Friday, May 16, 2014

Reusing an Old Children's Book

I have a lot of fun doing the Pinterest boards for A's creative reuse shop.  However, I am appalled at some of the projects people do with perfectly good antiques, clothes, and books.  I like to repurpose things that are otherwise junk, but I hate to see perfectly good books cut up for art, secret boxes, and planters.  Horrors!

Here, we have a vintage book that a couple at church passed on to us in a box of books.  It was coverless, and the pages were so browned and fragile that they almost crumbled to the touch.  The illustrations were so dear and droll that I couldn't bear to recycle it, however.  I finally knew what to do with it when I needed a new baby card.  I simple cut out the right picture with its fragile side and sewed it onto a blank card.  Charming, easy, and very appropriate reuse!

9 comments:

Rebecca said...

Absolutely Adorable. You know, the desecration of old things in the name of craftiness comes in historical waves. I have some 40s magazines that show you how to lighten up your nasty old solid wood furniture with light paint. Or, you could cleverly turn dough boxes and spinning wheels into lamps and coffee tables.

Zoë said...

This is perfect!

Dawn- Blessed Beyond Measure said...

I love this idea! I have a couple of vintage children's books that are not usable, there are pages missing and torn and browned, but I have been saving them for something like this. Thank you for sharing this idea! :)

MDiskin said...

I have a soft spot for all those sweet little old books but you're right, some of them can't be salvaged as is. I love this idea!

There's a wonderful Etsy seller (cheaperbuythedozen I think?) who sells books by the dozen.... I also love mainely books there, too. But really I get some absolutely lovely ones at Goodwill.

Julian said...

Love it!
Christina

jenny_o said...

What a good idea! And I'm feeling rather old ... this is the kind of illustration that is on the cards my mother received at her baby shower :) (that would be the 1950's)

Anonymous said...

Just perfect...Great idea.

Adele said...

That is darling! How perfectly thrifty and resourceful of you.

BLD in MT said...

Wow. I'd never thought to sew paper! How fun is that going to make my future card-making! Thanks for that little tid-bit! And I am right on the same page with you about ruining perfectly good items in the name of "upcycling." Drives me bonkers.