Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Forever Altered


The front cover of my newest creation-

Words that mean a lot to me-

I love all images about coffee, so I have to
collect those too!

I love old keys and tags.

I try to put a little sentiment in each of my creations!

I collect images and file them away...all things red!

All it needs is some tissue paper and words!

More words of wisdom-

Fine Arts-Go for it!

vintage collections, old library card holder and tags!

ART- (ahrt)- Expressing the self in a visual manner: using creativity to make something which reflects the artist's soul.

I can not look at a magazine without tearing out images. I can not look at colors and textures and words and ideas without wanting to DO something with them. I am forever altered. I have been doing this for a few years, but really fell in love with it during my Mom's battle with cancer. I wanted to save every snippet and treasure and thought I was having.

The book on the right has all the words to the verses in Ecclesiastes -
To everything there is a season-A time to sing, a time to sigh, a time to laugh, a time to cry, a time to live and a time to die. Too many people are waiting until the sun shines or until it rains or until their ship comes in or the tide has changed, and suddenly time is gone and nothing has happened...except the waiting. Working does not cease, for as each new season arrives, we are in preparation for the coming season. Every season is lovelier than the last and begs us not to wait but to prepare and to make every season a season to be happy.

What I do is begin with a book, any old book...We are fortunate in that our school library discards books from time to time and after the teachers have picked through them for reading purposes, I usually take the rest to the art room where they are destroyed, yet reborn....forever altered. I know some people have trouble with the "destroying books" thing, but I like to think of them being "reborn" in a new and different body! I usually incorporate children, those older looking vintage images I adore, painting, drawing, chalk, rubber stamping, distressing, fibers, brads, whatever sparks my interest at the time.... I try to start with the base of the page before adding decorative elements. I also try to have a two page spread so that an open page matches all the way across the 2 pages. My new friend, Susan, my 50 and fabulous kindred sister, met through the "blogosphere", will adore this project. I hope to see some of her work back at me! You can check out her creations on her blog under my sites of interest "Susan's colorful life".
What has "altered" you in this life? I'd love to hear from you! Just think, one day we will be "reborn" in a new and different body....beautiful in every way!


I am fascinated with the passage of time.
Why does it seem to be going so much
faster as I age?

Back cover

12 comments:

Jennifer @ JenniferDukesLee.com said...

Carol! You are so talented! Thank you for sharing your God-given talents with us on your blog! Have a great Thanksgiving.

Unknown said...

Carol! WOW!!!! Do you think we might be twins separated at birth!?!?!?! I SO get you! I tear out pages of magazines constantly...LOL! I LOVE the re-born books....incredible. You are inspiring me. PS: Thanks for the "shout out" on your blog...It's my first one and I'm overjoyed. I LOVE BLOGGING and making friend with people who are SO like minded...it's a BLAST, isn't it?

Diane Johnson said...

Carol, where do you find the time??? You're inspiring me again. I love the "time passing" theme too. In fact am planning a blog entry on that soon.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Diane

{darlene} said...

These books are stunning! I love that they really express your heart, and offer clarity of message. What a beautiful, and visual, way to "journal" your heart! Very inspiring.

Thank you for stopping by my blog, and for leaving a comment (I just love comments! It's like getting a letter!). I cannot wait to see more of your creations.

Darlene

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

What beautiful books you make! I love them. You are really creative, they look very cool!

Thanksgiving Blessings,
Melissa

Anonymous said...

Carol, I will have to show your latest blog to Nick and Ashley. They are my creative ones. I could see them really enjoying these altered books. Ashley is taking an art class right now at U of I and maybe she can use this idea!!Your talent never ceases to amaze me. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.Give them all a hug esp. those cute babies! Love you bunches,Candi.

Luthien Thye said...

hello carol,
your altered books are beautiful and a real work of art from the heart. thank you for sharing this with me and thank you for coming over to my blog :)have a creative weekend :)
"luthien"

Billy Coffey said...

Those are absolutely beautiful. I know college art professors who would drool over your work.

cherry said...

Lovely altered art! Did you use Gesso? I love to do paper crafts as well..I came over from Sarah's faves party. cherry

edie said...

Oh Carol I do love it. I'm not sure I could bring myself to do it. Maybe I could though....if it were the right book...the ones I take to GoodWill. Very creative. It's been fun snooping around your blog! Thanks for visiting.

DJ said...

Carol!
So glad to have found another sister artist in the Faith! Whee. Love your art, as well as your music playlist. Create On, girlfriend.
Love & Laughter,
DJ

DJ said...

Oops! I got so excited that I almost forgot: this is not your current blog page! LOL
Better go comment on your last post, so you'll know I enjoy your work and will be adding you to my faves.
Mwah,
DJ