Altered Art

by Madeline Arendt

Altered art is one of the hottest new crafts--but for the uninitiated, it can seem intimidating. Not anymore, with all the basics outlined in a simple question-and-answer format and shown in plenty of sparkling, detailed how-to photos. Find out the best type of books to alter, as well as the right adhesives and paints to use. As your skill develops, the alteration thrill will inevitably build, and so there are also projects for transforming more than just books--including making pendants out of matchboxes and gum tins, and revitalizing purses and luggage.

Genres: Art, Crafts, Nonfiction

112 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2005

Reviews

[Theresa F.]

This book turned out to be less helpful than I was hoping. The author states within the first few pages that this work, "is to be used as a starting point", and encourages the idea that altered art is a flexible an art form where someone attempting it for the first time, "cannot make a mistake". I tend to find this method of teaching frustrating. In my experience, it takes either some basic knowledge of design principles or an innate sense of balance and color to create something aesthetically pleasing. Neither of these are traits I have. Also, a beautifully crafted piece of art can fail to withstand the passage of time if the materials used are not strong enough or were used in the wrong combination. However, the author doesn't seem to take any of these things into account.
For example, in the section titled "Altered Art Basics", the author states that choosing which type of adhesive to use for a project, "will depend on what you are applying and to what type of surface you are adhering it". The paragraphs that follow start out well, listing how specific adhesives are most suitable for particular applications. However, by the end of the section the author has gone on to stating only that certain adhesives are "used for specific reasons" or "could be helpful in certain situations" without further explaining what those "reasons" or "situations" are.
I had several, similar instances of frustration when reading this book. In one case, the instructions for adding cardstock pockets were so vague that I had to study the accompanying photo very closely for a long minute to figure out what process was being used to measure, fold, and glue the cardstock into shape. Also, the instructions for collage simply said to, "arrange the papers in an attractive manner". Given my difficulties with layout and design, I tend to struggle a lot with collage. So a few tips for creating a balanced, coordinated, and visually pleasing project would've been more helpful to me.
To be fair, the sample projects in this book are beautifully photographed, and I found some of them very inspiring creatively. However, what good is inspiration if I don't know how to bring it about in reality. For me it's like looking at a necklace or some other fashion accessory in a store and being told by a crafty friend, "You could make something like that yourself", without being told specifically how.
In conclusion, I felt that this book had some shortcomings.
Did I like it? Overall, it was somewhat disappointing, though there were some interesting project ideas.
Would I reread it? Not sure, but unlikely.
Would I recommend it? That would depend on the preferred learning style of the potential reader. Some people like diving in headfirst and experimenting when learning a new skill, and just because I didn't find this book very helpful doesn't mean that no one else would enjoy it either.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspirational with some good ideas.

[Wendy B · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the more simpler books with projects one can understand and do. I wouldn't mind having this one in my personal library. I really like the project using match boxes.

[Tracee · Rating 1 out of 5]

No. I cannot imagine anyone would want to create anything that is in this book. I also don’t appreciate the destruction and mutilation of books.

[Amy Adams · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to squeeze one more book into 2012!

This one was just ok... I'm pretty new to altered art, so I read a few things I hadn't read before, but they were kind of intuitive things, so I don't feel like I actually learned a whole lot. Some of the projects were inspirational, but some of them seemed outdated. For example, there's a project for a books on tape case :/ I realize this could be altered to any kind of holder--books on cd, books in book form, trinkets, whatever, but there just wasn't anything in this book that made me think, "Oh! What a great idea!" I didn't like the way it was written. Too wordy.

Overall, I'd recommend that you look elsewhere for altered art ideas, even if it is your first time.

[Kathie H · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a fantastic book! You will be itching to start a project, just with old books & supplies you have on hand. This is definitely a book to buy (do not pass Go, do not collect $200). Unique & satisfying for the collage artist & more.

[Dolldiva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book for the alter artist.

[LoriAnn Kocialski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok ... kinda "dated" for me.

[Jawa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is actually the book that got me into altered art. I think it's a great book for learning the basics.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basic techniques, good for a beginner. While I didn't learn anything new, it's always interesting to view the projects of others.

[Marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for the new altered artist, answers all the early questions!

[Lucia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ideas for teen crafts.

[Tony · Rating 3 out of 5]

The projects are dated but I liked the simplicity of the directions.