Making Altered Books From Kid’s Board Books

We cleaned out old board books and made art journals at the same time! This activity worked well with my child, but could also be a fun way for an adult to make themselves an art journal or junk journal. Here’s how we made art books with altered board books.
Inspired to Make Upcycled Art
I love spring cleaning. Anytime of the year. I jump for joy when the kids are ready for the next size of clothes: I like getting rid of stuff as much as the next person likes to get it.
This month, I’ve had my sight set on board books. The kids are getting older (7- and 4-years old), the corners of these square little books have been well loved and sucked-a-plenty, and frankly, they are just occupying space.
Busying myself with decluttering and the promise of repurposed space, I barely noticed that I was wearing only one slipper. (Who has time to find the other one?)
With my frenzy of reorganizing reaching full tilt, I spied my daughter, peacefully at the kitchen counter. Water-coloring. Engrossed in thoughtful color choice and carefully attentive to her work. She and I were on different planes.
Back in my frenzy, (how was I going to preserve all of the magnificent artwork that she creates in her life?) I had had an epiphany and it was too good not to share.  I could combine the projects!
Photo Credit: Alissa Zorn
 
Altered Board Books:
This activity worked well with my child, but could also be a fun way for an adult to make an art journal or junk journal. 
You’ll Need:

Board books that are no longer destined for greatness. Yes, some of ours could be donated, but many were realistically at the end of their board-book lives and we used those.
Water color paper
Glue
Paint or other art supplies to decorate the pages

What you do: Take your board book and paste cut squares of watercolor paper on each page. After adhered, invite your child to paint two pages. Once the paint dries, you can have your child dictate or write (depending on age) the scene.
Each day they can paint two more pages (two at a time is best for drying properly) of their book. By the end, they have created an entire story!
With this, I allow myself to release the frenzy and just sit. They read their prized self-created stories to me. I delight in listening and they delight in reading. And their precious masterpieces are successfully saved; multitasking at its finest.
More Art Journal Ideas:

Julie LancasterJulie Lancaster is the president of Lancaster Leadership. She is a leadership development expert who works with professionals to facilitate thriving leadership communities. She also loves gardening, traveling and creating with her husband and two creative kids.