Serving Art Educators
and Students Since 1994

Creating Altered Books

Submitted by: Judi Morgan, St. George School, Spokane WA.
UNIT: Mixed Media
Grade Level: Middle School (through high school

Goal: To transform a discarded book into a creative art work of art that encompasses a theme and utilizes a variety of media and techniques.

Books

Altered Books Workshop - Transform old books into one-of-a-kind pieces of art with Altered Books Workshop! In this book, readers receive detailed instructions for the newest craft craze--altered books--which combines bookmaking, collage, journaling, rubber stamping, papercrafting, stitching, embellishing and much more.

Altered Art: Techniques for Creating Altered Books - The illustrations in this book are numerous, gorgeous, and absolutely helpful, supporting an encouraging text that starts with general information, including basic techniques and ideas about selecting a starting-point object.

New Directions in Altered Books - This book was chock full of great ideas and inspiration for working with altered books. It covers such topics as choosing the right book, preparing the book, design principles, tools and materials, and techniques for altering books. Then there are many projects, each with a picture of the finished book, a list of instructions, and materials and tools.

Possible Media:

Altered books media

To print, right-click on the chart, open and print. You can also click on the Printer Friendly version link at the top on the right side of the page.

Assessment - Rubric:

Student Name:
Assignment: Altered Books
Circle the number in pencil that best shows how well you feel that you completed that criterion for the assignment.		Excellent	Good	Average	Needs Improvement	Score
Criteria 1 – Preparation- A list of possible themes in sketchbook A collection of possible items to use is continually added to. Actively listened to introduction and explanation Handouts are placed in student folder		10 - 9	8 - 7	6 – 5 – 4	3 - 2 - 1
Criteria 2 – Process- Handout is referred to for instruction and clarification. Requirements are adhered to and checked off as completed. Demonstrations are actively listened to without distraction. The theme is thoughtful and obvious throughout the entire book..		10 - 9	8 - 7	6 – 5 – 4	3 - 2 - 1
Criteria 3 – Presentation - The shapes are very neatly cut out or torn everywhere and the gluing is very neat, and all the edges are down. There is nothing "questionable." Neat, clean & complete.		10 - 9	8 - 7	6 – 5 – 4	3 - 2 - 1
Criteria 4 – Effort - Took time to develop idea & complete project? (Didn’t rush.) Good use of class time? Proper cleanup procedures .		10 - 9	8 - 7	6 – 5 – 4	3 - 2 - 1
Criteria 5 – Craftsmanship – Skillful use of the art tools & media? Use of different techniques both in isolation and combination with others. The book is extremely well crafted in all sections and there are no areas of distraction. When you look at this image it appears complete (there is nothing else you could add or take away to make it better).		10 - 9	8 - 7	6 – 5 – 4	3 - 2 - 1
Criteria 6- Response - Participation in class discussion/critique. Written response is thoughtfully and thoroughly completed and typed. See below.		10 - 9	8 - 7	6 – 5 – 4	3 - 2 - 1
Criteria 7 – Artist Statement Preliminary writing assignments thoughtfully and thoroughly completed. Rough Draft turned in on time. Final Draft turned in with Altered Book. Final Artist Statement completely, eloquently, and thoughtfully addresses each of the questions and gives insight to your final work.		10 - 9	8 - 7	6 – 5 – 4	3 - 2 - 1
Criteria 8- Creativity Pages, ideas, effort, honest risk-taking over and above the minimum requirements of this project. Really getting into the project with thoughtfulness and dedication. Projecting your own "voice." Going the extra mile. Demonstrating a desire to do more than one’s best		10 - 9	8 - 7	6 – 5 – 4	3 - 2 - 1
Total: 80 (possible points)	Grade:

Written Response

1. What were some of the experiments you attempted? Why did you decide on this particular design?

2. After looking at the other images, choose one or two that you think are particularly outstanding. Explain what you think makes them work well.

3. If you were to do this project again, would you do anything differently? If so, what?

4. What have you learned from this project?

Rubric Note: you could change the scoring to 10 - 9 8 7 6 or less

ARTIST STATEMENT

See Lesson on Writing Artist's Statement from Molly Gordon