Book Purse

Today we are making a Book Purse.  Yes, that is correct a Book Purse.



Supplies needed-
1 book (I really like the covers of Readers Digest)
1 purse handle set
fabric
ribbon or elastic
1 button
fabric glue
cardboard

Cut the pages and binding with an exacto knife.

Measure the book while open flat.

Add an inch to both length and width to make the lining.

Now cut fabric to width and length.

Fold fabric 1/2" under on all sides and iron.

Sew 1/4" seam for a finished look (you don't have to sew).

Cut 2 strips the size of book spine out of cardboard.

Stand the book on its end with the cover open at a 45 degree angle.  Trace around the book and make a line straight across the open end.  To each side add 1/2" and cut out.  Fold fabric 1/2" in and iron flat.

Fold the fabric in half and put long side of template on the fold of fabric and cut.  Rights sides out glue together (the edges do not need to have a clean look).  You will need 2 pieces for each end of the purse.

Cut ribbon into 4, 4" pieces.  Center purse handle.  Slide ribbon thru handle of purse and hot glue to book.  Repeat with other end of handle and other purse handle.

Cut 2 strips of ribbon or elastic to make loop for button, hot glue 1 loop/strip centered between handle.  Thread 2nd strip thru button and tie a knot under button.  Make sure the button can slip thru the looped strip on other side of purse.  Hot glue to center of handle

Hot glue the tips of triangles to the inside of the spine of book (make sure you have enough fabric to cover edge of book).  Hot glue 1 cardboard strip into the spine- covering the fabric tips for support.

Attach the fabric triangles to the sides of the book using fabric glue (I do not recommend hot glue because it will show.)  Let dry.

Now attach the lining with fabric glue starting at one long edge of book and glue down and work your way to the other side.  Press with your fingers to get out any air bubbles.  Clamp while drying.

Cover 2nd cardboard strip with fabric and hot glue into the inner spine.  This will flatten the lining and offer more stability. 

I am sorry that I don't have pictures for all of the directions.  I was so into making the book I forgot to get the camera into gear.

I hope you noticed the "Way to Geaux Meaux"- this is a special purse for my Grand-Daughter's Graduation.

WAY TO GEAUX MEAUX

We are so proud of you!

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Book Lamp

What an honor to be Guest Posting at
Be Different Act Normal.

We are Chameleon Girls the Mom & Daughter craft fighting team.
Together we tackle sewing, cooking and crafts.

Today we are making a
House Warming Gift for a Librarian???

A Lamp made of Books

What do you'll need to make lamp?

Hard Cover Books

Ruler

Pencil

Drill & Bit large enough for lamp rod to fit

Lamp Kit

4 Wooden Feet

Wooden Base

 Epoxy Glue!!!

Mod Podge- Matte

Lampshade

Light Bulb

Paint- Brown and Black

1.  Glue the wooden feet to the base.  We used a wooden plack from Michaels.  We did not need to sand (insert smile).

2.  Paint the base and feet brown.  Mix black paint with water to make runny.  You do not need to make much.  Paint base & feet black wipe with damp cloth.  This will give you an old weathered look.

Yep that's the color we want.

3.  Stack books to see how many you will need.

4.  Measure center of base and books with ruler and pencil.

5. Drill base and each book.  You will want to grab an old telephone book for this, so you don't drill a hole into your table.

6.  Slid your thread rod through the hole.  Screw on the nuts and tighten against the washer.  For stability, it is best to start with the largest book.  Play around with the books to see that you like the combination.  Take a picture so you will remember what your stack of books look like.

7.  Glue the largest book to the base and then each book- big to little

BTW- do not use plain glue, use Epoxy Glue!!! 

We used Gorilla glue- bad, bad, bad!

It dries yellow and fluffy, not clear. 

7.  Smash, Smash, Smash the books!!!! 

It will seem like the books are bubbled, but keep at it.

8.  Slide a washer and nuts on top of last book and screw down tightly. 

With all your weight you will need to squish the books as you tighten the screw. 

I do mean ALL OF YOUR WEIGHT!  I was on the books with my knees. 

Did I mention SMASH the books down?

9.  Now that the books are nice and tight- Mod Podge the book pages.

10. Follow the directions on the lamp kit.

Did I mention the room-mate works at a Coffee House?

We are going to re-do the lamp shade with....

You guessed right!

COFFEE

Stay tuned-

The Coffee Lamp Shade is for another day

If you want a love message to be heard, it has got to be sent out. To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it.
Mother Teresa

Come visit us at
Chameleon Girls
to see other craft battles we have won.

Refurbished Tile Coasters


Swirly Finger Nails


Pretzel Butterflies

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