of the drying time involved, as well as time spent finding that "just right" image or object to use as you go along. The main thing is to ENJOY the process!!

1. Acrylic paints in the colors of your choice

2. Paintbrushes in various sizes, depending on what type of look you have envisioned for your piece of art

3. Images cut from magazines, newspapers, bits of tissue paper, old greeting cards and postcards, etc. as well as old photos, bits of text, or any other "found" objects you want to incorporate into your piece

4. Glue (Elmer's school glue, or any white, multi-purpose glue)

5.  A sturdy backing board, canvas, old book, etc. depending on what you wish to make

6. Glitter, fabric scraps, string, buttons,etc. depending on your designs

7. Markers or Gel Pens in different colors

When you are ready to start, make sure that the surface you are going to be working on will hold the paint, images and objects well. The back support or pages need to be sturdy enough to support any alterations you do. This means that the base supports should be able to support any objects that will be attached to them.

One other tip-if working on an Altered Book, make sure to keep the pages separated while they are drying so they won't stick together. If you are working on a large book, it will take a while to finish, so be patient-you will be glad you did!

Check It Out! An Altered Art Board Book!

working

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