Recent Updates added 1/27/2012
Techniques in Altered Books Series


Get your feet wet, or more accurately, your fingers inky with over a dozen different approaches to this fun and inspiring new art form. The Artful Tourist has portioned out the process into 13 shorter sessions (2-hours each) that encompass the popular and key areas of book altering as an art form. All sessions include an introduction and course preparation handout so that you can join the fun anytime.  If you have started your altered book already or attended previous workshops, please bring it with you. 

1.Collage Pages: Learn basic collage design theory as it applies to the pages of an altered book in this fun and inspiring workshop. Work with a variety of materials provided in class to create a stunning 2-page collage.

2.Pockets and slides: Secret messages or hidden visuals add interest and viewer interaction to your altered books. Explore 2 different pocket techniques and 2 special slides for your altered book.

3.Drawers-When a book a treasure box? When you create small drawers that can be pulled from the sides of your book. Workshop covers making the drawers as well as cover decorating techniques for this style.

4.Altered book timepieces: We'll alter a book into a beautiful clock that can be displayed in your home. This one makes a lovely gift too!

5.Altered books as tributes: Collaborate with the author of a book to make a themed alteration that pays tribute to a favorite story, time, or place. Workshop provides an answer to the "what do I do with this altered book?" question while covering use of color and theme in collage.

6.Miniature altered books: Start small and enjoy the process while completing your book in a short period of time. Learn about the images and tools that work best with this small-scale version of the altered book.

7.Windows: Looking in or looking out, windows fascinate us everywhere. Create windows into three-dimensional scenes as well as glimpse openings to artwork on upcoming pages.

8.Transfer techniques: Learn to use your personal photographs and drawings in your altered books with this easy transfer method. Photo tinting, faux cracked class, and aging techniques will be demonstrated.

9.Metal Embellishments: Embossed metal seals, eyelets, brads, and tin punching are just some of the uses for metal in your altered books. We'll practice these plus latches, hinges, and wiring for your altered book.

10. Art styles in altered books: Bring your appreciation of art styles to the altered book as we explore art movements like Dada, Impressionist, and Fauvism by applying these styles with paint and collage on the pages of your book.

11.Tag Art: We can't stop tagging now! Workshop will review over a dozen different and interesting ways to incorporate tags into the altered book. Participants will make at least three tag projects for their books in the workshop using a variety of sizes and textures.

12.Pop out Pages: Oh admit it, you loved these books as a kid and they still bring a smile to your face today. Get the templates and short cuts you need to pop your altered book pages.

13.Cover Me: Don't forget the cover, the grand entrance to all altered books. Special emphasis on working with book board, adding heavier embellishments, and treating surfaces. How about a handle to make your book portable? There's a world of possibilities!

*Special Notes: These can be offered singularly or in a series. None are required before or after the others. If you're looking for suggestions of which ones to offer first we reccomend choosing numbers 1, 11, or 6.

Participants are asked to bring their own book, which can be in progress or can be un-altered at class time. Some good choices are books about 5" by 8" with approximately 2-3 inches of page thickness. The pages can  be coated or pourous, and we do suggest books with photos in them.

Supplies may be priced seperately or supplied by participants



Renew, Recycle, Alter
Artist Statement/Bio

Norma Anne Chattin, The Artful Tourist
                             Make something of it
Did someone say altered books?
Altered Books--Quite possibly my favorite recycled art form. In addition to my journal workshops featuring the altered book as a journal there are many more altered book programs.
Betterfly
Norma-Anne Chattin
Cover of "FLY" small altered book from a childrens board book. circa 2002"FLy" more pages"fly""Fly"Alter just the cover of a blank sketch or notebook.Alter the area inside a clear plastic covered calendar.Make a new cover for your altered book from a recycled game boardPromo for altered book workshop I taught circa 2004--just to show how long I've been doing thisInside pageSketch book altered to be a guest book. The inside pages are altered for signing too.Coffee filters altered into a book--yes it's a stretch on the topic but just too fun to leave out.Alter a clear pocket folder into a take out menu book.