Saturday, March 28, 2009

To Cut...or Not to Cut ~ That is the Question

Well...I have a dilema...to cut...or not to cut into the books I have been collecting for years. All of which are quite old... old meaning that they are well over a hundred years in age. I love antique books, I love looking at them. the feel of them...even the smell of them. Buttttt...I also bought them to use in my art work. I have been looking at my small blank canvases, my altered art supplies, glues, stamps, inks, two sided tape, antique postcards, old photos, British vintage magazines from the 40's & 50's, antique sheet music, McCalls, Home Journal you name it...I have it....all waiting to be butchered by my ever shaky hand which holds my gleaming scissors.....Aggggggg...I can't do it!!! I swear...I need to go to a self help group for paper junkies...Should I do it...or should I not...I have so many projects & techniques I want to try out...so many supplies sitting there with smirks on their wee plastic faces....calling...callling.."USE ME...USE MEEE". WHAT WOULD YOU DO? IF YOU WERE ME? I need help...trully I do!!!
Below are a few photos of my old books
Susan

7 comments:

Homespun Heart Primitive said...

Don't do it! I'd make copies of the pages first to use the copies. I couldn't bring myself to cut any of my precious books. I love your book collection!
Sharon

Cris said...

Ha, I know what you mean! I have actually cut pages from my antique books. My mom couldn't believe it when I did it. Once you cut out one thing, it isn't too bad to continue in that same book. Good luck!
Cris
PS I love your "mousies"! And your rug is wonderful!

Doreen Frost said...

Definitely do it..but I would make copies and use the copies as Sharon said.

:)Doreen

Anonymous said...

awwww, I totally get it! Here is the thing, I had old antique readers and school books and I couldn't do it either.... I actually ended up selling them in hopes that someone could enjoy and appreciate them. See, I bought them to ruin, and then I couldn't do it :-( Ha!
I am with Sharon, scan it, unless you really want that old fragile paper...which I understand, then pick just one or two and have fun!!! Hugs, Mo

Marie Reed said...

That really is a tough! Hmmm... I would make copies first and make a prototype and then use the real paper if I like how it turned out! Great blog!

Kingfisher Farm said...

Hey SuzieQ just copy and age the paper. Keep the books intact. You wont regret that. Pam

Melissa Valeriote said...

Noooooo! It's sacrilegious to cut old books. Make copies.

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