A Bookworm Creates

Book page pendants aren't easy to make.   They seem simple, but trial-and-error has taught me a few things. First you need your supplies: Bezels Resin Mixing measuring cups and stirrers What you are putting in the bezels Scissors or punch cutters I tend to get the pre-measured resin even though I get less resin for more price.  I won't have to measure it out - just make certain I use even pressure when injecting the resin into the mixing cup. Even pre-measured things can affect how the resin hardens, or doesn't harden.  Too much of the yellow side (I'm blanking on what it's called) and the resin will not harden.  Too high humidity will impact how long it takes to set.  You also need to be in a well-ventilated room. Or outside. Step one - Prep your bezels and book pages.  This means a glue or paper sealer.  Apply the sealer to the bezel.  Position your book page in the bezel - do this...

Step 1 - Put resin in heat resistant bowl.  On occasion I have to "destroy" my resin pendants.  It could be for any reason. A book has had its copyright renewed. A pendant doesn't get enough views/sells.  It's an "oops" pendant that didn't turn out perfect or close to perfect.  Anything can happen. On this instance it's all three. But I don't have to let them sit around collecting dust, wasting renewal fees, or even - shudders - get thrown in the trash. Step Two - Pour hot water over the bezels Resin has one downside and anybody who has looked at most of my book page pendant listings on Etsy can figure it out. Hot Water. Wait? What?   Step Four - Use tweezers to remove bezel from water Step Three - Cover the Bowl (This traps in the heat) Step Five- Insert sharp object between bezel and resin Hot water can soften up the resin.  It can indent the resin.  It can even soften it up enough where I c...

On occasion I get asked why I stopped selling certain items.  Mostly Harry Potter, Supernatural, Walking Dead, etc.  - Why would an Etsy shop owner stop selling her best sellers?  Hmmm.  Excellent question.  I didn't know much about something called Copyright and Trademark Infringement when I posted my "inspired by" pieces.  And then I learned very quickly.  - Do I want to make Harry Potter and other non-public domain book page necklaces?  YES!  A million and ten times yes. However, I'm finding myself in the middle of a gray area.  Can I make these Harry Potter book page necklaces.  Probably.  Minus the Harry Potter tags, names, quotes, etc.  That's the problem with (C) and (T) infringements.  Did you know that Warner Brothers owns a copyright on the character's names?  Yup.  - But you are considering using the books... Thus the gray area.  Do I cut out pieces of the books and enter in...

I was scanning the Etsy discussion board while waiting for my photos to transfer over to my google drive when I saw a post from years ago that somebody had unearthed. It was about destroying books to make items. We all know that I have been making book page necklaces. If you don't know that, go scan my Etsy shop (Shopify has been taken down for... reasons...). You will see book page necklace after book page charm bracelet after book page necklace. Lots and lots of book themed pieces. If you follow my instagram you will know that it's a combination of old and new books. I cringe every single time I use a new book to make jewelry. I cringe and my book loving heart stops as I tearfully scan the pages looking for the word or name I'm looking for. The right scene. The right place. I prefer using old copies. Those old copies that are falling apart and are sitting at the used bookstore waiting for somebody to buy them, but are overlooked because of their condit...