If you thinkĀ ripping a book apartĀ is blasphemy, you’re not going to want to read any farther.
But if you’re perfectly happy with repurposing old books, this book page wreath tutorial is for you.
I’ve been eyeing these great book page wreaths for a while now, and finally got around to making my own last weekend.
All you need is a book (or several, if you’re using skinny paperbacks), a stapler, a foam board or wreath, and a glue gun.
I used my old Norton Anthology from high school. It’s been sitting in our Book Box of Guiltāthose perfectly good books that we don’t want and nobody else does eitherāso it was a good candidate for ripping to pieces. (I was afraid it wouldn’t work because the pages are whisper-thin, but it was fine. Just in case you, too have been hanging on to your old schoolbooks out of guilt.)
I used this tutorialĀ as a starting point, but didn’t exactly follow it.
ā¢ I started by rolling a rubbermaid container’s worth of paper cones while watching Parenthood, stapling them to hold. I rolled the cones for the outer layers fairly loosely, and the cones for the inner layers a little tighter.
ā¢ I used a foam board instead of a wreath as my foundation. I used a dinner plate charger as a template, and cut a circle 13″ in diameter. I then cut out the center of the circle. My center was only 4″ wide, but I recommend making yours a little wider, say 6-8″. (There wasn’t enough space to work the glue gun in that tiny center circle, and I still have the glue gun burns to prove it. Ouch!)
ā¢Ā When it came time to actually start gluing, I was really intimidated. Here’s my advice: just get started. It will be fine.
ā¢ Glue your layers in concentric circles, working from the outside in. Start by glueing the first layer around the outer edge of the foam board or wreath, then flip the wreath over and glue a layer or two to its back side.Ā This gives you added dimension and fullness.
ā¢ Tip: your first layers won’t look good. Don’t worry about it.
ā¢ As you move towardĀ the center of the wreath, your paper cones will startĀ to hang into the center of the circle. Fold those tabs back over the back of the foam board and glue in place.
ā¢ For my final layers in the center of the wreath, IĀ shortened my paper cones with scissors before glueing. Do what you need to do to get those last layers in place.
ā¢ When you’re done and the glue is dry, attach a binder clip to the wreath to use as a hanger.
the back side. it doesn’t have to be prettyānobody’s gonna see it.
I made this book page wreath for the holidays, but now that it’s on the wall I think it’s gonna stay put. And I definitely need another one for my office.
I’ve had my eye on a few more bookish art projects. I haven’t tried them yet but hope to soon.
Adorable origami dresses as Christmas ornaments.
I think the girls and I might try these.
Book page garlands.
For the mantel, or the tree. I’ve made these before using a paper punch and my sewing machine. (Or, you could save yourself the trouble and buy them on Etsy.)
Book Christmas tree.
I love this one on display at the Gleeson library, but a smaller scale one would be lovely at home.
I’d love to hear about book art projects you’ve triedāor want toāin comments.
19 comments
Not the Norton Anthology! Just kidding. I think I may have discovered a use for the stack of review copies of books that I’m done reviewing or am never going to review. I can’t give them away (most places that accept books want to sell them). So…book ornaments!
This needs more pictures! I need to try making one
Awe-some. How fun! It looks great, Anne! I’ll have to try it one of these days. A paper chain could be fun, too. Could use it as garland on the tree.
I love all these ideas. Especially the book tree. I might try to get my Husband to let me put one of those up instead of a second real tree.
I did the book christmas tree last year with all of my old books I collect and it was so cool!
I’ve wanted to make a book wreath for a while now. My problem is that I’d want it to be from a book I love and the thought of ripping apart a book I love makes me
Having keyboard problems….the thought of ripping apart a book I love makes me ill.
The Middletown Branch Library has a smaller (read “doable”) book tree if you want to drive out this way to check it out.
This is gorgeous! I have just the spot on my wall for it, too. Adding it to my To Make list now.
Wow! This is a great idea.
I have a friend who did book art crafts like this last year! I bought a wreath from her that’s made out of an old copy of Pride and Prejudice and I love it š My other favorites from her were simple glass ball ornaments that she covered in strips of book pages. Very artsy and perfect decoration for the book lover. That book tree you listed is very festive too… may have to try it! š
Perfect timing. I have my Norton’s Anthology in the donate bin after 40 plus years! It is meant to be a wreath. I think the little paper dresses will be great for next year’s Christmas Book Club.
Before I retired and downsized, I could have done that tree….23 boxes of books were donated!
Am in love with your wreath. Will have to seriously think about it.
A very Merry Christmas to all. And also, a current Happy Hanukkah.
Last year, my friend gave me a Turkey with the feathers made from book pages! I was hoping I could post a photo here, but it wonāt let me. I am sure you could find directions online somewhere! It is really cute!