The Altered Book Scrapbook

by Susan Ure

Combine two of the hottest trends in crafts—altered books and scrapbooking—and you get an exciting technique that’s sure to be a hit. Just take an existing volume and add embellishments until it’s transformed into your own personal scrapbook. Susan Ure—a frequent guest on The Christopher Lowell Show —shows exactly how it’s done, from choosing the right book to alter to creating a pleasing composition. Work from a variety of artists provides inspiration and ideas for materials and techniques—including metal, paper and cloth collage, lace, and beads. A sense of playfulness and creativity are all that’s needed to get great results. Susan Ure has authored several books, including 10-Minute Decorating , Scrapbooking Your Vacations , and The Portable Beading, and has appeared on The Christopher Lowell Show .

Genres: Art, Crafts, Nonfiction

184 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm always on the lookout for new things to try, but this just didn't entice me at all. I ordered it through the library without previewing it, the title sounded interesting, but it just isn't something I see myself trying, based on this book. Others might find it useful and interesting, though.

Book 131 of 2020

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lots of beautiful pages but not much instruction on techniques.

[Bobbi Galvin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not really anything I haven't seen before...

[Mimielle LaFauve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is perfect for Altered Book beginners, it makes the technique very approachable! Good balance between many photos, some description and then basic how-tos and simple materials lists. The Altered Books and interior pages shown are very appealing with good solid design principals yet simplistic enough in execution to not be overwhelming and are not overdone with the more expensive or scarce types of ephemera or requiring excessive digital embellishments/photoshoppery skills required. Many double page spreads showing the book covers then an interior page or two of each of lots of different styles of Altered Books, which is important. When I began, the covers and bindings were always the hardest part for me to rip into and really gut out and re-fashion the way I wanted them to be. It is fun to just leaf through this volume for cool little ideas if you have the basic principals and techniques down already. The one caveat I had about it was the deliberate encouragement NOT to use archival materials and preservation methods. In this technique, there is division of thought about it, but I always go with the preservation side when dealing with any original photos OR my own original artwork and would encourage beginners to scan and use copies ALWAYS of their treasured/vintage photos and other types of originals in this technique. Then sky's the limit and just go for it and literally rip on in and have fun :D

[liberal sprinkles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am new to altering books so this book was interesting and helpful to me. I like how different artists' works are used to illustrate ideas, styles and techniques, which can be used for art journaling too. The instructions are simple and clear. I like the tips (especially those on extending the longevity of your creations) and list of materials needed for the projects.

Those looking for detailed directions and advice on layout and design may be disappointed. The book encourages you to "express your unique style".

[Gayle Pritchard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Truly just an "ok" book, I think it is designed for rank beginners, which is fine. For someone just getting started and wanting to know the where and how to get going, this book might help. From my perspective, however, there was nothing new, particularly inspiring, and certainly nothing I hadn't seen a dozen times elsewhere.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm still undecided as to if I want to try altering books to turn them into scrapbooks or not...
It seems pretty cool, but I thought that the example layouts were far too decorated. It sort of threw me off, I think...

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has inspired me to make these for my family and friends when they have milestones in their lives. A very cool book.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it.

[Adrianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ideas and tips on new Altered Art Book Techniques.

[Jutta · Rating 2 out of 5]

not exactly what i thought it woul be, but the idea of using old book pages as backrounds is great

[Darby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am glad I took a look at it but it really didn't give me any useful information.