Bird book

I've sort of got a thing for old books. I like to pick them up at garage sales for a quarter and then stack them all around. Recently, I had the idea to make a book more than just a book.

See the green book in the far left? Pretty awesome place for a nest don't you think? Want to find out how to make your own?


I used a book from my collection that wasn't too fat, but wasn't too thin either. It was about an inch and a half thick.


Then, I had my husband bring home a scary looking tool called a hole saw. This one is 2 3/4 inches in diameter. It attaches to the end of his screwdriver.


Then we opened up the book from the back. This step is important since you want the hole in the front. You also want to put down a small board underneath the book so that the hole saw does not saw through your workspace.


Open the book slightly getting the pages to line up, and then clamp the book in place.


Place your hole saw in the part that you want the hole (duh!), and start cutting.


It starts out looking like this.


You will need to pry the pages out as they get cut (we cleaned the saw out about 5 times during the process).

After a few minutes of sawing, and then prying the pages free from the saw, you should hit bottom.


And in the end you are left with these fancy book page circles. I'm sure they will make a super awesome book page craft one day.


I then re clamped the book in two places and put mod podge on the edges of the pages and on the inner circle of the pages. It took about 5 coats of mod podge.


I let it sit overnight with clamps in place drying. In the morning, my book was finished!


I hunted around the house and found this little nest and bird that fit perfectly inside.


Then I put that little beauty on the mantle with his other book friends.




28 comments

Jenn said...

What a sweet idea!

Unknown said...

that is so sweet and clever. winks-jen

Mandy England said...

So very cute! I love book art.

Mandy England said...

And I can't wait to see what you are inspired to do with the left over circles!

Unknown said...

what an adorable project! I love it!

Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made said...

SO adorable and clever! I'm glad you didn't toss those cute page circles -- you ARE a true crafter -- haha!

Michelle L. said...

Okay, this is seriously cool! What a beautiful display, and you have great photo skillz!

Megan said...

I love this idea! I don't know anybody who has a tool like that, though. Hmmm....

Kim @ Too Much Time said...

Okay, so clever and crafty and original! I love it!!! Can you come make one for me too, I don't have that fun tool to make the holes!

Becky@Beyond The Picket Fence said...

These are so darn cute, love them, thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

LOVE, Love, love this! I love your book display! I will feature this today at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com!

Mindie Hilton said...

I would love for you to link this great project and more to my new link party that runs Friday evening through Sunday nights. Last week was the first party and we had over 300 links. I am going to have a special give away too just for linkers this week. Hope to see you soon. You can find the button as a reminder at http://www.bacontimewiththehungryhypo.blogspot.com/

Pamela said...

Oh I love this!!! Books are the best -- either to read or craft with. I can't wait to try one myself.

I'm visiting (and following) from Home is It's Almost Friday.

I hope your day is full of joy.
Pamela

Sherri said...

What a sweet crafty idea! LOVE it! And all the old books. great display.

ArtfullyJune said...

What a cute idea - I love it. I might have to see if I can find a mini nest and convince one of my brother in laws to help me cut a hole in a book.

Megan Gunyan said...

Wow! That's so cool! I love it. Your circles would make a very cute wreath. What a creative idea. Awesome.

Desiree @ The 36th AVENUE said...

So VERY cute! Love it! Thank you so much for sharing it at the link party.

Artsy VaVa said...

This is so cute! I am definitely going to try this. I have lots of old books I bought at the thrift store. I'm a new follower. Hope you get a chance to stop by and see me at http://artsyvava.blogspot.com.

stefanie cunnington said...

pretty! i love books too:-)
Stefanie

Carol, The Answer Is Chocolate said...

So cute and I love ( though am intimidated by) that hole saw!

D+B said...

Your blog is so adorable!!!! I am definitely going to be following you!! If you would like to check out my blog also I would LOVE that!! And follow me too!! I am excited to share new ideas on recipes and about mineral make-up!! And giving away free giveaways on make-up! So look out for it...
-Brooke
For-The-Luv-Of.blogspot.com

Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ said...

So cute and adorable!

Dee
Your new follower

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

Really neat!! Our Salvation Army always has a box of free books sitting outside. This would be a great use for one of those discarded books. Love it!

Thank you so much for joining my Weekend Bloggy Reading party (and for linking back-I appreciate that!). Hope you'll stop by Serenity Now again soon. :)

Pudel-design said...

Come on, how cool is that?!
That is a really great idea, love it;)
Lovely greetings...

http://pudel-design.blogspot.com/

Rachel Sue said...

Love This! I would love to feature this on Reduce, Reuse, Upcycle. Feel free to stop by and grab a featured button. Thanks!

Christina at I Gotta Create! said...

I LOVE this idea! Very creative.
<3 Christina

Unknown said...

This is fantastic! I love it!!!

Unknown said...


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