Wear After Reading
Do you have a book that’s already made the rounds with all your friends? Or a thrift store score with a beautiful cover that’s missing a few pages? With this super-easy craft, you can give a novel new life.
DIY
Materials
Hardcover book
X-Acto knife
A purse, slightly smaller than your book, that opens at the top (not with a fold-over closure)
E6000 glue
Ribbon the width of your book’s spine
Clamps
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Remove the pages of your book by using an X-Acto knife to slice along the inside of the spine; the pages should come out in one clump.
2. Cut ribbon to the length of your book’s spine to cover any exposed cardboard inside. Fold ribbon ends under ¼” and glue this hem to keep the ribbon from unraveling. Glue ribbon to inside spine and let dry for several hours.
3. Apply glue to one side of the purse and center it inside the book cover, press the cover down firmly and use clamps to secure it in place. (You may need to open the purse up to get the clamps on.) Let dry overnight. Repeat on the other side.
4. Remove the clamps.
BUY
Get the Look and Wear These Books
Just because you’re not into crafting doesn’t mean you can’t express your bibliophile self. We rounded up a few readymade versions.
Where In the World Is Carmen Sandiego?
Expand your worldview with this Atlas briefcase that can fit a laptop and has an inside pocket for your iPad.
Atlas Book Purse, $289,
Buy it here
My Log Saw Something Last Night
Does this purse hold all the secrets of Twin Peaks? Complete with blood-splattered lining, this bag definitely has a story to tell.
The Secret Diary of Laura
Palmer Book Purse, $80,
Buy it here
Losing My Religion
Misplacing your purse is the worst, especially if it’s this beautiful faux-leather Bible.
Bible Clutch Turquoise, $90,
Buy it here
Go Ask Alice
Don’t be late on this trend. This gorgeous clutch has a detachable gold chain and a decorative clasp featuring the White Rabbit.
Book Clutch Alice In Wonderland, $84
Buy it here
—
by Callie Watts
Photographed by Megan Senior
This article originally appeared in the June/July 2016 print edition of BUST Magazine. Subscribe today!
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