Host a Shoe-Box Party

If you fancy making an altered book, or some other type of altered art, why not host a shoe-box party?

Shoe box parties are parties in which every guest brings a shoe box full of supplies.  The boxes are traded at the party, and each participant spends the class time working on a project based on the contents of the box.

Although I have never attended one, it sounds like a lot of fun. First of all, you get to socialize with other people who share your interest in altered art. You would be likely to learn from them, and they would be likely to learn from you.

Secondly, your creativity is stirred, since you must quickly come up with an idea for using the supplies that you have not seen before.

As for the shoe box of contents, I would think you would include a book to be altered (or other item), some colored papers, tissue paper, ribbon, feathers, ephemera, found objects, beads or jewels, lace, etc.

Each member would be asked to bring their own adhesives, cutting tools and paints or colors.

A shoe box party could be adapted to fit any occasion or event -- such as Halloween theme, Thanksgiving theme, birthday theme, etc.