I made this using an old star trek book! I used a wooden pumpkin for a template and cut the pages with a blade. I'm going to make another one and I'll post a tute.
Here's the tute I put together. I used an apple pattern for this one but you'll get the idea.
First off, gather your supplies:
- book for dismembering, paperbacks are great
- template (I made half an apple out of a thick piece of chipboard)
- exacto knife with a very sharp blade
- clips
- glue stick
- snot dots
- ink or paint for coloring and something to apply it with
- anything you want to decorate with.
Step 1
My paperback book was too thick so I split it in half using my blade. Try and make a clean break or you will end up sacrificing some pages.
Step 2
Lay the template down on the book and cut the pages around the template. Be careful not to cut in to the template and try to cut only a few pages down at a time to start. Try and make one smooth cut if you want to avoid rough edges. I personally like the distressed look.
Step 3
Remove the cut paper leaving the template in place. Cut and repeat. Cut and repeat. I found that I was cutting about four pages at first and then ended up cutting a lot more at a time once I got the hang of it.
Step 4
Once the book is cut, trim any rough edges you don't want. Especially those that are hanging off. This will help for the next step: inking.
Step 5
For color, I used ink refill and diluted it a bit because I wanted it to soak in to the paper. I applied it with a cotton ball to the edge of the book. (I have not tried paint so I'm not sure what technique you will need to keep the pages from sticking together.)
Step 6
Once the edges were done, I applied the ink/water mixture to the inside of the pages by using a "flip and wipe" method. I turned the book over and then did the same thing on the other side. I did not try and get every page but rather a sampling of pages for a worn effect. Let it dry or cheat and use a heat gun to lightly dry the edges. Which method do you think I used?
Step 7
Once the book is dry you will need to stretch the spine so it opens. The book I used was not terribly worn so it did not fan well on it's own. I stretched it at random to loosen it up.
Step 8
I chose to use a stick with a little leaf for my decoration. On the pumpkin I used wired ribbon, wire, and lace. I covered the stick with snot dots and layed it in the top of the apple. It's starting to look like an apple now, isn't it?
Step 9
Apply a good craft glue stick to one side of the book making sure you go all the way to the edges. Carefully close book and clamp tight. I think that paperclips would work for this, too. Let it dry.
Step 10
Add any additional decorations at this point. Fan the book a couple of times to get an even shape. You are done.
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