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Crafts Using Books

May 24, 2016

I placed encyclopedias in four even stacks then put a glass shelf from an old fridge on top. It made an attractive bedside table.


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May 21, 2004

I am 14 and I badly wanted a way to decorate my door but had no money! I am really into books... then I had an idea. I went to the local thrift shop and got books with cool covers (paperbacks only really work).

 
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Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.

April 2, 2009

I need to know what process to use when making a hard bound book into an "open antique book". I'm pasting a wedding invite to the open book. I want the pages in the book formed. I'll have to dip the pages or something. Does anyone have a recipe for this or directions?

By Lorena1210 from Webster, SD

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April 3, 20090 found this helpful
Best Answer

I have made a hardcover book look very antique and individual with a wedding invitation. open book to middle,either use decoupage or white glue mixed with water. paint this on the edges and as it dries shape the pages in a pleasant way, pages curved. once you have the design put several more coats of finish on.

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use gold paint and paint the edges of the pages. now you can use whatever you want for the finish, I have done the invitation and used some of the bouquet and bows to embelish the other side. I gave it as the wedding gift. I tore the invitation and singed the edges to make it more antique looking.

 

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June 13, 20091 found this helpful
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If I remember right, from back in the 70s when I made several of these, besides what glooyg stated, you have to but something under the pages, towards the center of the book, so that they will be slightly curved towards the center. I think the lady that taught me this used a half a toilet paper roll, cut lengthwise. Then we used something to fill in under the ends of the pages, I think what we used was called wood putty, If I remember right it, it was a light tan powder that we mixed with water. She also went through the pages of the book and glued them together, maybe every 12 pages or so.

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We also used a product called Gesso, but I can't remember what the purpose of that was. The top pages we curled on the corners. Back then a person could buy gold and silver toned paper borders, that looked lacey, to put on the edges of the paper. We also gave the books an antique look by applying a light coat of brownish paint to it and quickly rubbing it off with a rag. gollyg's idea of painting the edges of the pages gold sounds a lot nicer than just leaving them them whatever color. The lady that taught me this, made them to sell. One year I made one for my parents anniversary. I put a nice verse from an anniversary card on one side (they didn't have a wedding so there was no invitation left to use), then I put their wedding picture on the other side.

 
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January 5, 2013

Is there any way I can connect three hard cover books together at different angles? Then I would like to spray paint them a bronze color and put a coating of something on them to preserve them for staying outside on my small table for the summer?

By Catherine P.

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January 6, 20130 found this helpful

I would check out what different types of glues there are and I would glue them together. What a good idea! I am starting to think what I can do to make bookends out of books this way!

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Thanks for getting my mind to rolling on how to use this tip for my house!

Blessings, Robyn

 

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January 7, 20130 found this helpful

How about drilling a hole through each and stacking them with a long screw or metal rod with end caps? Even a wood dowel might work.

 
January 8, 20130 found this helpful

You'll want a really strong, weather and waterproof glue. I assume you mean they will be stacked one on top of the other, or do you mean side by side as you would find them on a shelf? Sand the surfaces to be joined thoroughly and wipe off the dust.

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Try E600 glue or the like in a well ventilated area. Sounds like a great idea. Makes sure your paints and varnishes are also outdoor formulaes.

 
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September 9, 2005

Does anyone know how to make crafts such as a purse or storage container from old hardcover book?. I saw someone make a purse from one on a craft show once and I also saw a hollowed out book made into a storage box.



clemson1

Answers

By Lori (Guest Post)
September 12, 20050 found this helpful

Hi Clemson1- I'm sending you a link to HGTV's website. Caitlin Phillips made hardcover book purses on the Carol Duval show. I'm hoping someone will have info for you on using books for storage boxes, I've never seen that. Good luck!

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www.hgtv.com/.../0,1789,HGTV_3227_3661732,00.html

 
By Gwen. (Guest Post)
September 12, 20050 found this helpful

My sister-in-law made a cute shelf out of 2 old hardcover books. She just cut out part of one book so that it will slide over the other book. (one book is horizontal the other is vertical.

 
September 18, 20050 found this helpful

I recently saw an article in the local newspaper for bookends. You take 2 books, glue them together side by side. You then take an old upside-down "T" shaped bookend and glue the two previously glued books to one side of the "T", you then glue another book on the other side of the "T" and you then have a bookend that blends in with your books on a shelf!- Sorry it's not a container!

 
October 21, 20070 found this helpful

Thanks for this information about the old books made into a purse. It was just what I was looking for!

 

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August 6, 20080 found this helpful

www.thisintothat.com/.../tables+chairs.html#

 
By cathy (Guest Post)
August 12, 20080 found this helpful

how do you make a 3d book

 
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September 18, 2015

This is a page about making a recycled book picture frame. An old or outdated hardcover book can be recycled to make a unique picture frame.

Two old ornate hardcover books.

February 14, 2017

Make planters for succulent houseplants from recycled items. Popular varieties include jade, aloe vera and hen and chicks. These low moisture plants require very little care so they make a great gift. This is a page about succulent planter crafts.

Thick book laid open, center of pages cut out filled with dirt and some succulent plants.

November 7, 2020

Altered a book and make a nice box. You can decorate it with broken jewelry or create a Christmas scene in the book. I made a skeleton in it.

Upcycled Halloween Book - peek inside the finished book

February 15, 2017

Start with a hardcover book, some decoupage or gesso and begin creating a decorative antique looking book. This is a page about making a book look antique.

A bunch of antique looking hardcover books.

February 14, 2017

Discarded books can be used to make this attractive lamp for your den, office, or actually any room in need of a new table lamp. This is a page about library lamp made of books.

A lamp with stacked books as the base.

September 25, 2014

This is a page about making a recycled book angel. By folding the pages in an old hardcover book and adding a body and clothing, you can create a cute angel to decorate your home.

book angel

May 20, 2013

This is a page about crafts using Reader's Digest books. Hardcover books are an excellent choice to use in your next craft project.

Reader's Digest Books

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