Fun with book pages

You can use book pages for almost any paper project. I think the half hidden text can create interest and draw the viewer in closer to your art work.

gelatin prints on book pages

I often will white wash a stack of old book pages and then gelatin print on them. It creates a freedom, because the paper is not so precious. I white wash with the same ink or paint that I am printing with.

While brainstorming for the upcoming class, Books as ART Materials, I played with book pages for paper mache bowls. It was more challenging than I thought it would be, but fun to explore.

book pages paper mache bowls

I love making little origami boxes with book and magazine pages. It is always a surprise to see how it all folds together. I have quick tutorial here on making origami boxes.

origami boxes with book pages

You could do any origami project with pages. I have folded a few cranes. Choose a thin yet sturdy page for these folded projects.

paper crane from book page

When I start to take a book apart, I love finding pages with different qualities:

  • faded sepia tones
  • scribbles and notes
  • transparent leaves
  • bold or big type
  • blank pages

faded book pages as collage materials

I collect several papers with different qualities and begin a project, like the collage above.

  • How could you use book pages in your work?
  • Would it create freedom to play with paper?
  • Would it give you a way to begin?

If you would like some help using Books as ART Materials, the join us. READ the details on the workshop page. Class starts soon.