The best part is that it is easy, free and only requires a book, scissors and your hands. I bought this old book, which was missing some pages, for about 10 cents a couple years ago to do all my book page ornaments (click here to check it out), then last year I used it again for these tins. This 10 cent book has been used in countless crafts, I would recommend to everyone that they have at least one old book on hand for various crafts.
I ripped out 2 or 3 pages at a time and simply cut them into very narrow strips. The more pages you can cut at once the faster this will go. And the strips don't have to be perfect or too straight. I just eye balled it. I thought about throwing them into the paper shredder but I wanted really really fine little strips for this and mine isn't all that fine but if you had a lot to make that would save time!
Once you have a little pile of strips just ball them up in your hands a few times to crinkle them and soon you have a little pile like this.
I made a bunch to pack up Wren's teacher's gift. It's especially fitting for teachers or those who love to read, and a great way to make sure any delicate treasures make it to school in one piece after being transported by busy little people.
After taping up the box I decided to monogram some craft paper with the teacher's initial. It was a really fast craft (under 5 minutes from start to finish) and an easy way to show a little extra appreciation with a personal touch.
10 comments:
Awww no photo of it all wrapped!
LOL, sorry Deborah! I was under a time crunch to pick Wren up at school and drop the gift off when my camera battery died. It just wasn't meant to be but I will have some other gift wrapping shots soon, promise,
As much is pains me to see or think about cutting up a book (lol), I actually *really* love this idea and can't wait to do it myself. I have very fond memories from childhood where my mom had us make our own wrapping paper with craft paper and potato stamps and we always made our own gift bags out of paper bags. This post has inspired me to stop purchasing gift wrap and start making my own again :)
Lauren Conrad did something similar on her blog last year and got ripped apart for cutting up a book. I think it's a genius use of an already-tattered book. Cute, as always ;)
I stamp my own gift tissue, too, with monograms, "Best wishes!", "Get well!", "Happy Birthday!", etc.
Wrinkled wrapping paper and book pages can also be shredded nicely in the paper shredder.
Cute ideas today! I love the endless possibilities!
I love the idea of using old books as filler! I am going to use that this year, thanks so much for sharing!
well, look at that! I wouldn't have ever considered doing this, only because I wouldn't have thought of it! Love it!
What a brilliant idea!!!!!! Definitely going to do this. :)
Is that a candle you put with the Godiva Chocolate. Is it a Voluspa candle?
Ang, yes it was! Wren picked it and it was delightful!
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