Altered Books
So what’s an altered book? Well as the name suggests you take an existing book and modify it in some way. You can use all manner of techniques and media from oil pastel and wash, to drawing, collage and printing. As well as altering what’s on the pages, you can also alter the structure of the book to create fold-outs, flaps, and niches. You might even stitch into your book.
We think making altered books is a lot of fun. You can go with the theme of the original book, or bring something new, obscure what’s existing on the pages or use it as a starting point for something new. If you’re nervous of working in sketchbooks because of the blank white page, then altering books is a great alternative, there are no blank white pages! You’ll never pass by a second-hand book shop again…
Altered Books – A Secret Door
Add extra dimension to your altered book by creating a secret door to hide something special behind. Laura shows step by step techniques which you can work by hand or sewing machine to alter the format of your book pages to hide/reveal some surprises.
Books, Bleach, Print
Learn how you can use regular household bleach to create stamped designs in your sketchbook or altered book. Linda will demonstrate using simple print blocks including ones made from her favourite print material – compressed sponge.
Plants in Altered Books
Linda often finds inspiration in nature and in her garden in particular. Join her in the studio to see how she’s incorporating plants into her altered book. She’ll show you a useful technique for when the plant material itself is too delicate to attach directly to the page.
A Glint of Gold
Who can resist a touch of gold? Discover how to add that metallic gleam to your paper and fabric projects. In this workshop collection we’ll show you how to add gold using a variety of media from pens to ink and gold leaf. Learn how to apply gold to your sketchbook pages and to fabric.
Working with Inktense
Do you have a set of Derwent Inktense pencils, or blocks? In this collection of videos we’ll demonstrate a diverse approach to using them in your work on paper and fabric. See how to make rubbings, use them to colour fabric, add colour to your altered books and even print with them. There are four workshops in this collection.
Altered Book – Colour
Work along with Linda to make an altered book with a colour theme. Linda uses red but you can choose any colour to work with! See how she creates pages, applies colour theory, makes use of photographs, colour pencils, pastels and paint. There are four video workshops in this collection.
