Creating a Burlap Book Cover and Special Poem!

Greetings Blog Friends,

I just love books and have many in all subjects. All are very special to me, like this one that was my mothers, Helen Steiner Rice, Ambassador of Sunshine.

Decorating with my books can be found all over my home. I use them for lifts under lamps, on the coffee table, stacking for a special figurine, side table accent and so on. This special book is one you can pick up and read now and then and I love to have it out and ready to enjoy for the poetry among the story.

So in keeping with my decor and cottage style, I decide to create a book cover using burlap. Oh I love burlap for it's natural look, cottage charm and easy workability. When I first inherited this book, after my mother passed away, I opened it to the page with a bookmark, only to read a special poem there. It was just what I needed. Did my mother mark it for me? I'll share it with you at the end.

To start I found some great burlap rolls at Walmart in the Christmas garden section. They had 2 sizes with sewn edge. I used the smaller 10 1/2" wide roll for my book, measuring 7" by 9".

First, open the book to measure size and layout. Keep in mind the book has to have room to close, so measure and close to make sure it fits even and not too baggy.

Next, measure, trim and press edge turning in the raw edges on both sides. I then glued raw edges to itself to keep secure. (Quick tip, use your hot glue gun on the low setting. It will work just fine and not burn your fingers)

Close book again and adjust the fit if needed.

Cut end up to the top of the book in the center point. You don't have to do this, but I did because burlap is thicker then other fabrics and I wanted to have less bulk.

It will look like this, press and glue in place.

Close book and trim excess over the edge. If you have a book the exact size of the burlap width, even better~~ no cutting.

After trimming, remove book and open cover to add lace or any trim over the cut raw edge. Start placing the trim from the inside with enough room to fold over, press in place and glue lightly. Be careful not to use too much hot glue that can come through the fabric and look messy. Here a little goes along way just to keep in the fold over in place.

The two ends that hold the book will get a little glue very close to the edge to keep the book in place and from slipping out of the cover. This is important for burlap. Lighter fabric may not need it.

Place the book in the cover and complete~~~ and note, no glue ever touches the book.

Okay, do you think were done???? Do you know me???? Well, come back for part 2 and I will share what I did next to really cottage charm this cover. But before I go, as promised, the poem I opened this book to find, after my mother passed away.

"When I must Leave You"

When I must leave you for a little while
Please do not grieve and shed wild tears
And hug you sorrow to you through the years,
But start out bravely with a gallant smile;
And for my sake and in my name
Live on and do all things the same,
Feed not your loneliness on empty days
But fill each waking hour in useful ways,
Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer
And I in turn will comfort you and hold you near,
And never, never be afraid to die
For I am waiting for you in the sky!
written by, Helen Steiner Rice; 1945

  Hope you'll stop back Monday for the finished cover in part 2.
Have a great and creative day. Hugs, Celestina Marie