What to Do With Your Altered Book Once It’s Finished
You’ve turned an ordinary book into something extraordinary — layering in paint, collage, stitching, doodles, words, and maybe even secrets between the pages. But now that your altered book is complete, you may be wondering: What happens next?
Here are some ideas for what you can do with your altered books once they’re finished:
1. Display It as Art
Your altered book isn’t just a project, it’s a piece of art. Prop it open on a favorite page and display it on a shelf, coffee table, or book stand. Rotating the page you show off can give it fresh life.
2. Use It as a Journal or Sketchbook
Some altered books are made to keep going. Keep writing, doodling, or pasting things in as time passes. Let it evolve into a living document of your creative journey.
3. Share It in a Creative Circle
Bring your altered book to a book club, art group, or classroom. It’s a great conversation starter and can inspire others to think differently about creativity and storytelling.
4. Gift It to Someone Special
If your altered book carries a theme — a memory, a friendship, a favorite place, or even a story — it can make a deeply personal and meaningful gift.
5. Make It Part of a Collection
Maybe this is your first altered book, or maybe it’s one of many. Completed books can become their own collection, showing how your style and ideas grow over time.
6. Photograph and Digitize It
Since altered books are tactile, they can’t always be shared widely. Photographing or scanning your book means you can keep a digital copy, share it online, or even turn it into prints or a zine.
7. Sell It as Original Art
Altered books are unique, handmade artworks — which means they’re sellable, too! You could list your book on platforms like Etsy, eBay, or through your own website. Art fairs, galleries, and local craft shows are also great places to connect with people who appreciate handmade, one-of-a-kind creations. Don’t forget: part of what makes an altered book valuable is the story behind it, so share your process and inspiration when selling.
8. Let It Be Finished
Sometimes the best thing to do with an altered book is… nothing. Let it sit. Let it be complete. Trust that the creative process itself was the gift.
✨ Whether you keep it, share it, sell it, or start another one, finishing an altered book is an accomplishment worth celebrating. It means you gave yourself permission to play, to imagine, and to create something entirely your own.