Altered Books Workshop: 18 Creative Techniques for Self-Expression

I've read several books on creating altered books but have never been as eager to start one as I am now. The instructions are very clear and the projects are doable. A great springboard for the beginning altered artist.

This is one of the first books I bought on altered books. I can't even count how many times I've pulled it out to get ideas and tips on techniques. The pictures are terrific - really inspiring. For each technique variations on the technique are also provided. They're arranged in the book from easy to intermediate to advanced techniques too so you can grow along with the book. The techniques range from collaging to adding tags, to niches, to using glazes and other paint techniques, to cutting into covers, and adding doors and windows. Instructions are clear, materials are all things you can find at the craft stores - nothing too obscure. Instructions are step by step too. Oh it's just one of my favorite books for self-learning of altered book techniques. The only thing that I don't agree with is that in the beginning of the book she talks about pulling out pages - while this can be fun I've actually found that its better to tear out pages as you go based on the techniques or structures that you're making in the book.

As a newcomer to the craft, I liked this author's approach. She explains what an altered book is, gets into choosing a book and developing a theme, then goes step-by-step through the techniques. The basics include collaging, stitching, cutting doors, adding tags, folding pages, and adding inserts. She moves on to intermediate skills: cutting shadowboxes, glazing, adding texture, and various cover treatments. Other ideas include using drawers, adding words and hanging embellishments, working with fiber and beads, transferring images and adding pop-ups. Pluses: Packed with colorful examples. Helpful hints are set off in small boxes. It is indexed and ends with a page for joining groups and swapping materials.