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I find that when I am feeling a little off and am uncertain about what it is about that this tool, altered text, is by far one of the most powerful tools that I have.  It's simple really...you sit down with an old book (I get them at thrift stores for very little money).  You rip tons of pages out so that you have room for art and embellishments...keep ripping even when you think you haven't ripped enough.  Once this is done, you always have a text available to work in.  I usually open to a random page holding my befuddlement (yes,this is a real word) in my mind.  I look over the page and take note of words and phrases that jump out at me. 
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To begin,  I paint over the page with Acrylic Gel Medium.  This protects the page and allows you to mask off the words that have spoken to you.  Let the medium dry completely!!!!  Hair dryers work wonders!  Then use masking fluid to mask off the words you selected.  Again, let it dry completely.  The masking fluid allows you to paint over the page while protecting the print that you want to come through.  Once dry,  create your background.  Paint is one of my favorites as it allows me to create all kinds of textures and feels to the page.  Let the paint dry and then peel off the masking fluid.  You will be able to see it because they look like paint raised blisters.  Peel them off just like you would skin on a sunburn.  Kind of gross image, sorry!  Now embellish the text and background.  Let your imagination soar. 

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Finally, spend some time with the page reflecting on the gift of the words and the art.  This does take some time and other times it hits you pretty square in the eyes.  The images in this post reflect a wide range of pieces for me, each one reflecting where I needed to go next and how I needed to shift my energy.  Ahhh, the power of altered text!

 


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