Saturday, July 2, 2011

DIY Projects for the Bookish People

There are so many things that can be created or decorated at home and I haven't seen too many people doing DIY posts about stuff for the bookish, so that's what I'm doing. I do love step-by step instructions however these projects aren't really that complicated and I want to inspire you, not tell you how to make something exactly like mine, so here we go.

BOOKMARKS:
Notice how bookmarks always seem to go where the lost things go. Yes I still believe that the house eats my things. Even after cleaning my room I have not discovered some of the lost things. Anyway... There are two main types of bookmarks.

*Cardboard Bookmark:
Things You May or May not need:
-A Computer and internet (If you want to printout a book mark design or images to put on your bookmark. You can create these on Polyvore.com or make them on a program such as photoshop)
E.g.
Loony lucy and a book mark


-Cardboard or paper(to make the bookmark out of or print the design on.
-Laminator (if you want to reinforce the strength of the bookmark)
-Stamps or stickers (if you are decorating it DIY style
-Pencils/Pens/paints/collage images etc (Same as above)

Ideas:
-Dedicate your design to a favourite book or author(Include some of the design elements that appear on book cover/covers and include a quote from the author?)
-Make a collage of all the things you love (A Favourite band, a picture from the runway and/or some great tumblr pics)
-A celebration of your name(Write your name in big fancy font on one side and write the meaning or symbolism of your name on the other)
-Altered art (You know when things look kind of vintage and coffee stained. like an ATC only longer and thinner)
-Make one for your blog and upload the picture online. (A black and white design is a great idea because it can be transferred onto different coloured paper)

Pros:
-Many people who do some form of craft or learning would have the materials in their house.
-They are easy to make and are cost effective.
Cons:
-Cardboard bends and can get water damaged unless it is laminated
-if damp colours etc can stain the book unless it is laminated.

*Metal Book Mark:
Things You will need:
-A metal book mark which can be bought from most craft shops.
Looks like this:


-String/wire( to join to book mark)
-Beads or pendants(to thread on and decorate)

Cons:
-Plain bookmarks could be difficult to find if you live in a remote area
-Paperbacks can be easily ripped or damaged by bookmark if inserted roughly
-May be more expensive

Pros:
-The bookmarks look really nice
-They do not break easily

BOOKENDS:
You can buy plain bookends that can be painted, however I'm talking about other things readers can use that are less conventional and eye catching.

*sculptures:
That clay art project or holliday scupture may look great on your book shelf and be an effective way to separate and hold up your books.

*Jars of stuff
It could be altered art, Installation art or simply a jar filled with buttons.

*A trinket box
You can buy these from a craft store made out of wood or cardboard. These can be painted and decorated and can be used to keep all of your swag inside.

Cons:
-Anything that is not flat may cause any paperback next to it to curve on the front or back cover.

Inspiration:

READING LOG BOOK:
To keep a log of the books you read. Great for those who want to keep track but despise sites like Goodreads.

What you may or may not need:
-A note book of some sort (lined if you aren't a neat writer)
-Coffee or Tea (to stain the pages if you want a vintage effect)
-Fabric to cover it or other decorations.

Inspiration:

Well that's all the creativity I have for you today, but I'll let you all know when i have some more bookish DIY ideas.
Your Favourite Blogger,
Natalie

1 comment:

Ms. McKellips said...

OoooOooo some wonderful ideas for this years round of birthdays. So many of my friends love to read and these are so inexpensive. Thanks for the inspiration.