Thursday, February 5, 2015

Crafty Thursdays: Book Page Garland


Author Melissa Bourbon is here today to get a little crafty with us. Melissa is the author of a new book called, A Seemless Murder and today she's telling us how to make this fabulous book and burlap garland. 

First a little about the book:

With a needle and thread, Harlow Jane Cassidy is capable of magic. Her neighbors in Bliss, Texas, on the other hand, are capable of murder....
Any garment Harlow stitches together has the power to grant the deepest desire of whomever wears it. So when she’s asked to sew aprons for a local women’s group, Harlow must get to know each member. First up is Delta Lee Mobley, who doesn’t care much for Harlow’s family—or anyone else in Bliss, for that matter. Granting Delta’s greatest wish could only lead to trouble...

But trouble finds Delta all the same. The day after Harlow delivers her apron, Delta’s body is discovered in the cemetery. It seems one of the townsfolk harbored ill will toward one of their own. Harlow’s sleuthing skills are a cut above the rest, and with a few magical tricks up her sleeve, she is determined to cuff this killer once and for all.

Now lets let Melissa get to her craft:

I love crafts of all kinds. That doesn’t mean I have much time to do them, however. I made aprons recently as part of my research for A Seamless Murder. I knit (only scarves and now I’m branching out into hats). I got a book and crochet hook for Christmas and am learning how to crochet.

But when I thought about a craft I wanted to share today, I decided to get some materials and make a project I’ve had on my mind for a long time.

In my town, we have what my husband calls a junk shop (there are quite a few, in fact), but which I call my favorite store and a treasure trove of goodies. One time I was in there and I saw a garland made of burlap and book pages. I loved it, but I didn’t buy it. When I went back again, it was gone. I’d missed my opportunity.

So last weekend I made my own. It’s not quite as great as the one I saw in the shop, but I like it. Really, what’s not to like? Burlap? Books? Two of my favorite things! (don’t ask me why I love burlap, I just do.)



Materials:
  • Strips of burlap - you can find this at the fabric store and sometimes independent coffee houses will give you large coffee bean sacks when they are done with them.
  • An old book you don't mind tearing up
  • A needle
  • Thread
  • Scissors


Step 1:

Cut several strips of burlap. I used a printed burlap I found at the fabric store.

Step 2:

Tear pages out of an old book. Yes, this is sacrilege to many (myself included), but for a good cause, I was willing to do it. I used an old copy of Agatha Christie’s The Body in the Library because I wanted the yellowed pages, plus it’s a mystery.

Step 3: 

Fold the first strip of burlap like an accordion. Using a threaded needle, string the burlap on the thread.



Step 4:

Fold the book pages in half (or if you’re using a larger book, cut them in half lengthwise and then fold in half). Create a stack and then string it onto the same thread as the burlap.

Alternate the burlap and book pages until your garland is as long as you want it. For my first time, I did one that’s about 1 ½-2 feet



Step 5:

Tie loops at the ends with the thread. You can add twine or hemp on either end, attaching it to the burlap, if you want.

Voila! You have a rustic burlap and book garland. I put mine in a cool, red container, and now it’s sitting on the hutch in my dining room.

If you make one, I’d love to see a picture! Post it to my Facebook page. Please do… I’m serious!


Melissa




Find me on Facebook , sign up for my newsletter, Twitter @MelissaBourbon, or visit my Website. Learn more about A Magical Dressmaking Mystery series.

You can find  A Seamless Murder Now at:

Amazon - Print
Amazon - Kindle




About the Author: 

Melissa Bourbon, who sometimes answers to her Latina-by-marriage name Misa Ramirez, is a middle school teacher by day, and a writer by night. She lives in an inspiring century old house in North Texas and loves being surrounded by real-life history.  She fantasizes about spending summers writing in quaint, cozy locales, has a love/hate relationship with yoga and chocolate, is devoted to her family, and can’t believe she’s lucky enough to be living the life of her dreams.
She is the author of the Lola Cruz Mystery series, as well as A Magical Dressmaking Mystery series. She also has written two romantic suspense novels, a light paranormal romance, and is the co-author of The Tricked-out Toolbox, a practical marketing guide for authors.





3 comments:

  1. I love this crap, and your book sounds wonderful. Thank you for stopping by Mystery Playground.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think you meant craft Kim. Spellcheck rides again...

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  2. Love this idea! Can't wait to try it.

    ReplyDelete