Today is the first day of school around here. So while my kids are back hitting the books, I thought I would share how I use books around our home to decorate. Book pages to be exact.
I use them to decorate vignettes, or add seasonal elements or embellish decorating details. I also showed you last year how to decorate books so they integrate into your home decor.
7 ways to decorate books
§wreaths
I actually did not create this wreath but rather I purchased it from a friend when we worked an event together. Unfortunately i don’t have the step by step instructions since I didn’t make it but they are all over youtube, pinterest, etc. You can adapt this type of craft to any season and|or holiday using the proper embellishments or actually just leave it plain & neutral to use any time of year.
§banners
I used book pages to print this “nevermore” banner for halloween. I teach all my steps in the post but once again this can be adapted for any season or holiday. I actually would recommend a general banner like “happy birthday”, “congratulations” or “welcome” which you can use again and again.
§candles
halloween tablescape
Book print is a fun way to dress up candles. Simply wrap pages around a candle and secure with twine, ribbon, etc. I was forced to decorate my tapers this way for a halloween tablescape last year & I loved how they turned out. It’s also a great & inexpensive way to decorate religious candles. I always pick up plain ones at the dollar store and have them at the ready.
§pumpkins
fall decor
I’ve created a couple of different pumpkins from book pages. They use very different crafting techniques but they compliment each other beautifully. For the pumpkin on the left you use an entire paperback novel. First remove both covers and then cut all the pages in the shape of a pumpkin. You will have to do this in batches. I did not use a form for this but rather free handed the shape. The key is using the proper adhesive to attach the beginning & end of the book. I’ve had to re-glue so I would recommend spray adhesive from trial & error. For the smaller pumpkin I decoupaged a dollar tree styrofoam pumpkin and you can read all the instructions in the post.
§christmas trees
book print christmas
Similar to the pumpkins above I created a few Christmas trees. There’s three different styles I’ve created through the years. In the forefront there’s a christmas tree made from a paperback novel like the pumpkin one. there’s also a decoupaged tree where i used a cone shape from the craft store and inked & glittered the book page pieces. The third one simply stacks gradually sized page pieces. All the details are also on the post along with some other book print ideas.
§rolls
This is the easiest technique. Simply roll book pages and wrap them with twine. Then you can use them as bowl fillers or display them under glass in a cloche or you can use them to fill a dough bowl or you can use them in a vase instead of flowers. You get the idea. The possibilities are endless and super easy.
§monogram decor
Similar to the technique I used for the banner above I created a monogram book page I use in vignettes all the time. It’s the perfect compliment to my monogram wall. Besides a letter you could also use numbers for holiday decor {31st for halloween or 25th for Christmas or 4th for independence day}. I attach a piece of chipboard to the back of the book page to make it sturdy so it can stand up straight and then I attach another page on the back so it finishes it off, making it pretty from the back as well.
I always pick up books while thrifting so I have them available for all sorts of crafts ad projects like these. The Dollar Tree is also a great source to pick up a book or two that you won’t feel guilty to rip apart.
Book page crafts always catch my eye. I’m hosting our book club this next month and think we might need to make one of these. 🙂
hi stacey- I know, always catch my eye! It would be so much fun for book club. xo- mj
Believe it or not I have always wanted to make vintage book pumpkins and Christmas trees! You have given me confidence! Thanks for sharing such great ideas at Vintage Charm!
xo Kathleen|Our Hopeful Home
I love book page crafts Mary Jo! I have a Nevermore banner, a rolled wreath, and a few of those trees. We love a lot of the same things. 🙂 Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Hi kathleen. Do it! I always think these projects are going to be more difficult than they are. They are not at all. And I love using them year after year. Please share when u make them. xo- mj
Lol Jann! Why am I not surprised? Thanks for stopping by sweet friend. xo- mj
All Great – but LOVE the typewriter!!!
Thanks for sharing at the party – hope to see you at this week’s party: http://www.jodiefitz.com/2017/08/22/reader-tip-tuesday-party-crafts-recipes/
Its still & growing all week :)…