DIY Network

Handmade Books More Christmas Crafts

By Michele Beschen

Decorative Open Book Plaques

A handmade book can be tailored to suit anyone on your Christmas list. It can appeal to men, women, young and old and to just about any interest. Learn how to make a gift sure to be a hit this holiday season.

Materials:

hardback book
white glue
water
paintbrush
acrylic paints, inks or markers
embellishments
plate or bookstand

Steps:

	Figure A
	Figure B

1. Open your book to the center (figure A).

2. Brush white glue onto your pages to secure together (figure B). Add a bit of water to thin the glue as needed. It is not necessary to glue between every single page, just randomly brush between pages and around the outside edges. Secure the first and last pages to the inside cover.

3. Bend the pages up to curl the corners after the pages are wet and saturated. Let dry overnight. Your book is now one solid piece and you’re ready to decorate.

4. Decorate the pages with messages, artwork, poems or found objects. Use acrylic paints, inks, or markers to add color. For a collage effect, glue additional papers, fabrics or trims. Use rope or string finished off with beads or charms to run down the center of your book to mimic a bookmark.

5. Place the finished book on a plate or bookstand and you have a meaningful tabletop decoration for that special someone!

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