I went online to see if any of the books I currently own are 1st editions or rare. I put those aside and have over 100 that are in varying states of aging. Next I went through those and found the ones that were either unique or in poor condition and decided that it was time to find a new use for what has now become my clutter.
I surfed the net and found a lot of really unique ideas for re purposing old books! What a surprise it was to see so many people being really original and reusing everything! Below are my favorite reuse ideas and the ones I'm most likely to try! Enjoy!
First is my favorite by far! A book purse! I have admired these from afar but today I made one! Click HERE to see mine! Here is one of the cutest book purses I found online today. Caitlin Phillips does a wonderful job with the colors she chooses for these unique purses and has wonderful feedback in her etsy store for the quality as well!
By Caitlin Phillips at Rebound Designs
Here is another unique idea for some old books that have lots of damage anyway. I believe the creator had to have added a sealant to the pages to keep them from getting water damage from watering the plants. Unfortunately, SeeSaw is no longer adding new post. They have decided to "go our separate ways and explore new opportunities" so I wish them all the best!
I'm not sure I'd try this one as a DIY but it is a very interesting reuse!
Found on SeeSaw.
After making a purse out of your book you need to find a use for the pages. Here is a fantastic project that you can do with the kids or just during some down time! It makes great decoration for both Halloween and Thanksgiving and best of all, you are reusing something that may have otherwise been thrown out. The creator of this neat little pumpkin has a DIY tutorial for making one of these HERE! Hope you enjoy!
Found at Creations by Kara
How many of us have needed more shelving for our book? I know I could use a few extra for my collection! Here is a very cool way to reuse books that may be unreadable or damaged beyond repair. I was amazed by the artful look of this book book shelf. It can be used as a shelf or as art. Being able to re-purpose one type of item to do two different jobs is not only resourceful but creative. I'd be hard pressed not to try this one!
By Trey Farmer/inhabitat.com
Now this next one makes me wish I was a great painter!! What a artistic way to add new meaning to an old book! I want one of these for my kids room! Artist Mike Stilkey uses acrylics and colored pencil to create these beautiful "book sculptures". He is located Los Angeles, CA. You can visit his website HERE.
With the holidays right around the corner and with the lack of really amazing decorations for sale at big department stores I've decided that looking on etsy may be just what I need to get me into the holiday decorating mood. I was absolutely right in my assumption! I found this one of a kind Christmas wreath by SimpleJoysPaperie on etsy.com . I am loving the vintage feel of this piece!
Another holiday find! Paper crafts are fun and can be calming as well. Here are origami folding Christmas flowers called Japanese Kusudama flower created by Tia Bennett at Two Peas in a Bucket ! She has instructions and a story on how she make these really beautifully crafted paper flowers.
Welp folks... This is it for my first post! I must get up and cook lunch for my 2 year old who is standing beside me and looking all sad and left out. Poor little guy. lol. I will be back soon! Enjoy and have a great day!
