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
at

7 comments:

  1. Homespun Heart PrimitiveMarch 28, 2009 at 7:32 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  2. CrisMarch 28, 2009 at 10:13 PM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Doreen FrostMarch 29, 2009 at 8:18 AM

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

    :)Doreen

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousMarch 29, 2009 at 9:45 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  5. Marie ReedMarch 29, 2009 at 11:27 AM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Kingfisher FarmMarch 29, 2009 at 7:28 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  7. Melissa ValerioteMarch 31, 2009 at 1:41 PM

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

    ReplyDelete

Comments