Old encyclopaedia’s are often out of date and are fast becoming redundant in the computer age. I have been making some gift tags using elements cut from encyclopaedia print. I also embellished a candle for gift giving by wrapping it with paper and tying with a ribbon (if you do this, be sure to remind the recipient to remove the paper before lighting the candle!!). With 20 plus volumes to use, you will no doubt see encyclopaedia’s used in all manner of projects around here in the future.
I had some great responses to my plea for ideas for encyclopaedia craft. You should check out all these creative ideas for using old books!
Curlypops suggested making a collage
Jellybelly*Jellybrain suggested checking out the Book Art at Whimsy Love
Debbie has altered an old book to create a memory book for her Mom
Liz suggested photocopying special pages and using them as backgrounds for journal pages or as wrapping paper
Lolly suggested using them to make tags, possbily aged with ink and distressed
Kssnnikkel – uses them to line drawers and shelves in an old dresser
Vickie recently received an altered home ec book for her birthday. With verses added, and lots of embellishments.
You must try these Spicy Pumpkin Muffins – perfect for school lunch boxes or served warm with a cup of tea!
2 cups of self rasing flour
1 ½ cups brown sugar
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
100g butter
2 eggs
1 cup cooked, mashed pumpkin
Measure the dry ingredients into a bowl and toss with a fork to combine.
In a separate bowl, warm the butter until melted, add eggs and beat well. Stir in pumpkin. Add this wet mix to the dry ingredients, and fold together without over mixing.
Line 12 muffin pans with liners. Divide the mixture between the pans and bake for 15-18 minutes in an oven at 200 degrees.
Posted by Lisa
The Faerie Queen says
That is a very sweet idea, using old books, I really must have a go at these. Thanx for sharing such a great Idea.
LollyChops says
I absolutely love the tag and candle wrapper you made!
I still cannot eat anything just yet but those muffins sure do look tasty!
Hope you are doing well! Missed ya!
Dancin' Puffin says
Hey Lisa, great encyclopedia recycling – love the classy look. I thought possibly use excerpts on cards that are specific to the person. The muffins look so scrummy.
Rachel says
These are all great book page ideas! I’m checking them all out! : )
Christy says
What a chic project you’ve come up with. Very well done! Your pumpkin muffins look delish too!
Suzanne says
What a good idea. Thank you for sharing your receipe.
Your quilt in the previous post is beautiful. I love its colours.
Kathryn says
The candle is lovely, must pull out my old encylopaedia’s.
With Smiles
Kathryn
Catherine says
What a cool idea…gives me an idea for Christmas Candles at school, Thank you.Love the black and white!! Cathy
Michelle says
all i can say is i LOVE checking your new projects…you girls are just so clever…
i would have never have thought of that and i looks amazing…
i have some old books laying around myself…and i could do one of these with a christmas theme…
thanks heaps…
princess pudge says
those muffins look divine, but then so does ALL your baking!
i LOVE your candle and tag, i may just have to look out for redundant books to do something similar 🙂
Hoppo Bumpo says
What a lovely candle and tag – they look stunning. With so many volumes at your disposal does this mean you will no longer be frequenting hardware chains for paint colour swatches?!
I really like the look of that recipe. I have some pumpkin to use up, so I’m going to give it a try – yum!
crafty things says
The black and white looks stunning. The muffins look mouthwatering!
Wow – I got a real word for the verification – piers
Stephanie says
I’m having my morning cup of tea and those muffins would be delicious with it. I love recipes. Great projects. I’m looking forward to all you have to share using your old encyclopedias. I have a complete set in the basement. I love how you share projects that cost very little but look expensive.
Vickie says
Wow! You surly did get a lot of great ideas! Thanks for posting them and including mine! I can’t wait to try those pumpkin muffins! They look great!
bluebird-lyn says
Hi Lisa and Sarah, I love what you did with the colours for the candle very classic black/white/grey.Must try your pumpkin muffins. Regards Lyn
Debbie says
Love your project. Thanks for mentioning me. I will get some pictures of my book that I made for Mom. I was having so much fun with it, that I over stuffed it, it won’t shut. lol.. But she loved it and thats all that mattered.
Thanks again,
Debxoxo
Terriaw says
What a great way to use up pages from old encyclopedia books. I adore pumpkin muffins, so I will have to try this one, especially when our family comes to visit. Great complement to the brunch table!
Cindy says
Yummy muffins! Great ideas with the recycled books. They turned out really nice!
jacquie says
i got a package from kajsa of syko fame and she had cut a piece from an old book and slipped in in the plastic bag as a backing to show off the piece i ordered. it was such a cute idea and great recycling too. i’m copying this recipe…i love anything pumpkin.
our shabby cottage says
Love the encyclopedia craft. I have been looking for those plain white tags for ages – where did you buy them?? I must try the pumpkin muffins too….
Cheryl says
Your projects are always so INSPIRING to me and I can’t wait to see what you come up with next! I have to try that muffin recipe!!
Thimbleanna says
Very, very clever! Thanks for all the great ideas for encyclopedia crafts!
Ali Honey says
Black and white is such a clean yummy combination!
Alison Boon says
Who would have thought you could do so many things with an old encylopedia.
Fiona @ Dragonfly-Crafts says
Love what you girls have been up to lately. Great ideas…. Thanks for always sharing.
Renee says
I love the black and white gift tag – very chic!
Roseanne says
I love your candle. what a great idea. your muffins well they look yummy.
Philigry says
oIlove that idea! it looks great with the black and white! You always, always inspire me! what will you be up to next?
Dandelion Quilts says
Don’t those look nice??? Creative! I love pumpkin thanks for the recipe.
Jessica says
Those pumpkin spice muffins look soooo very yummy!
lesley says
What a great idea. I must dig out my old encylopaedia’s and have some fun! Those muffins look delicious. xx
periwinkle says
I don’t know where you get all your amazing ideas from –
lisa x
Soo says
very nice! the candle looks great and I especially love the gift tag!
Ruth says
I love the candle… it looks great!
Ruth xx
JuliaB says
Oooh! what a good idea for an old enyclopaedia! x
Ritch in Love says
Soo…I have to find a site to convert your recipes because I don’t know how much 100g of butter is. 🙂
I’m going to do that candle project with the kids for Christmas. Very cute!
Knit and Sew City Girl says
The pumpkin muffin sounds interesting. I might give it try once I find some time.
Mary
Rosezilla says
You could be a craft consultant for a living! All the things I don’t know what to do with and think surely something could be done, but it doesn’t work out. Then I see the stuff you come up with and I’m always really impressed. At any rate, I wish we lived closer because I could supply you with all sorts of crafts material that I’ve given up on finding ideas for!
Emerald Arts says
That’s so cool, I recently made a zine of Book Art and am researching stuff for volume two. Thanks for all the links to chase up 🙂
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15770284
Melanie Gray Augustin says
Your tag and candle came up great, so stylish. There are a lot of good ideas there too, I might have to borrow some at sometime.
Kris says
Isn’t papercraft the best! I am so jealous of your encyclopedias! I am hoping to find just one at the op-shop!
The Buchanan Family says
I have an old phone book from 1966 and wanted to use it in some way or another, any ideas?
Cascade Lily says
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. What a fantastic and beautiful way to reuse old encycs!
And I am DEFINITELY going to try those pumpkin muffins!
Jenette says
What wonderful ideas! Thanks so much!!
Sara's Sweet Surprise says
Tags are such a simple embellishment that produces such a beautiful finishing touch.
Muffins and tea. Time to head to the kitchen for some baking. Thanks for the recipe.
Sweet Wishes,
Sara
Lisa says
I just came across your blog and seen that you mentioned me about the shelf lining, wanted to say thanks! :)Lisa