In conjunction with the Stillwater Library’s Friends’ book sale, we will be making books into art. An altered book is a form of mixed media artwork that changes a book from its original form into something different, altering its appearance or intended meaning. The book itself can be cut, collaged, painted or otherwise changed or transformed in some way. These alterations often incorporate the book’s text and/or illustrations. You can choose any theme or purpose, it can be as simple or as complex as you desire.
They are a great way of preserving memories (an alternative scrapbook) or they can follow a theme, they can be a collaborative art exercise, or a therapeutic tool for exploring your inner world.
NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! You can bring your own book – thick or thin, big or little, named after a loved one or the name doesn’t matter, it can be antique or new, maybe an old textbook or a kids’ board book, or a vintage record album.
Things to look for:
· Size. Some people like to work big, so hunt for large books. You might like to work smaller. This is a personal preference, and one that you will develop as you work. If you’re choosing your first book, don’t feel you have to know what the perfect size for you might be, you’ll learn that as you go.
· Paper quality. Pages that feel like they have a lot of cotton in them: soft to the touch and sturdy. That usually means choosing an older book. Avoid books with glossy pages.
· A sewn spine. Check the headband to be sure it’s soft and loose, with scalloped ridges where groups of pages (signatures) are attached. Look for the beginning of a signature, and check it at the spine for stitching.
Books to avoid:
· Paperbacks. In general, paperback books aren’t sturdy enough to withstand altering.
· Glued bindings. Pages that are glued into the spine rather than stitched will pull out easily.
There will be some books available for a nominal fee, and all other supplies will be provided (unless you have favorite paints, pens, stamps, etc.).
Examples will be available at the front desk.
Instructor Name
Mo Wassell
While most of my background is in mixed media, I fell in love with the clay the first time I got my hands dirty. I've been actively hand-building in clay for over a year and love experimenting with shapes, glazes and mixed media combinations.
Course Type
One Day Workshop
Class Time
Saturday, April 13th 10:00am - 3:30pm
*Bring a lunch
Tuition
$25.00 members, $30.00 non-members
Ages
16+ and up
To RSVP please fill out our registration form here or call us at 405-744-1535.
All pictures from the collections of the instructor, Mo Wassell.
