I think that most of you that read my blog on a regular basis know that I don't "craft". I work with florals, I cook and on rare occasions I attempt a bit more...but, I'm not very good at it. So, for me to actually make something is a big deal! When we were in St. Charles, MO I saw something in a shop that I liked. I just wasn't willing to pay the price that was being asked, so I decided to attempt to make something similar. I didn't take any pictures of their version, but I'm happy with mine. It is probably better that I can't see what the original looked like!
It starts with an old book. I bought mine at Goodwill and I looked for one with rough edges on the pages. I brushed a little tea along the pages to darken them and make them look more worn.
The little mouse I bought for $6.99. I loved it that he was
reading The Night Before Christmas!
I couldn't find any wrapping paper that looked like old Christmas paper, so I bought a large gift bag and cut it to make a book cover. I left the long edge exposed, and folded the paper at the top and bottom edges of the book as if I were wrapping a gift. A touch of the glue gun held the paper in place. Brown kraft paper was burned around the edges (do this over the sink, I had to turn on the water to put out a couple of fires) and the beginning words of The Night Before Christmas were printed on it before attaching it to the covered book with Mod Podge. After attaching the wording, go over the entire front of the book with Mod Podge and add a hint of glitter if you want to.
I tied a bit of twine around the book and added the mouse
to the top with a drop of hot glue. Easy!
Saturday night we went to see Lee Greenwood's Christmas Concert at our local theater. Over the years I've enjoyed a few Lee Greenwood songs, but I think in recent years he has mostly been known for singing God Bless the USA at various important events. Knowing that he sang it right after 9/11 for the firefighters and police made it even more of an honor to be in the same room with him when he sang it. The entire audience (sold out theater) stood during the song. It is certainly no wonder that Lee has won many awards, his voice is like velvet.
He has a new Christmas album and one of my favorite songs was Til The Season Comes Around Again. Click here if you'd like to hear it. If you get a chance to see him in concert, I highly recommend it.
12 comments:
I love your book and little mousey!! Who said you aren't crafty !!! You will be quilting in no time LOL
You did a great job!! The little mouse is the perfect touch. :D
Some crafts I have attempted and did a decent job and many - not so good. Many years ago I got this bright idea to do a Holiday craft sale, worked all day on my job, then hours at home on the ornaments, etc. Weather was bad all day of the sale, made a little profit, but not enough to make me want to do it again. Think I got burned out from that experience.
Enjoy your evening.
Your little Christmas book came out great! Really cute. I've never been super crafty either, but I've done a couple of things that turned out fairly decent.
I checked out the Lee Greenwood song. It's really lovely and his voice is perfect for it.
Have a very Merry Christmas!
This is really inspiring, Sue! If you hadn't said it, I would think your were quite a crafter! I love it!! Care to make me one?!!
Glad you loved the concert...it's been ages since I've been to one! It really is a good video...what a great voice!
Happy Holidays!
XO,
Jane
How very adorable! Looks like a great addition to your holiday decor.
Oh Sue, your "vintage" book came out great and the little mousey is perfect! Just when you think you're not a crafter, you find the perfect project to show us differently.
Looks like you found a wonderful concert to attend. I went to see Trans-Siberian Orchestra last weekend and was so bored, I fell asleep twice!
Hugs
Love your vintage book...what fun you are having. xoxox HUGS
You can't say that you are not crafty anymore cause the book turned out really nice, Sue. About my mom and dad's cedar chest,I had it sent through ship. It was expensive to send for it but it's the only furniture left of theirs so I paid just to get it here. Tanks for stopping by....Christine
Your story reminds me of a present I once got. It came in a very cute cardboard box. I was so fond of this box that when I saw an identical one at a stationary shop I wanted to buy it, but got shocked by the high price. The price made me so angry that although I'm not at all crafty, I decided to try and make the box myself - and I succeeded.
This is so pretty, Sue! The concert sounds like fun.
Your book is gorgeous!! You should see my first attempt at decoupage (glue wrap a gift)!! Well, it's posted on my FB, but I will include it Mo when I give a tour of my home. Be proud!!
The book is so crafty, I love it! It looks so beautiful, almost hard to believe it's a craft! haha
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