The ultimate in recycling is being able to make use of almost anything. Old hard back books are one of those items that take up space when no longer current, but you feel a certain amount of guilt if you throw books out. Alter a book to become a cute rustic sign or a special piece to compliment your decor. It's a very free and easy craft. There is no wrong way to do it.
Instructions
1. Cut a straight section of a wire clothes hanger. Make sure it is four inches longer than the spine of the book.
2. Open the book to the middle. Insert the wire between the pages of the book, and rest it against the spine. Close the book.
3. Using the needle nose pliers, curl two inches on each end of the wire. This will create rings.
4. Sand the cover of the book lightly. This is to make sure that it will accept paint easily. If the book is cloth covered, you can omit this step.
5. Prime the book and the wire rings with the latex household paint. Allow to dry.
6. Paint the book and the wire rings with the brown acrylic paint. Allow to dry.
7. Repeat step 6 for a second coat.
8. Sponge paint the book and the wire rings using the tan acrylic paint. Allow to dry.
9. Mix the white glue with water, giving it a thin consistency.
10. Paint the front of the book with the thinned glue, and cover the book front with patterned pieces of cloth. Brush over the pattern pieces with the glue to adhere them and seal. Don't worry if the pieces wrinkle. That's part of the charm. Allow to dry.
11. Continue to glue ephemera or paint a design on the cover. Keep in mind, the spine of the book is the top of your plaque. Allow everything to dry.
12. Rip a piece of fabric 3" wide by 18" long. Thread an end through each wire ring and knot, leaving a three inch tail. Hang your plaque from the fabric handle.
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