Add Pocketsto Art Projects

Interesting Feature for Altered Books Crafts Projects

© Jennifer Hollowell

Nov 2, 2007

Let's talked about a "use what's already there" technique when additions to altered books are made with the need for only a few materials.

Materials needed:

  • altered book or art journal
  • gel medium or glue sticks
  • small sponge brush, if gel medium is chosen
  • small container of water, if gel medium is chosen
  • straight-edge ruler
  • bone folder
  • brads or eyelets
  • eyelet setter, if they're chosen for this project
  • pieces of waxed paperStep one:There are many ways to approach the simple techniques expressed in this project. First, choose the page where the pocket will be created. Choose a page that doesn't have a lot of weighty embellishments or collage. If the page has been painted, chalked, distressed or drawn on, it'll work just fine for this project. Be prepared for the book to start bulking out with each pocket that's added.Step two:Once the page has been chosen, determine if a straight fold (down the side of the page) or an angled fold (from the corner of the page) is desired. This will depend on what's planned for the page or page spread, and what's planned as the insert for the pocket. These folds can be made with a strong crease by placing the straight-edge ruler inside the fold and then burnishing the edge using the bone folder.Step three:After creating the crease, reopen the page and add adhesive along the edge of the portion of the page that will touch when refolded. A quarter-inch glued section will create a sturdy pocket. Burnish the edges down with the bone folder when attaching the folded area back on to the page. Because glue will be running off the edge, place a piece of waxed paper under the page being worked on to prevent leaking on to clean pages beneath. Set the book aside, closed, to dry completely before moving on with the project. If the pocket isn't completely dry before working on the next step, tears and slipping will occur.Step four:When the pocket is completely dry, embellish the edges by evenly spacing and attaching brads or eyelets. This will give the pocket even more sturdiness if the elements placed within the pocket will be added and removed frequently. This addition will also cause the book to bulk out more, so be prepared for that. Repeat this process throughout the book as often as desired.Additional embellishment ideas:
  • thread fibers, cording, twine or wire through the eyelets to add further interest to the pocket
  • add small charms to pockets by weaving them through the eyelets or hanging them off brads
  • thread tags off the eyelets or brads using floss

    • The copyright of the article Add Pocketsto Art Projects in Altered Books is owned by Jennifer Hollowell. Permission to republish Add Pocketsto Art Projects must be granted by the author in writing.




    Post this Article to facebook Add this Article to del.icio.us! Digg this Article furl this Article Add this Article to Reddit Add this Article to Technorati Add this Article to Newsvine Add this Article to Windows Live Add this Article to Yahoo Add this Article to StumbleUpon Add this Article to BlinkLists Add this Article to Spurl Add this Article to Google Add this Article to Ask Add this Article to Squidoo

    Print Article Print Article
    Email Article Email Article
    View All Articles View All Articles
    Suite101: Mixed Media Arts articles How to subscribe to feeds