How to make upcycled art with old books

Step 10: Enjoy it!

This can be a fun and original gift idea, especially if you have a literature-loving recipient in mind. You can mix papers from different books and create your own free association poetry as you go along. Add any image easily with the photocopy transfer technique. Make artful splotches of color like a pro just by using liquid watercolor. The possibilities are endless!

I created a few paintings in this style recently as part of ArtProject2010, a self-imposed challenge I've undertaken to create a new piece of art every day for a year. It isn't always easy to find inspiration. I've always loved language, so this method is a great way for me to kickstart the flow of creativity. I hope you find it does the same for you. And if you enjoyed this instructable, please stop by my blog: http://ArtProject2010.info and say hello!

Comments

[iheartblank]

I actually have a few of these in the process.. I've got a few cousins who love reading- christmas presents! But I'm having a hard time finding images to use. Do you have any suggestions on what to look for or a site you'd recomend?

[trucdart]

Hey there! Glad to hear it! I have a few book-crazy friends as well, it's smart of you to think early for Christmas. :) As far as images go, I found the victorian key by doing a google image search for royalty-free, free clip art specifically for keys. The heart came from an old sewing book. But you can also search vintage or victorian clip art to get the creative juices flowing. Illustrations from a long time ago are usually in public domain (i.e. free to use). So you can also check old books for random illustrations or charts. One other person mentioned in the comments that they are going to do this with a photograph. As long as it's high-contrast, anything works. Good luck! I'd love to see the finished pieces!

[iheartblank]

It took me forever- cause I was really picky with them, but here is a link to all the ones I've finished.
http://iheartblank.deviantart.com/

I couldn't find any pictures I liked to use for the people I made them for, and their not as cool as some of the others I've seen, but I had fun non the less, thanks!

[trucdart]

Those are lovely! Glad you had a good time with the project, thanks for sharing!

[sumit mahar]

its nice.soon i'll try it. :)

[BloodyHavoc]

I have to say this is amazing!
Question though, when applying the paper strips could I use Mod Podge instead? and will the use of water color pencils work at the end for coloring and drawing?

[trucdart]

Hello there! Thanks for your comment. :) I am pretty sure one of the other commenters has used Mod Podge successfully; I'm sure it's very similar in composition to matte medium. I have personally not tried Mod Podge with watercolor pencils (or anything over it for that matter), but more likely than not it will work okay.

The only issue I foresee is that when you are using a dry watercolor pencil on a dry surface, it generally requires some "tooth" (like the texture of paper or wood) to come off onto your surface smoothly. Mod Podge and Matte Medium can be a little slick/gummy in texture because they are essentially plastic suspensions.

I have tried wetting a surface on which I previously applied matte medium and "drawing" on it with watercolor pencils or dipping a watercolor pencil in water and then using it on a dry surface, which does work pretty well in combination with a brush. It just won't be as fluid as regular watercolors or liquid watercolors and you may get some pronounced drawing lines (but if that's what you're looking for, great!).

It might be easier to color over the top of your Mod Podge with oil pastels (these work very well over a slick surface) or chalk pastels (which still need tooth) or acrylic paint, which is the best bet since it is composed of a similar binder to Mod Podge/Matte Medium (i.e. it is also plastic. Plastic likes plastic when it comes to adhering to surfaces).

Acrylics can be watered down quite a bit and used like watercolors, or diluted with matte medium, slowed with retarder (so that they don't dry as quickly) and made more fluid with "flow aid" or similar mediums.

Hell, crayons would even work. ;) Have a great time, and feel free to post a picture of your finished piece here!

[BloodyHavoc]

Thanks for the tips!
I cannot wait to try this out over the weekend.
Another question, for the transfer image, does it have to be "Just printed"? The only printer I can have access to is my mom's at work, but that would mean it could take hours for it to get back to me. Will that still work?

[trucdart]

Oh, it doesn't matter when it's printed. I think I meant "just" as in "easy/simple", not "recently flying out of the machine". :) Is that what you're asking?

Make sure it's a laser printer and not inkjet. Have fun!

[Maery]

Nice job :) It''s good to know how to do transfers now, even though I don't have the tools at the moment, so I think I'll just paint the images myself since I'm all inspired and don't want to wait.

These make fun little projects. I'm doing a fairytale series of these addictive little pieces and will potentially make more for Xmas presents!

[trucdart]

Thanks Maery! I was surprised at how easy and fun it really is, and am glad I've been able to get you inspired! This is really a jumping off point; there's so much more people can do. I love seeing the end results of other people's creative efforts, so feel free to share your series! And fabulous idea to save money for Christmas. :)

[oli-explosion]

Hi, they both look awesome! Im have one on the go, and I've just peeled/rubbed the paper off, but when it dries, there seems to be quite abit of white fuzz, or slightly whiteish patches left. Do I simply go over them again with my finger? or put a layer of medium over it?? I will try and post a finished one on here once its done. Thanks for the great Instructable!

[trucdart]

Hello there! Keep rubbing with your finger, that will come off. It takes a bit of patience sometimes. I find it helps to dampen your fingertip with water, but just a little. Too much water can smear the toner. You know how some people lick their finger when they need to leaf through papers? Like that. :) good luck! Can't wait to see the finished results!

[eclecticderby]

Fantastic, I am planning to use black and white photo of me and my girlfriend's face and place it on. I am a bit afraid about the transfer though. Cos if it doesnt work i might just ruin the canvas. Problem is I am really bad at art and as for colors, i wanna make it more of a romantic vibe. Pink i guess. Let me try and shall post it up once i am done. Looking forward to more from you and great arty blog u have there.

[trucdart]

Hey there! That sounds like a great idea! Don't be worried about the transfer. I do them often. Just use a laser copier for the image, use a thin layer of matte medium, burnish it firmly, let it dry before you peel off the paper, and it should be just fine. In fact, if you want to practice, you can try one first on a blank canvas, since you can always paint over it with white and begin again. If you run into any difficulty, feel free to ask questions. I'd love to see your finished piece! Best of luck, and thanks for your kind comments. :)

[Asterantha]

This is excellent! I already have a few books in mind I'd like to cut up soon. :) I can't wait to get started. I just have a few questions, first. What brand of acrylic matte did you use as the glue, and what kind of transfer paper did you use (what brand, again)? Thanks so much for this. I look forward to hanging up on of these on my wall.

[trucdart]

Hey there! I have used Liquitex, Utrecht brand and Golden's matte medium acrylic for this. Right now, I'm using Golden. As far as the transfer for the photocopy, that's just regular old printer paper. I have a laser printer. Good luck! I can't wait to see the end result.