Customer Reviews

Altered Books Workshop

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I'm not understanding some of the (insubstantial) negative comments here. This book's about artistic technique, not a Theory of Everything or required reading. I am an experienced artist specializing in mixed media journals, making it all up on my own rather than getting it from books (partly because I didn't know good guides by real artists existed in the "Crafts" section of the bookstore). This book is especially interesting to me because it works well on a couple of different levels. The "how" part has easy-to-understand instructions and well done photography that make it quite suitable for beginners, but doesn't alienate artists who just never thought of that particular technique. As another reviewer pointed out, the tips are useful, rather than mere pull-quotes or boxed filler to balance the page (which I'm so used to from "Dummies" type books that I almost skipped them entirely. Don't.). The truly impressive examples of the author's altered books that she has chosen to present here showcase her personal artistic style, which, by the way, you don't necessarily have to like--and definitely don't have to copy--to benefit from the techniques illustrated throughout the book. The assumptions she makes that the reader is going to know something about composition and color, and her understanding that each reader will have a "why" that is different and personal, are assumptions more geared toward confident artists. I also appreciated the well-written, laid back presentation. It added a spark often absent in instructional material (or bestselling fiction, for that matter). As a writer, it was very refreshing to read a book devoted to the visual. It has a lighthearted and playful feel that celebrates experimentation, rather than drilling the reader on all sorts of practice exercises in the effort to summon painful memories, or analyze the thing to death in pursuit of the "why." She is not in the business of telling people what their motives, meanings or inspiration should be in creating their work. The author presents herself as an artist, rather than a pretend psychologist. Books on the writing side of this art form are just dreadfully serious. I highly recommend this book to collage beginners; to experienced artists who have not worked specifically in the realm of altered books; and to writers who want to punch up their journals. I look forward to Brazelton's next book.

This is one of the first books I bought on altered books. I can't even count how many times I've pulled it out to get ideas and tips on techniques. The pictures are terrific - really inspiring. For each technique variations on the technique are also provided. They're arranged in the book from easy to intermediate to advanced techniques too so you can grow along with the book. The techniques range from collaging to adding tags, to niches, to using glazes and other paint techniques, to cutting into covers, and adding doors and windows. Instructions are clear, materials are all things you can find at the craft stores - nothing too obscure. Instructions are step by step too. Oh it's just one of my favorite books for self-learning of altered book techniques. The only thing that I don't agree with is that in the beginning of the book she talks about pulling out pages - while this can be fun I've actually found that its better to tear out pages as you go based on the techniques or structures that you're making in the book.

I have a freind that tried to get me into scrapbooking and stamping and it just wasnt my thing....I know I know, Im about the only woman in the world that is antiscrapbooking. BUT I came across this book in the bookstore, stood for an hour looking through it and finally bought it. I love it, the techniques are great, she offers so many great ideas and tips. After deciding that this was MY alternative to scrapbooking I decided to buy more books and this is what I've found. The other books are ok - but they are more for people who are looking for another craft project. THIS book is for those of us that are more interested in creating a work of art. So basically it comes down to this if your looking for something to do thats cheap and easy, then look for other altered book books, but if you want something that you can work on and be proud of then this is it.

As a newcomer to the craft, I liked this author's approach. She explains what an altered book is, gets into choosing a book and developing a theme, then goes step-by-step through the techniques. The basics include collaging, stitching, cutting doors, adding tags, folding pages, and adding inserts. She moves on to intermediate skills: cutting shadowboxes, glazing, adding texture, and various cover treatments. Other ideas include using drawers, adding words and hanging embellishments, working with fiber and beads, transferring images and adding pop-ups.
Pluses: Packed with colorful examples. Helpful hints are set off in small boxes. It is indexed and ends with a page for joining groups and swapping materials.

I've read several books on creating altered books but have never been as eager to start one as I am now. The instructions are very clear and the projects are doable. A great springboard for the beginning altered artist.

This is the type of book you get if you are new to this AB (altered book) craze. Bev Brazelton, basically hits the hammer on the head here with her 18 ideas for altering books book, but if you are looking for something with more detail, I hear that Beth Cote's ( Another lady!) Altered Books 101, 102, and 103, are all exceptional choices, which even go beyond just books, and basically go into everyday things that you can open, like for example a cd case. But none the less, this book is worth your money. Bev's book is easy to follow, with simple little tricks like matchbox drawers, turning a book into (literally) a window to another world, Bev inspires us to turn a AB (altered book, once again) into a journal that tells a story about us. Beth Cote's book helps you take little thems and give them a vintage, colorful twist. So if you want to go AB crazy, I suggest giving both of them a try.

I am the lucky receiver of a wonderful Christmas gift and that is Ms. Brazelton's beautifully photographed workshop book. The author clearly knows her altered book art. She quite aptly demonstrates her innovative techniques through clearly written instructions as well as attractive photographs of her artwork. The author assumes nothing and is able to lead the novice to this art form as well as those with more experience in altered book making. Anyone who is interested in learning more about this art form would do well to obtain a copy of this book.

Of the many altered book (AB) references on my bookshelf, this is one I often return to. The instructions are clear, thorough and effectively illustrated. Fundamental AB techniques are included:

Collage
Sketching
Cutting doors
Cutting windows
Tags
Folding pages
Adding inserts

Also, for anyone who is new to ABs, this book describes the process, materials, tools and special considerations. Since it concentrates on one artist's style, it's also easy to track from technique to technique. Also includes a good reference section for sourcing materials and other atrists. There's enough here to get anyone started on ABs and it's a good reference for veteran artists.

Beautiful and inspiring. I was especially fond of the step by step photographs for each technique. Most books show you what a finished product looks like without showing you the process. This book walks you through each step. I also found the tips in each section quite helpful.

...and I like it! This book allows someone new to altering books to view techniques up close in beautiful photographs and get a clear understanding of where to start.

I've really enjoyed looking at some of the advanced completed projects that are shown in magazines, but I've been a little intimidated because I didn't know where to start. Reading this book alleviated those fears and gave me a good solid foundation from which to grow as an altered book artist.