What Is an Altered Book?
(And Why I Fell in Love With Them)
Have you ever held a book that felt too special to throw away—but too forgotten to be read again? That’s where the magic of altered books begins.
An altered book is a form of mixed media art where an existing, printed book is transformed into a one-of-a-kind creation. Artists (like me!) take old or discarded books and breathe new life into them by cutting, painting, collaging, stitching, layering, and adding found objects. The original story becomes a backdrop, a texture, or sometimes a secret hidden between the pages.
Altered books are more than just beautiful — they’re meaningful.
They can be used for:
Personal expression and journaling;
Art therapy and emotional release;
Creative experimentation with materials;
Recycling what would otherwise be forgotten;
Collect same type (or same color) paper, sticker, stuff;
Exploring specific themes or stories in an intimate, tactile way.
It's a deeply satisfying process—part creative challenge, part storytelling, part soulful restoration. It is a space where I can create without rules, without fear, without stress, without criticism.
How to Make an Altered Book (My Honest, Joyful Process)
There’s no one right way to make an altered book — and that’s what I love most about it.
For me, it begins with intention. I don’t just grab any book — I listen for a story that still wants to be told. Then comes the fun:
Disassemble and prep – I gently remove some pages to make space, reinforce weak spots, and prep the surface for collage or paint.
Choose a theme or emotion – This could be inspired by the book’s original story, or something entirely new: a memory, a season, a person.
Layer and create – Scrapbook paper, hand-lettered notes, tiny envelopes, vintage trims, stickers, stamps, paint splashes, paperclips... this is where the soul of the piece takes shape.
Rebind or sew – Many books need new stitching or a sturdier binding after their transformation, which I do by hand.
Add interactive moments – I love including flaps, pockets, journaling spots, or even mini zines inside. It invites curiosity and connection.
Each book becomes a conversation between what it was... and what it’s becoming. They tell stories of a moment in my life, that carries emotions, pleasures, discoveries and beauty.
Choosing a Book to Alter
This is a deeply personal part of the process. I usually go thrift-store hunting and look for books that call to me. Sometimes it’s the illustrations, the nostalgia, the color palette, or just a certain charm I can’t explain. Usually I choose hard cover ones, with very old glue so that they crackle open while I manipulate it.
One of my favorite repurposing are the vintage Little Golden Books. Small in size but big in memories, they’ve become the perfect base for my altered notebooks. I fell in love with their familiar covers and timeless stories — and started imagining new lives for them as journals, memory books, or creative keepsakes.
I always preserve their chronological order and original pages, weaving my handmade art around them rather than erasing them. It’s like honoring the story while adding a new chapter.
From Forgotten to Treasured: My Altered Little Golden Book Journals ✨
These are some of my favorite pieces I’ve ever created. I rescued them from thrift stores—books that were once read and loved, then left behind—and transformed them into completely unique journals for paper lovers, stationery collectors, and sentimental hearts.
Each one is themed, handcrafted, and stitched with care:
🌟 Taylor Swift Edition – dreamy, poetic, made for journaling to your favorite lyrics
🧜♀️ The Little Mermaid – whimsical, under-the-sea joy with bubbles and sparkle
🕌 Aladdin – vibrant, magical, and ready for your wishes and memories
💛 Charlie Brown – sweet, nostalgic, and perfect for heartfelt journaling
They're a mix of old and new, memory and imagination.
No two are the same — and once they're gone, they're gone.
Why I Keep Making Them
Because these books remind me of childhood wonder, of slowing down, of holding something with both hands and knowing: This was made with love.
They aren’t just notebooks. They’re invitations to write again, dream again, and gift something that can’t be bought in a store.
And in a world of rushed everything… that feels like a quiet rebellion.
If you're a lover of paper, memories, slow living, and stories—you’re going to adore these.
Take a peek at the collection in my shop while they last 💌
👉 View Available Altered Books
With lots of love,
Kellen
