I love books...especially old books...especially old books that are yellowed, tattered and beyond well loved...and so I have quite a supply of books...really more than I would ever need for my collage projects.
And I thought that I had seen it all in regard to what you could do with a book...besides read it...until I saw book hooks...created by the fabulous artist Leslie West...and then I was inspired...
I thought that these book hooks would be perfect to hang christmas stockings because we have no fireplace (and thus no mantle!) Since my holiday decorating focuses on materials I already have to design a simple and natural palette, I went to work to create my own interpretation of Leslie's brilliant idea...
First I collected a stack of books and paired them up...smaller volume on top, looking for covers that had interesting designs...and then I glued each pair together for a stronger bond...and finally bound each duo together with jute twine...
After each set of two was bound into one unit, I used a hammer and a sharp screw to make a pilot hole in the front (to screw in a vintage wire hook) and two pilot holes on the back (to attach two screws with wire for hanging).
Once the book hooks were completed, I needed to round up some stockings...I had a couple of stray well-loved wool socks missing their mates...I added a little embellishment to each sock, using the loose threads I had pulled off of a piece of burlap to sew on a bit of bullion fringe on one sock, a little ruffle on another and a few vintage jingle bells on the third sock...old clip curtain rings were a cinch to attach for hanging each stocking...
And the project was complete and ready to hang...each stocking waiting to be filled with holiday treasures...
The vintage vibe fits perfectly with our home...and the aspect of using something I already had adds to the appeal...
And the book hooks can be used long after the holidays are over...
so who knows where these hooks might turn up next...but for now...I'm waiting to see what goodies fill my stocking....mmm...maybe even a book...
Linking up to Funky Junk Interiors Christmas Junk Decor...and Inspired by Charm Christmas Decor... its holiday decor at its festive best...
And don't forget to enter my Holiday Cheer giveaway here to win a collage ornament made with vintage junk materials...
