Altered You!: A Girl's Guide to Personal Style (Paperback)

~ Karin V. Buckingham (Author)
Key Phrases: flexible beading wire, crimp bead, chainnose pliers, Alter Your Stuff Projects, Alter Your Space Projects, Alter Your Style Projects (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

• Step-by-step instructions, technique lessons, supply lists, resources, more

• 18 before-and-after projects for clothing and room décor

• Great bonus ideas

Bored with that book bag? Tired of that tee? Sick of that skirt? Alter them! This book shows tween and teen girls how to alter clothing, accessories, and room decorations to create great new looks with only the simplest sewing and crafting. Projects include converting jeans to capris, changing tanks to tees, making sweatshirts into shrugs—even turning jewelry into window art. Eighteen projects are shown before and after, with easy instructions and step-by-step photos. Basic sewing directions, supply lists, resources, and more make this the book that magically transforms dull old stuff into dazzling new stuff!

About the Author

Karin V. Buckingham is a former associate editor for BeadStyle magazine, current associate editor for Kalmbach Books, and lifelong crafter. A mother of two teenage
girls, she has daily inspiration (and critiques) from her children about her craft projects. She and her family reside in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.

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Product Details Reading level: Ages 9-12 Paperback: 96 pages Publisher: Kalmbach (June 2, 2008) Language: English ISBN-10: 0871162601 ISBN-13: 978-0871162601 Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 8.5 x 0.3 inches Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies) Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,601,536 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

› Visit Amazon's Karin Buckingham Page

Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!

Search Inside This Book:

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Inside This Book (learn more)

Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
flexible beading wire, crimp bead, chainnose pliers, decoupage medium, eyelet trim, jump rings, fabric glue

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Alter Your Stuff Projects, Alter Your Space Projects, Alter Your Style Projects

Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!

Search Inside This Book:

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What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

	46% buy the item featured on this page: Altered You!: A Girl's Guide to Personal Style 5.0 out of 5 stars (4) $15.56
	16% buy Altered Style: Sewing & Embellishing Wearable Fashions 4.5 out of 5 stars (2) $15.63
	15% buy Rip It!: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct the Clothes of Your Dreams 4.0 out of 5 stars (40)
	13% buy Subversive Seamster: Transform Thrift Store Threads Into Street Couture 3.7 out of 5 stars (15) $10.17

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Customer Reviews

4 Reviews 5 star:  (4) 4 star:    (0) 3 star:    (0) 2 star:    (0) 1 star:    (0)           Average Customer Review 5.0 out of 5 stars (4 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews 4 of 4 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Spark your Creativity!, October 2, 2009 By  J. Dees - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    Altered You is written with teens and the younger set in mind, but my 40ish self found several projects that I couldn't wait to start. There is such a variety to choose from, I'm sure I'll be busy for a while. This is just a really fun book! Karin uses her experience and expertise in crafting as well as raising two teenagers to make this book user-friendly to all ages. Teens have such a tough time with wanting to fit in and yet trying to stand out as an individual. (Many adults struggle with this too.# Altered You offers ways to personalize clothing and alter everyday items to brighten your environment. Everyone wants to feel special and be original in this world of cookie-cutter carbon copies. Karin instructs and encourages crafters to look at their surroundings and belongings with a new eye towards altering and making one of a kind #OOAK) projects. I personally really like the reuse & recycle concept as I enjoy finding new lives for old items. Going to thrift stores and yard sales can yield some great finds for this purpose. A favorite point for me is that Karin starts out with supplying and organizing your supplies. So many how-to books just assume that you are already stocked with certain basics instead of getting you ready from the ground up as she does. She helps you build a solid base so your creativity can take off. You know what you're going to need to have on hand before you get into your groove! I was inspired to organize my tools and some of my basic supplies. The fact that many of the projects can be done in an afternoon or a couple of hours is a real plus for the busy crafter - teen or mom! With the resurgence of handcrafting gifts these days as well as tighter budgets, this book will spark many imaginations and make gift giving a bit easier on the wallet. The bonus projects especially lend themselves towards great gift ideas. I am doing a variation of the Cami Hanger which is comprised of t-shirts and wire hangers. I think so far my favorite is the Modern Wall Art. It is a great project for any age. I used this process to create a piece for my master bedroom. The very clear and concise instructions along with the fabulous photography made it easy to get started and run with the project. I highly recommend this book for anyone, but especially if you have a young adult interested in personalizing their world. 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars The perfect gift for the girls in your life, December 13, 2008 By  Christy Lui (Dousman, WI) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    Easy, fun and fashion-forward. Detailed, colorful, step-by-step instructions for crafting tons of fun projects, from belts to beach wraps to bags to tops and about the cutest capri pants you've ever seen. All the projects are easy enough to be accessible to even novice crafters, and sophisticated enough to appeal to a wide range of girls. You can tell the author really understand what teen and pre-teen girls like. Her teen daughters helped her create and test all the projects. Great for moms wanting to inspire girls to create one-of-a-kind looks for themselves rather than just looking like everyone else in a Hannah Montana t-shirt. I gave this to my 16 year old niece and another copy to my younger nieces so they can do projects with their mom. I can't wait to see what they create! 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous,Creative and Fun Altering Projects for Teens on Up!, September 18, 2008 By  Jean Yates "jean, jewelry designer, book and... (United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)       Do you consider yourself fun, unique and special? If you feel you are, age notwithstanding (although the intended target age for this book is teen), Altered You! by author Karin V.Buckingham, has projects galore to coax out your expressive and artistic side! You will be able to add that extra personal touch to your clothing, jewelry, surroundings, and the gifts which you give. How original and great is that! Frequently, the projects offered in this easy-to-do book can be completed in less than four hours. Now that is a wonderful bonus! We rarely have time to spare these days! Imaginative, quick and varied altering strategies to jazz up our world are just the call. There is a lot of appeal to the well organized way that Altered You! has been laid out. For example, right after the introduction, there is a list of basic tools and techniques. I like the way the author, Karin Buckingham, asks, "what's in your sewing basket?"; "what's in your jewelry box?"; "what's in your craft tote?" This clarifies beforehand what might be required for the many "Style","Stuff", and "Space" projects in the upcoming chapters. If you had any questions about what you might need for most of these altering projects, you will know right away. In the introduction, the author has already explained the numerous reasons a person might want to alter an item: to make it more personal, to extend the life of a beloved, but "worn out", item of clothing, or even just to try, in small ways, new techniques without making major commitments to them. I particularly liked that concept because I have made the mistake of overbuying materials and tools for crafting and then never found the time to fully throw myself into learning everything I really should have, for the money I spent. In Altered You!, you get the opportunity, if you choose, to experience a little of everything. It's great to have a book which offers colorful sewing projects (I love the jeans with a bright band of fabric at the bottom , in "Convert favorite jeans to capris!"). The book also teaches you how to make your own beads out of paper, felt and even polymer clay ("Make your own beads!"). It gives instructions on artfully altered books so that you can store those treasured photos of your friends in your own fantastic facebook ("Friends Facebook"), or fabricate a scrapbook with your own touch (I loved the "photobooth mini scrapbook" -- so well done and sweet!). A great addition are the variations on many of the projects offered. So let's say you are older, as I am. What benefits could YOU get out of purchasing this book? I was able to think of three, right off the bat. One is obvious: it makes a great gift for the teen, or teens, in your life. How about an altered arts party for her birthday, with all of her best friends, lots of cast off clothes, scraps, and tools (as listed) in Altered You!, with this book itself as the centerpiece, plus your supervision (but stay out of it, kind of, please!!!), and a couple of pizzas. You have the makings of a night they will all adore! They each get to go home with a fabulous new altered project [note: I might choose just one project, or two, to lessen the complications of party "over excitement". For example, a great project for a party would be "Multitasking Charmer", which can make a belt, a necklace, and a cellphone holder as well as other options--very cute!]. Here is a second way for you to use this book: "Age it up". Make gifts appropriate for yourself and your own friends using the solid precepts behind the projects. Learn something, and have fun! I recommend the extremely pretty "Modern Wall Art" for you to try. I thought that was really great. In that project, the author devises an art piece which is comprised of a series of small canvases you work with individually. Ultimately, a large mosaic style painting is created by you using her clever instructions. One last way I easily thought of for an older person to use this book well is to choose and make exact projects from it. Then you might wish to give them to all the teens you love for birthdays and holidays! Handcrafted items and altered art are both really "in" right now. Those to whom you choose to give something which you have made, while using this book as your guide, will LOVE what you have created! Altered You! is truly full of wonderful and fun ideas. As a mother and as a designer, I recommend this lovely, engaging book!		Ad feedback   Most Recent Customer Reviews 5.0 out of 5 stars A fine gift for one's teenager or other creative loved one You can wear purchased stuff as is, or you can apply your own personal touch to make it truly yours. "Altered You!: Alter Your Style... Your Stuff... Read more Published 26 days ago by Midwest Book Review Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Kalmbach (June 2, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0871162601
• ISBN-13: 978-0871162601
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 8.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,601,536 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spark your Creativity!, October 2, 2009

By	J. Dees - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Altered You is written with teens and the younger set in mind, but my 40ish self found several projects that I couldn't wait to start. There is such a variety to choose from, I'm sure I'll be busy for a while. This is just a really fun book!

Karin uses her experience and expertise in crafting as well as raising two teenagers to make this book user-friendly to all ages. Teens have such a tough time with wanting to fit in and yet trying to stand out as an individual. (Many adults struggle with this too.# Altered You offers ways to personalize clothing and alter everyday items to brighten your environment. Everyone wants to feel special and be original in this world of cookie-cutter carbon copies. Karin instructs and encourages crafters to look at their surroundings and belongings with a new eye towards altering and making one of a kind #OOAK) projects. I personally really like the reuse & recycle concept as I enjoy finding new lives for old items. Going to thrift stores and yard sales can yield some great finds for this purpose.

A favorite point for me is that Karin starts out with supplying and organizing your supplies. So many how-to books just assume that you are already stocked with certain basics instead of getting you ready from the ground up as she does. She helps you build a solid base so your creativity can take off. You know what you're going to need to have on hand before you get into your groove! I was inspired to organize my tools and some of my basic supplies.

The fact that many of the projects can be done in an afternoon or a couple of hours is a real plus for the busy crafter - teen or mom!
With the resurgence of handcrafting gifts these days as well as tighter budgets, this book will spark many imaginations and make gift giving a bit easier on the wallet. The bonus projects especially lend themselves towards great gift ideas. I am doing a variation of the Cami Hanger which is comprised of t-shirts and wire hangers.

I think so far my favorite is the Modern Wall Art. It is a great project for any age. I used this process to create a piece for my master bedroom. The very clear and concise instructions along with the fabulous photography made it easy to get started and run with the project.

I highly recommend this book for anyone, but especially if you have a young adult interested in personalizing their world.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The perfect gift for the girls in your life, December 13, 2008

By	Christy Lui (Dousman, WI) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Easy, fun and fashion-forward.

Detailed, colorful, step-by-step instructions for crafting tons of fun projects, from belts to beach wraps to bags to tops and about the cutest capri pants you've ever seen. All the projects are easy enough to be accessible to even novice crafters, and sophisticated enough to appeal to a wide range of girls.

You can tell the author really understand what teen and pre-teen girls like. Her teen daughters helped her create and test all the projects.

Great for moms wanting to inspire girls to create one-of-a-kind looks for themselves rather than just looking like everyone else in a Hannah Montana t-shirt.

I gave this to my 16 year old niece and another copy to my younger nieces so they can do projects with their mom. I can't wait to see what they create!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous,Creative and Fun Altering Projects for Teens on Up!, September 18, 2008

By	Jean Yates "jean, jewelry designer, book and... (United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Do you consider yourself fun, unique and special? If you feel you are, age notwithstanding (although the intended target age for this book is teen), Altered You! by author Karin V.Buckingham, has projects galore to coax out your expressive and artistic side!
You will be able to add that extra personal touch to your clothing, jewelry, surroundings, and the gifts which you give. How original and great is that!
Frequently, the projects offered in this easy-to-do book can be completed in less than four hours. Now that is a wonderful bonus! We rarely have time to spare these days! Imaginative, quick and varied altering strategies to jazz up our world are just the call.

There is a lot of appeal to the well organized way that Altered You! has been laid out. For example, right after the introduction, there is a list of basic tools and techniques. I like the way the author, Karin Buckingham, asks, "what's in your sewing basket?"; "what's in your jewelry box?"; "what's in your craft tote?"
This clarifies beforehand what might be required for the many "Style","Stuff", and "Space" projects in the upcoming chapters.
If you had any questions about what you might need for most of these altering projects, you will know right away.

In the introduction, the author has already explained the numerous reasons a person might want to alter an item: to make it more personal, to extend the life of a beloved, but "worn out", item of clothing, or even just to try, in small ways, new techniques without making major commitments to them. I particularly liked that concept because I have made the mistake of overbuying materials and tools for crafting and then never found the time to fully throw myself into learning everything I really should have, for the money I spent.

In Altered You!, you get the opportunity, if you choose, to experience a little of everything. It's great to have a book which offers colorful sewing projects (I love the jeans with a bright band of fabric at the bottom , in "Convert favorite jeans to capris!"). The book also teaches you how to make your own beads out of paper, felt and even polymer clay ("Make your own beads!"). It gives instructions on artfully altered books so that you can store those treasured photos of your friends in your own fantastic facebook ("Friends Facebook"), or fabricate a scrapbook with your own touch (I loved the "photobooth mini scrapbook" -- so well done and sweet!). A great addition are the variations on many of the projects offered.


So let's say you are older, as I am. What benefits could YOU get out of purchasing this book? I was able to think of three, right off the bat. One is obvious: it makes a great gift for the teen, or teens, in your life. How about an altered arts party for her birthday, with all of her best friends, lots of cast off clothes, scraps, and tools (as listed) in Altered You!, with this book itself as the centerpiece, plus your supervision (but stay out of it, kind of, please!!!), and a couple of pizzas. You have the makings of a night they will all adore! They each get to go home with a fabulous new altered project [note: I might choose just one project, or two, to lessen the complications of party "over excitement". For example, a great project for a party would be "Multitasking Charmer", which can make a belt, a necklace, and a cellphone holder as well as other options--very cute!].
Here is a second way for you to use this book: "Age it up". Make gifts appropriate for yourself and your own friends using the solid precepts behind the projects. Learn something, and have fun! I recommend the extremely pretty "Modern Wall Art" for you to try. I thought that was really great. In that project, the author devises an art piece which is comprised of a series of small canvases you work with individually. Ultimately, a large mosaic style painting is created by you using her clever instructions.
One last way I easily thought of for an older person to use this book well is to choose and make exact projects from it. Then you might wish to give them to all the teens you love for birthdays and holidays! Handcrafted items and altered art are both really "in" right now. Those to whom you choose to give something which you have made, while using this book as your guide, will LOVE what you have created!

Altered You! is truly full of wonderful and fun ideas. As a mother and as a designer, I recommend this lovely, engaging book!