Okay, just shoot me now and put me out of my misery! Will I never achieve such creative genius as this? Time to read it and weep…not the ugly cry – it’s a happy sob (sigh)! Oh what some people can do with a recycled book or two.
Like this painting on a wall of books! A wall of books!
This work is a jaw-dropping WOW for me! And I am having some serious BLUST over the thought of having a wall like this in my home. You’ve got to check out more from Mike Stilkey and admire his talent. A HUGE thanks to Mike for giving me permission to re-print his images.
There are other repurposed book finds that have also caught my attention lately. Like this single bulb lamp from Typewriter Boneyard (Etsy) – I’m sure even Edison would approve. I absolutely adore this idea, and it sparked an idea for me to try using a book to hide all of our unsightly computer cords in our currently-under-remodel-construction office. Let’s see if I can bring it to fruition.
Marcy Bates with Recycled Reads (also on Etsy) used to own a book store – which may be where she fine-tuned her skills of turning books into typographical works of art.
You really must see the work of Littlefly to believe it. Using a special laminating process, Jeremy May turns hundreds of book pages into beautiful pieces of jewelry. Another jaw-dropping WOW for me.
Bomdesign gives us the boeklampen, Dutch for book lamp – another repurposed book to ponder…in the form of this hanging lamp.
You’ve most likely seen this one as it gained quite a bit of media attention. Nevertheless, I can’t leave out this lovely recycled book shelf by not tom. I find the lines quite pleasing.
What I absolutely love about this library book counter at TU Delft Architecure Bibliotheek in Holland (via Flip Flip Me Heidi) is that they’ve turned the books around and the viewer has a softer palette of muted color from the book covers. The blend of colors visually actually reminds me of the junk mail art piece posted earlier in August.
Or what about this pillar in the Ex Libris book store (via Eco-Artware-Notes)? Something to adapt for the home? Could be a great table base.
I’ll be keeping track of these DIY book projects and more on a dedicated book board at Pinterest. Let me know if you have a good repurposed book project to add.
Now I leave you with this thought.
“This paperback is very interesting, but I find it will never replace a hardcover book – it makes a very poor doorstop.”
– Alfred Hitchcock (1899-1980)
Until next time…
Mike
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Comments
Margo Isadora
LOVE the painting!
shredding San Antonio
Books that are no longer needed might still have their own purpose. You just have to use your own imagination and be creative so that you can have more wonderful ideas on how you can still keep them.
creationsandcrafts
Great post for a bookworm!! I particularly enjoy the drawers with book spines on the front. It would look great on a book shelf if you need extra storage. I have seen something very similar on Etsy before, but it seems simple enough to make myself. Thanks for sharing these great ideas!
Hands to Work, Hearts to God
Great selection! Enjoyed your post very much! Patsy from
HeARTworks
Anonymous
Great! I'm going to try making a book spine box out of old books.
Darren-John
Some great uses of otherwise unused books. Truly inspirational and innovative ideas. Great design work!
Good Time Charlie
These are awesome! I was oooing and ahhhing with each picture. Love book art.
Blue Velvet Chair
Taylor – Does it help to know these books were most likely from thrift stores and would end up in landfills eventually? There is major purging of thrift stores on a regular basis. Yes, I agree it is a bit disheartening – that's why I like the idea of reusing what's already here.
Michael
Taylor
As much as these look lovely, I hate the thought of all these books cut up and dismantled… It's like murder lol
Delhibound
Lovely finds and features! Amazing stuff.