Wednesday, March 10, 2010

It's Craft Time - Paper Book Wreath


I've been wanting to make Living with Lindsay's fabulous paper book wreath since I first saw it. Mine took on a puff ball shape, instead of a wreath, but I'm really happy with how it turned out. I, again, was crafting at night, so my picture isn't at its best. Lindsay has a great tutorial at the above link with awesome pictures and even a video. I'll give you a quick once over on the procedure, but for all the details definitely check out her link.

Crafting supplies were the usual suspects. A $1 wreath form from the Dollar Store, one $1 paperback book from the Dollar Store and my trusty glue gun and lots of glue sticks. I got a thick book not knowing how many pages I would use (240). I thought I would get fancy and change up one of Lindsay's steps. She has you antique the edge of the book with brown paint (the only antiques in my house are 1960's Danish Modern ones so this step just won't do). I used bright olive green instead (you can see it on the book in the picture a little). However I was disappointed that the green barely shows up in the finished project (you have no hope of seeing it in the poor picture above).

You start by rolling a page of the book. I found rolling in from each corner at an angle, meeting in the middle and squishing in some glue worked best for me. Lindsay has you glue the edges of only the starter strip, but my other strips kept unrolling once glued on. I found it easiest to glue the edges of each piece of paper, let it dry a few seconds, then glue to the wreath form. You fold in a little tab on your rolled up strip of paper and keep adding layers to the wreath form. Round and round and round.

Maybe I'm a slow crafter, but after the 1 hour 30 minute mark, I had to stop and take a break. My attention started to wander. At this stage the wreath isn't very pretty. It looked raggedy and like I would never get it done. After a little dinner and some online TV viewing, I was ready to get it finished. I don't have any other pictures to show you. It's 240 times of rolling the pages and gluing them on. It's a bit tedious (understatement). I think it was mentioned to make this while you watched TV.  I got a couple 2nd degree burns and I was paying complete attention, sitting at a table, focused (mostly). I can't imagine using a glue gun while being distracted by TV!

The wreath (or puff ball) is gorgeous in person. I hope you make one. Mine is now proudly hanging on my front door (where the picture taking quality is even worse than in my house).

Be sure to check back for next Wednesday's It's Craft Time. I'm using magazine strips to make .... ! I can't tell you! It's so fun, so make sure you come back to check it out. I'll probably be making it over the weekend, so there is hope for decent daytime pictures!

I'm posting this to several of the wonderful link parties listed on the lower right hand side of my blog. Be sure you go on over and visit awhile (but only after you are done hanging out here!). They are just full of creativity.


30 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  2. I made this too. I really like how yours turned out. I may be re-shaping mine a bit b/c it seems a little crowded. I am a new crafter and love your blog. Thanks.

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  3. I just LOVE these. You did an excellent job! Lezlee

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  4. I agree...it did take a long time to make...and I burned my fingers a few times, too. Mine has been hanging for a few months and I am anxious for it to "yellow and age". Yours looks lovely!

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  6. I removed my post because I made a typo and I HATE typos! I loved your wreath -- you did a great job! Joni

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  7. What a great idea. It's super cute!

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  8. I love the "puff ball shape"!

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  9. I love it! I need to look at how you did the paper book vase, too. You have a great collection of link parties here..the best I've seen! We have one on Tuesdays at www.luckystarlane.com. You are invited to stop by if you get a chance!
    I also the the colors and design of your blog.

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  10. Wow, now that is cool. Made me think of a photographer that photographs paper (among other things)~ check him out ~ http://www.andrewsovjani.com/galleries/foldinglight/index.html. I think you'll like it.
    Thanks for joining Timeless Tuesday.
    Paula Grace ~

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  11. I like how you made this your own. Two thumbs up!

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  12. I love the way these paper wreaths look! I have yet to try one but you make me totally want to take a stab at it!

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  13. I love how yours turned out! I've seen these all over the place too and I love the shape of yours!

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  14. Ooh, good idea!

    Thank you for linking this up to A Little Craft Therapy, with Life in the Pitts.

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  15. I have made three of these, because my daughters' had to have one when they saw mine!

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/24113698@N08/4112335873/in/set-72157613412027029/

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  16. I have everything sitting here waiting to do this very project. Thanks for sharing and getting me motivated!

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  17. I think it came out great! Lovely job :)

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  18. Delightful! ...and so very clever! I am so glad that I hopped over from "Life as Lori". Please accept my invitation to drop in over at my place one day this week when you get a chance, until later...

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  19. I have seen these everywhere and I love them! Great job! Come stop by my Favorite Things Friday party if you would like to join in!

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  20. So fun--love it! Thanks for linking up.

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  21. I really like the shape of yours! It's different. I still haven't made one of these~I guess I need to find an old book at a garage sale or thrift shop that I won't mind taking apart!

    Thanks for linking up to Make it Yours Day at My Backyard Eden!

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  22. That's amazing!!

    My show n tell is HERE. I do hope you can find time to stop by and visit me. I'd love your company.

    Have a super weekend.

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  23. Very Pretty!

    Thanks for sharing,
    Jody

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  24. Waaaaaaaaaaaaay cool!

    m ^..^

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  25. Way to cute!!! I love how it turned out!

    Thanks for joining Get Your Craft On Thursday at Life As Lori... Please join me next week for another great party!

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  26. Really cute! I love it.
    Win Rachael Ray bake ware at my blog.
    Thanks!
    Sherry

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  27. It looks amazing!! I totally love it! Thanks for linking to Creative Cats this last week!

    Andy
    Poppies at Play

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