Monday, January 17, 2011

My new favorite thing: Book flowers

While browsing one of my favorite furniture stores this weekend, I stumbled upon something so lovely and adorable that I instantly tried to purchase one or twelve. Tragically, they were not for sale, and I was told they were merely decorations.

(Why? Why put something on the showroom floor that you have no intention of selling? Mental.)

Behold the lovely, adorable, and not-for-sale book flowers:

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No, I didn't steal them (though I was sorely tempted). I studied one for so long that the sales woman finally took pity on me and told me how to make one of my very own.

And because I love you, I am going to show you, too -- in nine easy steps (or five if you're less indecisive and crazy than me).

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[Had I been in less of a hurry, I would have gone to the thrift store and bought a really old, yellowed book. I think it would look even better antiqued. And how cool to be made from a book that I love, like something Austin perhaps? But alas, impatience is my middle name.]

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[Also, make sure and roll them all in the same direction.]

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Pretty cool, eh? Took me all of 15 minutes to do one book. Do not be surprised if my entire house is filled with them by, oh, tomorrow.

Happy crafting. Send me any links or snapshots of your own book flowers. It'll be like a decorating party!

19 comments:

Annie said...

So lovely, you crafty, go-getter woman!

Reminds me, a couple of months ago I found a book wreath--similar concept but rolled paged glued to a wreath base. I bought it and LOVE it but now I should go figure out how to replicate it, a la Christie.

Annette said...

I love it! I love creations with old books !

Lauren in GA said...

I wish you could see me because I am throwing a parade in your honor at this very moment.

I had to laugh at the, "Mental."

I love all of your decorations. Your home is so lovely.

I have a friend that makes wreaths out of old books. I will try and find you a link.

Juli said...

I love your flowers. How dare they not form a parade? and the best part? If you want to read it you still can. :)

I once saw this book craft project I loved in a magazine. You get an old copy of your favorite book, and old over sized thrift store mirror. Then you decopage the pages onto the frames of the mirror. Spray a few times with a non yellowing matte acrylic, and Volia!


happy crafting!

Emily said...

I LOVE Arhaus--we have one 5 minutes from "Our House" (I'm so funny). Anyway, nice book flowers. And p.s.--I see you are using the #1 Ladies Detective Agency--hehe. Recognized from the inside cover you tore off.

Emily said...

One last thing though--does anyone else have a hard time mutilating the books--I just can't do it. If it's a book I love, then I must always have it available to read. And if it's a junk/crappy book, how could I ever in good conscious use it at all. What if someone happened to ever go over and try to figure out what it was. Argggh, dilemas.

Sandra said...

Great idea!
I'll admit, at first I wasn't convinced, and then I saw the ones you made and placed in your book shelf. Love them!

Tristan said...

Cute! My friend makes wreaths from books. They are really cool! I'll have to find you a link...

You would love it!

Marisha said...

If you love that you may love this so cute book wreath our friend Katie made and gave a tutorial for. The link is http://cowboyphraseology.blogspot.com/search/label/book%20wreath .

If I weren't so lazy I would make one. Hope your doing good!

Travelin'Oma said...

Love, love, love! Put this idea in storage til Mother's Day. (Or Father's Day.) And then make us one.

shrink on the couch said...

I love how you positioned them - both positions. My daughter made christmas trees out of books, very similar concept. She spray painted hers. I loved them.

Something to this effect:
http://kaylaaimee.typepad.com/ce_jour/2009/11/tutorial-paperback-christmas-trees.html

danandcindy said...

The Nazis used to burn books. I guess this works too.

Jenibelle said...

Cooking, baking, photography and now crafts? Is there anything you can't do?

I made a beautiful Christmas wreath from old, old sheet music, it's gorgeous. Maybe I'll post it.

DarbyM said...

SUPER cute! I have some old totally yellow copies of some fun books about a little girl named Lara (Ingals) that i think this would work perfectly with!

Becky said...

Love the book flowers but love the touches of yellow even more! Good job on the decor.

jessica said...

I'm all over this!

Paige said...

This is super cool. Maybe I can find someone to make them for me.

Stuart♥Maren said...

I really do like these... thanks for the step-by-step. Although, I may just need you to do a few for me. :)

Eileen said...

my dear grandmother had something similar from old, heavy books that she used for door stops. i loved and was fascinated by them as a child