book review: the repurposed library
There is something sacred about a hardcover book. Therefore, I must confess my initial recoil at the cover images of The Repurposed Library: 33 Craft Projects that Give Old Books New Life. Thankfully, author Lisa Occhipinti details her lifelong devotion to the craft of book making as a precursor to their deconstruction and “transformation.”
“I feel a deep connection to the weight of a book, the tooth of its paper, and the smell of its ink (or mustiness),” she writes. “I wonder where books have been…have they been on vacation, and if so, where did they go?”
Chapter One details, “Understanding the Value of Books” and “Which Books are Best to Repurpose?” Occhipinti targets the “orphaned” books: “with cracked spines or obsolete information” and the “unwanted, dusty volumes…at garage sales.” Ah, now I get it! I’m back on board and ready for further instruction.
She offers many delightful projects. I especially like the decoupage switch plate cover, the Pagework Quilt and the Lettered Wreath made of rosettes from book pages. However, the most clever is the Kindle Keeper. A classic hardcover that opens to reveal an electronic device is my kind of style and subtle commentary.
— Shelley Cline for Mint
Responses to “book review: the repurposed library”
Roxy
August 8, 2011 at 11:47 amI’ve some images of book art like this floating around on pinterest, a part of me loves what they’ve done but another part of me is devastated about the books. I love books, but this is amazing.
Roxy
August 8, 2011 at 11:47 am* seen some images. Meh.
Christie O. {Hindsight Bride}
August 8, 2011 at 5:12 pmI especially love that she is re-purposing/saving obsolete books. Working as an academic, I’ve seen hundreds of books thrown in the bin each semester because the info is no longer relevant. Had I known about this craft, I may have saved a few myself. As a wedding blogger, it looks like there are some steal worthy ideas in that book. I can;t wait to grab a copy. Is your link an affiliate link? If so, I’ll be sure to click through here for my purchase.
Dirty girl gardening
August 9, 2011 at 1:08 amGorgeous book!
ellie
August 9, 2011 at 9:10 amHi Christie O., thanks for thinking of that! But no, it’s not an affiliate link — that program isn’t available for NC residents! ;)
Christie O. {Hindsight Bride}
August 9, 2011 at 9:16 amThanks for the reply Ellie. I’ll just order it any old way ;-)
Lauren
August 9, 2011 at 7:58 pmEllie!! 8) I love this post, pages into sculptures! Physically and conceptually beautiful! I made a book into an angel for Christmas in elementary school once~that wouldn’t compare to these designs! haha
Krysta Marie [Purple Pond]
August 17, 2011 at 4:38 pmi want to read this is a coffee shop. and then make everything!