Hello crafty friends! Today I have an altered book or should I say, books to share with you. Cec has chosen the theme An Altered State at Frilly and Funkie. I was cleaning out some books the other day, and came across some books on Lucille Ball I picked up at a yardsale for quarter. I thought I might use the photos in it at some point. I think they look better as a Christmas decoration.
I started by removing the jackets, adding texture paste to one of the spines that had deep debossing for the title, and gluing the pages together by applying Elmer's glue to the sides.I gave them each 3 coats or more of gesso--especially the red book. I took some before photos, but from there it was all fun and games, and I failed to take any more in process photos.
I embossed some white card using Tim Holtz Texture Fades and tore closely around the design. I glued these on the books with Ranger Multi Matte Medium. I die cut the top book title using Tim Holtz Handwritten Holidays die . This was glued on, and the entire book was given one more coat of gesso. I blended on Distress Ink, Evergreen Bough and Ground Expresso inks, and flicked on some water. I dried thoroughly with a heat tool then added berries and twigs with Distress Markers and colored over Joyful Holidays in marker and gave it a little shadowing. I die cut the Christmas title using gold foil card and a Top Dog die.
The Merry Christmas title on the spine is Tim Holtz Mini Handwritten Holidays image inked in Archival, Vermillion. I added some gold foiling here and there on the edges of the cover and among the pine branches and cone.
The poinsettias are Tim Holtz (Tattered Poinsettia) inked in Festive Berries, Peeled Paint, and Vintage Photo, enhanced with a sprinkle of Diamond Dust and then Stickles for the centers. I used Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint and Worn Lipstick on the leaves. The reindeer is also Tim Holtz (Reindeer Flight), cut from Grunge paper covered in sheet music, inked in Vintage Photo, also sprinkle with Diamond Dust. The ribbon is some of my vintage seam binding died with Festive Berries Distress paint. The books are glued together to make a permanent display.
I hope you like my festive books! I had so much fun making them!
I would like to enter my altered books into the following inspiring challenges:
A Vintage Journey Baby You're a Firework The glitter is inspired by the sparkles left by fireworks! Tim Holtz influenced??? I think so--using several of his techniques including his latest tag technique of adding gold foil around the edges.
Fussy and Fancy Challenge 153-Words More words in my book than on, but my words say "Merry Christmas!"
As You Like It Favorite Season and Why Winter is my favorite season because it's cold (er) and has Christmas in it!
Thank you for stopping by and for all your sweet comments! I read and appreciate each and every one! Hugs and Blessings!
Sara Emily
Wow Sara, you blow me away girl!! These are just stunning, I love how you take some something ordinary and turn it into something extraordinary!! LOVE the colours, the serenity of those base blues and greys with the topppings of warm reds and pinks and a little touch of greenery just for a festive mix! Wonderful layering on your poinsettias and the music note stamping on the reindeer is a perfect addition! Love it all my friend!
ReplyDeleteWhile I'm here, I will say thank you so much for joining us at Frilly and Funkie for our 'Altered State' challenge! Hugs, Pamellia DT :)
Hi Sara, what a fun Christmas theme, love it! X
ReplyDeleteNicely done!
ReplyDeleteSamra
Paper Talk with Samra
Such a great idea to alter books simply to lay around as decor! Love the idea! Love the way you created texture on the base book and the gorgeous embellishments of the top book! Well done on this!
ReplyDeleteHello Sara <3
ReplyDeleteI hope you read this message. First I will just thank you for the lovely comments that you have written in my blog <3 your words touched me to tears and I'm grateful for your words <3 I tried to find you on facebook, but I could not find you. People who say such beautiful things, is more than just people in my world, they are friends too. Can you see if you can find me on facebook, my name is Silje Kristin Aunan, send me a friend request, if you whant to? I have looked a little on your blog and have to say you are really good. I 've also added me as a follower of your blog. Wishing you and your family a merry Christmas , with all of my heart <3
xo xo
Silje Kristin
What an amazing idea for Christmas decor! I love how you altered these books and the die cut embellishments are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for joining us at the Emerald Creek Dares "Let the Festivities Begin' challenge.
~~julia~~Emerald Creek DT Member
These are absolutely stunning, Sara!! I love how you altered the books!! The colors are beautiful!! I love those amazing poinsettias!! Wow!! These are so gorgeous!! Have a great day :)
ReplyDeleteLisa
A Mermaid's Crafts
These look A-M-A-Z-I -N -G! I love your colour choices! Hugs, Chrisx
ReplyDeleteUmmmm WOW... As always you create the most amazing stuff. Always a treat to pop in. Can I be you... Thanks for sharing with us at Emerald Creek Dares Challenge! Cheers, Nicole
ReplyDeleteThese altered books are stunning. I love the texture and those pretty pink poinsettias are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing them with us at AYLI this week.
ReplyDeleteLorraine DT
Love the idea of altered books as Christmas décor they are beautifully done, Thanks for entering our Fussy and Fancy challenge and good Luck xxx Annie
ReplyDeleteOh course you made these lovely altered books! Or course you did! I love books and your unique way of altering these darlings is amazeballs! What a clever artist you are dearie! Those poinsettias are gorgeous and your die cuts add such fun festive flair! Gorfeous seam binding and that deer is a dear! Haha! Had to. Awesome sauce design and I vet this adds such a wonderful decoration to your Holiday decor. Smashing success! Huge Hugz to you muffin! ~Niki
ReplyDeleteWow! I love how you altered the books. And you didn't miss a detail! Thanks for taking the time and sharing with us at Emerald Creek Dares Challenge.
ReplyDelete-Katelyn DT member
Wow!! These are beautifully altered! Your poinsettias are so pretty! Thanks for sharing over at Emerald Creek Dares Challenge!
ReplyDeleteCathy - DT Member at Emerald Creek
Oh, Sara Emily! These are just shabbylicious! I love the almost pastel quality of the color palette! It's dreamy! Your flowers are just amazing, and the flowing ribbon really works! I think this might be my favorite thing you've ever made. Just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteWOW gorgeous altered books.
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining us at Simon says Stamp Wednesday Challenge.
Luv
Debby
Your festive books are fabulous ! Sara beautifully crafted will your chosen mediums, techniques dies , colour and sparkle . Inspirational . Thank you for joining us at A Vintage Journey x
ReplyDeleteThis is stunning, the poinsettia's are beautiful! Thanks for joining us for our All things Festive Emerald Creek Dares Challenge
ReplyDeleteKaron DT
Oh my! Sara, this transformation leaves me awestruck. I love your idea and you have once again executed it to perfection. Your eye for design is beyond inspiring and I simply adore every detail. I *love* the precious deer whimsically dancing within the festive poinsettias... your project is completely dreamy. Beautifully done, my talented friend! Have a sparkly sunshiny day. :o)
ReplyDeleteHugs and blessings,
Karen
Now that's a festive transformation to set the heart singing! Utterly glorious with those sparkling poinsettias so zingy against the shabby pale teal backgrounds. Beautiful, beautiful work - definitely inspired to play!
ReplyDeleteAlison xx
Oops, got so excited that I forgot so say thanks so much for joining us on A Vintage Journey xx
ReplyDeleteWow - these books are great!!Love the repurposing, but really LOVE the treatment to them. Your poinsettias and that pine needle stamping look marvelous against the weathered, snowy background , and the little musical prancing deer is perfect! Fabulous transformation!! xxx Lynn
ReplyDeleteOh my, Sara, you never stop amazing me with your fantastic art! These altered books are just brilliant! You decorated them beautifully creating such marvelous vintage and festive pieces! Stunning!
ReplyDeleteLots of love to you, my dear friend! Branka xxx
Absolutely beautiful Sarah!! Wow! I think Lucy would be tickled to see how you transformed those books of her!! I think you need side by side photos of before and after ,cause it is just hard to believe the transformation!! I love them! Huge hugs to you my friend!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteIt's like resurrecting the dead.... you gave these books new life - rebirth - literally new skin.... wow. Can you do me next???????????? But I would want to be colors of orange with bright flowers and ribbon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hehehheheeh. Seriously Sara - these books are just OVER THE MOON lovely. Hubby and I have over 2000 books in our home - we love books so this is just GORGEOUSLY WONDERFUL to me..... saving books to use each year as decor and making them UTTERLY SPELLBINDINGLY BEAUTIFUL too. j.
ReplyDeleteooh your books are wonderful! Love those poinsettias and all the sparkle! xxx
ReplyDeleteThese are utterly stunning Sara, you have altered the state of these book beyond recognition and made them into beautiful works of art.
ReplyDeleteHope your week is going well.
hugs Brenda xxx
Apologies for my lateness Sara, your books are stunning, I just adore the sparkly poinsettias, they look superb against the wonderful backgrounds and your bow is simply gorgeous! Thanks so much for joining in at A Vintage Journey too! Hugs, Anne xx
ReplyDeleteSara Emily they are amazing! I love the flowers on the front and the colours and the fact you have glued them together to make a permanent display I thought was a brilliant idea! You know you have inspired me to want to make some myself - amazing work! Cxx
ReplyDeleteNydelig bok du hadde dekorert og tusen takk for at du er med på utfordringen hos Card and scrap denne gangen,
ReplyDeleteklem Bente:)
Beautiful altered books Sara, love your colour palette and all the wonderful glittery accents. A lovely Christmas decoration to grace your home for years to come, thanks for joining us at A Vintage Journey! Deb xo
ReplyDeleteOh, well that's the way to alter a book or two!!! LOVE the soft elegant feel you've incorporated in your Christmas theme here. Thanks you for joining us at Frilly and Funkie. Jenny x
ReplyDeleteLove your altered book. The decorations are so pretty! Thanks for joining us at sweetstamps.com.
ReplyDeleteKim - DT
Your altered books are gorgeous. A stunning floral arrangement.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this with us at Fussy and Fancy.
Hugs Sharon. X
Congrats on your win at A Vintage Journey, Sara Emily! This is one amazing project and one that I hope to try very soon. Hugs, Autumn
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful books. ♥
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining us at Card and Scrap.
Be sure to check out our DT Call as well.
Hugs Line.