Friday, August 5, 2011

Pink is now the Official Color of Saturdays

I’m so happy to be featured today…clever Beverly finding such a special way to help us know each other better. Read carefully, there’s a quiz at the end…noooo, just kidding,  there’s a “door” prize.

Mondays can have Blue, but without a doubt, Saturdays are Pink…it’s official. Beverly named it and claimed it and that’s the end of it! For those of us who love Pink, it couldn’t be more clear.

  For today’s Pink Saturday post, I’m showing another love of mine…Altered Books. The concept is simple: take a discarded book and repurpose it in some way to give it a new lease on life. I’ve made books to celebrate any number of Pink occasions: a friend’s recovery,  my many Blessings, friendships, travel, and any and all things pink…anything worth celebrating is worth celebrating in an altered book. I’ve featured several of them here at Riverside Studios over the years. My favorite way to alter books is to create a Pocket Book. Here is the outside of a little ticket themed book.

Ticket Altered book

When it is open, you can see the pockets…this book has four compartments…

IMG_0871

just perfect for four Happy Tags…

IMG_0865

And here is cover of another book…

ALTERE~1 - Copy

and the inside pockets of another…

altered book with bird tags-3

The tags and Art Trading Cards tucked inside cover the spectrum from words of wisdom and inspiration to clever quotes and jokes. The pockets are perfect for postcards and pictures with spaces to hold ticket stubs and wine bottle labels…they provide an easy-do alternative to the traditional scrapbook.    Here’s my newest, one that I started just to showcase on this Pink Saturday’s post.  I started with a little book that was badly water stained…

pink book

I folded it to create the pockets…

pink book 2

I gathered up  several old sheets of tissue, some estate sale gift wrap,and a few vintage pages of piano scores.

pink book supplies

I kept the materials limited to what was on hand. The resulting book shows hints of the original  cover  and words of “inspiration.

Altered Pink Saturday Book 017

Inside this book some of the words show through the pink tissue…The garlands of flowers are cut from the gift wrap…

Altered Pink Saturday Book 016

When the pockets are filled with tags and the book stands open, it looks like this…

Altered Pink Saturday Book 018

Vintage seam bindings and pretty pink fibers dress up the tags which have a Pink sentiment or two…

Altered Pink Saturday Book 008

I found these fun tickets at Paper Cowgirl vendor Night. And these tags really seem to belong to the spirit of the book.

Altered Pink Saturday Book 011

And there you have it, an altered pocket book. This one is being offered as a Giftaway for one of my visitors today. I’ll have hubby draw a number on Wednesday and I’ll contact the new owner of Inspirations for Living Pink  and  post the winner’s name next Saturday.

Thanks so much for stopping by…thanks again to Beverly for this fun experience and for the happy institution we call Pink Saturday. Now swing back by Beverly’s to see who else is posting this first weekend of the LAST MONTH of SUMMER…and Have a Pink Week from start to finish.

35 comments:

Susan Freeman said...

Hi Laverne! My you are creative! So nice to meet you. I am your newest follower. Stop by for a visit when you have a chance.

Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

Jil~Say It With Roses said...

Oh my Laverne! Your book is a treasure....I just have to try this but I have done hardly a thing in this direction! I love how you did the pages to create pockets....what a wonderful Christmas gift this would be for all my teenage granddaughters!
I am on a quest to find books to repurpose...thank you so much for the inspiration!
Jil

Anonymous said...

Happy Pink Saturday and congratulations on being featured!
Your artwork is amazing, the book is a treasure
Wishes
Lynne

Jeanne said...

Hello Laverne, Your post and story on Beverly's Pink Saturday is so interesting. I love the idea of making a book that is probably past it's prime folded and made into something useful. Very creative.

They all look awesome. Congrats on being featured Laverne. A lovely post
Hugs, Jeanne

Gabriela Delworth - Instructional Designer said...

HPS!

Very creative and busy!


Gabriela

Cindy Adkins said...

I am your newest follower--It's so nice to meet you! I came over from Pink Saturday!! Your work is GORGEOUS!!!
XO
Cindy

mypinkprettiesaboutme said...

I love this. Thx so much for sharing. I have never seen the pockets done inside. Great job.

HPS

LL

Honey at 2805 said...

Such a cute and creative book! Happy Pink Saturday!

Anonymous said...

Hi Laverne! I'm your new follower - Miss Kathy from The Writer's Reverie - and I'm so glad to have met you through Beverly's Pink Saturday! Your altered books are incredible! I am only now stepping into this world of paper art, ATC's, tags, and vintage collage. I've been out of the crafting world for about ten years - working as a writer, speaker, and performer - but now I'm settling into teaching again and need to rediscover my crafty muse!
Getting my things together and hope to get some projects happening by mid-August. It will be my therapy - feeding me creatively. I've learned so much from my new blog artist friends and know that you and Riverside Studios will be a wealth of ideas and inspiration for me! I look forward to visiting and seeing your work often. Do enter me in your giveaway - I'd love one of your books!
Joy!
Miss Kathy

Unknown said...

Oh mu gosh!!!, LaVerne!!! That is the most amazing ever! I love it. I hope Santa Claus sticks something like this under my tree. I love it. Hadn't seen one like this before. Just awesome!!

Can you tell I love it? I hope so.

Happy PS weekend ~
TTFN ~
Marydon

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Happy Pink Saturday Laverne Sweetie...
Oh what a gorgeous share today. I SO enjoyed seeing your step by steps to your Inspiration book. How absolutely delightful. I simply love the tags and the colors are so HAPPY. I love it.

You are such a talented artist sweet friend. Love seeing your new creations. Thank you for sharing with me t6his evening.

Have a wonderful weekend. Many country hugs from Phoenix, Sherry

LV said...

Best wishes on being featured today on Pink Saturday. I had that privilege once, felt so honored. You are a very talented and creative lady. You do such wonderful work.

Robin said...

Congratulations on being the featured blog!
Love your altered books.....so very fun.

Wishing you a pinkishly beautiful weekend

Denise said...

Hi Laverne,

It's nice to meet you and congratulations on being featured this week. I really love your ceramic cup and saucer bird feeders! What a great idea. And these re-purposed books are wonderful...so creative. We are always saving admission tickets from places we visit, and this is a memorable way to store them. Thanks so much for sharing and Happy Pink Saturday!

Denise at Forest Manor

suesueb said...

Your altered books are fabulous~love them all! I've only made one and it's not totally finished yet. So much fun to do and recycle something too! Congratulations on being featured and I hope you have a wonderful pink weekend!!

Anonymous said...

Love your books and covers...SO creative!

HPS!

love, kelee @ www.designgivesback.com

RobinfromCA said...

These books are so wonderful! Such a lot of work to cut all those flowers out of the gift wrap. I've only made two altered books and I gave them both away! Someday I'll do one for myself. You've inspired me to hit the flea market tomorrow!
Thanks!
Robin

Jenny said...

Love your blog, Laverne!It's good to see another Texan on the internet. You are so creative with your book. I will pass this blog and the inspiration inside it on to my girls. xo Jenny

Kay Ellen said...

What fun! I love your creative scrappy book!! too cute:))

Happy PS!!

xo
Kay Ellen

Roan said...

You certainly are talented. I'm amazed. Beautiful way to revive an old book.

Sharon said...

A beautiful book!!! Happy Pink Saturday!!! And congrats for being featured this week!!

Nancy said...

" Ahh - how good it feels...the hand of an old friend"....especially when jumping off a bridge into the blog world!!! As I remember - you're the one who showed me altered books when I just didn't get it! I think this is my favorite of any book you've done. I absolutely love it.
Your PS feature was sooo funny and interesting - we have truly spanned the decades with our creative endeavors. xoxo Nancy

Ann said...

I love these altered books but mine do not turn out as beautiful as yours. The one with the tickets is so clever!!! How wonderful to be featured from our reigning Pink Godess!! I'm your newest follower.
Ann

The Artful Diva said...

You deserve all the special recognition. Your blog and altered book, in particular, are spectacular!

Twyla and Lindsey said...

I love your books! Have a nice Pink Saturday! Twyla

Donna said...

Hi Laverne, I just found you while over at Beverley's. How creative you are! I love the pocket book.

Donna

Abramyan Avenue said...

Oh my goodness!! I am speechless!! You are so talented and those are absolutely beautiful! I have never seen anything like it. Thank you so much for sharing and for offering us one of your lovely creations.... It's amazing what you've done! Someone is going to be a very lucky, very happy winner!! LOVE IT!!!
-April

Linda M. said...

Happy Pink Saturday Laverne, Congratulations on being featured this week, it's so nice to meet you. Thanks so much for the tutorial on your book. It's gorgeous and I would love a chance to win. I'm a new follower too. Linda

Ann said...

Just found your site today ... what a beautiful way to use old books! I've got to give it a try ... looks like so much fun and what neat mementos for special occasions. Thanks & Blessings, Ann

Gypsea Nurse said...

Hi Laverne!
Goodness! You can kick them out! Beautiful work!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Smiles
Cat

CreativSpirit said...

Hi LaVerne,
I'm so happy to be here to visit and enjoy your beautiful creativity. I came from Lynne's Adorn site, so glad that you posted there so I can be here. I would love to be included in the draw for your lovely altered book, it's so lovely.
Thanks for the chance.

Rob K

Micupoftea said...

Hello LaVerne~
Fun giveaway, sweet project! Did you remove some of the original pages? LOVE the bias tape~
Happy Pink Saturday :)
Shawn

Valrie said...

I would so love to win this PINK pocketbook. My life has been in a turmoil and I have really missed my PINK Saturday friends. Stop by and read my poem on Kitty Prayers and return to God's way. Your creations are wonderful!

Valrie
http://poemsmyway-valrie.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I love your altered books...how wonderful!!! I really appreciate your tutorial, too! I am pretty "limited" when it comes to creating in this way...I appreciate all the help I can get! Thank you.

I am so happy to have met you via your buddy Nancy. You always seem to have such a fun attitude and outlook....such a perfect fit with Nancy...no wonder you guys are such good buddies!

Congrats on being the featured blogger on Pink Sat. this week..sorry I'm so late visiting...and I'm really sorry I missed out on the chance to win your amazing prize!!

L, Dana

Marti McClure said...

Wonderful books and such creative art! Thanks so much for the inspiration. Happy Pink Saturday! ~Marti



Limping Deer and the Twins

Limping Deer and the Twins
They are still spotted at this time.

Show and Tell Sunday June 15

Flea Market Finds...sounds like my whole house and yard...

Milk Glass Collection

Milk Glass Collection
Who knew that a 25 cent flea market find would unleash such a collecting frenzy? I never pay more than a dollar unless it's a really nice piece. They are great grouped with a single daisy in each.

These used to be inexpensive florist vases in the 50's and 60's. Everyone's Grandmother had bunches.

Mexicana Dishes

Mexicana Dishes
My sister found these for me at Bussy's Flea Market in San Antonio, Texas. I had seen pictures in her Fiesta reference book. Mexicana was also made by Homer Laughlin in the 30's. I had been looking for several years without ever finding even a single piece when she found the set...with a promise to hold it for us, she came running to find me and I bought the entire set...60+ pieces for $50.

Mexicana

Mexicana
I've added to the set over the years, but the price and experience will never match that first amazing find.

Vintage Kitchen Hutch

Vintage Kitchen Hutch
When my hubby found this hutch it was Pepto pink and I was not 100% sure about it. But with a new red back and fresh white paint and refurbished hardware, it became one of my favorite pieces.

Nancy made me save the vine

Nancy made me save the vine
The vine and flowers painted on the inside were in such bad shape that I was ready to remove it all. Nancy -My Crafty Little Page convinced me to keep it and after some touch-up work, I'm glad I listened to her. My husband restores vintage Cushman motorscooters and he tries to make everything "mint" condition again. The Shabby Chic movement came along just in time to keep me from making some terrible mistakes.