Friday, October 26, 2012

Creating a Burlap Book Cover and Special Poem!

Greetings Blog Friends,
I just love books and have many in all subjects. All are very special to me, like this one that was my mothers, Helen Steiner Rice, Ambassador of Sunshine.

Decorating with my books can be found all over my home. I use them for lifts under lamps, on the coffee table, stacking for a special figurine, side table accent and so on. This special book is one you can pick up and read now and then and I love to have it out and ready to enjoy for the poetry among the story.

So in keeping with my decor and cottage style, I decide to create a book cover using burlap. Oh I love burlap for it's natural look, cottage charm and easy workability. When I first inherited this book, after my mother passed away, I opened it to the page with a bookmark, only to read a special poem there. It was just what I needed. Did my mother mark it for me? I'll share it with you at the end.

To start I found some great burlap rolls at Walmart in the Christmas garden section. They had 2 sizes with sewn edge. I used the smaller 10 1/2" wide roll for my book, measuring 7" by 9".
First, open the book to measure size and layout. Keep in mind the book has to have room to close, so measure and close to make sure it fits even and not too baggy.
Next, measure, trim and press edge turning in the raw edges on both sides. I then glued raw edges to itself to keep secure. (Quick tip, use your hot glue gun on the low setting. It will work just fine and not burn your fingers)
Close book again and adjust the fit if needed.
Cut end up to the top of the book in the center point. You don't have to do this, but I did because burlap is thicker then other fabrics and I wanted to have less bulk.
It will look like this, press and glue in place.
Close book and trim excess over the edge. If you have a book the exact size of the burlap width, even better~~ no cutting.
After trimming, remove book and open cover to add lace or any trim over the cut raw edge. Start placing the trim from the inside with enough room to fold over, press in place and glue lightly. Be careful not to use too much hot glue that can come through the fabric and look messy. Here a little goes along way just to keep in the fold over in place.
The two ends that hold the book will get a little glue very close to the edge to keep the book in place and from slipping out of the cover. This is important for burlap. Lighter fabric may not need it.
Place the book in the cover and complete~~~ and note, no glue ever touches the book.
Okay, do you think were done???? Do you know me???? Well, come back for part 2 and I will share what I did next to really cottage charm this cover. But before I go, as promised, the poem I opened this book to find, after my mother passed away.

"When I must Leave You"

When I must leave you for a little while
Please do not grieve and shed wild tears
And hug you sorrow to you through the years,
But start out bravely with a gallant smile;
And for my sake and in my name
Live on and do all things the same,
Feed not your loneliness on empty days
But fill each waking hour in useful ways,
Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer
And I in turn will comfort you and hold you near,
And never, never be afraid to die
For I am waiting for you in the sky!
written by, Helen Steiner Rice; 1945

  Hope you'll stop back Monday for the finished cover in part 2.
Have a great and creative day. Hugs, Celestina Marie

18 comments:

Creations by Marie Antoinette and Edie Marie said...

Celeste!!! I will comment o the poem first. I just loved it.Your Mother knew just what to do for you.This verse is perfect for us left behine.
Now the new book cover.You are so clever.I just can't wait to see the finished work.Knowing YOU...LOL...Its going to be just to chic.I knew before you said that it was not finished...that there was more to come.
This is a wonderful post.
And BTW...lol. Its going to get about39 here.I think Monday. I'm hoping not.I get sooo cold.
Love you Honey,
and Blessings,
Marie Antionette

Betty said...

How wonderful and it looks so pretty. I will give it a try. Thanks for sharing and showing us how you did it.

Createology said...

This poem is lovely and Yes, I do believe your mother marked it for you to find after she was gone. How nicely the book looks covered in your burlap and lace. Blessings Dear...

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Celestina Marie,

Glad that no glue ever touches the book. As a protective and decorative cover this works well. But the sentimental value is a lot more than that. Your Mother must have left the page marker there on purpose!
By the way, oh yes I do have reply email for my comments! Having a business related to my blog I could not afford not having that feature. Your setting is not such as to automatically having a reply comment being emailed simultaneously. I've done a tutorial on that before. Works great.
Hugs to you,
Mariette

Anonymous said...

Precioso Poema y gran ingenio para este trabajo de encuardenación.
Un abrazo.

1CardCreator said...

This is gorgeous already just like it is but I can only imagine you have a way to make it more beautiful in your own exquisite way. I was touched to read the beautiful poem your sweet Mother left to comfort you. I am sure she bookmarked it for just that reason. I will print a copy for my favorite cookbooks for my children to find when I am gone. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for always coming by to support me C! This poem was meant for me to read on this day. So special & true for so many. I love your creative book idea. It would be nice to do several for display & make a lovely grouping. Once again, crafty C does creative well. Hugs. T

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Beautiful poem...I knew you weren't done decorating this book, can't wait to see the finished product

Carol

Jenna said...

Hi Celestina :o) That's a great idea and it keeps the book in good condition to...I can't wait to see how else you pretty that book up. The poem was so bitter sweet, it made me tear up a bit. My grandmother used to say it's ok to cry, you need to wash your eye's out every now and again... Have a nice weekend sweet friend! Hugs Jennifer

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Celestina Marie,

Love what you have done with the precious book your Mother gave you.
Thanks for sharing the tutorial
Also how special the poem is, that was bookmarked for you and know how your Mothers tenderness and love is with you today.

Enjoy the weekend and look forward to coming back to see part 2.
hugs
Carolyn

Unknown said...

That is absolutely genius and beautiful!!! Love the burlap and lace and I CANNOT wait for part 2!!!

Hugs,

Dorthe said...

Hi dear,
thankyou for your wonderful tutorial, on giving the book a new dress of burlap. It looks very beautiful, and I know when coming back next week,it will be even more beautiful finished.
Thankyou again for your detailed explanation on how to, -and a lovely weekend,to you.
Hugs,Dorthe

Ruth Welter said...

The book and the poem are gorgeous Celeste. The cover looks perfect already....you amaze me with the wonderful projects you create.

Ruth

Tina said...

beautiful book and poem. sorry for your loss

Kerri said...

Beautiful poem, but kinda tear jerker. When I saw the last pic of the book, I was like "uh thats it???" LOL cause I know you and was expecting alot more embellishments.hehehe

I see you have been so busy blogging, I just posted pic of my pumpkin ;)

Happy Sunday!

xoxo
Kerri

Pam said...

Hi Celestina, Love the direction your burlap bag is going. I will be back to check the finished product...I know it will be divine! Thanks for following! xo Pam

Ingeborg van Zuiden said...

Dear Celestina Marie,

That poem!!! ABsolutely amazing that the bookmark was on that page where this beautiful touching poem was. I'm sure your mother left it there for you to read. 100% sure!! So so comforting and beautiful and truly God is touching you for real there and the most incredible thing is he touched me too, and i'm sure so many others. We're all connected this way. Isn't it amazing?! Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful poem; just what I needed. Your book is going to become fantabulous. You work so neatly and so clean!! You should see me working........ it's one big chaos LOL. That's what I admire in you..... that everything is so in order!! ;-D
Big special hug my friend and stay well and happy creating!
Ingeborg

Chenille Cottage said...

So very lovely! I can remember reading from Helen Steiner Rice's writings when I was visiting my grandmother's house. She loved each poem and poignant anecdote.
Thank you for sharing these helpful and creative posts.
Blessings,
Carolynn xo

Post a Comment

Thank you for stopping by. Your visits and comments are always welcome and I look forward to visiting you in return. Have a blessed day!

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

Celestina Marie
Celestina Marie

Welcome To Rose Garden Market from Celestina Marie Design. It is so nice to meet you. My name is Celestina Marie named after my grandmother and my friends call me Celeste.My creative journey extends over 30 years enjoying the love of painting and redesigning vintage and new treasures. I love to go treasure hunting and the fun of finding great vintage pieces to redesign..