While in Port Huron giving an Altered Book / Art Journal demonstration I began a new journal. An Altered Notebook incorporating parts of books rather than starting with and using a single book in it's entirety. I wanted to stress that making altered books is not a difficult or expensive thing to do. Throughout the years I have come to learn that people are intimidated by the fact that scrap booking is so very expensive and they assume that making Altered Books and Journals is also. I am trying to clear up that misconception ... as far as Altered Books and Journals go anyways. This book so far is made from materials that I had on hand and found in the recycling bin, To this point I have spent $1.99 on it. I just had to have the piece of cut work paper with all the flourishes to use on the cover. I will continue to use found objects and "stuff" that I have on hand to work in this journal. Keep in mind that I spend very little on the materials I have on hand. I buy my markers from the kids art supply section at discount stores, little cheapo craft paint pots and when I buy decorative paper it is on clearance or on sale. I do however spare no expense when it comes to watercolor pencils. For the fun of it, I will keep a running total of what the cost of this book is.
what a good idea-and great art journal :)
ReplyDeleteHi Ingrid! I love your journal! I agree with your comments that scrapbooking can be very expensive, I love the fact that we can make beautiful books with little to no money and your's is a wonderful example! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteJust out of curiosity, what did you use for the wheel/cog looking pieces?
I love your gears, they turned out great.
ReplyDeleteI know entirely what you mean about not spending money. Making things from recycled items gives a uniqueness to what you create that you will not find in any scrapbook or art store.
I use old cookbooks that are plastic spiral bound or wire bound that I can remove the binding to work on the pages and then rebind when the journal is finished.
Too I just love finding a book in the thrift store that I can alter in my altered book round robin projects for .50 - 1.00 knowing that it isn't going to end up in a landfill anytime soon.
I just finished 3 collages that are made from cardboard. Both recycled shipping boxes and the cardboard from the back of watercolor paper pads. I could have bought canvases but for me it means more using recycled items! Your journal is just lovely (as always).
I love this idea! I can't wait to see what you do with this journal! What is the size of it?
ReplyDeleteIngrid,
ReplyDeleteYou are a woman after my own heart. As someone who is often called the Queen of Free and who spends very little on art supplies, you are an inspiration to us all. I'm glad you will keep a running total of the cost of this book. This should help debunk the myth that this artform needs to be pricey.
However, no one can put a price on your creativity and originality. That is priceless.
Elizabeth
Genius!! I can't wait to try this!!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea and great looking journal. The "gear" page is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI love your journal, Ingrid -- nd especially the variety of page shapes! I started a similar journal I call my "junk mail" journal. I am using junk mail and other recyclable items for the pages -- and it is so fun!
ReplyDelete