I didn't like the idea of damaging old books but recently I had to clear out loads of my mum's books. Gave lots to the charity shop but wanted to keep some but already have tons of books of my own! So I made an altered book journal out of a large gardening book and I love it! I have something as a momento that isn't just gathering dust! I also tear out some sentences that resonate with me and use them as quotes. I then glue the torn page to the next page which adds texture. Using altered books is good recycling and you can check online to make sure the book isn't a valuable one first! Love that you did a masculine face on your page x
Omgoodness, right?!?! I literally could not agree more. How special is it that you can breathe new life and new meaning into those special books too 💜💜💜
I was horrified by defiling old books. However, I have so many old books that I chose one to start an art journal this week. I was never going to read it so I decided to put it to use. Thank you for the tutorial.
Update...just found some music books at the thrift store along with other goodies (see video in group) plus my local music store said they'd put some aside for me that they can't use anymore!!! SCORE!! ❤️
That is fabulous! I have yet to try this type of mixed media! It's something I'd like to do, but will need a few more supplies to attempt, not to mention a good book to alter! Your imagination is so inspiring to me! Thanks for sharing with us all!
Until the middle of last summer when my mojo came back after some years of complete mental block after my father died and I would sit and watch UA-cam, mixed media in particular. I absolutely baulked at the idea of using books for mixed media/art. Then when my brain decided to reconnect my drawing/painting hand and I wanted to have a go at mixed media but didn't want to use what were my precious sketch books until I knew my brain really was in gear.... Yep you have guessed it. I went to a charity shop (think you call them thrift stores) and I bought an old book on golf! I would say to anyone now, it is exhilarating and in all honesty there are many old books with better paper than a lot of todays sketch books! Oh and another huge factor is, I cannot bare that books are thrown away so what better than to recycle a book that is heading for the dump!
Hi. I wish I watch this video before I went to the thrift store. I got a big book about traveling and it is a picture book. It is not a lot glossy. Can I still use it?
Karen, You bring such a fresh, interesting, and funtastic perspective to art! I've never attempted to make an art journal (mostly out of fear of the unknown), but after watching this video, I feel that if I didnt give it a shot, I would be missing out on something that would really make me smile. And when we genuinely smile, it feels as though a weight has been lifted from our shoulders. It's amazing that by doing something so freeing and enjoyable (an ART JOURNAL) our hearts and minds can be relieved of so much stress...even if it's for a brief amount of time. Thank you for all of the love, fun, encouragement, and freedom you so generously share. 🌻 ~Helen
This is such a good idea, and one I have used, not always successfully, I think some of the very old book pages get very bitty and don't do well with either gesso or acrylic, but maybe that's just me lol. Tfs xo
No I think you're right Elizabeth!. Some books with brittle pages just simply cant hold up with all the rigors of becoming a journal. But once you learn that its easy to pick a book that is.
I'm going to do this! Also, my late mother was a librarian, and this kind of thing is why I had her cremated, so she couldn't turn over in her grave. lol On a serious note, I have learned a great deal from you in a short time, Karen. Your vids are great, and it's a pleasure to watch them. This is really an apology, though. I also had to say this to another artist on YT, and I feel so horrible about it. This would be the time when I would start contributing financially to your channel, but I've recently discovered that I need a new roof, so I'm suddenly compromised in that regard. If you can bear with me, though, I'll try to do the right thing as soon as I can. I'm just a little off track atm, but I'll get back.
You know that older video you made where you went out and found books for altered journals? Yeah...that’s what got me going with art journaling!! So, thanks for That! I love to use vintage books for art journaling...way better than even buying a journal. ❤️❤️
Totally agree Sally!! Its so funny that you mentioned that older art journal video because just a few days ago someday made a super snarky comment about altering books, and I just had to laugh!! I'm thinking, oh lady, you have no idea what you're missing but okay!!!!
I didn't like the idea of damaging old books but recently I had to clear out loads of my mum's books. Gave lots to the charity shop but wanted to keep some but already have tons of books of my own! So I made an altered book journal out of a large gardening book and I love it! I have something as a momento that isn't just gathering dust! I also tear out some sentences that resonate with me and use them as quotes. I then glue the torn page to the next page which adds texture. Using altered books is good recycling and you can check online to make sure the book isn't a valuable one first! Love that you did a masculine face on your page x
Omgoodness, right?!?! I literally could not agree more. How special is it that you can breathe new life and new meaning into those special books too 💜💜💜
I did that before. It's a wonderful way to make an old book come back to life.
Whole heartedly agree!!
I was horrified by defiling old books. However, I have so many old books that I chose one to start an art journal this week. I was never going to read it so I decided to put it to use. Thank you for the tutorial.
You're so welcome, Marguerite! Glad you enjoyed the tutorial!
Love giving old books a new (colorful) life! What fun! Wish I could find some music books. No luck yet.
Update...just found some music books at the thrift store along with other goodies (see video in group) plus my local music store said they'd put some aside for me that they can't use anymore!!! SCORE!! ❤️
Love!!! And that saying on your page!! 😁💜👍🏻
Hi ! I love your Art journal !!!
Thank you ! 🤩 💜 👍
Thank you Nicole!
What a timely video, I am heading out to the spring second hand book sale in our community today! Love your page
Oh happy shopping!! That's the best!
That is fabulous! I have yet to try this type of mixed media! It's something I'd like to do, but will need a few more supplies to attempt, not to mention a good book to alter! Your imagination is so inspiring to me! Thanks for sharing with us all!
Omgosh well thanks for hanging out with me today! Pleasure is all mine!
I love this video. Ive been wanting to do an altered book forever. The painting also,is so cool and the quote...yeah!
You totally should Claudia!!
Until the middle of last summer when my mojo came back after some years of complete mental block after my father died and I would sit and watch UA-cam, mixed media in particular. I absolutely baulked at the idea of using books for mixed media/art. Then when my brain decided to reconnect my drawing/painting hand and I wanted to have a go at mixed media but didn't want to use what were my precious sketch books until I knew my brain really was in gear.... Yep you have guessed it. I went to a charity shop (think you call them thrift stores) and I bought an old book on golf! I would say to anyone now, it is exhilarating and in all honesty there are many old books with better paper than a lot of todays sketch books! Oh and another huge factor is, I cannot bare that books are thrown away so what better than to recycle a book that is heading for the dump!
Could not agree more!!!! Thank you for chiming in, there are still people who get VERY disturbed by this idea but truly they are missing out!
So cool! Man, I love this! 😍
Hahhaa you gotta try it!!
I create art books to pass down to my children as well.
Awesome!
Niceeeeeee
Thanks!
Hi. I wish I watch this video before I went to the thrift store. I got a big book about traveling and it is a picture book. It is not a lot glossy. Can I still use it?
You can always just try it! I would!
Oh that saying 😍😍 love some empowerment! This is gorgeous and I’m super jealous of the Alice in wonderland find!
Thanks Steph!! I know, right?! That book was a totally find!
I feel less anxious about "destroying" new books, but since they're glued and not sewn in they're not optimal. Such a conundrum!!
Sounds like a trip to the thrift store is in order!
@@KarenCampbellArtist Oh no...i would hate that...please dont make me go. (Ya, I have a sarcasm sign up right now hahaha).
I love altering old books!
Yaaaay! A lot of people get mad when they see me do it but seriously! They are getting a whole new lease on life, right?!
Absolutely love this idea! Thanks for the video. Awesome painting!!!
Thanks Shonna!!!
Karen,
You bring such a fresh, interesting, and funtastic perspective to art! I've never attempted to make an art journal (mostly out of fear of the unknown), but after watching this video, I feel that if I didnt give it a shot, I would be missing out on something that would really make me smile. And when we genuinely smile, it feels as though a weight has been lifted from our shoulders. It's amazing that by doing something so freeing and enjoyable (an ART JOURNAL) our hearts and minds can be relieved of so much stress...even if it's for a brief amount of time. Thank you for all of the love, fun, encouragement, and freedom you so generously share.
🌻 ~Helen
Oh, your message is so sweet!! Thank you so much for that and for being here!
This is such a good idea, and one I have used, not always successfully, I think some of the very old book pages get very bitty and don't do well with either gesso or acrylic, but maybe that's just me lol. Tfs xo
No I think you're right Elizabeth!. Some books with brittle pages just simply cant hold up with all the rigors of becoming a journal. But once you learn that its easy to pick a book that is.
Love it Karen 😀
Thanks Christine!
I'm going to do this! Also, my late mother was a librarian, and this kind of thing is why I had her cremated, so she couldn't turn over in her grave. lol
On a serious note, I have learned a great deal from you in a short time, Karen. Your vids are great, and it's a pleasure to watch them. This is really an apology, though. I also had to say this to another artist on YT, and I feel so horrible about it. This would be the time when I would start contributing financially to your channel, but I've recently discovered that I need a new roof, so I'm suddenly compromised in that regard. If you can bear with me, though, I'll try to do the right thing as soon as I can. I'm just a little off track atm, but I'll get back.
Oh Betty you are incredibly funny and also incredibly sweet ❤❤❤ please, think nothing of it!!!
The biggest gift you can give me is just hanging out and giving me an occasional chuckle like you just did!!! Thank you!!
@@KarenCampbellArtist I'll do my best. ;-)
You know that older video you made where you went out and found books for altered journals? Yeah...that’s what got me going with art journaling!! So, thanks for That! I love to use vintage books for art journaling...way better than even buying a journal. ❤️❤️
Totally agree Sally!! Its so funny that you mentioned that older art journal video because just a few days ago someday made a super snarky comment about altering books, and I just had to laugh!! I'm thinking, oh lady, you have no idea what you're missing but okay!!!!