Altered Books

We've all heard of Altered Minds, but what's an Altered Book???? According to the International Society of Altered Books Artists, an altered book is..... simply put:
"It is any book, old or new that has been recycled by creative means into a work of art. They can be ... rebound, painted, cut, burned, folded, added to, collaged in, gold-leafed, rubber stamped, drilled or otherwise adorned ..."
http://www.alteredbookartists.com/
This past Sunday my friend M & I took a course entitled "Altered Books" at the Paper Source in Cambridge, MA. I had heard of altered books, and had seen a few at some exhibits and open studios. I was intrigued & fascinated by the concept, but had never yet made an altered book myself! I knew very little of the techniques.
What was the course like? Well, we did learn a few techniques, but not as many as I would have liked. The demonstrations only fueled my fire. Still, it was quite the female bonding experience--- kind of like an old quilting bee. Mainly, a bunch of women (yes, it's mainly a chick thing) sat around on a rainy afternoon for 3 hours barely talking & intensively creating.
And it was loads of fun!! I definitely went into 'the zone'....
The Altered Book I made that day was my 'experimental' book. I have a more extensive and meaningful project in mind. I wish to take an old book I have from 1905, about the "Kings of Norway," and transform it into a tribute/ genealogical record of my grandfather. My grandfather, Hjalmar Nilsson Grimstad, was born in Norway in 1905. I have photos, letters, family trees, etc...., about my grandfather Hjalmar's life, but no meaningful way to integrate all this information. I'm hoping my Altered Book will be this outlet. I've started my book & I'll keep you posted!
Meanwhile, here are some samples of some fantastic Altered Books...