DIY Network

Altered Book Candelabra

Find out how to make your own altered book candelabra.

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Recycling old books by turning them into candelabras is a trend sweeping the nation.

Creating an altered book candelabra

By Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza

Altered books are sweeping the nation: artists, crafters and scrapbookers all are recycling old thrift shop books into pieces of art. They are painting, deconstructing, rubberstamping and filling the pages with objects of memorabilia.

Altering books is a rewarding journey because there is no right or wrong way to do it. Book lovers, back-to-schoolers and anyone else looking for a unique centerpiece will want to try their hand at this funky project. All it takes are some old books suitable for alteration, a drill and ribbons. Then get creative, get inspired and get crafting.

Here are some specifics for your first project:

Materials:

three old books (each 1/1/2 to 2 inches thick)
drill
hot glue gun and glue
three glass votive holders and candles
hole saw carbon drill bit--slightly larger than the votive candleholder
masking tape
gel medium
paintbrush
wax paper
binder clips
decorative ribbon and other accessories

Steps:

1. Choose three books for the candelabra. Look for books that have interesting covers or decorative edges on the pages. Decide which book will be the top of the candelabra. For steps 2 and 3 you will be working with this book only.

2. Measure the thickness of the top book. Divide the thickness in half. (This measurement will be used for drilling).

3. Using the masking tape, tape around the hole saw drill bit using the determined measurement. This will prevent you from drilling all the way through the book. Drill three holes into the book. Drill through the cover and the pages. You can space the holes evenly or randomly. The holes will house the votives. When you are finished drilling, use your fingers to remove any excess pages or loose pieces.

4. Paint the gel medium in the drilled holes, painting the bottom of the holes and the sides. Paint the gel medium around the three non-spine sides of the book. Wrap the books with wax paper (prevents sticking) and secure with large binder clips. Allow to dry. The gel medium will dry crystal clear.

5. Working with the remaining two books, apply the gel medium around the three side edges of the books. This will, as it did for the first book, seal all the pages together. Wrap the books with wax paper and secure with large binder clips. Allow to dry.

6. Once the gel medium is dried, glue the books into a stack using the hot glue gun, making sure the book with the holes is on top. You can angle the books in different directions to create interest and funky layers.

7. Decorate the stack of books by hot gluing ribbons, trim, rhinestones, charms, etc. on the edges of the book. Place the votive holders into the drilled holes and drop the candles in. Add additional ribbon, bows, charms, etc. around the base of the candleholders.

(Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza cohost Creative Juice for the Holidays. For more information log on to www.cathiefilian.com.

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