Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Simple Fall Crafts - Book Pumpkins




I am all about the simple fall crafts this year as my schedule seems to be stretched to the max.  Even better is when I can find simple fall crafts that cost me little to nothing like this book pumpkin.  I was able to make it from things I already had at home which gains points for frugality and recycling. 


 
Supplies Needed:

-book that is ready to be recycled
-piece of paper
-pencil
-scissors
-glue stick
-hot glue
-a stick for the stem
-tulle/ribbon/fabric
-Krylon spray glitter (optional)


Step 1:  Take the cover off of your book.  (I don't think my husband was ever so happy to see this book cut up)

Step 2:  Fold your piece of paper in half hamburger style.  Draw the shape for half of your pumpkin.

Step 3:  Cut out your pumpkin shape and unfold your paper to make sure it is the shape you want.  You will want a fairly flat bottom so that your pumpkin will stand on its own.


Step 4:  Fold your paper back in half (so you only have the shape for half of your pumpkin) and trace it onto your book.  I found that I could cut about twenty pages at a time.  Repeat this step until you have cut out all of your pages.  This take a little bit of time when you have over 500 pages in your book and can only cut 20 at a time.

Step 5:  This is more of a hint than anything.  Ever few cuts or so you will want to remove the extra binding from both the top and the bottom.

Step 6:  Another hint.  I would alternate between cutting right on the line and cutting a little bit inside.  Otherwise your pumpkin will start to grow in size and become lopsided.  Then when you are done cutting, open up your pumpkin and trim down any areas that look a little off. 


Step 7:  When your pumpkin has the shape you desire use the glue stick on the very front page and the back of the very last page to hold your pumpkin together and bring your pages around in the "circle" like shown in the very first photo.  It should look like a pumpkin.  Then fluff some of the other pages to help distribute them more evenly around.  I found that if you just slightly bend some of the pages in the direction you want them to go it will hold its shape better (Again I would grab 20 pages or so to bend slightly).  The more it stands up right the better distribution you will get.

Step 8:  (Optional)  If you are going to add glitter now is the time.  Take it outside and spray all of the edges.  I used Krylon Diamond Spray Glitter.  Next time I think I would go with either the silver glitter or gold glitter to make the contrast a little greater.

Step 9:  Using hot glue, attach your stick on top for your stem and wrap your tulle/ribbon/fabric to make the bow. 



I think this book pumpkin will help to tie in my other shabby pumpkin in with the rest of my collection.  The possibilities with this pumpkin are endless.  You could make smaller and larger pumpkins.  You could use distressing ink on the edges or use spray paint to add a little color.  You could use spray adhesive on the edges to add different glitter colors.  See where I'm going?   

Considering the other pumpkins mine is going to sit next to though I again wanted a very simplistic look.  I'm so excited that this project turned out. 

What simple fall crafts are you working on?

83 comments:

  1. What a wonderful idea! This would be a great use of a book that wasn't worth keeping in my collection! Thanks for the tip!

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    1. PS Just in case you didn't know this, you have word verification turned on. From what I've been reading on other people's blogs, you really don't need it. It took me 3 tries to get my comment posted & I'm not sure how many other bloggers will retry 3 times.

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    2. I thought I had turned it off. Thanks, I will try and fix that again.

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  3. The pumpkin is super cute! I love crafts that use things that you already have around the house. I ended up making our Back to School Wreath that way!

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  4. oh wow!! I love this!! can we have craft night at your house next month??

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  5. Very cute! Loving all of your pumpkins!

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  6. Wow ... brilliant AND fun! Thanks for the peek ~

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  7. I have to make one (or six) of these! so presh! stopping by from whatever goes wednesday!
    xo, Ruthanne
    ruthannewithane.blogspot.com

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  8. Great pumpkin. I'm stopping by from Polkadots on Parade and I'm happy to be a new follower. I host a link party each week called Our Favorite Things. I would love to have you link this project. http://mylifesatreasure.blogspot.com/2012/09/our-favorite-things-link-party-13.html
    Have a great week.

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    1. I featured your pumpkin at this weeks link party.
      http://mylifesatreasure.blogspot.com/2012/09/our-favorite-things-link-party-15.html
      Feel free to grab my button for your blog and be sure to link up this week.
      Have a great weekend,
      Karri

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  9. Nice post and gret tutorial. Check out my doily pumpkin, it is an easy 1/2 project you might like! PS I'm blog hopping from Lil' Luna. you will see me in your followers.

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  10. ooo! I've seen these before and I love them. Now I just need an old book :o)

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  11. This is so clever. Now I'm wishing I had saved some of the hundreds of old law books my dad got rid of when he retired. Those would have been perfect for this.

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  12. Very cute! Thanks for all of the helpful tips/hints that you gave us along the way. I saw your post over at the blog party at "Somewhat Simple".

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  13. How very creative. Pinning it! Thanks for linking up. Have a nice weekend!

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  14. Just love this very clever craft. Just when I thought I'd seen everything up pops something new and interesting.

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  15. I love this idea! So clever! Thanks for sharing. I am your newest follower. I hope you'll stop by Posed Perfection for a visit soon and maybe even a follow back. Have a great weekend!
    Blessings,
    Nici

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  16. Thank you for this great idea to do with the kids this Fall. We will let you know how they turn out.

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  17. Looks great and I love that little touch of tulle!!

    <3 Christina at I Gotta Create!
    Wildly Original linky party is open

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  18. Hopping over here from www.thedatingdivas.com, saw your post linked up to
    http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com and fell in love! This looks so easy and so chic! Definitely going to try. :)!
    ~Angie @ The Dating Divas

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  19. Love your cute pumpkin ideas!Pined'em all!

    ~Thyme
    Your newest follower, feel free to follow back!
    14sixty.blogspot.com

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  20. Sarah, Thanks so much for sharing this great fall project using a book to make a pumpkin on Simple & Sweet Fridays. Clever idea!

    Jody

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  21. What a great idea! What a great way to extend the life of a book that was already on its last legs!

    I'm hosting a fall themed blog hop and would love to have you link up!

    http://redcrowgreencrow.wordpress.com/2012/09/09/fall-into-the-holidays-1/

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  22. I love this! Definitely on my fall To Do list! Thanks so much for linking up to The Creative Spark. I will be featuring it tomorrow. I hope you are enjoying your weekend!
    Jenn :)

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  23. Thank you thank you so much for sharing this awesome project and for following. Wouldn't this be a great idea for children's thanksgiving book idea too?

    xo

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  24. I really love this idea. Super cute.
    Thanks for sharing

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  25. This is awesome! I might be making one today!
    Super Sweet Sunday linky party @swtboutique.blogspot.com
    Stephanie

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  26. Love this! Saw you on Clean and Scentsible! So cute and that little bit of tulle was the perfect touch!

    Take care,

    Trish

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  27. That is SO clever!!!

    Bobi
    http://westernwarmth.blogspot.com

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  28. Well I found you through Jenn at Clean and Scentsible and so glad I did! LOVE your crafty ways! :) New follower!!!!

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  29. This is so super cute! What a great tutorial. This would be great with old picture books too!

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  30. Great re-use of an unwanted book and excellent choice on which book to cut up! Thanks for the extra tips of how you might do it differently next time.

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  31. whoa whoa-did you just sacrifice a good book for this pumpkin? at least it sorta makes sense to be a pumpkin-why would your hubby want you to get rid of this book? when it was still just books, not the movies, i really liked twilight when i finally gave in and read them b/c everybody else was.

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  32. Wow! I've always wondered how people cut shapes into book pages- thanks for sharing!

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  33. Very cute! I love fall decor and just can't get enough pumpkins!

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  34. Adorable! I love how this turned out! I'm a sucker for anything pumpkin. Visiting from Tip Junkie! Have a great day!

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  35. Great tutorial - I've always wondered how to make these. I am a follower of your blog on Facebook and would love if you could hop over to my blog (http://sarahsaturdiy.blogspot.com/) and share the blog love. Have a happy Monday!

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  36. I love this idea! So so cute. Come link up to Centerpiece Wednesday on my blog (tomorrow it will be up early) and share this idea with us.

    Karin

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  37. This book pumpkin is adorable! I'm going to have to make one myself. I found you through Krafty Kat's link party and am a new follower through GFC. I'd love it if you would visit my blog and maybe follow back. Have a great week!

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  38. Love this idea! Think I'll try it myself! Found you on Elizabeth & Co.

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  39. Loved how this turned out. Would love for you to share this at my link party. Hope to see you there!
    http://www.thesasselife.com/2012/09/crafty-sasse-wednesday-link-party-45.html
    Kim

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  40. This is such a cute and creative idea! I love all things pumpkin. I'd love for you to share this at my link party. http://adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com/2012/09/terrific-tuesdays-32.html
    Rachel

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  41. I LOVE this! It's such a cute idea and they look so adorable! I may have to add this to my never ending list of projects ;) Thank you SO much for sharing at my Throwback Thursday party, I would love to see you again this week!

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  42. You just showed me a project to do in front on the TV!

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  43. What a great idea for Fall! I am hosting an "It's Fall Y'all ~ Linky Party" .... I would like to invite you to share this project, and other Fall related projects/recipes, you may have. All links will be pinned to a board dedicated to the party. You can find the party at Love Bakes Good Cakes. Hope to see you there!

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  44. Congrats Sarah! You've been featured on Simple & Sweet Fridays for this great idea. Don't forget to grab a button if you'd like. Have a great week!

    Jody

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  45. What a great idea! Just stopping by from Alderberry Hill's party! I'm your latest follower, so much inspiration here!... Would love for you to visit my little blog :)

    Ilda
    http://www.ilovedoingallthingscrafty.com/

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  46. This is just wonderful! I love the simplicity of it--have never seen these before. I'm looking forward to making one. Found you at The Crafty Blogstalker, and I'm a new follower.

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  47. Thanks for linking up at One Creative Weekend. I'll be featuring this idea tomorrow also! Please come grab a featured button and link up anything new you'd like to share at OneCreativeMommy.com.

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  48. This is soooo cute!! I love how simple but fun it is! Thanks for linking up - I featured you today! http://www.flamingotoes.com/2012/09/crush-of-the-week-thnk-pink-features/

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  49. Oooh La La! Another great idea for getting rid of those unwanted books!
    Visiting thru Taylor House

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  50. This turned out cute! If only I had the heart to use a book for art... someday I will get over it. I love the book art stuff.

    Visiting from Miss Information :D

    ~Melissa
    www.mywatermelonmoon.com
    Stop by and see me sometime! :D

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  51. I love this book page pumpkin! So adorable! Thanks for sharing with us at Gettin' Krafty!

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  52. Thanks for joining the party! What a neat pumpkin :)

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  53. Sarah, this is so clever and really beautiful! So glad you posted and can't wait to try it!
    Debbie

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  54. Hi Sarah,
    I hopped over from Debbiedoos. I love, love this pumpkin! I love making crafts with book pages. I have got to give this a whirl. Hopped over and saw your twine pumpkin. It is great also. I would love if you shared this with my link party, Share Your Cup Thursday. Now following you.
    Hugs,
    Jann

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  55. You destroyed New Moon {not that I'm a Twilight Mom or anything :/ }

    Linking from Debbidoos,
    Ricki Jill

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  56. Hi-just wanted you to know I featured your sweet pumpkin on my Saturday favs-have a lovely weekend-Claire

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  57. LOVE both of your pumpkins! I am off to find a book to recycle and a roll of toilet paper! Thanks for the DIY directions! :)

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  58. Hi Sarah, just wanted to let you know that I will be featuring your pumpkin at Share Your Cup today.
    Hugs,
    Jann

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  59. I love the pumpkin books-I made one yesterday, but my hand gave out on cutting the pages, so I got out my trusty electric knife!!! I worked-I did have to go back and trim some of the pages,but it much quicker-now off to the craft room to finish my pumpkin!!! Thanks for the great ideas!

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  60. Very cool look.
    Donna @onceponasewingmachine

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  61. What a creative way to re-use an old book!!

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  62. out of all of the pumpkin decorations ive seen, THIS i really like. looks great!

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  63. I've always wondered how to do this! I have a stack of books from the dollar store that I could use for this. Thanks for sharing!

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  64. What a great idea. When I saw it the "second" thing I thought was, "I sure wish I had instructions"! Thanks so much!

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  65. This is just darling! Would love if if you linked up on my blog hop www.w-t-fab.com/search/label/bloghop. Also let me know if you'd like to follow each other!

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  66. Wow. So easy! Thanks for sharing at Mom's Library!

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  67. Hahaha I enjoyed this though I was actually looking for Pumpkin Carving Ideas . I hope it’s fine with you that I could pin them on my Pinterest board. I’m so sure my followers would be happy to see these interesting photos. Keep sharing! :D

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