Altered Books • Folding • Part II

Yesterday, I started sharing some of my experiments in folded book creations. After several weeks of creating folded forms using books I decided to start altering the book shape before I started folding. I found that books came in similar sizes and shapes, and even a large book and a small book, once folded created a form that was very similar in size. I wanted more variations for my tablescapes.

Experiment one had me slicing a book into a 1 1/2" strip on the bandsaw and folding its long skinny pages. That created the wheel like form below. It is a great shape in the arrangements but it doesn't hold as even a texture as the other shapes did. The end view shows the gaps.

I took another paperback and sliced it the long way again using the band saw.

I then curled its pages in. This techniques made a long cylinder and, because of the reduced diameter, worked well in 360 degrees.

Next, I sliced a split into a book right at its midpoint but I did not cut all the way to the binding.

On this one I did a diagonal fold and crease from the center cut out. It created a wonderful double cone shape. This book had over 600 pages so it made a much denser form when done.

The finished shape is visually dynamic and very photogenic!

I now have a collection of folded books to place, rearrange, and interact with. Guests can play with them. They are another type of artistic building block.

Consider making a set for yourself and then send pictures!

Previous Posts of Interest:

• Altered Books • Folding • Part 1
• Rolled Pages • Folded Book Art of Keri Muller
• Fascinated by Folded Books
• Book Art Inspirations
• Words • Folded Book Art
• Spiral Origami 

Shared With:

• Uncommon

©2012 Ashbee Design, Marji Roy