Altered Book Creation

When teens arrive at the program, invite them to look at the examples of altered books on display and to look through the selection of discarded books.

When the program begins, tell the teens that the purpose of altered books is to take discarded materials and recycle them into art, and that the popularity of Altered Books is growing fast. Let teens know that during the program, they’ll learn techniques for enhancing their books and will begin creating them. Emphasize that this is just part of the process, since the altered book is an organic, evolving project and works best when it is added to over time, much like a scrapbook, they will probably not have time to completely finish their books. Let them know if the library will offer another workshop during the summer to allow teens the opportunity and supplies to continue working on their books. Or, suggest that teens continue to work on their projects at home, if they do not finish during the program.

Invite teens to select a discarded book to alter and consider what they want to do with it. Ask them to think about the following design elements that will help them begin visualizing their creations.

• Pick a theme. What do you want the focus of your book to be - friendship, family, school, pets, travel, quotes, music, journal… or maybe a favorite color?
  
  
• Additions. Do you want to make pockets, journal pages, photo tabs, and/or picture frames in your book?
  
  
• Subtractions. Do you want to rip out pages, punch holes, cut out windows and/or boxes in your book?
  
  
• Mediums. Do you want to collage, decoupage, stamp, sew, or make rubbings in your book?

When teens complete their creations, display them in the library.




Published by The Library Development Division of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) Austin, Texas 2009





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