Upcycling Books
I've been helping my friends at Pazzo Books move their store from Roslindale to West Roxbury, recently. (I've been painting the new storefront, mostly, though I have also been known to schlep a box or two.) I love used bookstores, and nicely aged books. Which is why I'm of divided opinion about this sort of thing, spotted on Rob Walker's blog, Murketing, today:
It's a handbag made out of a book. Which is an example of upcycling, I suppose. As Brainiac readers know, I do approve of upcycling. But... did this book really need to be recycled? Unlike a beer bottle or out-of-fashion shirt, books don't ever have to be upgraded or tossed out. Right?
People love using vintage book covers to make chic new stuff. Like these coasters:
Or this blank journal:
Or this belt buckle:
Heck, Tom Nealon from Pazzo even makes something cool out of old book covers. He makes clocks. This particular clock is mine:
Please note, however, that the books Tom uses are in terrible condition. He really is upcycling them, saving them from a trip to the dump.
As for you aliterate crafsters, out there, though... cut it out!
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Leon Neyfakh is the staff writer for Ideas. Amanda Katz is the deputy Ideas editor. Stephen Heuser is the Ideas editor.
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