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I Give New Life To Old Books That I Find In Thrift Stores
Back in 2012, while cutting through a familiar alley in Seattle, I noticed a box of hardback novels sat beside a dumpster. I took one look at these old books and thought, “Why are these being thrown away? I can use them creating works of art”.
Three years later, here I am. I have experimented with a countless amount of vintage books found in alleys and thrift stores. I have spent sleepless nights curled over my desk with glue up to my elbows, fingers cut from my clumsiness with an art knife (and clumsiness in general), and all of it fueled by my love for bringing something discarded back to life.
I pour my enthusiasm for nature and fairy-tales into every book artwork I work with, in hopes of creating just a little bit of paper art magic. I am a quiet lady, but my imagination is wild and noisy, and these books full of words allow me to speak the creative ideas that weave through my mind, daily.
More info: isobelleouzman.com | Etsy
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What do you think ?
InfiniteZeek 10 years ago
These are jaw dropping, excellent work. I am inspired, now I need to go find some old books :)
JantinaVanderburg 10 years ago
No words to describe The amazingness of it. Do you use a magnifying glass? Just an art knife?! Oh I wish you could teach me.
VijayMomaiya 9 years ago
If I can find a better word than "artistic" talent,I would find it and use it here My respect and regards ..... ....
LetíciaTeles 10 years ago
Awesome, but please tell me those are worthless books... Cause I love classical old books lol
EmmaArtista 10 years ago
Now that is not only original, clever and beautiful but also environmentally conscience!
DebVosbourgh 10 years ago
Very cool! She should incorporate her talent as part of a book like "The Hobbit" for visual imagery of the story.
VirginiaGillespie 10 years ago
You must offer a wonderful Seminar / class / workshop to teach this!!! I would LOVE to make one!!!
JanMcKerras 10 years ago
What do I think? ... I can't begin to put into words what I think about these incredible works of art. You are extremely talented & patient.
AlysonShorthouse 10 years ago
And I thought I was clever making a Kindle case from an old book! This is amazing!
CamilleAngélique 10 years ago
Gorgeous, but I hope you use s****y books because I look old books to read.
DianeBaldemoro 10 years ago
While inventive and really cool, this is not bringing "new life" to old books.
ChristineStewart 10 years ago
Absolutely beautiful!! Very creative and imaginative ... your work inspires me. They'd look awesome in shadow-boxes :)
GeneDemers 10 years ago
I always like recycling ideas. I think Tha is a clever way of reuse. My idea of recycling is purely environmental. Also, saves money.
EmilyHenryGleason 10 years ago
Amazing what an old book can become when it's in the hands of such a talented artist. Would love to own one!
CherylOlden 10 years ago
incredible. Is an understatement to this womans artistic gifts from God !!! truly a joy and inspiration to feasts ones eyes on !!!
AnnaMcHugh 10 years ago
Takes you right 'inside' the text! It would be interesting if the centre of the cut-out focused on one meaningful word - the text's heart.
BarbaraHarrell 10 years ago
Beautiful....what an eye for perfection. And the time...wonder how long it takes her to do this.
RichardPetch 10 years ago
You must have a lot of time and patience, they look brilliant, thanks for showing them to us.
LisaPeterson 10 years ago
This is amazing - beautiful, inviting, and yet sometimes even a bit haunting.
EstephanCamacho 10 years ago
i would like to find this person and slap them with a book. books are for reading. if you would like to carve something try your banister or the desk/table you use
InfiniteZeek 10 years ago
These are jaw dropping, excellent work. I am inspired, now I need to go find some old books :)
JantinaVanderburg 10 years ago
No words to describe The amazingness of it. Do you use a magnifying glass? Just an art knife?! Oh I wish you could teach me.
VijayMomaiya 9 years ago
If I can find a better word than "artistic" talent,I would find it and use it here My respect and regards ..... ....
LetíciaTeles 10 years ago
Awesome, but please tell me those are worthless books... Cause I love classical old books lol
EmmaArtista 10 years ago
Now that is not only original, clever and beautiful but also environmentally conscience!
DebVosbourgh 10 years ago
Very cool! She should incorporate her talent as part of a book like "The Hobbit" for visual imagery of the story.
VirginiaGillespie 10 years ago
You must offer a wonderful Seminar / class / workshop to teach this!!! I would LOVE to make one!!!
JanMcKerras 10 years ago
What do I think? ... I can't begin to put into words what I think about these incredible works of art. You are extremely talented & patient.
AlysonShorthouse 10 years ago
And I thought I was clever making a Kindle case from an old book! This is amazing!
CamilleAngélique 10 years ago
Gorgeous, but I hope you use s****y books because I look old books to read.
DianeBaldemoro 10 years ago
While inventive and really cool, this is not bringing "new life" to old books.
ChristineStewart 10 years ago
Absolutely beautiful!! Very creative and imaginative ... your work inspires me. They'd look awesome in shadow-boxes :)
GeneDemers 10 years ago
I always like recycling ideas. I think Tha is a clever way of reuse. My idea of recycling is purely environmental. Also, saves money.
EmilyHenryGleason 10 years ago
Amazing what an old book can become when it's in the hands of such a talented artist. Would love to own one!
CherylOlden 10 years ago
incredible. Is an understatement to this womans artistic gifts from God !!! truly a joy and inspiration to feasts ones eyes on !!!
AnnaMcHugh 10 years ago
Takes you right 'inside' the text! It would be interesting if the centre of the cut-out focused on one meaningful word - the text's heart.
BarbaraHarrell 10 years ago
Beautiful....what an eye for perfection. And the time...wonder how long it takes her to do this.
RichardPetch 10 years ago
You must have a lot of time and patience, they look brilliant, thanks for showing them to us.
LisaPeterson 10 years ago
This is amazing - beautiful, inviting, and yet sometimes even a bit haunting.
EstephanCamacho 10 years ago
i would like to find this person and slap them with a book. books are for reading. if you would like to carve something try your banister or the desk/table you use
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