At my childhood home, there was a big bookcase built into the wall in our family room. On the shelves were dozens and dozens of Reader’s Digest Condensed Books. My dad enjoyed reading them in the winter months and my mom devoured them whenever one showed up in our mailbox.
When Mom decided I was old enough to read the stories, she would select those she thought I would enjoy or were appropriate for my age. Then, when I was older, I would browse through the shelves of colorfully-bound books, excited to go on another reading adventure. Some of the stories I read many, many times over the years.
About a dozen or so years ago, I was in a florist shop and happened upon something that made me smile.
There was a book, just like those I’d read at home, decorated with a pretty arrangement in colors I love. I’ve used it in my decor for years and still enjoy it.
Fast forward to last autumn when my dad decided to give me his collection of Reader’s Digest Condensed Books. As I looked through the titles, some made me smile as I recalled summer days spent reading certain stories.
But what to do with the boxes and boxes of books?
A few weeks ago, I was trying to think of something unique and special to make my niece for her birthday. Her favorite color is orange, and I just happened to think of all those books sitting in boxes in the barn. So I dug through them, found one with an orange cover, and set to work making Amanda something fun. Since she is a cowgirl, I added a spur to the piece, but you could certainly make it without a spur, or add in something meaningful to the recipient, like a wooden spoon for a baker, etc.
DIY Book Decor Project Supplies:
Book
Spur
Assorted Silk Floral Stems (use three different varieties for best results)
Ribbon and/or Twine
Hot Glue Gun
Scissors
Step 1: Tie a ribbon or piece of twine around the book. This creates a base.
Step 2: Anchor the spur to the book using pieces of twine.
Step 3: Position the florals and ribbon on the book. Adjust to get each piece where you want it, then glue in place.
Step 4: You can continue adding more floral fillers and ribbons to your heart’s content.
And now your project is ready to enjoy or give as a gift!
