![Screen Shot 2014-12-01 at 10.04.19 AM.png](https://www.finebooksmagazine.com/fine_books_blog/assets_c/2014/12/Screen%20Shot%202014-12-01%20at%2010.04.19%20AM-thumb-200x201-7814.png)
Barnes & Noble has added something new to its line of exclusive collectible and classic reprints: make-your-own-book-art editions. Under the name "ArtFolds," B&N offers a hardcover edition of a classic text that, when one is finished reading it, can be transformed into a book sculpture that displays a word (e.g. Joy, Love, Read) simply by folding its pages. It's not origami--and, according to the marketing copy, if you follow the "exclusive, patent-pending instructions" ... "the process is fun and easy and takes surprisingly little time." Several ArtFolds editions are now available.
Anne of Green Gables, once folded, displays "Joy;"
Sense & Sensibility shows "Love"; and
Jane Eyre commands us to "Read" (seen here). These books are meant to be read and then physically manipulated into a piece of art (or home decor). It's an interesting concept for mass production.
![Screen Shot 2014-12-01 at 10.04.41 AM.png](https://www.finebooksmagazine.com/fine_books_blog/assets_c/2014/12/Screen%20Shot%202014-12-01%20at%2010.04.41%20AM-thumb-200x225-7817.png)
A second ArtFolds series designed by
Luciana Frigerio, a Vermont-based folded paper artist who sells her wares through Etsy, are
pre-folded. At double the price ($33.95) of the "unfolded" classics, they do seem manufactured for the holiday gift market, or if the less crafty among us fail at the "patent-pending instructions" referenced above, a pre-fab is at the ready.
Images via B&N.com.