As your child prepares to return to school, have him think back on all the great books he has read this summer (if he is a little behind, encourage him to go pick up a good book now!). Which books inspired him, made him laugh, or had interesting and beautiful pages? How did these books make him feel? What colors, symbols or words would he use to describe the book?

Have your child pick an old book or magazine that you own and see what he can create using the book itself as the focus of his artwork. (Be sure not to alter a book from the library or from school!)

According to the International Society of Altered Book Artists, an altered book is any book–old or new–that has been recycled by creative means into a work 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. Books can be rebound, cut, burned, folded, added to, painted, collaged in, gold-leafed, rubber-stamped, drilled or adorned in any way that the artist sees fit.

Using what you have around the house and your child’s imagination, create an altered book of your own. Search for “altered books” on Google or Pinterest for inspiration.

Did You Know?

Did you know that people all over the world are turning books, magazines, and other literature into altered books?

You will find countless altered book examples and how-to videos by searching for “altered books” on YouTube (www.youtube.com), Go Make Something (www.gomakesomething.com) and tumblr (www.tumblr.com).

Happy creating!

This Learning Adventures project is sponsored by Primrose Schools.  Activity idea provided by Oklahoma A+ Schools, the state’s only research-based whole school network with a mission of nurturing creativity in every learner. Learn more at www.okaplus.org.