How to Make Altered Books

Altered books are discarded books that are decorated and embellished to create a personal work of art. Children's board books are the easiest type of books to work with since they are sturdy, but any type of book can be used. The steps below show how to make an altered book from a children's board book, with windows cut into the pages to display photos or mementos.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Board book
• Sandpaper
• Paper towels
• Gesso
• Glue
• Manila folder
• Craft knife
• Paint
• Painting tools
• Ribbon
• Rub-on transfers
• Stamps
• Beads, charms and found objects

1. Run sandpaper gently over the pages of the book. Dust it off.

2. Paint over the front and back covers, center pages, and spine of the book with gesso. Apply a second coat if necessary. Let it dry for several hours.

3. Line up the board book along the lower left corner of a manila folder. Trace the edges of the book on the folder, and cut along the line to create a template. Use the template to create a rough sketch of how you want the inside of the book to look. Create guidelines for cut out windows.

4. Mark the book with the window guidelines. Use a craft knife to cut through the pages until you reach the depth you want.

5. Apply gesso to the areas that are exposed through the windows. Paint the outside edges of the book with gesso. Let the book dry with the pages fanned out so they don't stick together.

6. Spread glue on the pages that you would like to join. Clip the pages together to dry. Wipe away excess glue.

7. Apply paint to the covers and interiors of the book. Experiment with painting techniques like combing and feathering. Decorate the with paint, ribbon, rub-on transfers, stamps, beads, charms, and any other objects that spark your interest. Use the cut-out windows to display scraps and ephemera.