Remade Book Jacket Jewelry: Techniques and Inspiration for Literary Wearable Art
As a book lover, you may have stumbled upon a creative way of repurposing your favorite books – by transforming their covers into jewelry. Remade book jacket jewelry, also known as book cover jewelry or upcycled book jewelry, is a unique form of wearable art that combines literary nostalgia with eco-friendly craftsmanship. In this article, we will explore the techniques involved in creating book jacket jewelry, from selecting the right book to finishing the final piece, as well as some examples and tips for making your own literary jewelry.
Choosing the Book
The first step in creating remade book jacket jewelry is to choose the book that you want to feature in your jewelry piece. This can be a book that holds sentimental value for you, or one that has an aesthetically pleasing cover or spine design. Look for books that have sturdy covers and spines, as these will make for more durable and long-lasting jewelry. You can also choose books based on their themes or genres, such as classic novels, science fiction, or children’s books, to create jewelry that reflects your literary tastes.
Preparing the Book
Once you have chosen your book, you will need to prepare it for use in your jewelry. This involves removing the cover or spine from the book, and cutting it into the desired shape and size for your jewelry piece. You can use scissors, a craft knife, or a paper cutter to cut the cover into various shapes, such as circles, squares, or rectangles, depending on the type of jewelry you want to make. You can also use the book pages to create a pendant or charm, by cutting out a small square or rectangle and folding it into a miniature book.
Assembling the Jewelry
After preparing the book cover or pages, you can start assembling the jewelry piece. Depending on the design, you may need to add other materials, such as beads, wire, or chains, to complete the look. For example, you can create a book cover pendant by attaching a jump ring to the top of the cover, and stringing it onto a chain or cord. You can also add beads or other embellishments to the chain or around the cover, to add texture and color to the piece. For a book page pendant, you can fold the page into a miniature book, and attach a jump ring to the top of the spine. You can then string the pendant onto a chain or cord, or attach it to a charm bracelet or necklace.
Finishing the Piece
Once you have assembled the jewelry piece, you may want to add some finishing touches to it, such as sealing the cover or adding a protective coating. You can use a clear sealant or varnish to protect the cover from wear and tear, and to make it water-resistant. You can also add a coat of resin to give the jewelry a glossy finish, or to embed small objects, such as flowers or leaves, into the cover. You can also personalize the jewelry piece by adding a small tag or charm with a literary quote or reference.
Examples and Tips
Remade book jacket jewelry can take many forms, from earrings and necklaces to bracelets and brooches. Here are some examples of book jacket jewelry, as well as some tips for making your own literary wearable art:
– Book Cover Earrings: Cut out two small circles or squares from the book cover, and attach them to earring hooks or studs with jump rings. Add a small bead or charm to the bottom of the earring for extra flair.
– Book Spine Bracelet: Cut out several book spines from different books, and string them onto elastic cord or wire. Add some small beads or charms between the spines for a pop of color.
– Book Page Brooch: Fold a book page into a miniature book, and attach it to a brooch pin with glue or wire. Add some small beads or a ribbon to the pin for a decorative touch.
– Literary Charm Necklace: Cut out several book pages or covers into small shapes, such as hearts or stars, and attach them to a charm bracelet or necklace with jump rings. Add some literary-themed charms, such as a quill pen or a book charm, for a cohesive look.
When creating remade book jacket jewelry, always make sure to use books that are no longer in use or are damaged beyond repair. This will ensure that you are giving new life to old books, while also creating unique and meaningful jewelry pieces. You can also experiment with different techniques, such as folding and origami, to create more intricate and complex designs. With a little creativity and inspiration, you can turn your love of books into wearable art that celebrates your literary passions.
