Actually Marney, this was a tremendous help to me - especially because you answered questions I had not been able to format. I am feeling much more comfortable with the whole thing, and think it will be more fun than I thought. Thanks a million for taking the time to share your thoughts - they are right on target for me.  Cheryl

I'm so happy to see that people are posting here about their DAB projects.  I love that a contest was posted because it is motivating me to work with the materials I've had for a while.  I think that the whole concept of Digital Altered Books is brilliant -- which of course is no surprise because it's coming from Artella!  But I think it's really revolutionary in about a million ways!

I think Marney hit the nail on the head with what she said about feeling more "pressure" to use the existing elements on the digital pages, than we might feel if we were working with physical books.  Marney's words helped me loosen up and just PLAY more, instead of trying to make everything perfect.  I did three pages last night and had a blast!

Can't wait to see what everyone's books look like! 

Hi Everyone!

I just thought I would chime in. I actually had no intention of participating in the Altered Book Challenge, however, I did come upon some unexpected Artella Gold recently and didn't know what to do with it. So, I spent it!  On a Digital Book to be altered. I really don't have a clue, but I have been working steadily since yesterday. I never knew ten pages could seem like so many pages. I've basically done something (like a first pass) on every page except the front and back cover. I sure hope to be able to have it ready by Sunday. I don't remember seeing directions for what to do when I'm done with it to submit it for conversion. I'll have to go back and look for that information. If I can't find it, you know I'll be here with a panic message for help!  Happy Altering!

    Hugs,    Julie

Brave Brave Girl!!! I have finally gotten into the spirit of things and am close to being done after not really having a clue for what seemed like a couple weeks. Go for it!! I'm not sure how to submit it either, so I'll hunt around to. I know the entry must be sent by email, but I don't know if there is a limit on the size of each page file or what. Good Luck!! Cheryl  (LOVE your smiley!)

Hi everyone!

Not only is my digital book altered but my life is too!  After spending a week working with hands glued to keyboard, weary eyes and mussy brain, and vocabulary reduced to two-word sentences, I'm peeking over my keyboard to see if I've missed anything in the meantime.  Nope!  All's well.  Who do I have to blame for this rush of artistic activity to meet a looming deadline?  No one but me.  I've had this hot little book since November, if you can believe it, with no idea what I would do with the pages.  So it is with great - make that very great (gratefulness) - that I've completed my first book.  I can't tell you how excited I am about viewing the book in its' entirety but I'm sure you know exactly what I'm talking about. 

Good luck everyone with your book-making, and can hardly wait to see all of them.

- chameleon

Julie Burger:

 I don't remember seeing directions for what to do when I'm done with it to submit it for conversion. I'll have to go back and look for that information. If I can't find it, you know I'll be here with a panic message for help!  Happy Altering!

 

Hey Julie (and Cheryl) - when you downloladed the ZIP file that contained your pages, there is also a PDF file called DigitalAlteredBooks_Instructions.pdf.  It has all the instructions you need.  If you can't find that file, or run into problems, email customer-service@artellaland.com and we'll take care of you!  :-) 

Mine is finished and entered!  I can't wait to se what everyone else is doing.  With all the talent hanging around here - it's gonna be awesome.  <sigh>  I'm ready for a cuppa.....

Wanted to let everyone know we've created a special Gallery of Digital Altered Books, here:

http://artellacafe.com/photos/digital_altered_book_gallery/default.aspx

It not only includes the recent contest entries, but some of the other DABs that have been created.  Let's keep adding to the Gallery!  Can't wait to see your next Digital Altered Book!  

I'm curious to see if anyone is interested in doing another Digital Altered Book contest later this summer? 

We'll be posting some new blank books, soon, so there will be some new selections to pick from --

Would that be fun??  Let me know what you think...

Hi Marney,

I think it's waaaaay past time I dabbled in digital altered books -- I'd love to participate!  Thanks for bringing this to the forefront.

~ chameleon

Oh, Marney, I definitely want to do another one! I already have an idea. After doing two, I'm hooked! 

Isabella

Hi Marney!

I actually bought two more DABs to alter but haven't had the time yet.  I'm already overcommitted with home repair men, medical stuff, and out of state company (my AZ sister comes to visit)) for  the month of July.  I would love to do another DAB, but I don't think I could participte this month.  But if the challenge were in August, I'd be happy to give it another whirl.

Happy 4th of July!    

Hugs,   Julie    

My dear friend and muse, Marney,

It is wonderful to have you back among us in the Forums.  I have to confess, though, that this last post of yours has caused me much consternation due to no fault of your own.  I’m sure you have been too busy suckling your first child to read the last post I made to my blog.  (Oh my.  Is it alright to say, I mean, write “suckling” on the Internet?”)  The hard drive on my 8-month-old iMac died.  Not having the funds to purchase an external hard drive, and due to my stupidity of not at least using CDs for the most important files, most of my digital artwork for the past 8 months is now gone.  Well, not totally gone.  Thanks to your brilliant idea of having galleries in Artellaland, I have the finished product of my labors available to steal back from my gallery.  I have lost all of my Photoshop layered files, however.  That includes all of the pages of the 5 digitally altered books I did.  Is it possible to have the files I emailed to Artellaland containing the pages I altered to have put into book form sent back to me?  If not, please do not fret about it.  We don’t want Kai’s stomach upset by any anxiety-induced acidity!

Finally answering your question, I would love to join in another digitally altered book contest.  Apple will be supplying me with a new hard drive, and once I reload the programs and download a new book to alter, I should be back in business.  Well, as much as possible.  My old business will be gone, but I’ll be ready to start creating some new business.

Cordially,
Billizetti (now more insane than ever due to the iMac castrophe)

MarneyM:

I'm curious to see if anyone is interested in doing another Digital Altered Book contest later this summer? 

We'll be posting some new blank books, soon, so there will be some new selections to pick from --

Would that be fun??  Let me know what you think...

I'm so glad to hear that there is some interest in another DAB contest.  We'll aim for one in August, and I'll post the actual date soon, so you can plan ahead.

Bill, I'm SO sorry to hear about your computer disaster.  Having been there myself, I know how awful that is.  Your attitude - to start creating a bunch of new work - is great, and that truly is the only way to get over something like this.  I will check to see if we have any of your original files and will let you know.

I have missed you all and look forward to be hanging out more in the Cafe, again!

Hi everyone - just wanted to let you know that the deadline for the next Digital Altered Books contest will be September 22!  (The deadline to get your pages to us, so that we can get the conversion done in time will be September 20)

I wanted to give you a heads-up so that you can start preparing!

I also wanted to tell you that we've posted 10 new Digital Vintage Books for you to play with (now giving you a total of 40 to choose from).  The new books are here, or you can go here to browse through all 40 books.  Simply click a book to flip through its pages.

We also have posted several new Digital Ephemera Packs, as well...you can find them here.

And if you haven't checked out the Digital Altered Book Gallery yet, there are some new books to enjoy!

Looking forward to seeing what you come up with for the Digital Altered Books Contest II !