Altered books are books that have been transformed into works of art by altering their original appearance through various techniques such as painting, collage, cutting, and more. The book’s pages are often used as a canvas for creating a new narrative or visual story.

The trend of altered books began in the 1960s as a form of art therapy for patients in mental health institutions. Later on, it evolved into a popular form of artistic expression for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Common materials used in altered books include paint, markers, glue, scissors, found objects, photographs, and other paper ephemera. Artists often use a combination of these materials to achieve a desired effect or theme.

Some popular techniques used in altered books include collage, decoupage, stamping, stenciling, painting, drawing, and mixed media. These techniques can be combined or used individually to create a unique and personalized piece of art.

Some tips for creating an altered book include starting with a book you don’t mind altering, planning out your design beforehand, using high-quality materials, experimenting with different techniques, and allowing yourself to make mistakes and learn from them.

Creating altered books can have many benefits, including stress relief, improved focus and concentration, increased creativity and self-expression, and a sense of accomplishment and pride in one’s work. It can also be a fun and enjoyable hobby to share with others.