Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Altered Dictionary - V

Alpha Challenge
an
Altered Dictionary
Project
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Take an old dictionary and art it up.  This challenge is hosted by The Craft Barn

I was hesitant about altering a dictionary, but then got to thinking how there are about 5 dictionaries here...most not being used any more. I found this old one that I think looks interesting before even opening it.


What good are they getting dusty on the shelf?  I decided to put on my brave girl panties and give it a new life. 


First I did a little Internet search to find out if it had any real value being dated 1935.

 
None to speak of, so, here goes!
 
 
 
The first letter we are beginning with is V.  I chose the word "validate".  I so wish I were the artistic drawing type...but I'm not at all. 
 
You're now about to see what I am not good at...
 
So, my first effort at this is a big ole fail!  Not at all what I really want for this project.  But I'm showing it anyway.  You should see some of the gorgeous art work being done for this project...Then you'd know why I consider my attempt such a fail.
 
 
I worked at planning this so I wouldn't mess it up, but when it came down to application,  I went and blocked the wrong word!!!  So mad at myself. I really hate these one chance deals!  Well, nothing for it but to work with it.  It doesn't really matter that much, valid...validate.  They work together.

I want more to work "with" the dictionary rather than block out entire pages, so I need to move to plan B.  We'll see how it goes as we get more letter choices to work with.

Later I'll dress up this same page by choosing another V word to play with in hopes of turning the page into some kind of semblance to something arty.   I hope that will help!


I couldn't believe I actually marked up a dictionary, but there it is! 

Be valid!
Annie




26 comments:

Daryl @ Patchouli Moon Studio said...

A for effort Annie. I don't think I could do stamping on a dictionary and make it look like art. At least you have thousands of pages to practice on, lol!

Kathy @ Kwilty Pleasures said...

I use pages or parts of pages of old dictionaries to embellish notecards, make envelopes for cards, tags and journal entries.

beachiesews said...

I think this is very cool! Dictionaries are going the way of the dinosaur...so stamp it up, decorate it...it's all good! And...your two words go together very nicely!

Terri in BC said...

I actually like how both words are emphasized - the meaning of validate is "to make valid", so it actually needs that definition highlighted as well. Perhaps your subconsious recognized that!

carol said...

Never at a loss for a new project........you amaze me!

Cindy Sharp said...

Awesome idea.

Karen said...

I am so pleased that you got your big girls knickers on!!! really like your page because its so straightforward Annie! I really hope that you carry on with the challenge! Thank you for joining us at The Craft Barn x

ionabunny said...

Brave girl panties obviously working. Well done.

sheila 77 said...

When I first read this post I thought you had been very artistic by marking "valid" in blue then squaring off "validate" off-centre in red. ( a mistake is a new design opportunity). I'm always amazed when I come to your blog at the new and different arty things you do and this one is certainly very different too. I agree, I also find these one-chance deals a bit dodgy, no room for experimentation. This is great fun, Annie, and I look forward to seeing what happens next.

Scrapmate said...

Wow that's one old dictionary. I think it's a valid entry.

Judy D in WA said...

That is a cool old dictionary! I think it looks great. Couldn't help but notice the word on the top right. ;0)

Ramona said...

@ Judy D - would that be vanity or vampire!

ellen gets crafty said...

Great idea - even your "mistakes" are creative!!

bohemiannie! art said...

Um, is this where I validate my parking ticket?

Really Annie. You do the coolest projects. I love that you're now playing with books. I'm on my third one and I LOVE altering them. I do a little here and a little there...and sometimes it takes awhile to get it where I want it...so don't despair...you've got a GREAT beginning. I love how you showed and fessed up to what you consider a mistake. It looks better than it might have otherwise!

Lesley said...

You are such a creative soul! Wonderful word to choose...I am learning so much about art though you and your blog. Love to see you challenge yourself...and I think you did great!

Dawn said...

Awe Annie, bless you. Lol what are you like, no such thing as a 'mistake' when it comes to crafting/arting in my opinion! Your page is fab and very expressive sweetie, good on you. Ha ha, I can sympathise with how you felt about the altering bit - I am a serious bookworm who now just sees the process as a different way of 'loving' a book and making it your own. I hope your 'brave girl panties' do you proud and you stay with the challenge.
Huge hugs x

Elaine said...

Well done on your first page - always tricky to decide on style etc but as the weeks progress I'm sure we'll all be adding extra bits etc.

Gio said...

Ehi I love your interpretation, very out of a box. For me : VALID!!

Thank you for joining the challenge at Craftbarn :-)

Rachel said...

Prior to reading your comments I kinda thought that was pretty clever...and I thought it was really well planned. I thought it was super cool that the different forms were all highlighted in some way.So, in the eyes of this reader, GREAT job!

Isabelle Norris said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Great attempt to work with. You will find a way as you play along...
Thanks for playing with us at the Craft Barn
Izzy

Valerie-Jael said...

I like it! Simple and cool! Valerie

Createology said...

If I were to try this I wouldn't be able to use my dictionary I have had for ages. I would need to go buy one at the used book store so I had no attachment to it. Then...maybe...possibly...I might be able to mark it up and make it artsy. I look forward to seeing your progress and Validating your reward. Creative Hearts are Happy Hearts...

Cazzy said...

I know what you mean, I was always taught to value books, and that one looks so old and valuable you checked it out first!
I have just found this challenge and picked up a French dictionary I bought for very little when they put on a course on business French at work. I am no more literate in French than I was, mainly due to never having the opportunity to practice I suspect so have forgotten it all so sitting here wondering if I should - it was less than £3 and I can always get another in the unlikely event I would need it! Good start on yours anyway.

LindaS said...

I really like that you framed the word and the stamp on the top is a great touch.

Deborah said...

It's such an interesting looking book - and I don't think yoyu have failed at all. The way you made a second bolder square over 'validate' to cover your mistake was excellent. Don't be so hard on yourself.