Paul Lowe is a food and prop stylist and editor-in-chief of Sweet Paul Magazine. He was born and raised in Oslo, Norway and moved to New York City five years ago. He keeps busy with his regular clients, blog, magazine and dog. His latest issues of Sweet Paul Magazine, filled with holiday recipes and tips, can be viewed for free online.
Anyone who has been following my blog and online magazine is surely aware of my love for old books. My total adoration for bound volumes comes down to two words: comfort and style. There is something so comforting in the wisdom you can find in old books, and nothing says style more then a pile of beautiful, antique leather bound books on a table. Whatever style your home is, old books never look out of place.
I have also been known to craft with books. Oh yes, believe it or not, I tear them up! While I realize there are several masterworks in literature, sometimes I can’t help but disassemble a book and repurpose the pages in a handmade project. When I was 18, I wanted to wallpaper the bathroom of my first apartment. My dad had some old books in his attic that made their way on the walls of my bathroom. Though the pages were from a rare edition of a 19th century play, they gained a whole new meaning and purpose. My walls never looked better!
1. Book Mobile by kintique. The poetic works of Lord Byron turned into a book mobile. Simply genius. 2. 3-D Vintage Book Pages Butterfly Wall Art by MGMartSupplies. Hungarian MG Mart hand cuts each butterfly, saying that they come from a book she has read many times but now the pages are falling out. The book can now live on on your wall! 3. Vintage French Novel Paper Baubles by MaisyandAlice. Maisy and Alice in England made these charming little heart shaped ornaments from a vintage 1966 novel.
1. Recycled Lampshade by GreenWallNL. I am in love with this lamp. The coolest thing is that you can decide if you want the book in English or Dutch. 2. Decorative Paper Doodads by benjrs. The seller didn’t know what to call theses folder 3D paper things, so she simply called them “Doodads.” They sure are the most stylish doodads I’ve ever seen! 3. Handmade Shredded Paper Bowl by LittleVintageCottage
The World Wide Les Battes Print by BlackBaroque transforms old pages from a book into a beautiful printed piece of art. I love the idea of creating something new on top of something old. All you need is something blue and you have a wedding!
1. Topsy Turvy Paper Ornament by greentrikepress. The holidays are almost here and these ornaments will look really good on any tree. They are made of books salvaged from the Porte de Vanves flea market in Paris. 2. Vintage Manuscript J Brooch by ismay 3. Word Up Cufflinks by ismay.
These Handmade Paper Christmas Tree Ornaments by mindimade are so simple and elegant. They are perfect for decorating your tree or topping gifts.
1. Hollow Book Safe by ConduitPress 2. Brain Anatomy Antique Medical Book Wreath by SimpleJoysPaperie. I want this wreath for my door this holiday season! The seller will make them in any theme you want. 3. Vintage Book Cover Cuff by SimpleJoysPaperie
If you want to start your own book crafts after reading this post, I found these three spineless books from beautifulliving that just scream to be used!
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What can you expect from Sweet Paul Magazine? Easy and elegant recipes, fun and stylish crafts, exciting crafters, entertaining ideas and much, much more. Creator and prop stylist Paul Lowe wants this to be a magazine that you will use! So print out pages, link on your blogs and e-mail to your friends. Gear up for the holiday season with the holiday 2010 issue of Sweet Paul! |
191 comments
Sign in to add your ownodiliafu says:
Beautiful paper artwork!! The old is new again.
1 year ago
ekra says:
Such a beautiful collection of book art! I love the topsy turvy ornament!
1 year ago
HandmadeHandsome says:
Great article, great items.
1 year ago
ariandmayadesigns says:
Images are lovely! Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
VivaGailBeads says:
these are simply beautiful, thank you!
1 year ago
PlumeandPetals says:
Absolutely beautiful and very creative! So much art created just from recycled books~ Cynthia, www.plumeandpetals.blogspot.com
1 year ago
foundling says:
love, love, love these repurposed book pieces. i can almost get a whiff of that lovely old book smell.
1 year ago
katrinshine says:
Very beautiful creations!
1 year ago
polkadotmagpie says:
Such beautiful items, and a creative spirit Sweet Paul is. Simplejoy made a beautiful bracelet for my daughter in law. Her favorite birthday present. Love every item here!!!
1 year ago
TheBloomingThread says:
How very cool! I love the cuff links~
1 year ago
TheBloomingThread says:
the fading and yellowing adds so much character- great collection!
1 year ago
Colettesboutique says:
Very creative! love the topsy-turvy ornaments.
1 year ago
akcopperraven says:
beutifully "written" article...love the topsy turvy ornaments !!
1 year ago
maggiemaevintage says:
beautiful and I love the wallpaper idea!
1 year ago
meamax says:
Gratulerer PÃ¥l :)
1 year ago
Leocardia says:
The hollow book safe is sooo cute and beautiful!
1 year ago
rarebeasts says:
They are super creative creations.
1 year ago
EsoMeliae says:
Incredible, I want those ornaments!
1 year ago
bootsieboots says:
Very inspirational :)
1 year ago
cherrycreek says:
I love Sweet Paul! He and his wonderful magazine are an inspiration for me! Thank you for this post!
1 year ago
Asianexpressions says:
Beautiful!
1 year ago
shopgoodgrace says:
LOVE these idea's!! These beautiful items are inspiring ... like a fun, creative way to spend an afternoon with the kids. Thank you for sharing.
1 year ago
KettleConfections says:
Thanks for sharing all these pretty paper items!
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
Love paper art! These are all great. And redoing my bath in old book pages - super. Now where did I put that glue stick...
1 year ago
choisette says:
the cufflinks are way cool. now if i could just get my man to wear a dress shirt.
1 year ago
calloohcallay says:
Such wonderful creations!
1 year ago
DevineCollectible says:
Real fun idea for a while I was using discarded books into paper mache... very pretty & creative. peace Devine Collectilbe
1 year ago
AvianInspirations says:
I've always wanted a hollow book to secret things away in! I should have known to look on Etsy!
1 year ago
ElenaMary says:
Super book art, Paul..I have the team for you..we just formed the ALCHEMICAL CODEX SOCIETY team for book artists on etsy..please join us! Here is a treasury of many of the artists on the team..if I had know of your work earlier I would have included it in the treasury: http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4cdb09180ccd6d91cc265f80/beyond-books-two?index=0
1 year ago
TrimsNmore says:
So creative. Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
yaelfran says:
Gorgeous and so creative!!!! Congrats Sweet Paul!!!!
1 year ago
verdigreen says:
one of my most favorite etsy finds. thank you for highlighting!!
1 year ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
Hi Paul! I want to paper a wall in my home with old book pages. I don't think my husband will agree but perhaps I can do a moveable, faux wall... Thank you so much for choosing my Vintage Book Wreath and my Vintage Book Cover Cuff to be featured among all these other great works ~ I really appreciate it! :)
1 year ago
Powerofflower says:
Very creative, lovely work!
1 year ago
whitehaus says:
inspirational stuff. this is going to make an excellent theme for me and my daughter's next craft day. we are ALL about the recycling. thanks, sweet paul!
1 year ago
AnnTig says:
Beautiful and very creative!
1 year ago
weatheredsilo says:
All is stunning! ;-)
1 year ago
katieblue says:
very cool! I LOVE old book pages... If you see my shop, you could probably see that! Anyways, these are such fun ideas, thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
LeafAndTendril says:
i love your work!
1 year ago
LeafAndTendril says:
i love your work!
1 year ago
bylynnkrestel says:
love you, sweet paul!! thank you!
1 year ago
whimsicalpaperdot says:
This is so cool, your work is wonderful...!!
1 year ago
PrairiePeasant says:
I love reading and I treasure books, but I do tear old ones apart and create new items!
1 year ago
CocoaBeans says:
i love this, the colors all look amazing how you did it:)
1 year ago
QuiltedNoodles says:
Such beautiful artwork! I love books and I love the art work shown here, but I would find it hard to cut them up! At least at first! LOL
1 year ago
MagicMarkingsArt says:
the pages of your magazine are just as sweet if not sweeter! love your bookish selections and adore your magazine.
1 year ago
bidesign says:
great article.
1 year ago
lindaketelhut says:
Love all the paper art. So creative and beautiful. Thanks for sharing all the great shops.
1 year ago
Tiah says:
What a beautiful and clever way to use books! I love books, have a whole wall covered in book shelves. I will be ordering some things to decorate my library.
1 year ago
WakeIslandSeaJewels says:
AMAZING! thank you for your insight!
1 year ago
opendoorstudio says:
This is one trend that I LOVE ! so creative and a great use for vintage books that are out of circulation!
1 year ago
christinecho says:
love old papers
1 year ago
mindimade says:
LOVE the article...ADORE the collection! can't thank you enough for including my christmas tree ornament, sweet paul. you certainly do live up to your name. :) i'm headed straight to your blog, my friend. cheers! <3xoxox<3
1 year ago
fieldtrip says:
what a gorgeous magazine! just read it cover to cover and am feeling very inspired :)
1 year ago
allthepreciousthings says:
Love the little bats!!!
1 year ago
vritesh says:
Nice post thanks for a good information
1 year ago
Epizia says:
Why wasn't John Clark included? He's fantastic! http://www.etsy.com/shop/johnclark
1 year ago
kissadesign says:
Love this closer look at amazing paper artists on Etsy!
1 year ago
LadyMariansArt says:
Loved all the paper art and the magazine!!! Things like this make me smile!! :-)
1 year ago
HurlyBurlyBags says:
People's creativity amazes me. Paul your art is beautiful. I love books too and I think your bathroom wall is a better honoring place than the attic.
1 year ago
birchbeerboutique says:
mmm...such a lovely wintery post full of fantastic food and books to sink my teeth into.
1 year ago
cestmagnifique says:
Very cool creations using old books! Love it all!
1 year ago
WhisperingOak says:
How wonder ful work with paper and reusing of old books
1 year ago
LittleVintageCottage says:
Wow! All these creations using old books are so cool! Thanks for including my little shredded bowl! Tania
1 year ago
ismay says:
Oh I LOVE book pages! Thanks for including me in these amazing finds.
1 year ago
asundrynotion says:
Great ideas, well beyond my rudimentary paper chain making skills! There's something so appealing about paper ornaments.
1 year ago
greenbelts says:
This is wonderful. Thank you!
1 year ago
BingoBox says:
Beautiful & Fun - Cheers !!
1 year ago
blessedvintage says:
l love your stuff!
1 year ago
kintique says:
Thank you for adding my item!
1 year ago
MerCurios says:
What creativity. It's very reminiscent of the Victorian era, absolutely lovely.
1 year ago
KathyGDesigns says:
Thanks! I enjoyed this post. Be sure to check out Sweet Paul Magazine
1 year ago
earlybirdcreations says:
How beautiful! Thanks for compiling these great finds :)
1 year ago
CourtOfMiracles says:
A little corner of me wants to wince at the idea of taking apart a book, but I have to confess that the finished product is pretty awesome. I took a quick glance at the magazine too. Fun stuff!
1 year ago
tatimaia says:
These are great craft works... but... I don't know... Destroying those beautiful and historical books... I don't know... :/
1 year ago
blueskyclouds says:
My dad has a huge library full of very old books that have been collected and yellowed over the years. At some point in the near future, unfortunately for his health, I will have to try and figure out how best to use these books.......they are so gorgeous in their state of decay!
1 year ago
kadydesigns says:
Beautiful and unique!!!! Enjoyed the article, continued success to you!!!!
1 year ago
lillipopsdesigns says:
Oh Paul... you are just too sweet! I'm such a fan of your blog and magazine. Thanks for sharing these wonderful projects and many wishes for continued success!
1 year ago
Chandeluse says:
Sometimes something so simple looking is deceptively hard to make. Love them all.
1 year ago
myvintagecrush says:
Love the [ages dripping out of that hanging book! Love!
1 year ago
DamaUSA says:
wow....amazing what sort of things you can make out of paper:)
1 year ago
CustomDogBandanas says:
This is very cool! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
FunWithNeedles says:
awwwww!!!! sweet paul! you are SWEET!!! this post was really amazing.
1 year ago
Baubledigook says:
Enlightening and Inspiring. Love them all!
1 year ago
vivikas says:
great work!
1 year ago
julieincharge says:
Great picks!
1 year ago
Mclovebuddy says:
love this.
1 year ago
beadbooty says:
I love, love, love beautiful new things crafted from beautiful old books! Fabulous article.
1 year ago
VitalVintage says:
Love this one! Such great book/paper finds!
1 year ago
Lindensage says:
simply beautiful!
1 year ago
Lindensage says:
simply beautiful!
1 year ago
TheWhirlwind says:
Love these! Book art is one of my fave things on Etsy.
1 year ago
prettystardesigns says:
such gorgeous items, just shows how many gorgeous things can be made from something as simple as paper if you have a crafty mind :)
1 year ago
littlealouette says:
OOO I love my pal Paul. I am the president of his fan club! Yay Paul! Great picks! xo
1 year ago
VintageMarketPlace says:
This is why I love creating with paper, the possibilities are endless
1 year ago
TheVintageDresser says:
Love the book crafts, especially the little shredded paper bowl!
1 year ago
dandelionlady says:
Wow. I'm so inspired to create now!
1 year ago
vintagejane says:
All so beautiful and creative!!!!!!!
1 year ago
CozyDog says:
Why is vintage text paper so appealing? Is it the vintage aspect of it or just the simplistic nature of it that we all love so much?
1 year ago
artofjane says:
Books are one of the best things in life, and these items are such a beautiful way to use the old ones! Love it!
1 year ago
velvetbrownstudio says:
A man after my own heart.
1 year ago
HeavenAwaits says:
Balissima!.. my darlings =)
1 year ago
JuniperHome says:
I love all of these items!!!
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
Your work is absolutely beautiful! What a great way to repurpose!
1 year ago
iheartmy says:
I can't wait to try my hand at this. Very inspiring! I love the smell of old books! Very nostalgic.
1 year ago
frenchtoastfriday says:
I'm truly inspired by this gorgeous paper art!
1 year ago
Attic802 says:
The paper ornaments make me want to make paper earrings!!!
1 year ago
ViviansKitchen says:
Oh my. The magazine is super cool and I want to eat everything pictured. Just beautiful! Cheers :)
1 year ago
nattirootz says:
unique!
1 year ago
TandokunoGurl says:
I know of a number of very good Altered book artists. I have a website myself if you would like to check it out. www.louisedandrade.ca If your into home decor this is a good place to look for art/sculture for the home. Thanks for talking about a subject close to my heart.
1 year ago
ExLibrisJournals says:
I love old books! There are so many cool things you can make from them and recycle them into! I love to turn mine into one of a kind journals... http://exlibrisjournals.etsy.com
1 year ago
bhangtiez says:
Wow, really great ideas....amazing!
1 year ago
FerntreeStudio says:
I've been using a lot of old children's books in my collage work lately and I love the instant history it imparts.
1 year ago
CozyCollection says:
Very creative and beautiful! I love how text adds that little something extra!
1 year ago
Emmamaha says:
Lovely finds. The wonder of what you can do with an old book these days. Thank you!
1 year ago
gretchenmist says:
fun article ~ love the pieces you found too. esp the maisy and alice baubles and the doodads!
1 year ago
melida says:
Ooooh la la! I love old books and this is another reason to keep collecting!
1 year ago
theartlyons says:
Very inspiring, has me dreaming up other ideas on what to do with all of these old books I have...Love old transformed book pages.
1 year ago
cutthecakedesigns says:
so creative and just lovely.
1 year ago
ConduitPress says:
Great article;) I Love those ornaments and the cuff! Thanks so much for featuring my hollow book;) Such a pleasure.
1 year ago
aynart says:
i love paper! nice selections!
1 year ago
CurtisEliseDesign says:
I'm so glad to see this article. I love book art! I have been finding some great artists and makers out there who upcycle old books into new visions for years (and have tried doing some myself) and I'm happy to see a fellow book art addict. Beautifully done!
1 year ago
felicitycrew says:
Great finds! And a great magazine I will for sure follow!
1 year ago
pfmakeup50 says:
I love the cuff links! http://pfsmakeup.blogspot.com/
1 year ago
redemptionart says:
Wonderful article, great taste, great art...love books and paper and recycling...congratulations..going to take a peek at your zine right now!
1 year ago
FloweryDeer says:
Beautiful work! Amazing!
1 year ago
jofoster says:
Gorgeously creative.
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Beautiful work, really like the character books bring to the pieces you craft!
1 year ago
angeliglesias says:
great article!
1 year ago
HandcraftedorVintage says:
I like this so much, reusing paper. Wonderful and awesome creations!
1 year ago
shellsherree says:
I adore your blog, and will scurry off to gaze lovingly at your beautiful magazine in a moment. You've curated a bunch of biblio beauties here ~ thank you for the inspiration, Sweet Paul. {PS: I love your puppy dog!!}
1 year ago
LouisestArt says:
I love it!
1 year ago
iomiss says:
what a fabulous magazine! I love it. Absolutely gorgeous!! Thanks for sharing
1 year ago
Baisimu says:
Everything in here is so soothing! This is pure bliss for an avid reader :)
1 year ago
Tupilu says:
A delicate, close work, in a word: fantastic
1 year ago
GaGa4GiftTags says:
WOW! Love this post and all of the great paper artist's creations! The topsy turvy ornaments by GreenTrikePress and the paper wreaths and book spine cuffs by SimpleJoysPaperie are my very favorites. All of these artists creations are awesome!
1 year ago
lalalandArt says:
your work is original and your blog is really interesting! Everything is so warm! Congratularion!
1 year ago
AdeloCreations says:
I love reading books and i never thought that i would like them torn...but these creations are piece of art!
1 year ago
kimmchi says:
wow love these! get the inspirational juices flowing for making stuff!
1 year ago
lovelygifts says:
Love the artwork!
1 year ago
QuiltFinger says:
Great find and a very inspiring magazine available for free! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
ShePinTea says:
ooh! lovely collection of work! I use lots of books and am left with piles of pages. So much inspiration here! Thankyou.
1 year ago
ikabags says:
:) Great article, great items ! Thanks !
1 year ago
heartfeltgiver says:
Love the article. I love recycling old into new art. Everyone is so talented.
1 year ago
Patriacontemporary says:
Beautiful art! Congrants!
1 year ago
ccsnana3 says:
I so love to come to Etsy and see all these beautiful handmade articles from paper! I will not burn my old books but save them for my daughter (mindimade) for her use! Thank you all for the hard work! So much talent here!!
1 year ago
wearableartbyjude says:
I really love these pieces of the "written word" and I've always been drawn to them. I think I know why now ;) Excellent article.. thanks Paul :)
1 year ago
DesignsbyHeeral says:
Absolutely stunning! Love every single piece :)
1 year ago
NotYourGrandmothers says:
Wow - so gorgeous!
1 year ago
PattiTrostle says:
Beautiful..great items!!
1 year ago
shabbyroses says:
Thank you for sharing,each one is a work of art!
1 year ago
NotYourGrandmothers says:
Just checked out Sweet Paul's blog - so much to love!
1 year ago
bucketofuzz says:
Ohmigosh....I've been gathering old books for an age and been dying to make something of them - but I just can't bear to dismantle them!!! I mean, they're not first editions or anything, they're not well known.... but I just can't seem to bring myself to tear bits off them! I love all these items, I guess BlackBaroque's bat picture at least keeps a page intact...just can't do it myself :) Sure I'll get over it one day. Gorgeous stuff x
1 year ago
SweetMoonlightShop says:
sweet paul rules!
1 year ago
oldworldprimitives says:
So many creative uses for repurposed books in this post - I love them all! I need to go take a look around Sweet Paul Magazine now.
1 year ago
booktique says:
Great article...and funny timing, as I've just opened a shop featuring the things I make from repurposed books! The written word is such an inspiring medium, I think :)
1 year ago
primrosepress says:
Really lovely.
1 year ago
shecological says:
I love all the print! so much better than throwing away old worn out books! (btw, my neighbor growing up was named Paul Sweet! :0)! )
1 year ago
TrinitisCloset says:
Way cool! Love the fact that all of these ideas are s "out side of the box"...ummm book.
1 year ago
fattybird says:
Nice magazine. I appreciate your passion and perseverance Paul.
1 year ago
sugataka says:
:)
1 year ago
pinkpainter says:
This is one of my favorite Storque articles so far. Wonderful job and gorgeous choices.
1 year ago
FunkyMonkeyCreations says:
This is all fantastic! Not just the pieces themselves but the whole post, how it simply puts the emphasis on such wonderful creations. Thanks so much Paul for sharing with us! And a big shout out to Mindimade, woo you go girl! ^_^
1 year ago
AudreyGardenLady says:
What a great article. Terrific finds and I love Sweet Paul's holiday mag!
1 year ago
isamocrochet says:
oh wow, I just love the paper baubles with beads :) now want to make some for my Christmas Tree...
1 year ago
Cake4Breakfast says:
How beautiful, just now looking for simple wedding decorating ideas for my daughters wedding. And how lovely that recycled materials are used. Thank you so much for sharing, I loved everything.
1 year ago
megbydesign says:
I absolutely love your work!
1 year ago
Thelimeshop says:
very inspiring. i'm so obsessed with paul's eye for design. that man knows!
1 year ago
SherbetSunset says:
These are absolutely amazing! I love the art. I do work with magazine pages, mainly because I'm so intrigued with the colors. The tones of the books creates a great effect with a very different and unique feel. http://www.etsy.com/shop/SherbetSunset
1 year ago
deepfried says:
Excellent article, Paul. the brain is awesome.
1 year ago
BlkSheepProductions says:
recycling and upcycling such treasure troves (books) can be so exciting and yield amazing results -- as you have obviously already discovered! excited to dive into the sweet paul online blog for some new ideas!
1 year ago
TCaponePhoto says:
I love this! I love seeing how people re-purpose and re-use things! Wonderful spotlight! Thank you!
1 year ago
CarolinaCottage says:
Love all of these items! I use old dictionary pages, sheet music and maps; so Yay! to re-using paper!
1 year ago
baconsquarefarm says:
Like the name of your shop, lovely finds enjoyed peekin at them all........ :)
1 year ago
cassidycay says:
So cool! I love paper things. I just made some Christmas garland from construction paper and an old book!
1 year ago
MeowBarkArt says:
I recently purchased several old books in different languages... I had no idea what I would do with them, I just thought the words looked beautiful... And now I can't wait to get home & make use of them. Thanks for the great article,
1 year ago
larrie2121 says:
Awesome! I love the idea of giving new life to old treasures!
1 year ago
ericawalker says:
These are lovely. There's something so captivating about the printed word on paper...
1 year ago
Gynx says:
Wow, gorgeous!
1 year ago
MiniatureRhino says:
i'm really in love with Sweet Paul Magazine. The photography & ideas are stunning. I was really honored to be featured in Issue 2. great picks Paul!!
1 year ago
rooftopstudio says:
beautiful way to repurpose old books.
1 year ago
MGMart says:
Thank you Paul for featuring my butterflies :) Greetings from Hungary! -Marianna PS: Love your magazine will be back to read it and print out the recipes.
1 year ago
SavoyFaire says:
Beautiful! I used to make a Christmas tree out of Reader's Digest as a child and then we'd highlight the edges with glitter or gold paint!
1 year ago
Hasadna says:
very inspiring!
1 year ago
LisaConfetti says:
Wow. Your work is stunning.
1 year ago
RuggedRocks says:
I love your work - a fantastic combination of text and form. I wish you were in the UK!
1 year ago
Nakisha says:
Great article, I love upcycling old books into new things.
1 year ago
breations says:
Love the paper art, but I absolutely LOVE Sweet Paul
1 year ago
MGMart says:
just put this article link to my tumblr :) http://mgmart.tumblr.com/
1 year ago
veevixxen says:
I adore you, Sweet Paul!
1 year ago
joyousjules says:
amazing ideas. cant make these with a kindle eh!!!
247 days ago