the ReFab Diaries

Back in January I compiled a post on book folding and mentioned that my own attempts (pictured below) had been inspired by a long-ago issue of Budget Living Magazine. In June I was asked to please share the instructions from Budget Living. I couldn't find them. Of course. And then, the other day, there they were!  Folded (!) at the bottom of a box of old catalogs and things I've been storing. So I've done my best to share them ... and make them usable:

If you've followed this blog for any period of time, you know it's riddled with ideas for refabbing old books and book pages (folds, clocks, accessories etc). I don't think old books should end up in landfills. I'm also really picky about what they get turned into! These two recently caught my eye and join the ranks of "great idea!": A fresh spin on the book-as-secret-storage idea, at BHG (above). And an old book cover used to hide an ugly wireless router (below) from Anamu - genius.

If you are not yet a regular visitor at It's Always Autumn, change that now! Beautiful blog, great ideas. Like this simple book photo frame (please click through for the complete how-to)

One bubble mailer, scrap fabric and buttons.  From Creme de la Craft.  

Terri Falvey is a crazy-talented copywriter/graphic designer ... who kinda likes books - we once taught reading classes together.  She married someone who apparently shares her interests  :)

Anyways, their wedding was a masterpiece of text/book-inspired craft, art, DIY, repurposing ... you name it. I've been meaning to ask permission to blog about it for ... er ... about a year now. So, on with the post.

(Photos by Edyta Szyszlo - please do not download without permission)

Since Feb 1st, I've been actively avoiding posts, sites, blogs etc featuring valentine "crafts" ... let's just say that I can't see the talent for the pink haze ... aaaahhhh!  So it takes a lot to make me look twice right now.  And this made me look.  Because it's a re-purposed book.  Because it's a really nicely done tutorial that will get you a decent result (cutting out a book with a craft knife is hard work - pay attention to the "short cut"!) ... and because I wish I'd thought of it!  Check out "Life is a Book of Chocolates"

Last year I had a lot more time than money so I made most of my Christmas gifts ... it was exhausting but the response was gratifying.  This year, I have very little time ... and keep seeing amazing DIY gift ideas like the one above! Use the cover of a hardback book to make a cable organizer.



Or to make an iPad cover! If you're willing and able to skip the stores and use your hands this holiday, check out this great DIY gift Design Sponge round up!

Here's a super simple book fold! I love this because it's way to work with magazines and journals, which are rarely good for folding.




Find the full tutorial here.

I find almost any book "art" entrancing but these booklights (Pile of Lights) from In Every Tree would win the prize - if I had a prize to give away.  Sadly, they retail in Stockholm only ... perhaps they ship?


Book sculpture continues to fascinate and is quite do-able.  Check out my handiwork here and a super-simple tutorial here.  In essence,  grab a book you might otherwise donate and start folding.  You'll quickly see patterns emerge.  Or, you could use the following image as inspiration and stack them in some wonderful way.


Finally, you could take a stab (literally) at some serious book sculpting.  You need to work with a really sharp craft knife!  There are amazing "altered books" artists out there.  For example, the appropriately named  "King's Garden" below by Karen ..... of Karen's Whimsy.