[-just for fun alterations-]

You may think you know what altered books are all about, especially if you’ve taken a close look at Karen Hatzigeorgiou’s tutorial. However, here are some other possibilities you may not have thought of.

idea for a birdhouse made of books from landscape designer, Maureen Shaughnessy

:

Sherry Ramsey made this lamp base out of books from a library sale:

If you like these, you’ll love Jim Rosenau’s creations. He makes whimsical and literal BOOK-shelves. These are book shelves (as well as other furniture) made of books: This into That gallery

these photos are © by the artists/photographers - all rights reserved

Originally published in the January 2006 issue of The Practically Creative Quarterly, theme: alterations
edited for re-publication

[-metAphorism, motivation-]

metAphorism is a word I coined to mean a simple, everyday thing, concept or event that points us in the direction of a deeper lesson. metaphor - figure of speech giving an implicit comparison: this is that. aphorism - concise statement of a truth or opinion.

by Nancy Waldman

The metAphorism:
Road Map
The Lesson:
Altering our course becomes manageable when we have a road map to keep us from getting lost.

Road maps don’t tell us where to go and the precise way of getting there, but instead lay out alternatives. They show us the possibilities.

We can go the fastest, straightest way - sometimes our best option - or we can meander down the scenic route, taking our time and savouring every twist and turn. Even if we don’t know what our destination is, a map keeps us from getting lost. It’s very valuable information to know where we are in relation to the rest of the world!

Think of the road map when you begin a creative journey. Before setting out, study information about how others have managed the journey, jot down notes and sketches in your journal as your own road map, so you can remind yourself of where you were when you began and what made you want to take this trip.

And here’s another thing to remember: you may have an outdated road map that is keeping you on the same old, well-worn paths. If you are feeling stuck, becoming aware of the need for a new, improved, updated map will help you go to exciting new destinations.

Finally, don’t be afraid to cross borders or go down a creative road you’ve never been on before!

Originally published in the April 2006 issue of The Practically Creative Quarterly, theme: alterations

Nancy S.M. Waldman © 2006 - 2007 all rights reserved