"The Knot: Outdoor Weddings" Book Review

The Knot: Outdoor Weddings

by Carley Rooney {& the editors of TheKnot.com}

There's something about getting married out in God's beautiful masterpiece of nature that has always intrigued me.  In The Knot: Outdoor Weddings book there is an abundance of beautifully photographed inspiration divided up by outdoor venue styles {seaside, ranch, garden, vineyard, estate, & city-scape}.  Each featured real wedding includes lots of exquisite pics {such as ceremony/reception space, cake, flowers, etc.} + details.  I have to admit, in this kind of book I mostly pour of the photos more so than the print.  There's also helpful tips & advice catered to the season & wedding venue.  The only thing I can't rave about with this book is that it features a couple of same-sex weddings.  As a follower of Christ, I believe marriage was created for man & woman alone.

Bookish Love,

-Bess-

P.S.: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

"Love Without Limits" Book Review

Love Without Limits by Nick Vujicic 

with Kanae Vujicic

If you’ve never heard of Nick Vujicic, the Australian guy born without arms or legs, who now goes around the world proclaiming the love of Jesus, where have you been?!  Nick is definitely a dynamic evangelist, & now, husband & father.  Sure, many didn’t believe this would ever be the story of his life, at times he admits he didn’t believe it would turn out so beautifully himself.  But, that’s the mighty, loving, working all things for our good God that has reigned forever for ya!

In Nick’s recent book Love Without Limits, which he coauthored with his lovely wife Kanae, a beautiful love story – complete with comic twists & turns – is told, along with advice from the newlywed couple.  The married couple found themselves on the road to parenthood with Kanae’s surprise pregnancy just a few short months after "I do."  Thus, the book covers parenting advice & family life, as well. 

The story of the two’s meeting, getting to know each other, long-distance relationship, proposal, & marriage is a joy to read.  The honesty the couple shares with readers about struggles & experiences is refreshing, yet the advice at times feels somewhat small in its depth of insight – which isn’t too surprising as the couple are still very little-traveled on this marriage road, as they both readily admit.  Still, this book can be a beneficial resource & delight to many, especially young couples who may see many of their struggles & joys reflected in Nick & Kanae’s life, & those who follow Nick’s remarkable story.

Bookish Love,

-Bess-

*I received this book free of charge through the Blogging for Books program in exchange for my honest review.

That One Healthy Fear

"The One Healthy Terror."  Maybe a strange chapter title, at first glance, for a book entitled Fearless.  I dove into it anyway, thinking I already had that "healthy" fear pegged, unmasked, & known.  Perhaps you feel the same.

Perhaps you know in head-knowledge & in fluent Sunday-School-ese that this "healthy" fear is a reverence & awestruck awe for the great I Am God.  However, as I read Max Lucado's words, I uncovered how small my knowledge base truly is & how I have placed a neat box of my own ideals, wants, & needs around this uncontrollable, in-containable King of all.  

It struck me, then, that when I pray "Father" & use such familiar a term as "Daddy," I am right in saying so, but do I ponder that this same Father God, to whom I lift my prayer, is the One who flung stars all around the heavens with purpose & order, & tenderly knit together every unborn baby in every mother's womb?  Who parted & unparted seas, & formed the loftiest peaks & every bumpy ridge of a tree trunk's bark?  Designed every mysterious unique swirl of every human beings' fingerprints since Eden & the first?  The One who can rain down wrath like none other, & still spreads across the sky a promising rainbow to this day?  The One who loves in such an immeasurable, incomprehensible amount, giving up His beloved Son for us, that all the grains of sands & drops of water upon the earth added together do not equal it?  

All of that {& more} is the One to whom at times I have cried out against, & doubted, & accosted, disappointed, made demands of, the One I have flailed before like a temper-tantrum toddler at a grocery store...  Whom I have hidden from those who need Him most out of my own fear, but fear of God in all His immeasurable power & might I have neglected.  I, in my deep sinful foolishness, have been afraid of so many things unworthy of angst.  Didn't Jesus say to not be afraid {again & again}?  For if we are to fear something, may it be that "healthy" revering fear of Him who brings us to our knees in love & worship.

Love,

-Bess-

"They fell on their faces & were greatly afraid.  But Jesus came & touched them & said, 'Arise, & do not be afraid.'"

-Matthew 17:6-7

Reading List

You know how those who work at Dairy Queen {or other like establishments} say they become {Dare I say it?} sick of ice cream?  Well, since I've been working at a library, my bookish appetite just hasn't been what it used to be.  Today is actually my last day there, so maybe I'll be craving books again soon!  Here's a peek at my current reading list...

Recent Reads...

• the book of Acts in the Bible
• It's Not About Me by Max Lucado {I highly recommend this encouraging/gently-convicting read!}

Currently Reading...

• the book of Joshua in the Bible
• Revealing Jesus daily devotional by Darlene Zschech

Planning to Read...

• You'll Get Through This by Max Lucado

What's on your reading list?

Bookish Love,

-Bess-

Books That Move Me

Holy Bible
Perhaps it's a cliche answer to some, but there is honestly no other book that has impacted my life more than this God-breathed Truth.  It has rocked my world & changed my heart & altered my eternity.  Romans especially speaks to me, by the way.

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp
Ann Voskamp's lyrical poem-words captured me.  Her beautifully deep & raw redemptive story moved me... often to searching my Bible feverishly, bending knees in bold prayer, & to healing tears.  This book has taken me on the quest to seek out the gifts - to have eyes to see them daily - & to record & count em up & give thanks, that sweet eucharisteo spoken of in the Gift-Giver's Holy Word.

Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis
The true story of this young woman's journey into the heart of Uganda & its people is nothing short of "becoming less, that He might become more."  Katie's unlikely entrance into missionary work & motherhood speaks of a girl chasing after her God's heart with all she has.  She truly is living out Matthew 16:25, "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Me will find it."  Katie's story makes me want to do so much more & find true life by being sold out for Jesus.

Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist
This candid girl extraordinaire speaks to my heart with her bold transparency.  Running throughout the short stories of her life {which are shared in her book} is the thread of God's redemption & grace. Read more on my love for this book here.

Bookish Love,

-Bess-

P.S.: What books move you?

"Savor" Devotional Book Review

Savor 

by Shauna Niequist

Savor is a good word.  A very good word.  I want to savor this life God has given me… all the moments I get to breathe in & exhale – like now… - & now…  We’re not promised the next, so I want to savor the now.  Savor, a 365 day devotional, attracted me not only because of the title, but because it is authored by Shauna Niequist, whom I simply love!  Shauna also penned Cold Tangerines {read my raves for that book here} & others, so I was excited needless to say, cause Shauna is just one of those honest, shares the good & bad, shows her flaws & God’s redemptive-ness kinda writer-girl.

Plus, this devotional’s got recipes – 21 to be exact!  Shauna is a foodie, & to this would-be-foodie, it’s exciting to think of trying some of these out, especially the blueberry morning yogurt cake & the pumpkin banana anything muffins {don’t worry, there’s savory recipes included, too}.

The meat of each one page daily devotion is a short word from the author sandwiched between an accompanying Bible verse & a thinking point or question.   Shauna’s words are candid & often from little moment-stories from her life.  The only complaint I can muster is that some of the anecdotes were bits I recalled reading from Cold Tangerines, but they were good, nonetheless.

 

The devotional itself is a sturdy hardback with an attached ribbon bookmark, lovely striped linen-looking cover {resembling a tablecloth or fancy cloth napkin}, & dark navy edged pages.  This devotional would make a lovely gift for yourself or anyone you want to encourage to savor the moments God gives.  He is so good!

Bookish Love,

-Bess-

*I received this book as a complimentary copy from the publisher (through the BookLook Blogger program) in exchange for my honest review.

Decorative Duct Tape Bible Recover

My Bible cover's gotten really worn over the years.  In fact, little specks of colored leather flake off at will.  The Bible was actually a Christmas gift from my mom over a decade ago in high school.  It's been well used & though the cover is rough, the inside Truths are still rock solid.  So, I decided to take some decorative duct tape I snagged at the Dollar Tree & fix it up.  I tried as best I could to let the design on the tape match up with each strip I applied + I was extra careful with the spine, edges, & corners.  I'm pleased with how it turned out! 

"A Bible that's falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn't."

-Charles Spurgeon

It's not always the case for me, but I pray the above is true more & more & more.  We are works in continual progress, & He is so gracious to me.

Love,

-Bess-

P.S.: I'm working through this Bible-in-a-year plan {above} that I started this month.  They say June's the new January, right?

P.P.S.: Have you ever used duct tape on a Bible or book or some other craft project?

"Make It Happen" Book Review

Make It Happen

by Lara Casey

Self-help style books have always left me skeptical. If you do this & this & that it will equal into success, & well, self-help – as if life is an easy equation & you just have to get the variables right. I don’t know about you, but I’ve never found real world problems to be black-&-white-mathematical, but more messy-gray. Plus, I’m not into the homework aspect that is usually found in these books. I don’t mind suggestions of helpful things to try, but telling me to do something can leave me antsy & then feeling like a failure when I don’t get it done. Just being honest here. So, I admit it, I started reading Lara Casey’s new book Make It Happen with some walls already up.

The tag line to this book sounded real good, “Surrender your fear. Take the leap. Live on Purpose.” Who doesn’t want to do all that (& then some)? Can I admit something else? I had seen Lara Casey’s carelessly-fancy scripted handwritten quotes & verses on Pinterest & other places on the Web, but I had never visited her blog & didn’t know much about her other than that she wanted me to “go & do all those things I’ve always wanted to do” (which is found taped to the inside of my cereal/snack cabinet in my kitchen, by the way). And, glancing at the pretty pinky orange-ish red paint streaked cover & Lara’s beautiful red-haired self smile-laughing big on the back, I judged based on appearances & thought this book would be all pretty-perfectness – which whose real life is that way? Certainly not mine, & not Lara Casey’s either. It turns out Lara's life has been a huge mess (many times - you’ll learn as you read her honest heart-words). We find out we’re all alike when we let the masks fall away & tell it true. Lara does this; she shares deep of her struggles & failures & mistakes… & of God’s ever-present grace & love & hand in her life. Isn’t that all our stories – even when we don’t want to own it? Lara seeks to empower women through Christ’s strength &, yes, there are goals spoken of, & breaking the power of the unattainable perfection that so many of us chase in some form or fashion, & yes there is homework - & no I didn’t do it all… but that’s okay (there’s also online resources like printables & videos that I did like, strangely enough). Make It Happen might just have redeemed the self-help book ever so slightly in my mind, because Lara’s book is more of an honest Christ-help book, & when Christ is the source of your strength, you can make all things happen – Philippians 4:13.

Bookish Love,

-Bess-

*I received this book as a complimentary copy from the publisher (through the BookLook Blogger program) in exchange for my honest review.

"Cold Tangerines" by Shauna Niequist {A Reflection/Thank You of Sorts}

It was in every way like going to a therapist for free to me.  It was reading shards, & remnants, & icebergs from my own story till it hurt.  And then felt like inching, & sometimes 50-yard-dashing, to a place where healing could flourish like kudzu.

I flagged pages that especially resonated with tiny neon florescent tabs like a sincere, over-zealous college student, & let it reside on my coffee table so I could see it often.  I can't tell you the times I cried great big tears, or laughed out loud great big laughs, or stopped mid-sentence to pray great big prayers, because they were too numerous to count.

But I do know I am thankful to God that He made such authors & thankful to the author that she wrote so bravely, so transparently, that us readers could see her true, broken-pieces-full-of-redemption self, & feel we were okay in our most tattered parts, because we were the same & there arises such a kinship & kindred-spirit-ness in knowing we are all broke & even though it doesn't feel okay or good, God calls us beautiful even then.  And there is still so much seen & unseen worth celebrating in the biggest possible way.  So, thank you to all involved.  This book has awoken a long-asleep hope & possibility in my life & I am so grateful... & ready to celebrate in what constantly feels like the interim, maybe because it is {so I've learned}, so I celebrate all the harder.

Love,
-Bess-

P.S.: Find it here...

"Let There Be Light" Children's Book Review

Let There Be Light

by Desmond Tutu

illustrated by Nancy Tillman

Let There Be Light is Desmond Tutu’s personal paraphrase of the creation story for children.  He takes the Genesis account {days 1-7} & puts it into a simple, shortened format with a bit of his own flair.  The pictures to go along with the words were created by New York Times bestselling author of On the Night You Were Born Nancy Tillman.  Tillman definitely implemented an African feel, to go along with the author’s homeland, in her vibrant artwork which depicts giraffe, elephants, lions, & grasslands {to name a few}.  The board book format of this work makes it sturdy for even the very young, though it is not so small, as some board books, that grown up hands can’t easily hold it & read it aloud to the young ones in their life.  Let There Be Light is a sweet way to introduce the little to God’s big creation story in a way that they can easily understand.  Although it does not get into at all the story of Adam & Eve - it is strictly about the creation week - it is a great book to give children a peek into the history of their world & humanity’s beginnings.

Bookish Love,

-Bess-

P.S.: This board book would be a sweet addition to a new baby gift, as well!

*I received this book as a complimentary copy from the publisher (through the BookLook Blogger program) in exchange for my honest review.

Ghost Buster

"Do you believe in ghosts, Miss Orne?" asked Maud, who did, in spite of the comic explanation of this one.  "Not the old-fashioned sort, but there is a modern kind that we are all afraid of more or less," answered Miss Orne, with a half-playful, half-serious look at the girls around her.  "Do tell about them, please," begged Kitty, while the rest looked both surprised & interested.  "There is one which I am very anxious to keep you from fearing.  Women are especially haunted by it, & it prevents them from doing, being, & thinking all that they might & ought.  'What will people say?' is the name of this formidable ghost; & it does much harm, for few of us have the courage to live up to what we know to be right in all things."

-Jerseys, or the Girls' Ghost by Louisa May Alcott

Don't be haunted, sister.

Love {& Ghost-Busting},

-Bess-

{Free!} October Quote Printable

Memories of watching the Anne of Green Gables movies on PBS when I was just a young thing are very vivid.  I grew up with Anne & she taught me things.  Oh, & Anne reciting "The Lady of Shalott" is such a piece of nostalgia for me {it's magic, really}.  It wasn't until I was older {by many years} that I actually read Lucy Maud Montgomery's beautiful story.  I cried when Matthew died {I was going to add that on to the previous sentence in parenthesis, but I felt it deserved its own space}.

In honor of October & L.M. Montgomery {she went by Maud (without an 'e'), by the way}, I whipped up a printable for you.  Yes, you... & because I can't decide which I like better, I'm giving you 2 to choose from.  

Happy October, Anne with an 'e,' you reside forever in the hearts & tomes of girlish youth - girlish youth, which blossom into strong bright women {who still have your book on their shelves}.

Love for the Printing,

-Bess-

INSTRUCTIONS: Click on the image above you like best & then right click & save to your computer {or copy & paste}.  Open in a word document, resize if necessary, print, enjoy - oh, & do tell your kindred spirits to pick one up, too!

CONDITIONS OF USE: My printables are free for personal use only.  Feel free to share them on Pinterest provided you credit & link back to http://bessbag.blogspot.com/ {Bess' Bag}.  If you want to blog about these printables, or share a project you created using them, it would be fabulous, just be sure to credit & link back to http://bessbag.blogspot.com/ {Bess' Bag} (feel free to use 1 or 2 of my photos, but please don't share the actual printable on your site - just add a link to it).  Thanks & enjoy!

Favorite Reads

Keeping the Castle by Patrice Kindl 

I don't think I can say it any better, so I'll quote you the inside of the book-jacket for this one: "A book as frothy & fizzy & light as a champagne cocktail - think I Capture the Castle meets Pride & Prejudice!"  A perfect description {though I am a teetotaler}.  Patrice Kindl is one of my favorite authors!

Beauty & the Beast: The Only One Who Didn't Run Away by Wendy Mass

I'm a sucker for well written fairy tale re-creations.  This one was it for me!

The Year We Were Famous by Carole Estby Dagg 

It's 1896 & an unlikely mother-daughter duo set out to cross the United States on foot.  The fear of losing the family farm paired with the promise of a hefty monetary reward if they make it in 7 months time spurs them on.  This adventurous novel is based on real happenings & the author is actually a descendant of the cross-country walkers, herself!  

More Bookish Links:

For what I'm currently reading click here.

For my past favorite reads click here!

For my book reviews click here.

Bookish Love,

-Bess-

P.S.: What are some of your favorite books to recommend?  Leave a comment to share!

A Pen & Paper Passion

When I was little I wove tales with my tongue & my aunt prophesied that I would be an author. Later, came fat pencil stories of brave girls who owned no fear. Later still, came poems & thoughts ink scribbled on scraps of notebook paper as I jostled about on the city bus - eyes open to all around me: live, breathing stories & mysteries untold & hidden in passengers & buildings passed by.

There is a magic I have found in breathing to life a character unknown to the world until penned down - & weaving a world for her that is not perfect or simple or easy, as real flesh-&-blood worlds never are.

Somewhere along the way, fear gripped my hand & besought me to question the validity of such a hope that I could be published & read & reread.

Today is a dusting off day, for though there are no guarantees in this life, I have come to the realization it is far worse to have the gift & never open it, then to open it & find it unwelcomed. Someone wiser than I once said, "It is better to try & fail, then never to try at all." It is a truth for these trembling hands to pick up the pen once more, for it is a passion that abides deep inside.

Love,
-Bess-

"I wish I knew for sure I could make it as a writer.  Then I could stop dithering about my future & write."

-The Year We Were Famous by Carole Estby Dagg

P.S.: Sometimes you just have to take a blind leap & leave the landing up to God.

“$10 Great Dates” Book Review

$10 Great Dates by Peter & Heather Larson and David & Claudia Arp

Okay, so first off, this book is created with married couples in mind. While this is certainly not the current season of life for this oh-so-single girl, I thought this book would be an insightful resource to tuck away for the possibility of later {A girl can hope & dream, can’t she?} or possibly gift to one of the couples in my life. So, with that in mind, let me tell you about the book…

I think it's fair to say in this expensive fine-dining-overpriced-movie-ticket age, that a complete date for $10 is pretty amazing in itself, which also attracted my sense of frugality {cough, cheapness} to this title {not that I intend to be paying for my dates (unless I am wearing a wedding ring & planning the outing myself), but the chance to be thrifty excites any true money saver type}. So, can you go on a date for $10? Yes, this book shows you how to do just that 52 different ways!

This book is not intended to be a sit down, read it cover to cover self help guide, but more of a guide book to peruse & pick & choose what’s most intriguing {i.e.: matches your interests as a couple} for you & your partner. There are 8 categories dividing up the different types of dating opportunities {each category has at least 5 actual (& unique) dates}. Some of the categories include: Adventure Great Dates, At-Home Great Dates, Marriage Pick-Me-Up Great Dates, & Romantic Great Dates. Each date gives the reader Before & On the Date pointers {such as things to plan for, etc.}, Talking Points to get the communication going, & a Great Date Takeaway {sort of a final thought to take with you & help strengthen your relationship with your spouse}. There is also a section on Cheap Child Care Options for those married couples with children.  Some of the dates I'd love to go on someday include: Yellow Brick Road Great Date, Time Travel Great Date, & Bucket List Great Date. 

In this hectic, often over scheduled, overpriced world, where dating is often thought of as a pre-marriage only luxury, I found this book to be refreshing in bringing to the "marrieds" - who are in as much need of dates as the rest of us - =) 52 ways to be intentional about being together {without breaking the bank, remortgaging the house, or dipping into the kid’s college fund}.

“Research reveals that dating can make a positive difference in a relationship. But here’s the catch: predictable dinner-&-a-movie dates have less impact than dates that stretch you & take you out of your normal routine. New experiences help you bond together & often result in a big payoff for your marriage.”
-$10 Great Dates



Bookish Love,
-Bess-

P.S.: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

"Dear Mr. Knightley" Book Review

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay

Imagine it: you come from nothing but pain & poverty {a string of failed foster placements & abuse} – your future is bleak, as is your present – when out of the blue you receive word that someone wants to sponsor you through journalism grad school with the only stipulation being that you have to write this person {who wishes to remain anonymous, by the way} letters; he won’t be writing back, so it’ll be a one way correspondence of sorts. Not a bad deal. If you’ve ever read the classic Daddy Long Legs, it’s probably come to mind by now. This story, Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay, is very Daddy Long Legs-ish, but modern with its own unique twists & turns, too. I think that slightly ruined it for me, however, because I am such a fan of the original story that my hopes were quite high for this retelling.

I found that it starts out rather slow, & took me quite a lot of letters {the story is presented in the form of letters Samantha Moore writes to her mysterious benefactor who wants simply to be called “Mr. Knightley” after Jane Austen’s literary leading man} to get into the story line. However, I stuck with it & eventually got into the reading. There’s a satisfying, albeit predictable, conclusion at the end when you get to read what you knew was coming all along {that is, if you're familiar with Daddy Long Legs}. Overall, I give Dear Mr. Knightley 3 & a 1/2 postage stamps out of 5!

Bookish Love,
-Bess-

*I received this book from the publisher for free (through the BookSneeze program) in exchange for my honest review.

"NIV Worship Together Bible" Review

NIV Worship Together Bible

with notes by John J. Thompson

Passionate about music & praising God through song? There’s a Bible created with you in mind!

The NIV Worship Together Bible contains not only the Holy scripture in the New International Version form, but it also contains the lyrics {& the scripture that inspired them} to 50 of the top worship songs. The hardback Bible also features a forward written by contemporary Christian artist, Matt Maher. In addition to the standard Table of Weights & Measures featured in the back of the Bible, there are notes on worship by John J. Thompson, a Song Index, as well as Chord Charts for 20 of the songs featured in the Bible {including 10,000 Reasons, In Christ Alone, & Mighty to Save}. The print in the Bible is small {standard}, but not tiny. It also comes with a shiny dust jacket, which is where my only complaint would fall, as it's difficult {I find} to keep a dust jacket looking tidy & crisp on such a large & {hopefully} well-used book as a Bible - but this can be easily remedied by removing the jacket.  It's nice to have the printed song lyrics {+ chords} to so many praise songs along with the scripture, as it's a sort of Bible & mini hymnal in one.  The purchase of this NIV Bible also helps Biblica {www.biblica.com} translate & give the Word of God globally to those in need.  It's win-win!

Bible Love,

-Bess-

*I received this Bible from the publisher for free (through the BookSneeze program) in exchange for my honest review.

Classic Book Titles {Synonyms!} Quiz: The Results

I recently posted a classic book titles synonyms quiz {click here for that}.

Here are the long awaited answers with the top guessers below:

1. The Grasp-er in the Barley - The Catcher in the Rye

2. Amazing Prospects - Great Expectations

3. Arrogance & Bias - Pride & Prejudice

4. Courageous Fresh Earth - Brave New World

5. A Goodbye to Upper Apendages - A Farewell to Arms

6. Conflict & Solace - War & Peace

7. Away With the Breeze - Gone With the Wind

8. Eden Misplaced - Paradise Lost

9. Trek to the Middle of the Planet - Journey to the Center of the Earth

10. Creature Ranch - Animal Farm

Kristin of Sew Technicolor & Elle Alice {AKA: Elena} of Beautiful Hope got all 10 answers correct!  They are some seriously bookish, clever gal pals!

Anastasia of Royal Daughter of God got 9 right!  Superb deducing skills!

Madison & Khloe Grace were fabulous runners-up with 3 correct guesses each!

Bookish Love,
-Bess-

P.S.: This was fun!  Thanks to all who participated!  Maybe next time we could do children's book titles?  Hmmm...

Classic Book Titles {Synonynms!} Quiz

The book club I'm a part of recently played this  fun book title guessing game.  Here's how you play: You're given synonyms for a book title & you have to come up with the real title.  Here's an example: Tiny Females is Little Women.  Got it?  Good, now let's see how many you can come up with!  Leave your answers in a comment, if you like, & I'll be posting the top guessers {& a link to their blogs (if they have one, that is)} in a future post where I reveal the answers!

Let's get started, shall we?

1. The Grasp-er in the Barley 

2. Amazing Prospects

3. Arrogance & Bias

4. Courageous Fresh Earth

5. A Goodbye to Upper Apendages

6. Conflict & Solace

7. Away With the Breeze

8. Eden Misplaced

9. Trek to the Middle of the Planet

10. Creature Ranch

Bookish Love,
-Bess-

Make a Book Paper Statement Wall {Nest Feathering}

There's no question that books - & the written word, in general - are high amongst my favorite things.  What better way to embellish a bare, blah wall than with something you love?  Here's how to create your own book paper statement wall in 5 easy steps! 

Step 1:

Find an old book you don't mind ripping apart.  I unearthed this lovely children's treasury out of a favorite used book store's free box!  When searching for a tome look for special type/font, illustrations, & page color.  Depending on the size of your project, you may need more than one book.

Step 2:

Carefully tear the pages out your book(s) or cut the pages out with a craft knife.

Step 3:

Figure out the layout for your pages.  This can include drawing the plan out, as well as placement rehearsal, & trial & error.  In my experience, this took a while {& a lot of rearranging}.  I first thought I would create horizontal stripes, but after I began that I felt it sort of cramped the space {instead of making it look wider}... eventually the more organic {i.e.: inexpiable} design took shape, & made me strangely happy.  

Step 4:

Use wall sticker material to hang your pages {that way they're removable & won't damage the surface}.  You can either buy wall sticker material or you can recycle the packaging from previously purchased wall stickers.  I did the latter, as I had bought several stickers for my apt. & kept the sheets they came on {which still had lots of wall sticker material on it} thinking they'd come in handy {which they did}.  I cut the leftover wall sticker material into strips {about 2-3 strips per page}, glued them to the back of the page with a glue stick {non-sticker side down}, let dry, peeled off the backing, & placed the sticker-side to the wall where I wanted the page.

I finally found a purpose for this large glassless/backless frame I snagged at a thrift store!  The dragon-looking creature in the left corner is the "Jabberwocky" & directly under it is Lewis Carroll's famous poem of the same name.  Love!

Step 5:

Enjoy!

Bookish Love {From the Nest},

-Bess-

P.S.: I'm so glad to finally share this project with you!  It's actually been done for over a year {talk about procrastination}! =)