When I round up and donate already-read and forgotton books, I serve my planet. Of course I’m bringing great books to the library so that new readers can enjoy and discover them anew.
But more importantly, I am withholding bad books. And cutting them to pieces.
Planet, you’re welcome. No one should ever have to read some of the bad books I’ve read. And there are some bad books out there. So get out your scissors and let’s show bad literature who’s boss. (And make a delightful Valentine’s Day decoration, too!) Using an old book and basic supplies, these Recycled Book Heart Mobiles are eco-fabulous and a little Shabby Chic. I think these would look amazing en masse, like a whole bower of dreamy Chinese-lantern-esence. (And do I need to say it? Shabby Chic brides on a budget: steal this idea!)
Recycled Book Heart Mobile
Materials and Supplies: bad book, heart template [that can fit on a single book page], scissors, ruler, pencil, sewing machine and thread
Directions:
1. Each heart is made from 24 pages. Rip out 8 pages at a time from your book, trying to keep the binding in tact (this easily keeps the pages together for cutting).
2. Trace template onto top page of 8-page section. Cut out. Keep stack as tidy as possible.
3. Using a ruler, trace a light pencil line down the center of one heart stack, from top to bottom.
4. Stack three heart stacks together so you now have 24 hearts in a stack.
5. Adjust your stitching length to a basting length (“4″ setting on most machines).
6. Sew 1 yard of stitching before placing the heart stack under the presser foot. (This will serve as the “hanger” for you heart mobile.
7. Back stitching at the beginning and end of your stitching line, sew on pencil line. Sew 12″ tail of stitching.
8. Using your ruler as you would a bone folder, crease each page back and forth at stitching line.
9. Hang and read a good book.
LOVE…I already pinned it. Did your sewing machine complain about sewing through 24 layers? I’m afraid I would break the needle.
My sewing machine and I have a strained relationship to start. I’m sure it’s not great for my machine (or the needle), but I was able to do 24 pages, and I think I could have done more. For heavy duty sewing, I think a sharp, denim/leather/upholstery needle would be best.
Love this!! And you are right, there are so, so many bad books just waiting to be a mobile . . .
Yes! Let’s start with the Christian Romance genre.
Should never have been written.
Hi Anne! Love this! Very good craft for a word nerd like me.
We’re chugging along with renovations in Tuscola. Getting a little closer each day! Yay!
Yes! And you need to send me pictures of you word nerd floor – a whole floor covered in old book pages – I love it!!
Can’t wait for the debut of your shop! It’s going to rock the East Central Illinoise scene (and I’m pulling together some sweet stuff for you to stock – yeah!)