New Books Added

I've added more links to new books related to altered art and collage. Some are not yet published, but can be preordered.

They are at:
http://www.altered-book.com/altered-art-book.html

Using Alcohol Inks to Color Backgrounds

I've just added a new technique page, with photos, discussing how to use alcohol inks to color backgrounds or to decorate glass slides.

Use This link to view the Alcohol Inks Page

New Books Added

I've added new books pertaining to altered art and collage. They are at this link: www.altered-book.com/altered-art-book.html

Principles of Design and Layout

When creating art, there are no rules. However, some design elements are considered more pleasing to the eye than others. Artists generally agree that the ten guidelines below create attractive layouts.

1. Select a main focal point first. This is the likely to be the largest, most eye catching item on your layout. It is the element that you want the viewer to notice first. After selecting this element, decide upon your supplementary elements.

2. Accents and small embellishments look best when grouped in odd numbers, such as three, five, seven, etc. The human eye is drawn to odd-numbered groupings.

3. Embellishments and accents that are related should be placed close together so they are viewed as one unit rather than several units.

4. Place your major elements so as to create a triangle on the layout or page. The human eye likes items placed in triangular fashion.

5. Create even numbered sections -- two, four, six, eight, etc. Even numbers of sections are more aesthetically pleasing than odd numbers of sections.

6. Consider the "Rule of Thirds." Imagine your page divided into thirds, both across and down. Places were the lines converge make good focal points.

7. Strive to keep your page balanced, considering the size and complexity of elements that you use in your layout.

8. Arrange your elements so the design has a "flow". The elements should direct the viewers eyes to a main focal point, then to secondary focal points.

9. Use repetition to create interest. Repeat elements such as colors, sizes, shapes, etc.

Tipins and Altered Photographs

I've added a couple of new pages to the site. One has info on creating tipins and the other is a list of 30-some suggestions for altering photographs. You can find links to both on the Techniques page.

Tip In instructions

Altered Photographs

Where is my Muse?

I discovered altered books a few years ago when a woman in a scrapbook store showed me a Can Do book on the topic. I bought the Can -do book, and promptly set to work making my first altered book. It was a gift for my friend who was celebrating a twenty year anniversary in a particular line of work. Each layout represented an item on her resume.Following that, I did a few other altered books for myself, then created a gigantic altered book for another friend as a New Years gift. I contacted my friend's family and other friends and asked them to provide pictures, anecdotes and memorabilia. The completed book was huge, filled to the brim, unable to close -- and very meaningful to the recipient. I'm currently working on a similar book for yet another friend. This one commemorates a major birthday. I don't consider myself an artist, as do many who participate in this art form. However, the activity brings me much enjoyment and fulfillment.

So now I have a blog about altered art and other paper crafts. I have no idea what I will put in this blog. I will let my muse lead me. Well, let's back up a bit here. I must confess that I have no muse (hanging head in shame!). I hear other crafters/artists talking about their muse as if she regularly popped in for tea. I have no such creature. I just pretend that I do. However, I believe my pretend muse must have a name. I will call her Lizzie. I wonder if a pretend muse is just as good as a real one.