Little known fact about me:
I DON’T OWN A HOT GLUE GUN.
I know. Crazy. How I’ve made it through my life as a project-doer without one is beyond me.
But for today’s installment of
I needed one. So I took the kids on a little walk a couple of streets over to my fellow crafty friend’s house and borrowed hers {thanks Dee}.
I originally did this project without a hot glue gun, but I will say that it sure makes things easier. I should really go buy my own. The Nester {one of my faves} uses hers all the time {window mistreatments, adhering a beadboard backsplash} and I’m pretty convinced that it is a worthwhile tool. I’m sure you’re all agreeing :
And so, let me introduce today’s project.
I have to say that this one is not an original project. Last year I was searching for something unique to make for my sister for her birthday and came across this tutorial. Since we’ve already established that I love book pages, this one was right up my alley. I loved it so much, I kept it for myself and bought my sister a shirt instead. Sorry, sissy.
I have mine hanging in my kitchen window so that I can enjoy it often:
It is the project I received the most requests for instructions on, so here I am to deliver.
Let me start by saying two things:
1. This is a very photo heavy tutorial. Hope you don’t mind.
2. This takes a LONG time to make {well, not as long as the painted wallpaper, but about 2 hours or so, which is long when you’ve got little boys wandering around the house bored out of their minds and you are doing everything you can to just finish the project already.
You are warned.
Shall we get started?
Here is what you’ll need:
:: styrofoam wreath form {mine is 10″Ā}
:: book {I’ve found that thin pages {as used in my first wreath} work better than thicker pages {as used here} – think text weight paper vs. cardstock}
:: glue gun & glue sticks
STEP ONE: tear out the pages
STEP TWO: bend the page
Bend & roll into a shape similar to shown above.
I like the ripped out edge to show {it gives it that pretty ruffly look}.
STEP THREE: attach the back layer to the wreath form
STEP FOUR: glue down the layers
Or you could go this route and add glue to the middle of the folds before you attach to the wreath.
Keep going all the way around the wreath until you get this:
Flip it over to continue.
STEP FIVE: attach the next layer
bend
crease
figure out how long you want the paper to be {so that it is about equal with the layer behind}
crease
glue & attach.
Add a line of glue and glue down the extra paper.
Here’s what you’ll have:
STEP SIX: fold up and attach bottom layer
STEP SEVEN: attach the next layer
bend
figure out length
glue & attach
and you’ll have this:
STEP EIGHT: attach the next layer
and you’ll have this:
STEP NINE: attach the next layer
This time, the page will be attached to the inside perimeter of the wreath and the extra end of the page will be folded & glued under.
almost there!
STEP TEN: fill in the holes
Where there are spaces, add in another page. Use the same folding/bending technique, cut off the end
give it a little fold, add some glue
and press into hole.
Keep adding more until your wreath is full & fluffy.
STEP ELEVEN: add a ribbon to hang
You’ll need:
:: scissors
:: ribbon
:: pins
bend the ribbon into a loop & cut
attach to the back of the wreath using the straight pins
And it is done!
I . love . it
Here are some other gorgeous options:
{via}
{via}
{via}
I have a feeling there will be a lot of books destroyed to create these beauties :
:::::::::::::.
Come back tomorrow for our final project of the week.
If you don’t want to tear up an old book books of sheet music are inexpensive and can usually be found at yard sales or on freecycle. Thanks to my son I have hundreds of pages of sheet music in the garage.
This was the perfect project for my grandfather’s old latin book from high school. The book itself was not in very good condition, but this was a perfect way to preserve what was left and enjoy it. I love the old pages, some of which have his handwriting on it. It was a fun and easy project and relatively quick! Thanks for the great directions and pictures.
I also love your blog and your great ideas. My daughter Sara has used manynf your ideas in her house i including the stencil for walls which is great going down her staircase.
I am wondering about the welcome fall wreath. Did you cover the base with newspapers and then added the rolls? Are they all wrapped in jute like ties? Great ideas for young Moms who don’t want to spend too much money ! Thank you !
This is so getting made and going to be hung in my kitchen too! I’m sharing this link with my readers here on my paper and crafts blog: http://www.etchedinpaper.com/diy-tutorials-and-ideas.
Thank you for sharing!
I will be making this paper wreath very soon. It look like something I can handle. My sister loves to read so I’ll probably make one for her too. Thank you for the easy to follow tutorial to use. I hope I find more of your great ideas to make. Thanks again!!
I love this idea….looks time great
This looks like a fun project. I have quite a few books that 1) I’ll never read again and 2) the pages have begun to fall out because of poor quality binding. Great Project!
Just finished my paperwreath. I love it! Thanks for the great idea and the easy to follow tutorial!
just love this. Awesome!
Just finished mine last night- this is the most gorgeous thing I have ever made. I’m so proud! You are a genius! I love, love, love, your unique ideas!
What color is on your walls of your kitchen? Your kitchen is beautiful!
This is cool but You’re ripping up books :'(
I hope that wasn’t a good one. If anyone makes this use Twilight or something.
These are so cool! I can’t wait to try them! Thanks a million!
I just made mine! Your tutorial is fantastic! I posted pictures of my wreath on my blog and then directed my readers here for your thorough tutorial :o)
Ok…it looks nice! BUT destroys books… though why tear one up for this? use the ones the kids already read, re read and re re read to shreds! and use them to do the folding, instead of boring themselves to death. Helping mommy is something most kids like to do.
I just finished your book page wreath. It is so cute! Thanks for the great tutorial.
Ok, long time follower, first time commenter. Love this wreath. Have made one for my home and one for my cubical at work. So easy and so eco friendly. I went to Goodwill and bought 2 books for $0.99. Had a coupon at Michael’s arts and crafts and the foam wreath was $2.50. Couple of glue sticks later and voila…a fab wreath! Thank you so much for sharing your love of home and creativity with the world!
You are incredible. I stumbled upon your page through a friend’s Facebook link and in just two minutes you have inspired my future wedding. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us.
Those are some awesome book wreath!!!! Beautiful!!! What an inspiration!!! I made a couple of book wreath as well. Love making them. They are so much fun!!! You can see it at my web site… http://www.fitzhenrydesigns.com/2011/05/book-and-crepe-roses-wreath/
I just have to say whenever I get the crafting urge I come to your site for ideas! I made this wreath this last Christmas and have gotten tons of compliments! It took me about two hours, but was SO much fun and looks beautiful. It currently resides at the top center of two large windows in our living room, thank you for this tutorial!
This was so much fun! I made the wreath for my book loving sis with a snarky note “I hated this book so I gave it to you” … she thought it was hysterical and loved the wreath. Love all your tutorials – I am using the nonna wreaths as decorations at my wedding, and my daughters (the junior bridesmaids will be wearing the satin flower pins in their hair – ADORABLE!!! Thank you!!!!!
I love this project! It’s beautiful! Just to be clear, are there five layers total? (One on back and four on front?
I found your amazing website, then asked a friend for the tutorial she used to make her page wreath, and…BAM! She used the very tutorial I was looking at-YOURS!
I love everything I see, and am your newest fan! THANKS!
(Oh, fellow mother of almost 4 =)
Just finished the wreath and I LOVE IT!! Thank you so much for posting–it looks so pretty! Can’t wait to try your other tutorials!
love it! it’s only 6:15, i’m gonna run to the gym, and try to conquer this one before i zonk out tonite…. my sis and i are gonna make your spring wreath next weekend…. thanks for the tutorials, couldn’t do it without them!!
How could you destroy so MANY BOOKS
Just what I was looking for (but didn’t know it) for a dear friend’s upcoming birthday gift. She’s a bibliophile who will both LOVE the ide and CRINGE at it. Perfect!
I’m getting ready to make mine and am thinking through some logistics. About what size book did you use (like page size) and approximately how many pages did it take?
I love this wreath! I’m getting ready to make mine and was just thinking through some logistics. What size book did you use and approximately how many pages did you use?
I made mine today!! I absolutely love it. Even my husband thinks it is pretty cool. My biggest problem is deciding where to hang it.
I was planning on hanging my wreath on my front door. Do you think the weather would be too unkind? Is there some sort of spray coating I could add to protect it?
I have two sets of encyclopedias from “back in the day” that would be perfect for this craft. I LOVE it!
These are so awesome!
I just bought the wreath and an old book from the “DI” I will be making it tomorrow. Im really excited to see how it turns out! thank you so much for your ideas..you are so amazing!
Just finished mine. Looks perfect hanging above my mantle!
Love this. I will be starting it tomorrow and I will post pics!
Can’t wait to try this.
Yes. Thank you. I will be destroying a book to make this.
I just found this in time for Christmas, but I think it can stay all year round…now fabric is more of my medium so paper was more of a challenge but I loved how it turned out: http://www.heatherhillclothing.blogspot.com//
emily, this is great! i love your blog and loved this tutorial. i made my own version here: http://astrongaesthetic.blogspot.com/2010/12/book-page-wreath.html
thank you so much for this awesome tutorial! i so love your step by step instructions and all your pictures. i had so much fun making one:
http://queen-of-the-house.blogspot.com/2010/12/book-page-wreath.html
I just finished my wreath. I am in love. Thank you so much for your amazing tutorials. Here is my version- http://jandjhome.blogspot.com/2010/11/diy-book-page-wreath.html. Thank you so much!
I love this idea! I am going to try one out with music sheets. I will link back to you if it turns out!
Wahoo I’m done!!! I love it and I’m so greatful for the inspiration! Just can’t get enough of your great stuff :)
http://westermanfam.blogspot.com/2010/11/feeling-little-crafty-snafty.html
Hi Emily,
Just finished my wreath… I made it out of an old recipe book and hung it in my kitchen! Thanks again for the inspiration!!
Kaitlyn @ The Birds Nest
I just finished mine :)
http://tinyurl.com/2a8xwop
I LOVE this…can’t wait to try it!! Also, everyone loves my painted wallpaper – thanks again! You’re so inspiring!
Beautiful. I found your blog today through Hometown Girl’s blog. I am enjoying every post in your blog. Love these wreaths, they are beautiful.
Hi Emily! Thanks so much for this awesome tutorial! I ended up making two of them – one for me and one for my mother-in-law’s birthday. They turned out beautifully! You can see it here: http://roombyroombyroom.blogspot.com/2010/10/book-page-wreath.html
Thanks again!!
Thanks so much for this tutorial! I made mine yesterday and I love it!!! Love your house and everything else you share. You are an inspiration!
I am obsessed book pages. I made flowers with pages from an old french dictionary and old parisian pocket maps. I fashioned them into napkin rings and pinned them on lamp shades.
I made this wreath today! I love it. The only thing I would change is the size of the book I used. It worked but I like a little more foo-foo! Thanks for all the great ideas.
Thanks, I did my own too! It is definitely worth the time spent.
http://ashleyflad.blogspot.com/2010/09/book-page-wreath-of-my-own.html
Oooh, I love that!
I’m really enjoying your blog. xx
Love this wreath!
I just followed your tutorial and made one for myself!
http://lehiwrights.blogspot.com/2010/08/book-wreath.html
Thanks for the fabulous instructions!
great tutorial! I have tons of old books… I am definitely going to be making one of these.
thanks!
gail
emily – do you think really thin pages like from a bible will work for this?
Amazing!!! I love this because there is no sewing involved and also because I am in love with all things “book”, this is perfection. Thanks so much, Emily, for all of your effort.
I *want* kitchen shelves like that. Where did you get the metal brackets?
I am thankful for your detailed tutorials. You don’t leave room for questions; everything is covered. Thanks so much!
Like I said, I used to own a book store so I will never want for pages. LOL Enjoy a wonderful weekend.
Love this! I have one made and hanging in my living room, but that picture of the rolled pages is calling me. I might have to make one of those too. As if I don’t have enough projects all ready!
My husband just found your site and forwarded it to me because we share the SAME name ;) I mean, shocking, right? What an unusual name we married into :) I don’t own a glue gun either and I LOVE crafts so I’m excited to look around and explore your beautiful site!! Way to keep our name classy ;)
Okay-I am loving your blog….but is there anywhere to sign up as a follower? oh-I’m at work-I’ll bet it is blocked here..will check when I get home. I need to go back now and read everything at a more leisurely pace. Great job here! Diana
ooooo…..Love this one too! Oh my goodness, where to start. I am suddenly feeling like I need to stay home from work today and spend the day making things! lol! I was actually late for work today because I stopped by the goodwill to look for old books. Not a whole lot of options there, May have to hit the antique store on my way home!
Thanks again for sharing!
love your project tutorials, great idea Emily!
TOTALLY love it.
I’ve been wanting to make one of these for awhile now, but hadn’t found a good tutorial. Thank you so much – love all the pictures! Now, to find a book I’m willing to sacrifice…
I love this one! I plan on trying this one for sure!
I have been waiting for this one! Thanks!
i’m posting all over your blog since i just found you today! wanted to let you know that i got my glue gun at the dollar tree (looks exactly like the one your borrowed from your friend). can’t beat that…you most def. need one! i do prefer glue sticks from the craft store though.
wow thats awesome great idea!
hooraaay!!!
another fabulous project.
better get these done before school starts….
hey friend! i did this same book page wreath last year and love it! i get so many complements on it! i think i will be doing it for craft night! cant wait to see what ya got for tomorrow!
Wow! beautiful! I would love two of these to hang during the holidays. But, can I just buy them from you? ;-)
What a great tutorial. Love the look and I just love your kitchen! Your home is so beautiful!
I found your site for the first time today and I am addicted and totally in love! In full disclosure, I should have woken my little one up 15 minutes ago, but I can’t stop looking through all your amazing posts! Thanks to you I’m feeling SO inspired today :)
Love this one, and I’m planning on doing it…if I ever get glue sticks that FIT into my glue gun!
It’s easier and cheaper in the long run, to just buy a new glue gun. I have lots of guns I’ll give you if you can find the sticks.