Father's Day Book Frames...

...as seen on Channel 12's Arizona Midday program this morning!

First saw this idea when friend Kelly created something similar a few years back. I have also seen it in some magazines recently and thought it would make a fun and unique project for a Father's Day gift (Jim is very hard to buy for, but he loves photos of his girls...this idea seemed perfect)!

Basically, you get yourself some old hardcover books which will be turned into photo frames. I got my books at a "used" store for $1 a piece (garage sales another great place to look). Using a sharp exacto knife, cut out a section of the book slightly smaller than the photo you want to use (you can just do the inside...so when you open the book you see the photo...or you can cut through the cover as well). Then using gesso (you can get it at Scrapbook.com, art supply stores, or places like Michael's), paint the edges of the "frame" created when you cut the pages out AND the three outside egdes of the book (use a piece of chipboard or hold the book open where the picture will be inserted when you do this). The gesso primes the paper and adheres the pages together. If desired, you can then paint the same edges in a coordinating color. Next, attach the photo below the frame opening and then glue the two sides shut. Embellish as desired!

Below are photos of some samples I created! They make great gifts for things beyond Father's Day...such as birthdays...or in my case, a unique gift idea for Stephanie's friends that are in High School Musical with her (I used cheap paperbacks from Target for this)!

 

 

Speaking of books! I don't just "alter" them...I also LOVE reading them and I have done SO much of that over the last couple of months! It feels great to get back in the habit! I had stopped reading a lot, because it always seems like a guilty pleasure when so much else is going on in my life! My problem is that when I begin a book I have a hard time putting it down. I will read non-stop (ignoring everything else on my "to do" list) until I finish! Since we traveled a lot this spring, I used time in cars and planes, so my reading obssession didn't interfere too much with things I needed to get done (although I am still guilty of that a bit)! Anyway...just thought I'd pass along a list of the title's I've finished so far in case anyone is looking for some good summer reads! I have to say that I have really enjoyed all of these books! Here they are...in no particular order!

• The 6th Target by James Patterson
• The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult
• Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult
• 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper
• The Pact by Jodi Picoult
• The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards
• Love Walked In by Marisa de los Santos
• Comeback by Claire and Mia Fontaine
• YOU on a Diet by Oz and Roizen
• She by Kobi Yamada

I think that is it...wait...I also made it a goal to read the whole Bible a year or so ago...only four books left before I am done with that! :)

Comments

[Dana]

Hi Laurie- I'm a reader too! I just finished Jodi Picoult's Perfect Match, Rocket Boys by Homer Hickman, I'm halfway through The Magicians Assistant by Ann Patchett and have Pope Joan, Magical Thinking and Gentlemen and Players on my nightstand! Keep me posted on any other good reads out there.

[Alicia]

Hey Laurie, It was fun to see you on Arizona Midday today. You looked great. Willie walked through the room and said,"There's Alexia" and kept on going. Thanks for the great idea.

[Tena]

Ok I don't read blogs for a couple days and I miss you on tv again...........great project! Tena

[kelly]

love those book projects. They're so fun to do, aren't they!?!? : )
-kelly

[Barb-n-PA]

Have you've read, "The Penny" by Joyce Meyer? It was a really good book. Captures your attention right away. I've read a few of these books you mentioned.