Sunday, April 29, 2012

A Touch of Vintage #3 {Vintage Book Flowers}

Back for #3 of A Touch of Vintage!!  I've been having a lot of fun searching for vintage stuff and can't wait to show you my project for this week.


I found it in the Easter Issue of Celebrate, my new favorite magazine.

I'm so excited about these I can't contain myself!!  

So here they are,  
Vintage Book Flowers

I just love how unique they are, and oh SO vintage!!


Here's how I made them.

First you need to get some cheap used books and remove their covers. Be sure to leave the spines intact.


Then follow these directions to finish the flowers.

Step 1:  In groups of 20 to 25, tuck the pages towards the spine of the book, working all of the way to the end of the pages creating the flower petals.



Step 2:  Tie some fishing line (or I used crafting wire) around the flower to hold it together.  This part required hubby help for me, it was kind of impossible to do by myself.  He held the flower while I tied!!

Step 3:  Spray paint in your desired color.  I used two or three coats to get my desired color.  Allow to dry.

Step 4:  After flowers are dry, tie ribbon around the flower to conceal the fishing line.  

Note:  For the varying heights, I brought my books to the local print shop and had some of them chopped in half.  They look at you kind of funny when you ask to chop books in half but it's worth it and not too much to pay.  Ha!

Here's some more pictures of them {overload, I know}
























You can use the flowers in a centerpiece or whatever else you'd like to decorate with them.
They're pretty versatile.

A very simple and fun project.

Remember, you are welcome to link up your vintage projects too.

I would LOVE to see them.

Thanks for joining me for another











20 comments:

Melanna said...

I think these are pretty with a touch of whimsy, which is always a combo I like. I think I need to take a trip to the thrift store for some books!
I'd love if you would comes and share them with my readers http://rhapsodyofcacophony.blogspot.ca/2012/04/pin-ed-it-made-it-party-0427.html

Jo said...

Those are lovely! I particularly like the one with the plant illustrations.

Teresa@SagebrushRidge said...

Adorable spring decor. I love anything that lets me recycle print.

mrslauralynn said...

These are lovely, they would make great gifts for book lovers. Do you use them for anything or are they purely decorative?

Donna Wilkes said...

Adore these vintage flowers - they are unique. Just found your vintage party while looking to see when the Turquoise Party happens. I am new and finding it hard to manage all the blogs I love. Keep returning to yours! Could not find a button for the vintage party.

Distressed Donna Down Home

Jennifer said...

Totally makes my heart smile. I think the one with the aqua edges is to DIE for...

DIYbyDesign said...

This is an awesome project. I really want to try this. I don't really understand how you tied the wire. Could you explain where exactly you tie it. Thanks. I'd love for you to link this up to my party going on right now.

Cynthia said...

These are soo cute! I definitely want to try making one!

Unknown said...

absolutely gorgeous!

Christina at I Gotta Create! said...

Love your book flowers! Gorgeous!!!
<3 Christina

Katie @ Made to be a Momma. said...

These are beautiful!!!! I just love the vintage look! I would love to have you share these at my link party!

http://www.pincushioncreations.com/2012/05/homemade-by-you-10.html

Vicky said...

I've done this project with a book, but never tought of adding that touch of color to the edges. That would be perfect for Spring! Thanks for sharing, and thanks for hosting!! Newest follower, and I added a "vintage book" post of my own! It is a very sweet, unique find. Enjoy!

~joy!
Vicky @ sleeping in an unmade bed

Unknown said...

This is such a cute idea! Found you via The Shabby Creek Cottage :)

-Bonnie @ Revolutionaries
www.revolutionariesblog.com

Unknown said...

These are so GORGEOUS, I CAN NOT TELL YOU ENOUGH HOW MUCH I LOVE THEM. Plus you have so many great pictures I couldn't decide which one to steal. You are in COM'S TALENT SHOW TODAY! winks, jen

Alison @ Oopsey Daisy said...

Oh my goodness! I love everything about these! And your photography is beautiful! Thanks for sharing at oopsey daisy!

DIYbyDesign said...

I really love this. I will be featuring this tonight at my Swing into Spring party that opens at 8pm EST. Please stop by and pick up an I've Been Featured button. Thanks.

foreverdecorating said...

These are adorable and would make great table decor for various parties. Thanks for the tutorial.

Elisa at home sweet nest said...

These are adorable! I love the colors and can think of quite a few ways to use them!
Thanks for sharing!
Elisa
home sweet nest

Kristin said...

So cute! As a librarian, I love all book crafts =) Thanks for sharing!

Visiting from tatertots & jello

Unknown said...

I love this! I have a ton of old books in my basement that would be perfect for this. I would love it if you would share it on my linky party Tout It Tuesday! http://www.claimingourspace.com/2012/05/tout-it-tuesday-7.html

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