How to Add Hanging Elements to Altered Books
Ideas and Simple Instructions for Book Arts
Nov 10, 2008
Sometimes, adding elements to the pages and covers of an altered book project just isn’t enough. There are times when the theme can be carried a bit further with the addition of hanging elements. This is an easy and interesting way to bring extra creative twists to altered bookwork.
Practice some of these hanging element ideas in an altered book specifically set up for practice work. These practice books can be created from any book that would typically be chosen for altered bookwork, a brochure, a magazine, or several pieces of folded paper stapled together. The complexity or simplicity of the practice altered book is completely up to each artist.
Materials:
- Hole punch
- Eyelet punch
- Eyelet setter
- Eyelets
- Blank tag
- Fibers
- Twine
- String of beads
- Wire
- Bookplates
- Charms
- Scissors
Here are some ideas:
- Add a string of beads down the inside of the spine of the book, and then tie it off so it loops like a necklace. Keep it fluid so it can move to show the beads randomly as the book is opened and closed.
- Affix three or four pages together, and then punch eyelet holes along the bottom. Pound in eyelets, and then string wire or twine through the holes to hang items from.
- Affix three or four pages together, and then punch eyelet holes along the edge of the book. Thread fibers through, and add a bead to each looped area.
- Punch a hold in the top corner of a page, loop a fiber or some twine through the hole, and then tie on a tag to create some art upon.
- Attach a metal bookplate anywhere on the page using eyelets. Add then or small charms to the top and bottom of the bookplate so they dangle.
- Loop mismatched or vintage earrings directly into the book pages. Add a bit of white glue where the earring punches through the paper on the front and backside to prevent tearing each time the earrings move when the book is in use.
Because the use of a practice altered book is in play, do not be afraid of adding too many hanging elements or making mistakes. This tutorial is all about learning how to make these elements work best for the type of artistic presentation you are trying to create.
This is just the beginning to what can be added to altered books for hanging elements. Take these ideas and run with them! Use them in art journals, scrapbooks, memory books, visual diaries, and accordion books. These techniques can also be used in mixed-media paintings, shrines, art cards, and handmade greeting cards successfully.
