Making a Favorite Your Own

Ever had one of those books that you have read so many times the pages are practically falling out?

You realize that you have read it to death

But you still have an emotional attachment?

Yup i have been in that boat and here are some great examples of how to recreate something that you already hold so close to your heart

And Now a Little How To!

Supplies:

1. Acrylic matte medium
2. Paintbrush, medium or wide
3. A Canvas (shown here with a 5x7)
4. Scissors
5. A photocopy of a high contrast image in black and white (use a LASER printer/copier, not inkjet- thanks for the update there, psychoduckie)
6. Oil pastels, liquid watercolors or acrylic paints as desired

Suggestions:

1. Use a book that is already falling apart
2. If the book you would like to use is in good condition, it is recommended to make copies of the pages you would like and use those instead (the copy paper will most likely be more opaque and brighter white than old book pages)

Steps:

1. Cut the paper into strips (you will most likely need need 2-3 pages of strips per 5"x7" canvas)
2. Cover canvas with Acrylic matte medium (not shiny; similar to glue but spreads easier)
3. Place strips of paper on the canvas in any fashion that you find appealing (push the strips down with your fingers so that no rippling will occur with the paper)
4. If you wish to add more layers of paper, first use a brush to spread a top coat of the acrylic mate medium on your first layer, place your next layers of paper and repeat steps 1-3 always finishing with a topcoat on your final layer 

From here the possibilities are endless! You have created a canvas of words and what you do with it is your choice...

But here are some more suggestions anyways

• add an image with a photocopy transfer
• pick words to emphasize using different mediums to make them POP
• use a splatter technique
• or even a watercolor wash

AND REMEMBER!!

*Dry matte medium will build up quick so be sure to continuously wipe off what is not needed

*Don't forget to matte the edges!

(For pictures and a more detailed explanation of this process visit- http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-upcycled-art-with-old-books/)











http://www.chicandcharming.com/2007/12/etsy-holiday-guide-art-i.htmlhttp://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-upcycled-art-with-old-books/http://calgarypubliclibrary.com/locations/saddletowne/blog?t=arthttp://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20111011/turning-books-into-art-our-favourite-practical-pretty-upcycling-ideas-for-old-bookshttp://artistclass.typepad.com/