fun with books Archives

10 Book-Themed Fall Crafts

September 6, 2019 by Meet Brenda 1 Comment

Fall is all about pumpkins, spicy smells, warm blankets, and of course, books.

If you are both crafty and bookish, the idea of murdering a book to make a craft may hurt you, but there are tons of faux book pages you can use for these crafts, or you can use books that you hate like I do.

10 Book-Themed Fall Crafts

Have fun making these book-themed fall crafts this fall season!

Book Page Pumpkin

I made this pumpkin last year, and it’s making me really happy on my work desk this year. I tied a bright blue ribbon around it and I like it even better that way.

Book Page Fall Leaves

These look real. I love how the words end up faint, but still visible.

Bookish Acorn Banner

This craft is even easy enough for even the tiniest book lovers to make. I love how adorable it looks!

Colorful Fall Book Page Wreath

This wreath is similar to the Valentine’s Day heart we made this year. I love the added punches of color!

Wordy Mason Jar Pumpkin

This mixes all the best things: books, fall, mason jars, and cinnamon sticks. This craft takes patience, but it looks amazing!

Book Strip Candle Holder

I love this idea because it could take just a few minutes to make. Cut some old book pages into strips and you’re halfway done! This works particularly well for a book you REALLY hated.

Layered Book Leaf

This design is so simple, but it looks elegant at the same time. I love how it looks like something you would find in a naturalist’s house.

Book Page Covered Pumpkin

If you have a fake pumpkin, covering it in book pages is one of the easiest ways to bring it to a literary level. Glitter is a necessary addition.

Book Page Banner

This simple book banner looks a lot like the Valentine’s Day banner we made last year, just with leaves instead of Valentine’s Day stuff. It’s perfect for this time of year!

Book Leaf Wreath

I’m warning you in advance, of all the book-themed fall crafts this one may take the longest. But it looks so amazing, it’s worth the effort. And you can always reuse your book crafts next fall!

Do you decorate with book pages? What are your favorite book-themed fall crafts? Share your favorites with me!

More Fall Fun!

How to Declutter Books When You Don’t Want to Let Go

June 6, 2017 by Meet Brenda Leave a Comment

I love books. There was a time when I accepted any book anyone was giving away and I certainly would never give any books away from my collection. But over the years, I’ve realized that in certain situations, getting rid of books can be the best choice. Here are the steps I go through for how to declutter books when you’re a book lover and don’t really want to get rid of any. Follow along with these tips when you’re decluttering and you’ll be able to let those books go without remorse.

How to Declutter Books When You Don’t Want to Let Go

Use these tips to help clear out books that you don’t need any more and make room for new, better books!

Step 1: Why did you get the book?

When going through my books, I found it helpful to think about where the book came from. A lot of the books I eventually ended up reselling/giving away were books that were given to me that I never really liked and books that were part of assigned reading.

Step 2: Does the book have meaning?

If you can’t think of any positive feelings or memories that the book gives you, or you haven’t even attempted to read the book in five years, let it go.

Step 3: Is the book a collector’s item?

A lot of my books that I’ve picked up recently aren’t really books I want to read, but books that I purchase because they are a prettier edition of a book I already had (in which case I got rid of the ugly version) or rare(ish) books that I picked up because I loved the cover or I love the book and wanted a collector’s edition. Old books that are falling apart and ugly, I ditched.

Step 4: Are you done with that phase?

I have a lot of books from different reading phases of my life. This time around, I got rid of most paperback science fiction, historical fiction, and YA dystopian. I enjoyed these books, but I’m done with that phase of life. I don’t need the books sticking around when that is no longer me. These books also didn’t have enough staying power for me to save for someone else (see step 5).

Step 5: Do you really need it on your shelf?

I prefer reading books in my hands, but if it’s a book I’ve already read, and didn’t love, but did like, I will still get rid of it and perhaps buy the ebook version if I want to read it again. Exceptions are made if I want to save the book for my kids to read. But it turns out, I had almost a hundred books that I enjoyed reading but didn’t feel the need to pass on to the next generation.

Step 6: Will you read it again?

If you don’t plan to read a book again or pass it along to someone else, there still might be a few reasons to keep it, such as if it has exclusive content, if the cover is pretty, or if it is signed. But in most cases, if you don’t plan to read the book again, there’s no reason to hang onto it.

Step 7: Enjoy your free-er shelves

Once you get rid of these books, you feel accomplished. I’m happy to know that the books I’ve kept are ones I want to read again or have someone else read, and that they are a reflection of who I am today. It turns out, how to declutter books is not only possible, but it can also feel great!

Harry Potter Mugs to Add to Your Wishlist Immediately

October 19, 2016 by Meet Brenda Leave a Comment

Love Harry Potter? Show the world with these fantastic Harry Potter Mugs! You’re no ordinary muggle/no-maj! You are a superstar.

It’s the time of year when we make our holiday and Christmas lists. And if you’re a Harry Potter fan, of course that includes Harry Potter Merchandise. Now that Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them is just around the corner, we are free to continue our obsession with the Harry Potter universe for the foreseeable future. It’s not weird anymore, there are more movies coming out!

…..

We’re totally normal.

Harry Potter Mugs to Add to Your Wishlist Immediately

If you love Harry Potter, you will absolutely want to add these little mugs to your Amazon wishlist. Now you have a reason to get Amazon Prime!

These Harry Potter mugs are good for home or office use.

Hedwig is the best mug.

Get it here.

Puns are so funny.

Get it here.

If I had magic, this is the only spell I would use.

Get it here.

Such a funny joke.

Get it here.

In case you need a Hogwarts map while drinking your favorite morning beverage.

Get it here.

Yeah, I went there. NBD.

Get it here.

This one is actually my favorite.

Get it here.

Embrace the new franchise!

Get it here.

You can get these for every house, but since Ravenclaw is the best house, I’ve included this one.

Get it here.

Get this for a Harry Potter-loving couple you know.

Get it here.

This new Fantastic Beasts symbol is pretty creepy!

Get it here.

I love the red on this one.

Get it here.

It’s a little cauldron! Aww.

Get it here.

More Harry Potter Fun

Harry Potter Novelty Items You Need

Non-School Uniform Harry Potter Costumes

The Best Quotes from Harry Potter

DIY Harry Potter Crafts

Harry Potter Novelty Items You Won’t Be Embarrassed to Have as an Adult

October 4, 2016 by Meet Brenda 1 Comment

If you love Harry Potter, of course you want all the Harry Potter novelty items you can find. But if you’re an adult, you need sophisticated HP swag like these options.

I don’t know about you, but as much as I love certain books, I feel a little embarrassed if I’m out and about in anything that is too obviously themed. I want to surround myself with clothing and house decorations that remind me of my favorite book, but that perhaps don’t quite scream it to everyone. I want fellow fans to connect with me, but I don’t want to alienate non-fans.

This collection of Harry Potter novelty items finds the perfect balance between kitsch and adult-appropriate.

Harry Potter Novelty Items You Won’t Be Embarrassed to Have as an Adult

No one will think you’re weird if you wear this necklace. Most people won’t even notice it’s a reference to the best book series of all time.

This is such a cheery version of this quote. I’d put it in my bathroom.

I’m including this pillow for all the Snape/Lilly fans out there.

You don’t even have to be a Harry Potter fan to appreciate the wise saying on this mug.

If you wear this scarf, do you have to follow the house rules? That’s a little joke for you.

Wear these HP socks under your business shoes and no one will know what a rebel you’re being.

Are you just a boring business person or are you a secret die-hard Gryffindor fan?

Maybe she’s just really into lightening, or maybe she’s the biggest Harry Potter fan EVER.

I don’t know why this costs so much (no longer being made, perhaps?), but a person can dream, right?

More affordably, this is the Harry Potter edition I’m currently collecting. I love the new look.

More Harry Potter Fun

Quotes from Harry Potter

DIY Harry Potter Costumes

Harry Potter Crafts Anyone Can Make

Quotes from JK Rowling

DIY Harry Potter Costumes (that have nothing to do with school uniforms)

September 7, 2016 by Meet Brenda 3 Comments

Harry Potter remains one of the most popular costume sets for Halloween costumes. I fully support this choice. But sometimes, the school uniforms are just a bit boring. Never fear, you can support your love of the Harry Potter universe with these DIY Harry Potter costumes that have nothing to do with school uniforms.

10 DIY Harry Potter Costumes (that have nothing to do with school uniforms)

You’ll love these alternative DIY Harry Potter costumes!

Rita Skeeter

I wish Rita was in every book. In all honesty, Rita is one of my favorite characters. It never bothered me that she made wild accusations, but I suppose, in the end, she wasn’t the best person ever. Perfect for a costume!

Molly Weasly

If you look as much like Molly as this woman does, wear this costume and have done with it.

Narcissa Malfoy

If you want to be one of the coolest and most aloof dark witches, Narcisia is for you.

Mandrake

I love this costume idea for a baby. But you could also be an adult mandrake, if you wanted.

Nearly Headless Nick and the Grey Lady

These ghostly costumes are quite elaborate. But I bet you could be recognized with a little less effort.

Buckbeak

Dress up like a mythical creature! I’m going to this year. 🙂

The Snitch

Everyone will want to catch you if you dress up like this, so watch out.

Harry’s Patronus

You don’t have to dress as Harry’s patronus, but if you do, definitely use this as your inspiration.

Dobby

Dress as Dobby for instant fame and if you are currently running low on socks.

The Book

Sometimes dressing up as the literal Harry Potter book is the right choice. Pick your favorite, and create!

More Book-Themed Halloween Costumes

Last-Minute Geeky Costumes

Twilight Couple’s Costume

The Martian Halloween Costume

Last-Minute Book-Themed Costume Ideas

Lit Lovers Link Party

Don’t miss last week’s awesome list of literary tote bags. If you link up, I will pin you to my Book Reviews Pinterest board, which currently has a follower count of about 6K. Thanks for linking up each week!

An InLinkz Link-up