I LOVE old books. I've been collecting them for a while now. Not the valuable ones, no. Just the ones I can pick up at thrift stores for a dollar or less that have interesting titles or graphics on the cover. I guess, if we were being picky (which we never are here at My 3 Monsters, but IF), I'd have to say that I love the covers of old books. I've never actually read most of them. Never planned to. Which is why I was more than thrilled when Cathe Holden from Just Something I Made posted a clever tutorial about turning a vintage book cover into a notebook cover. (It has just taken me a while to get around to doing it.) I'll probably never meet Cathe, but I love her. She has such great vintage style. If you recall, she was my inspiration for the art in my living room. Anyway . . . Here are a few things I've been working on lately:
Riley asked me for this airplane one. He's cute -- he takes it everywhere he goes, but he is having trouble writing in it. He just doesn't want to mess it up because he likes it so much. That makes me feel good. However, this was my kid who, when he had the opportunity to pick any toy he wanted from the toy closet at the hospital, picked a tiny spiral notebook and a cool pen. That's just his thing.
So cute, huh? You just slip a notebook or planner right inside the printed cardstock pocket you glue on the inside of each cover. Here's another one, done with fabric, that is more of a mini-clutch or wallet.
I've always enjoyed my books laying around my home in decorative stacks, but I love them even more now. Plus, by clearing some of them out I am making room for a whole new slew of them to come into my life. Saturday is half price day at Goodwill here . . . Come to mama!
Ho-leee crap. I love these.
ReplyDeleteREALLY CUTE!!!
ReplyDeleteGREAT WAY TO RECYCLING AND UPCYCLING.
THIS IS IN MY TO DO LIST.
I WISH WE HAVE GOODWILL HERE, BUT THE DI REIGNS HERE, AND SOMETIMES STINKS.
Dang, Kelly! Why don't I have your name for Christmas?!
ReplyDeleteoooh, pick up a few extra... maybe I'll teach you how to make a cute purse out of a vintage book... they're about half functional but so stinkin' cute it's worth it!
ReplyDeleteYou need to sell these on your esty site. I would totally buy one!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tammy! I have the little green one at the top and the clutch one with the bow listed in the shop right now. I'm planning on doing more this weekend. You're a good supportive friend!!
ReplyDeleteBut don't buy one Tammy -- let's just get together and make them . . .
ReplyDeleteLove that Jane Eyre clutch. It is the cutest. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWow! Fabulous job!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up to Making It With Allie.
I hope to see you next week!
AllieMakes.Blogspot.com
what a great job, very clever idea, now just to steal myself to actually cut up a book!!
ReplyDeleteLove it! Following you now. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! Thanks for sharing! I always carry a notebook around, but it takes a beating after a little while. The hard book binding would be so helpful and stylish. AND my sister is a Jane Austen FREAK. I'm going to make her one. THANKS! (Also, I'm visiting from Tatertots & Jello. Love your site!)
ReplyDeleteI collect old books too! I'm now a follower!
ReplyDeleteMelissa
http://www.burstsofcreativity.blogspot.com/
Love love love those.
ReplyDelete