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How to Make a Paperback Book Angel

November 30, 2013 By Talya Tate Boerner 27 Comments

How to make a paperback book angel

If you can fold a piece of paper, you can make this paperback book angel.

Book angels, typically made from hymnals, have been around a long time. Since I didn’t have a hymnal, I used a paperback book.

Although I’m not one to destroy books, this Glimmer Train book was the easy choice for me since I received it in the mail as a consolation prize for not winning one of their short story contests. Yep, I just ripped the cover right off and turned it into something more positive (after I read it of course).

Paperback book angel

Fold page to center. (Initially I folded two pages at a time (as shown in the picture above), but it became quickly apparent this would not work. I started over folding one page at a time.)

Paperback Book Angel

Fold the same page to center again.

Paperback book angel

After the second fold, there will be a triangular piece hanging below the edge of the book. Fold this section under so that the edge is even.

Paperback book angel

Repeat with 25-30 pages. (The book I used had approximately 150 pages. You will need to adjust the number of pages folded for the base depending upon the length of the book. I recommend folding approximately 2/3 of the book for the base.)
Paperback book angel

Do the same thing with 25-30 pages on the other side of the spine. This will keep the angel balanced.

Paperback book angel

The angel will now stand. (If you continue folding the remaining pages, you will have a Christmas tree…)

Paperback book angel

Once you fold a group of pages on each side of the spine, flip the book upside down and continue folding pages the same way to make wings. Again, fold the same number of pages on each side of the spine.
When there are only about 20 pages remaining, flip the book once more and fold the remainder of the pages to make the back of the angel base. (This part will not be visible from the front when the angel is completed but will help with stability.)
Paperback book angel

Lightly coat the angel in spray paint.  I used a pale blue color.

Paperback book angel
Decorate wings with glitter paint.
Paperback book angel
Hot glue embellishments onto the skirt. I used flowers from vintage scrap lace.
Paperback book angel
Hot glue ornament for head. A pipe cleaner with a bit of glitter makes the perfect halo.
I love the way my book angel turned out. Do you have a favorite Christmas craft?

talya

Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

 

How To: Homemade Lavender Body Scrub

November 21, 2013 By Talya Tate Boerner 8 Comments

lavender peppermint body scrub

Today I’m blogging about my favorite homemade body scrub at Inspiration Cafe. Quick and easy, this homemade lavender and peppermint body scrub is made with ingredients from my kitchen and garden and makes a great gift. It will keep for weeks without refrigerating.

…not that it will last that long…
CLICK HERE to head over to Inspiration Cafe for the ingredients and step by step instructions.
How to make Homemade Lavender Peppermint Body Scrub

talya

Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life

How To Make Decorative Gift Wrap Bows

August 19, 2013 By Talya Tate Boerner 1 Comment

The next time you wrap a gift, why not make your own bow? This creative process is a simple way to recycle magazines, newspapers and scrap paper.

For my two examples, I used scrapbook paper and a magazine page.  
Cut the magazine page into nine strips, ¾ inch wide. Leave three of the strips the length of the magazine page (about 9.5 inches long). Cut one inch from the top of the next three strips. Cut two inches from the next two strips. Cut the last strip three inches long.
magazine page


The same method is used for any type of paper. Measurements do not have to be perfect. I guestimated.

scrapbook paper
Loop each strip and staple through the center or secure with tape or glue.

The smallest strip will make a single loop for the center of the bow.

Stack and layer the pieces, adhering with tape or a staple through the center.

Easy and personalized!

talya
Grace Grits and Gardening


Hi! I'm Talya Tate Boerner. Writer, Reader, Arkansas Master Naturalist / Master Gardener, Author of

THE ACCIDENTAL SALVATION OF GRACIE LEE (2016)

GENE, EVERYWHERE: a life-changing visit from my father-in-law (2020)

BERNICE RUNS AWAY (Now Available!)

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