CBAS Study Group: Altered Books

We met in the basement studio of well-know Cincinnati collage and altered book artist, Alice Balterman, who shared examples of her work and suggested some techniques we might use if we wanted to try altering a book. More here.

Collections & Books

I love books and have been collecting them for as long as I can remember. I rarely buy fiction anymore because I don't usually reread this type of book. Instead, I borrow from my local library. The books I buy are primarily reference books and art books, books I will use over and over. I have a nice collection of craft books as that is my primary interest and smaller collections of gardening, photography, home repair and remodeling, cooking, and computer books. My art books are primarily fine craft, folk, ethnic, and outsider art books. Several years ago, I started collecting children's books and pop-up and moveable books when I came across some inexpensive ones at my local thrift shops.

I collect other things as well. On the bottom shelf you can see some of my mini collection of Beanie Babies. This little collection, most of which were found in thrift shops, represents pets that I have rescued. I am missing one kitten, an all gray one, to stand in for my latest rescue.

Library Book Sale

I saw quite a number of people with palm size scanners methodically pulling books and scanning bar codes looking for books they could profitably resell, probably online. Their little machines compare the bar codes to price lists stored inside. These people might love books, but tonight they were cruising, not browsing like I was.

My finds: A complete set of Harry Potter books, several children's books, an out of print book on beaded flowers, Bouquets From Beads by Virginia Osterland.