I cut my books

Okay, yes, we've been through this before.

I. Cut. Books.

Yes, yes, I do.

I've heard people say before, "I really wanted to make an altered book, but when it came right down to it, I just couldn't slash the pages."
Well, I don't have that problem. I rip, slash, and gouge out whatever I don't want. And, before you see me as a merciless book-killer, let me justify myself. The book below was lovely, old and torn, fraying apart and worn. It may have been loved...but then was left, abandoned, forgotten. It was crammed with many other treasure-books into a plastic tub at a thrift store, and sold for a quarter. So, I could cram it right back into my bookcase and leave it there, soon-forgotten (too many pages were torn to actually read the book,) or I could give it new life and purpose. This is its second chance, people!!
I call it "Youth." You can see that Youth, of course, has wings. She sits seemingly bored where she is, hair carried by the gentle breeze...while the real treasure lies just beyond, in Home and companionship. Yes, I'm just that deep.

Making a mini-book from an old hardcover

Have you ever come across an old classic, worn and falling apart? I loved the front cover of this book, and picked it up at a flea market. The pages were falling out, and the spine was destroyed. It could have been kept, untouched, on a shelf for display, but I believe this book deserves attention.

So I cut it up.

Yes, book-lovers everywhere, you can cringe. I LOVE books...in all forms.

I cropped the front and back covers into perfect little squares, cut pages from the book the same size, along with some scrapbook paper. Then I poked holes through all and bound it with ribbons, a charm and button.

Naturally I had to paint on a bit, too.Voila. Beautiful mini-book.

This one was sent off to live with another mixed-media-art-fan-friend. :-)

Painting with acrylics

I mentioned that several amazing artists inspired me to start focusing on art. I believe God has given us each certain talents, and expects us to use those to glorify Him. Well, I'm like Moses I suppose, and I like to make excuses for why I can't use my gifts.
It takes courage to try new things.

"What would you dare to accomplish if you knew the only possible outcome was success?"

One thing that I hadn't dared to try was painting. You know I paint walls and furniture... but I was too scared to try a REAL picture. Sure, that may seem strange coming from someone who will paint the entire living room on a whim. The truth is that I was intimated by having such a talented family. Bleh-- I know, ridiculous. I'm truly so amazed and thankful for their abilities. And I can't expect to start off with the experience and talent that they've acquired over a span of 10+ years. Everyone has to start somewhere, and now is the time for me.

So, without further ado, I give you my painting:

Beginning: (yes, I'm painting on a book)

Making some progress:

Finished product:

The plan was to have her holding a flower, but I couldn't get the hand right, so she ended up with a blue gown. ;-) Gotta do what works.
It's not perfect or professional, but I'm thrilled that it's a real picture. And, like Nester says, it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful. It makes me happy!

And, by the way, I rearranged my entire bedroom in order to have the art table, easel, and sewing machine set up in a functional space. October, thanks for your help with that on Friday night!! This area just draws me in. I know where I'll be every evening when the house goes to sleep. :-)

Check out the other things people are creating at...

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