Recycled Book Purse

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Recycled Hardcover Book Purse
That's Clever! : Episode HCLVR-1A03 -- More Projects »
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Project by Caitlin Phillips from Washington D.C.

Caitlin has been an avid reader and book collector her whole life. In fact, one of her first jobs was working at a used bookstore. Caitlin makes purses out of her personal collection of books when she’s not working as a knife salesperson.

Materials:

old hardcover book
old button to match
craft knife
glue fabric
metal handle frames
beads
grosgrain ribbon
braided ribbon trim
cardboard
sewing machine
pins
scissors
paper

Steps:

1. Cut the pages out of book with knife.

2. Select fabric to match book and iron it.

3. Measure book's height and width, add 1 inch to each, and use those measurements to make a triangular pattern for the side pieces.

4. Cut main lining piece, four side pieces (half and half), one pocket piece, and a bottom piece out of fabric.

5. Pin side-pieces together, right sides in.

6. Select beads for the handle, and string them on frame. Fold four 2-inch pieces of grosgrain ribbon over handle frame feet and pin in place.

7. Find old button to match book. Thread through a piece of ribbon and make a loop closure to fit it.

8. Sew two pinned triangular side pieces.

9. Sew ribbons on handles and button closure. Glue handles and button closures into book cover; allow to dry.

10. Glue ribbon trim to outside of book.

11. Iron side pieces right side out, with 1/2 inch on all sides ironed in, and pin to hold the fold.

12. Glue bottom of triangular side-pieces onto book spine. Cut cardboard to the size of the spine. Glue into place.

13. Glue side pieces onto book cover, one side at a time.

14. Iron main lining with 1/2-inch seam around each edge.

15. Glue main lining into book.

16. Cut another piece of cardboard the same size of spine, cover with fabric, and glue into bottom.