“It is with the reading of books the same as with looking at pictures; one must, without doubt, without hesitations, with assurance, admire what is beautiful."   Vincent van Gogh

Altered Books are a perfect combination of two of my favorite things.  I love books, and I love to create with paper.  If this is new to you, then you need to know that people alter books using all their crafting skills in order to transform them into new pieces of visual art.  Altered Books are part book, part word, part journal, part art, part creativity.  The old book becomes a new volume, full of pages to express yourself, to make art.

O.K. bibliophiles, catch your breath.  You know that in order for libraries and bookstores to make room for all the new releases, a lot of books have to be retired every year.  Hopefully, most are recycled instead of going into landfills.  Think of altering as a way to make an art of recycling.  My five-year-old saw me working on this project (and even got involved) and he had to be assured that I would not get in trouble with the library for defacing a book.  I showed him that this was a way to honor a book by letting it serve as a canvas for a new piece of art.

According to Wikipedia:
An altered book is a form of mixed media artwork that changes a book from its original form into a different form, altering its appearance and/or meaning.  An altered book artist takes a book (old, new, recycled or multiple) and cuts, tears, glues, burns, folds, paints, adds to, collages, rebinds, gold-leafs, creates pop-ups, rubber-stamps, drills, bolts, and/or be-ribbons it. The artist may add pockets and niches to hold tags, rocks, ephemera, or other three-dimensional objects. Some change the shape of the book, or use multiple books in the creation of the finished piece of art. Altered books may be as simple as adding a drawing or text to a page, or as complex as creating an intricate book sculpture.

Where can I find books to alter?
Library sales, book sales, yard sales, Goodwill, Estate Sales, under your bed, or a water damaged book from the basement.  You can also use: blank journals, magazines, phone books, catalogs, or your ex’s yearbook.

How long does it take?
Well this has a lot to do with you.  You could blank out some pages and let your child use it as a sketch pad, or you can keep implementing new ideas for weeks and weeks.
This is probably NOT a quick easy project.  This will take time and love.  You need time after almost every step for things to dry.  It takes time to add layer upon layer, time to dream and time to create, and that’s for each page.

What you can do with an altered book?

• Use it as a photo album

• Create a scrapbook to hold memorabilia

• Write in it as you would a journal.

• Let it become your art sketchbook or art journal.

• Design a whole now book.

How do I begin?
1. Procure your book.
2. Prep your book by reinforcing pages. A single page quite thin as a base for your art,  support is often needed.

• glue multiple pages together using a basic glue stick or any white glue.  Simply, smooth out the page and repeat the gluing process-once you are satisfied with the width of the new page, place wax paper on both sides and add pressure.  Repeat to create as many new pages as you like.

• strength by sewing multiple pages together.  Punch holes in the pages with  an awl, paper piercer, needle, or hole punches of different sizes. Use your May Arts ribbon to sew together.  When threading ribbon, fold a piece of scotch tape over an end and cut into a point.  This will make it easier to insert the ribbon into the eye of the needle.  May Arts lists ribbon by widths, any of the smaller width ribbons can be used for sewing. 

3. Remove pages to make room for your art. Cut out pages using an exacto knife or a box cutter. Pinking sheers will give a nice edge to your page. When removing pages, make sure you leave some room along the side of the binding to keep the book from coming apart.

4. DECORATE! Adorn pages any way you would like. 

• Gesso on top of a page works as a primer if using paint. 

• Colored pencils, water color crayons, acrylic paint, ink, papers, stamps, ribbons, photographs can all be used to cover or layer over the text of the book.

I have loved working on this project.  My children have enjoyed helping me, and the altered book will become a memory-working on it together.  Capturing drawing, writing and the creativity on the page-I will remember this time for years to come.  I hope they will too.  Quite often creating is about the process as well as the completed project.

Another article with the finished pages will be featured next month.

Blog Posted By: Leah Farrar-White

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The May Arts Solid/Stripe ribbon comes in 12 attractive color combinations. The stripe pattern is versatile, always popular, ever the classic. A handy ribbon to use - whatever your purpose - from baskets and floral arranging to paper crafting and interior design.

This week I pulled out my solid/stripe ribbon and challenged myself to create projects using the ribbon as my inspiration.  With the recent May Arts Blog challenge, “ribbon on cards” in mind,  I thought that would be a good place to start.

The YOU MAKE ME HAPPY card uses May Arts solid/stripe in celery and white 365-2-46, olive silk SK16 and white sheer/ruffle edge 350-58-01. 

Tip:

• To add texture and dimension, I layered ribbons of varying widths and textures. 

• I also applied acrylic paint to the edges of the card.

REMEMBER TO GIGGLE uses light blue/white stripe 365-2-34. natural burlap string SM10, orange sheer ruffle edge 350-58-28 and orange wire string KS28.

Tip:

• Fold over a 3 inch piece of ribbon and sew a button near the ends to create a tab. 

• Wire string is an amazing thing.  If you haven’t used it before - try it!

After making a few cards I decide to showcase the Solid/Stripe on a few scrapbook pages.  Wide ribbon is something scrappers are often apprehensive about.  But it can add so much texture, depth and interest to a page.  Give it a try.

This FUN TIMES layout used the Navy/white stripe 365-2-03 and natural burlap string SM10.

Tip:

• There is nothing like a lovely big bow with the classy stripe! Instant happy!

• Burlap string is an absolute must for buttons.

10th ANNIVERSARY layout uses burgundy/ivory stripe 365-2-25, satin pleats in burgundy 379-15-25 and natural burlap string SM10, and 2 brand new May Arts lace ribbons.

Tip:

• Distress your ribbon for an aged vintage look. 

• Ribbon of any width makes a perfect photo corner.

Next up - The altered item.  Paper crafters love to alter and the wide stripe is perfect for altering journals, covering clipboards, or in this case - changing a plain wooden photo frame box into a bright, lively, unique container!

For this box I used the red/white stripe 365-2-14, white grosgrain/parrot green edge 358-15-46 and the grosgrain/circle XJ10 in black/white/silver.

Tip:

• Adhere vintage buttons on top of your ribbon for a playful look.

• Ribbon works with almost any other material, most of the box is covered in blue masking tape.

Blog Posted By: Leah Farrar-White

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Don't Forget to submit your vote for our Calling All Bloggers Challenge on this week's contest!

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Entry #24 from our Calling All Bloggers Challenge was sent to us by Michele Caron:

Projects For Ribbon Lovers

How to make a hip necklace with ribbon

Using metal and fabric to create the styles people are paying to add to their wardrobes and dress up their simple outfits.
Many types of fabric can be used to acquire the right "look" your clients are seeking.
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How to take dollar store item to designer dream gift

Using plain notebooks and stationery  from your local "dollar" outlet, can produce a unique one of a kind gift item. Using ribbons with unique patterns and designs will turn simple into sensational! Note cards or greeting cards with fun multidimensional effects. The possibilities are endless..and wonderful for the millions of card makers and stationery lovers.
Gifts that fit every age and are useful for many occasions.
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With the fashion world ever changing its colors and designs...

What better way to spruce up your wardrobe with a new belt or sash...perfect for wedding parties trying to blend a variety of dress styles.

A neck choker or headband for teens...unique and special.

Wrap your wedding bouquets with those special fabrics that are featured as sashes on the dresses of bridesmaids...accent with pearl accents...no need to buy yards of fabric when you can buy it finished as a roll of ribbon...May Arts makes designing simple and easy!

Cheering squads and tweens and teens will love the new clip bows....your imagination will soar will the colors and possibilities...grosgrain, shiny, or fabulous ribbon designs to mix and match your styles. You can't go wrong and only make a big splash of color with May Arts Ribbon. Why be plain and predicable when you can be PERFECT!
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For all the scrapbookers and paper artists...

Make your memory pages POP!! Using a mixture of ribbon fabrics on your pages. Using card stock and other types of paper art...there is no limit to your creativity.
Personalize your style and express your feelings with May Arts ribbon. The use of ribbon helps tell your story just a little better than stickers or other embellishments. Its adds color and depth to pages, cards, and posters. Try it today!! Release the inner creative genius in you!!

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Entry #23 from our Calling All Bloggers Challenge was sent to us Doris Driver of Piggy Bank Parties:

{Tutorial} A Prize Winning Blue Ribbon

The crew at Piggy Bank Parties is so excited that May Arts is featuring our Blue Ribbon Tutorial on their blog! We love sharing our ideas for easy and affordable projects. My name is Do (like do-re-mi) and I'll be your tutor today!

Gather the following supplies:

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• 1 yard of 1.5"-2.5" wide May Arts ribbon

• Needle and Thread

• Scissors

• Cardstock, Labels or Buttons

• Adhesive Dots or Glue Gun

• Optional: 2" Scalloped Circle Punch, 2" Circle Punch, Iron or Brooch Pin Back

Ready? Here we go...

• Cut the yard of ribbon into 2 lengths--a 12" length and a 24" length. Set the 12" length to the side.

• Fold the ribbon accordion style and pinch together. The folds should be approximately 3/4" wide.

• Take your needle and thread and put the needle through all of your folds. Pull the thread through leaving enough at the end so you can tie a knot.

• Pull the string to tighten the thread but don't pull too hard. The ribbon can use a bit of wiggle room.

• Fan out the ribbon into a circular shape and flatten the center using your fingers or an iron.

• Take the 12" length of ribbon you set aside and fold it to create the ribbon tails. If you have double-sided patterns or the pattern is only on one side of the ribbon, follow the photo directions below.

• Attach the tails with a needle and thread or a glue gun.

• Trim the tails by folding the ribbon in half and cutting on an angle. 

• If you would like to pin the ribbon on, attach a Brooch Pin Back with needle and thread or glue gun.

• Create the center medallion using a label, cardstock circle or button. Attach the cardstock circle or button with an adhesive dot or glue gun.

For fun, we also created ribbons for every occasion--the possibilities are endless!

We wanted to thank the May Arts blog readers...so we created Blue Ribbon Medallions just for you! SURPRISE!

{Free Download} Blue Ribbon Medallions

We hope you have fun creating your own Blue Ribbons!

Sources:

Ribbon by May Arts
{Styles: HA44 (Blue Satin), KB03 (Blue Gingham), WK22 (Pink Striped),
ED14 (Red/White Polka Dots) and RH44 (Red/Green)}

"Blue Ribbon Medallions" by Piggy Bank Parties

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Entry #22 from our Calling All Bloggers Challenge was sent to us by Jessica Sterling of Jessie Beans:

Find Your Inner Fairy

One of my favorite things about summer is all of the street fairs and art festivals that happen. When I was a little girl it seemed there was always a vendor selling fairy crowns that had long streaming tails of curling ribbon behind them. I'd buy a new crown at every festival and run around feeling like a fairy princess for the day.

 May Arts has a wonderful selection of wired ribbon that can be used to make these crowns! They are also an affordable upgrade from the curling ribbon commonly used and much prettier. Using multiple wired ribbons will help your crown maintain its shape - and the color possibilities are endless! The hardest part for me was picking out which color combination to use! Here is what I chose and how I made my whimsical crown:

Step 1: I started with a combination of pink and green shimmery wired ribbons, some burgundy and brown leaf trim, my scissors and a ribbon storage kit which I use to help grab the ribbon.

Step 2: Next, I lined up the ends of the ribbon and cut about a 2.5 yard length  (I like long streamers on the crowns!).

Step 3: Then I grabbed the ribbon with about 1 yard dangling on one end, and took one of the ribbons and tied a knot around the entire bunch of ribbons to anchor them.

Step 4: Once I tie my knot, I insert it into my storage container to anchor it. I leave the long end of the ribbons facing me since that is the portion we want to braid.

Step 5: Next, I separated my ribbon into 3 sections in preparation to braid it (Be sure it is not tangled up at the ends!).

Step 6: Then I braided my ribbon until my braid was about 15” (the amount needed to go around me head), making sure I pulled the sections straight all the way to the ends with each weave to prevent the ribbon from knotting on the bottom end.

Step 7: Once I have my desired braid length, I tie a ribbon around the end to secure it.

Step 8: Now that I have the base for my crown, I need to make the ribbon tails pretty! So I grabbed a bottle of glue (Anything small and round will work) to wrap the wired ribbon around and create curls.

Step 9: At this point the crown is mostly finished, and should look something like this:

Step 10: You can either tie the ends together with more ribbon and leave it plain, or embellish it more to make it extra special! I love the May Arts BY series of ribbon leaves, they make for the perfect forest fairy touch! However, I have found that braiding this ribbon in causes the leaves to become squished & hidden in the braid. The best way to add the leaves into your crown is by pulling apart sections of the braid and weaving it through like so:

Step 11: Once the leaves were woven through, I tied them in with the rest of the ribbon so my crown looked like this:

Step 12: You can either stop here, or make a ribbon flower to tie the ends together! Wired ribbon makes it super quick & easy to make ribbon roses!  All you need to do is pull a little bit of wire out of the ribbon on one end and fold it over a few times to keep it from pulling out. Then pull the wire out on the end of the ribbon and scrunch it up to make gathers for your rose like so:

Step 13: Once your ribbon is all gathered, you just roll it up into a rose shape while you pinch the bottom. You can sew it with a needle & thread for extra security, but I just used the excess wire to wrap around the bottom of the rose and secure the shape:

Step 14: I also still had some wire hanging off of the rose after wrapping it, so I used this to secure the crown by wrapping the wire around the ends of the braided section, right above the curls. By doing this you tie off the crown and attach the ribbon rose all in one step! And voila! Your crown is complete!

Now you can frolic in the woods like a fairy, wear it to a street fair or art walk, or even host your own fairy tea party this summer and make crowns for you and all your friends  (TIP: You can decorate your tree’s with left over ribbon scraps for an extra special afternoon in the yard!).

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Entry #21 from our Calling All Bloggers Challenge was sent to us by Jen Harthorn of Jen's Blossoms:

End Of Summer BBQ Bash

Hey there!  My name is Jen and I work in the wedding and event industry as an event designer and florist.  Over the past few years I have fallen in love with May Arts Ribbon.  I have found that using ribbon is a great way to tie all the elements of an event together...invites, bouquets, centerpieces, favors, and so much more.

For this challenge I selected the orange grosgrain ribbon with yellow circles.  It reminds me of oranges and lemons so I chose a color palette themed around citrus for my "End of the Summer BBQ Bash".  With the colors chosen (green, yellow, orange, and a little bright blue to mix it up), it was time to create the invite.  I paid a visit to my local paper supply store and picked up the necessary supplies.

To make the invite I started with a 5 by 7 inch piece of metallic green cardstock and layered a decorative yellow cardstock on top of it.  The yellow cardstock is cut just a 1/4 inch smaller than the green.  I then printed my invite on white linen cardstock measuring 6-1/4 by 4-1/4 inches.  Using an adhesive runner I attached a piece of the 1.5 inch orange grosgrain ribbon creating a band around the invite.

I used a similar banding method for the RSVP card.  To simplify the design a bit I left out the green metallic cardstock and used just the yellow and white.  The yellow is cut to 5-1/2 by 4-1/4 inches with the white linen measuring a 1/2 inch smaller all around.  I went with the thinner orange ribbon (1/2 inch) for the RSVP and positioned it vertically rather than horizontally as on the invite.

With the invite done it is now time to plan the decorations for the upcoming party.  Here are a few ways I incorporated the ribbon into my design:

• I added tassels made from the 1/2 inch ribbon to my hanging lanterns.

• A thick band around an outdoor pillow brings the theme to the furniture.

• The basket holding my plates and utensils gets tied with the 1-1/2 inch ribbon.

• For when the bugs come out!  Small terracotta pots filled with citronella candles and tied with the 1/2 inch ribbon.

• A glass cube of limes plays into the citrus theme.  Most likely they will be used throughout the evening.

• Lime green hydrangeas in a large bubble bowl pop against the orange ribbon.

Thanks for taking a moment to check out the design for my "End of the Summer BBQ Bash"!  I think I may plan a "Back to School Slumber Party" next...

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Entry #19 from our Calling All Bloggers Challenge was sent to us by Lisa Warren:

Create your own coordinating brads using May Arts Ribbon!

I love using coordinating embellishments on my layouts, and May Arts ribbons are perfect for creating your own brads! The width of the 1.5” ribbon makes it ideal to create small and medium covered brads using the i-top tool by Imaginisce.  For my project, I have used May Arts 1.5” Grosgrain/Diagonal Stripes ribbon in lime green (product code: 336-15-46).

To create your own ribbon covered brads, follow these simple steps.

Step 1:  Using the template provided for the brads, trim a piece of ribbon to size. You will need to cut the notches too so that you end up with a smooth end result.

Step 2: Layer the ribbon between the brad head and tool, and squeeze together.  Press the pieces firmly into place so that all sit inside the guide. You may need to moisten the ribbon a little to manipulate it.

Step 3:  Insert the brad back into the i-top tool and line up with the fabric top. Squeeze the tool together gently to join the top to the bottom. When it is firmly fixed, you will feel it clamp in place.

Step 4: Gently roll back the pink guard and pop out your brad! Its now ready to use on your next project.

Here’s the end result. I have made two brads to use at either end of the ribbon strip. I have tied a big, beautiful bow to add to the middle. The bow has been fixed in place with foam tape, and glue dots to hold the bow ends in place.

For a more masculine version, replace the bow with a short length of ribbon tied in a simple knot.

For this layout I have used May Arts 1.5” Grosgrain/White Ovals in Orange (product code: 331-28)

There you have it...a simple embellishment that will coordinate beautifully with your next project! Enjoy creating your own brads with May Arts ribbons.

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Entry #6 - Part II from our Calling All Bloggers Challenge, was sent to us from Jen Shears of Jen Shears Design.  (You can find Part one here)

May Arts Projects

I’m back with a few more projects to show off some more great May Arts ribbon!
First off, I’ve made a couple of soldered pendants.  What better to string them on than beautiful silk ribbon?  And by simply changing the color they are given a completely different look!  Take a peek:

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Next, I’ve created a really fun little notebook.  Using cardstock, stamps & ink you can really personalize these!  Take a look at the closure- I used a ½’ punch & eyelets to create the office look here- and the 1/32” jute/burlap makes a much more interesting thread, don’t you think?  Truth-be-told, that jute is really a go-to tool for me!

And how about a little pre-Halloween fun?  Here I’ve used little strips of Making Memories’ Spook Alley paper, distressed them & machine sewed them on.  Those satin cut-out witches are SO fun, and a very quick way to add a lot of wow to your card!  I topped it off with a button, threaded with (you guessed it!) that great jute string!

Thank you for this fun chance to show you a few projects!  I’d love to know what you think!

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Entry #18 from our Calling All Bloggers Challenge was sent to us by Mari Pietrosemoli of Artsy.Crafty.Me:

Life is Wonderful

I’m all about little everyday actions or notes that remind you to enjoy life. Lately I’ve really been digging Jason Mraz’s song – Life is Wonderful. It reminds me that sometimes certain things must happen in order to be appreciative of all the good in the world. So then I thought; how perfect would it be to have something that made me think of this very song and what it represents to me? That is where this antique altered silver plate comes in place. I used Basic Grey’s Olivia collection and some very yummy May Arts ribbon to alter it.

I pleated the green ribbon (350-15-46 1.5"x30y SHEER/RUFFLE EDGE) all around the plate and adhered it using some Zip Dry (My fave!) It is so easy to work with this ribbon… Love the little ruffles on this sides! I emphasized the framed look on the plate by adding a pink ruffled trim (359-34-17 3/4"x15y ELASTIC/PLAID RUFFLE) along the inside of the green I also dyed the cream ribbon (367-58-09 5/8"x25y SHEER/LOOPED TRIM) with re-inkers to make it stand out. Then I glued it around the perimeter of the small pink circle. I absolutely love this look! And I love the fact that you can get any color your little heart desires using these re-inkers and your favorite May Arts ribbon.

This plate now rests on a shelf right across from my desk reminding me everyday that life is in fact, wonderful :o)

I was so not done with all these fabulous trims and I really loved how it all went with those patters, so why not make a card?

I ruffled the green ribbon (350-15-46 1.5"x30y SHEER/RUFFLE EDGE) all around the pink flower and trimmed the excess. Then I adhered it using some pop dots. I find myself making these ruffles around shapes a lot! I love how much movement it adds to your craft. Another thing I like to do is to outline strips of paper with ribbon to add definition. I find that lace (361-58-10 5/8"x15y CROCHET) works great for this! I did the same for the envelope but inked it with green so it would stand out from the white. The wide green ribbon goes all the way around the envelope and slides off the side for easy card access :o)

I then got carried away and decided the inside of the card needed something too…

So I just added some patterned paper and lined the top and bottom with the oh-so-yummy pink crochet velvet center (372-15-17 1.5"x10y) trim, which in my opinion is way too pretty to be on the inside of the card :oP

You can always create beautiful crafts with May Arts fun ribbon; so inspirational you can always expect to use it in a unique way! Thanks for letting me share these projects with you. I hope they get your creative juices flowing and make you want to play with some yummy trims!

Stay sweet,
Mari

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Entry #17 from our Calling All Bloggers Challenge was sent to us from Latrice Murphy:

Three Ways to use it

Hello May Arts Bloggers. I’m Latrice Murphy from Aurora, Illinois. I’m so excited to share with you even more ways to use May Arts ribbon in your crafty projects.

These days we are all trying to stretch things we buy. We are also all trying to make them last longer or more useful. Well today I want to show you how to get the most out of your ribbon. May Arts has some amazing styles that cannot be found anywhere else and are perfect for any kind of craft. I just so happen to be one of those crafters that has my hand in it all. I’m a jewelry maker, scrapbooker and card maker. In my stash you will probably find 75% May Arts yumminess. How can you stretch your ribbon? A great tip for paper crafters is don’t toss anything. I always make a card from my left over paper, ribbon and embellishments.

The first of my three projects is for the jewelry makers out there. This fun necklace was made with The May Arts 1” Satin reversible ribbon with stitched edge. You can find the green/teal and the pink/orange here. This necklace is super easy to make with just the following materials.

Materials:

• 4 yards of May Arts ribbon 354-28 and 354-34

• Two ribbon clasps (Find at Jo-Anns or Michaels)

• Two jump rings

• Lobster clasp

• Jewelry making tools

• 30 minutes

• Your hands

You simply know the ribbon creating even spaces and also alternating the tie so that you get a pattern in the knot colors. Cut them to the length you like and close the ends in the ribbon clasp with jewelry pliers and a small craft hammer. Loop your jump rings and lobster clasp and DONE! It seriously is super easy. You can see more of ribbon necklaces here on my Etsy shop. I have to tell you, I wore this to CHA this week and wowsers got a TON of compliments!

Project number two is for my scrapbookers. I’m pretty much obsessed with ribbon so there is hardly a layout that doesn’t have some on it. For this page I used that same ribbon from above, but added the new and fabulous twisted burlap string. You can find it here. It comes in a great variety of colors and works amazing for just about anything! Here is the layout I created using this fun ribbon and string.

Here you can see how I create those same knots from the necklace, but used it as embellishment on this fun summer layout. I also used that twisted burlap to create a swirl that travels across the page. The best adhesive for using these thing strings from May Arts is Glossy Accents by Ranger.

I sketch my swirl first with pencil, then go over it with glossy accents and then add the string. Very easy to do and the glossy accents dries fast and holds that string tight.

Materials:

• Paper: Echo Park and Bazzill

• 12” of May Arts ribbon 354-28 and 354-34

• 1 yard of orange twisted burlap string 363-38

• Gemstones: Mark Richards

• Letter stickers: American Crafts

• Other: Stitching by machine and sharpie pen in black

Project number three is….you guessed it, a card! Here is my card using scraps from my layout and more of that double sided satin ribbon. All you need is some ribbon and scissors to make the fun fringe here. You can also use it for a hula skirt or turn it around and you’ve got grass!

Materials:

• Paper: Echo Park and Bazzill

• Ribbon: May Arts ribbon 354-28 and 354-34

• Gemstones: Mark Richards

• Stickers: Echo Park

• Stamps: Hero Arts Girl holding flowers and Truly Appreciated

• Copic Markers: R22, R27, B32, B34, YR12, Y02, Y08, E00, G24, Spica16

• Other: Stitching by machine

Wasn’t that fun? I would love to see some of your ribbon creations too! I hope that I have inspired you to get out your box, bin, or container or ribbon and create something unique for yourself. Use it up already so you can buy more!

Thanks for blogging with me today. This was really fun. Hope to be doing it more.

Latrice

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