A wonderful thing about books (well, besides reading them!) is that they make for great decorating accessories, especially when they can be displayed in unexpected ways. Books are both warm and graphic at the same time and can compliment any decorating scheme. Their familiarity lends them a comforting air, while their rectangular shape makes for a visual pop. We've got some unusual and inspiring ways to get those books off the shelves and into your decorating. Top Tips for Displaying Books in Unexpected Ways: Tuck books into nooks and crannies; these are great places to store items and create a "WOW!" moment. Sometimes a nook can be a birdcage like in this charming tablescape (Source: Thistlewood Farms)...it could also be above kitchen cabinets or the top of an armoire, Find … [Read more...]
10 Ways To Decorate Using Book Pages
Old books are dreamy, aren't they? We love the idea of using book pages in our home decorating! We've found ten beautiful ways to use old book pages, on our walls, in our wrapping, and even as wallpaper! //1// This post from The Nester is overflowing with inspiration for book page decor, but our favorite is this gorgeous crafted wreath. It would look amazing on any wall! (TheNester.com) //2// Using old books as candle holders not only looks beautiful, but adding a taller book in the middle will transform your candelabra into a seasonally appropriate menorah. (Juniper Books) //3// A candle jar wrapped in words will add a bit of appeal to your decor. Such a simple way to make your home cozy and pretty! (Think Crafts) //4// Needing wall art full of character? Just frame your favorite book! … [Read more...]
Creating a Prayer Journal
Prayer is the communication between you and God. It is both your petitions and praises, and God's responses. But it is also how God's word speaks to your heart. Reasons to Keep a Prayer Journal There are many reasons for keeping a record of our communication with the Lord. We can go back and remind ourselves what God has done for us in the past. This is especially helpful during times when we feel despair, or are going through a particularly difficult time. Writing things down involves a different thinking process. We often get insights when we write that we wouldn't have gotten just thinking about the same topics. It can serve as a witnessing tool. When others say they don't believe God exists and that you can't prove He does; you can explain that God has worked in your life in … [Read more...]
How to find a book club in your area
Until recently, I thought book clubs were somewhat of a myth -- something depicted in movies and (yes) books, but nothing that actually occurred in real life. I'd never really known anyone in a book club, though part of me had longed to be in one. I love to read - what better than to read and connect with people in one fell swoop? Finding a book club wasn't something I did consciously - maybe because I never really knew how. There are ways to find a book club near you. Check Meetup for Groups near you I'd heard of people using Meetup to find playgroups, mother's groups, and even jogging groups - but never book clubs, however - there ARE book clubs on Meetup. Lots of them. Meetup is not only searchable by geographic location, but by type of group as well. Check Your Local … [Read more...]
Fun with Books: The Mitten by Jan Brett
One of my favorite authors is Jan Brett. Her pictures are amazing, and I love that each picture is framed with another picture that either tells another story or gives clues to what is going to happen next (great for predicting, which is an important reading skill for children to learn). One of my children’s favorites is The Mitten. The Mitten by Jan Brett Summary: When Nicki drops one of his snow-white mittens in the snow, he doesn’t even notice! It’s not long before some woodland creatures discover it and crawl inside to get warm, each one getting progressively bigger. What happens to that snow-white mitten? Activity Ideas: This is such a fun story in and of itself! But there is so much more you can do—first to stretch the learning, and also to have fun! On Brett’s … [Read more...]
Ribbon Bookmarks
My sister Geri and I love to craft and we love to read. Every year along with our birthday gift to each other we include a new book to add to our collections. We also hand make a bookmark to keep inside. Sometimes we write a little message on the back or sew a tiny photograph to the bottom with a picture of something that we want to remember from that year. They are quick and easy to make and they are so classic looking. Here are some fabulous examples from Martha Stewart Living: Ribbon Book Marks Tools and Materials 2 1/4-inch-wide ribbon (16 inches long) 1 1/2-inch-wide ribbon (14 inches long) Pencil Ruler Utility knife A needle and thread Bookmark How-To Cut ribbons to a length a bit longer than the book they're intended for. On the wrong side of the wider ribbon, … [Read more...]
