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Post by Yoki on Sept 13, 2015 21:41:42 GMT
I am getting started with mixed media art journaling, so I bought a few vintage books to use for building background layers. I got a book of sheet music, an old encyclopedia, an old book & this really cool book of black & white animal illustrations for the sole purpose of cutting up. I didn't spend more than a few bucks combined & the store will always have more of these types of materials, so WHY am I having such a hard time tearing pages out to use them on the pages? I kinda have to force myself to do it. Do I feel guilty about destroying a book? Am I worried that I might like the other side more so I can't make a decision? Do I just want to become a vintage paper hoarder?
Can anyone else relate? How did you overcome it?
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Post by mdith4him on Sept 13, 2015 21:59:30 GMT
I've used old and new books before in my art journals, but not a lot. I like the look when others do it. Your art journal should be freeing, not guilt-ridden! If that technique doesn't work for you, don't use it. Or take a computer print out or a new book and use wet tea bags to make it look older. You could also put them in a low-temp oven for a few minutes (carefully of course!).
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Post by cmputerdazed on Sept 13, 2015 22:14:04 GMT
Yes I have done that I bought a music book to make flowers out of and had to play the songs to make sure I didn't need them.
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Post by crimsoncat05 on Sept 13, 2015 22:14:18 GMT
just think about it like you're using the book for something useful / decorative / artistic, and if you didn't buy the book for that purpose, it might have ended up in the recycle bin or in a landfill, so you're changing it into something decorative.
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Post by crimsoncat05 on Sept 13, 2015 22:17:05 GMT
and if you like the back of the page, then photocopy or scan it, but don't let 'waffling' about it stop you from using the side. Decide which side you like best RIGHT NOW, and use it. Like scrapbooking, once you make your page, you'll have a finished product, and it will have been put to a good use. If you waffle, can't decide which page to use, and don't use either of them, then you won't have anything to show for it at the end.
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Post by anniefb on Sept 13, 2015 22:24:56 GMT
just think about it like you're using the book for something useful / decorative / artistic, and if you didn't buy the book for that purpose, it might have ended up in the recycle bin or in a landfill, so you're changing it into something decorative. Totally agree. |
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Post by Patter on Sept 13, 2015 23:06:09 GMT
I had trouble at first but no longer. I know those books are for my mixed media projects, and I love using them.
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Post by hmp on Sept 14, 2015 1:36:49 GMT
This is why I don't do mixed media. Can't bring myself to deface a book. When I was a curator I spent too many years cursing people who tear out pictures and frame them as prints. We used to joke that there is a special place in hell for these folks, right next to to those who paint brick architectural elements.
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PaperAngel
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,355
Jun 27, 2014 23:04:06 GMT
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Post by PaperAngel on Sept 14, 2015 2:52:40 GMT
...We used to joke that there is a special place in hell for these folks, right next to to those who paint brick architectural elements... Uh-oh!  |
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Post by Delta Dawn on Sept 14, 2015 2:56:25 GMT
Embrace it all! There is no either or!
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Post by caribbeangirl on Sept 14, 2015 19:37:15 GMT
Yes I had the same problem. I think it was partly because I'm an English major and just couldn't stand the thought of ripping up a book. I finally got over it though!
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Post by mikklynn on Sept 14, 2015 20:39:36 GMT
I think because as a book lover, books are nearly sacred to me. I have had the hardest time parting with books. I'm getting better, as I decided I couldn't stash them all over my house anymore. I have beautiful shelves and when they are full, I HAVE to purge.
Let go of your guilt and enjoy!
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 18, 2024 21:05:28 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 15, 2015 0:37:46 GMT
I use old book pages on almost every layout I do, and have been using them for well over 10 years! I got over the guilt by just closing my eyes and tearing out a page. After that first tear, I was completely past any guilt. Not every book is a treasure that needs to be saved forever (I say this as a great lover of books!).
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Post by shutterbug2sue on Sept 16, 2015 1:30:35 GMT
It's reusing/recycling!
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Post by tracyarts on Sept 16, 2015 21:23:42 GMT
I understand completely.
Several years ago I bought an old encyclopedia (1912 maybe) that was in overall poor condition (spine cracked and binding flapping open, lots of wear on the binding fabric) because it had a series of gorgeous watercolor type prints of undersea life that I wanted to have framed for the artistic value.
But that means destroying a book, even an old damaged book. And for whatever reason that seems wrong enough that I haven't done anything with the book yet and it's still sitting on my bookshelf.
It's not like the book has any significant historical value or anything, I paid $5 for it at a little "junk-tique" shop. I've paid way more for pads of cardstock that were meant to be ripped up and used on projects.
It's the sacredness of books... I think next time I get one of those 60% off framing order coupons from Joanns I might bite the bullet and do it.
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Post by Yoki on Sept 16, 2015 21:57:39 GMT
Good to hear from yall! crimsoncat05, you're right! I need to just make a decision & use it! Handwringing over using supplies that I purchased to use is silly. Why buy them at all if I'm not going to use them? ashley - ahhh, closing my eyes & just tearing out a page is a brilliant idea! tracyarts - you should totally frame those pages. You'll get a lot more enjoyment from being able to look at them on your wall. |
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