Friday 29 July 2011

Altered book for C4E

Today this is my last guest designer piece for Crafts4Eternity. I have had a great time being on the team, so thanks Michele for having me, I have really enjoyed this last month.

Today the theme is 'Anything but a card' and I warned you last week it was right up my street. But this is my first altered book. It is a mini book and one from a set of children's stories, it is one of those with the thick pages. The girls don't really look at them any more so I decided to use one and see how it came out as a photo album so that I can give it to my youngest grandaughter Maddison.


These are photos of her. She is only just 3 but likes to try and keep up with her sisters so she is loud, but very funny. She speaks very clearly and has a wide vocabulary putting good sentences together and she is such a lovable character.

 This is a set of books the children keep here at our house.

 As you can see 2 are missing - one has been altered so I have no idea where the other one is.
In one of their boxes of toys no doubt.


To make my book, I cut sections out of some of the pages to frame the photos and then gessoed and painted them including the cover. It took several coats of paint to coverup the pictures underneath and even now a little shows through but it all adds to the collage look.

 

Once dried I added some glimmer mist, shimmer and texture spray to get different effects.


Then I added inks by masking and stamping. 





I stuck in the pictures, glued two pages together through the book and then added the embellishments and journalling.


It sounds simple doesn't it, but actually took quite a long time as there are so many different sections to the making of it. But I am very pleased with the outcome.

Although I had started to make this book when my friend Kathy at Purple Princess Diaries was inspired to start some collage work, I took inspiration from her posts as she made some ATCs after watching Kate Crane's DVD. Thanks Kathy.

I have another post coming up later today for the Stamp Man so I hope you'll come back and see my card for that challenge.

luv and hugs {brenda} xoxox

Challenges to have fun with -
Sugar Creek Hollow - Let's Play Tag
Try It On Tuesday - Alter something for a gift
Deep Ocean Challenge - Ribbon

Photobucket

15 comments:

Irene said...

And so you should be pleased with the outcome, Brenda,this awesome, and such a brilliant idea.
Hugs
Irene xx

Fliss said...

This is absolutely gorgeous Brenda and I'm sure she'll treasure it. It really is so pretty and love the embellishing.
Hugs, Fliss xx

Anonymous said...

I just know its not simple my friend, i have been creating my own altered board books lately and know how much work goes into them too.
Love love love this. fantastic work Brenda
If you get chance drop by my Dezinaworld blog today to grab some freebies and see the new prize challenge for the month
Have a fabulous weekend
June

Gem said...

what a gorgeous book Brenda, such cute pics :) X

Anonymous said...

thanks for linking up Brenda, you are an angel x

Gram's Treasures said...

What a great idea...and it's gorgeous. I never really though out an altered book..so this is really a new one for me. Guess what? I bought gesso last week! I'll have to think a while on what to use it. Hope you have a fantastic weekend. Happy Anniversary too!
Joyce xx

Unknown said...

Hi Brenda, that little book is just amazing! I've got some of Emilys' chunky 1st books (that she thought were teethers!) stashed away on a shelf thinking that I'd turn them into little albums one day. I may well have to dig them out and have a go at it. You are a real inspiration, now just got to get of my bottom and do it! Sarah

Berry said...

This is completely fabulous Brenda what a neat idea and sow well put together hugs Rebekah xx

Junibears said...

Now this is just something else dear Brenda! What a fabulous job you've done here. And your precious granddaughter is so beautiful! This is priceless. Hugs xx

coldwaters2 said...

Brilliant book Brenda, so much creativity and inspiration is wonderful to see.
Hugs
Lorraine x

Kathyk said...

HOW did I miss this yesterday? Thanks for telling me about it Brenda. This is FABULOUS, really special. Thank you so much for the mention too.

Have a lovely and creative weekend

Kathyk

Neil said...

Such a beautiful gift, Thank you for joining us at TioT this week. I'm still waiting to start my chipboard book!

Suzanne B aka brookfies said...

Brenda...what a cutie pie!! Your altered book is stunning too¬ x

Angela Weimer said...

Brenda, This is lovely. I love all the work and detailing you put into it and the soft colours work with the photos beautifully. what a lovely gift. Hope all is well. Thanks for joining us at try it on Tuesday and have a wonderful day. Angela

PatR said...

Brenda this is such a stunning creation. You must have put so much love and time into this fantastic project. Thank you so much for including it in the Try it on Tuesday challenge this week. xx