We've seen them everywhere: DIY this or that made from vintage books. While I admit such a substrate can make for an adorable outcome, there's a part of me that cringes every time I see one of these DIY projects pinned to Pinterest. I don't think I'd actually have the guts to cut into such a relic. Tell us, Re-Nesters...
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It really depends on the book. Some are just not save-able, or worth it. Discernment is key.
It used to break my heart when I saw a book used in this manner, but I have since come to the conclusion that some are just junk. I agree with Miche.
It would depend on the rarity of the book, my attachment to it, and the condition of the book. I have one book that is literally falling apart, but which is a collection of my favorite poetry. I don't think I would chop it up, but framing my favorite poems or using it in a way I could still enjoy reading the poetry would be a definite yes.
I made paper flowers from old books that were in the junk $1 pile at my local bookstore for my wedding. They were so beautiful and we still have them in our apartment! Some books just aren't ever going to be read again and it is better to reuse them for something meaningful then to see them disintegrate because nobody wants them.
Totally depends on the book. Obviously a rare out of print book would never be used for something like this. A few volumes of Encyclopedia Britannica from the 1960s? I'll cut it up in a heartbeat. Mass produced fiction in poor condition for reading? Also not a problem cutting up.
As was noted before, some books are just junk - outdated information, poor condition, boring subject matter. I highly doubt the books being used in DIY projects are of any value, literary or otherwise. Let them be put to a new use instead of rotting in a landfill.
I too cringe at these ideas. The word "vintage" implies the book has value as a *book* and should not be cut up. I would use books that are unusable, but magazines, catalogs, and newspapers would also be nice for this.
I think repurposing items is a great idea. If the book is still getting used then it's sad. If it's sitting their on the shelf or hidden away I don't see the use!
love these! Same reasoning as above posters..plenty of 'junk' old books around..you just want the black/white printing and on yellowed or creamy paper which you can perhaps find tossed in a bin in 'antique book shops' ? But I def. cherish my vintage, old time novels I look for at yard sales..etc.and would NEVER use them for this... ;o
Yeah, honestly books don't have to be that old to have a gorgeous look and many more books than we'd like to admit are just not that great. Just because they were printed doesn't mean they were worth the trees in the first place, or that they haven't become outdated and useless. There is a lot of bad fiction out there and a ton of old science texts and mechanical books that are of no use to anyone. Covers are torn and corroded, pages are yellowed and falling apart. But they do have interesting drawings and a fabulous texture. I think it's part of celebrating print to reuse it in a new way.
Yes if the book was damaged, or was not a very valuable book.
I've only ever done that with damaged books but, on occasion, I find a text I really love that I want to use in a craft project so I photocopy a page or two onto a finer-than-copier-quality paper and age the paper using tempera or tea.
Great ideas..old science books etc..aging with tea solution..I happened across these today at a crafts fair..spendy! They were about 12.00 each!..a lot said to try to make them on your own..(the paper print was not old looking either..;) )
As others have said, I would only do this with used and useless old books.
Agreed - books that are completely out of date, in the free pile at the library after the sale, or with many damaged pages otherwise could be made into something beautiful.
falling apart romance novels or something are fair game. even then i still feel some hesitation cutting into them...
I have done this, so I have to answer "depends". I would not do this with a book that may have any monetary or sentimental value.
Depends on the book. An old obscure book, in the huge unkempt room of an antique store, will never be missed. I keep some, use some. Usually the ones I buy are specifically to use as a project. Never a really good book. I'd love to see some projects that use old books!
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