Im not understanding some of the (insubstantial) negative comments here. This books about artistic technique, not a Theory of Everything or required reading. I am an experienced artist specializing in mixed media journals, making it all up on my own rather than getting it from books (partly because I didnt know good guides by real artists existed in the "Crafts" section of the bookstore). This book is especially interesting to me because it works well on a couple of different levels. The "how" part has easy-to-understand instructions and well done photography that make it quite suitable for beginners, but doesnt alienate artists who just never thought of that particular technique. As another reviewer pointed out, the tips are useful, rather than mere pull-quotes or boxed filler to balance the page (which Im so used to from "Dummies" type books that I almost skipped them entirely. Dont.). The truly impressive examples of the authors altered books that she has chosen to present here showcase her personal artistic style, which, by the way, you dont necessarily have to like--and definitely dont have to copy--to benefit from the techniques illustrated throughout the book. The assumptions she makes that the reader is going to know something about composition and color, and her understanding that each reader will have a "why" that is different and personal, are assumptions more geared toward confident artists. I also appreciated the well-written, laid back presentation. It added a spark often absent in instructional material (or bestselling fiction, for that matter). As a writer, it was very refreshing to read a book devoted to the visual. It has a lighthearted and playful feel that celebrates experimentation, rather than drilling the reader on all sorts of practice exercises in the effort to summon painful memories, or analyze the thing to death in pursuit of the "why." She is not in the business of telling people what their motives, meanings or inspiration should be in creating their work. The author presents herself as an artist, rather than a pretend psychologist. Books on the writing side of this art form are just dreadfully serious. I highly recommend this book to collage beginners; to experienced artists who have not worked specifically in the realm of altered books; and to writers who want to punch up their journals. I look forward to Brazeltons next book.
This is the type of book you get if you are new to this AB (altered book) craze. Bev Brazelton, basically hits the hammer on the head here with her 18 ideas for altering books book, but if you are looking for something with more detail, I hear that Beth Cotes ( Another lady!) Altered Books 101, 102, and 103, are all exceptional choices, which even go beyond just books, and basically go into everyday things that you can open, like for example a cd case. But none the less, this book is worth your money. Bevs book is easy to follow, with simple little tricks like matchbox drawers, turning a book into (literally) a window to another world, Bev inspires us to turn a AB (altered book, once again) into a journal that tells a story about us. Beth Cotes book helps you take little thems and give them a vintage, colorful twist. So if you want to go AB crazy, I suggest giving both of them a try.
Bev Brazeltons book walks the reader through some essential altered book techniques and she does it well. If you are interested in altering, this is a must have for your bookshelf. It is clear, well organized and shows excellent examples.
