School is almost out, summer is getting closer and the end of the festivities are gearing up to get started! And, at the end of each year, I like to present the teachers who have spent more time with my kids daily than I have with a little token of my appreciation. Keeping on the trend of succulents, today’s project should be no big surprise. I am taking old books (dictionaries and encyclopedias to be exact) that were lonely and destined for the landfill and turning them into desktop planters. Follow along as I create a Succulent Book Planter, perfect for teacher gift ideas.
disclaimer: I know that to most, doing ANYTHING besides reading a book is the highest form of disrespect. Please understand, these books were heading to the dump. This project is simply to keep hold of those books that are destined to be destroyed just a little longer. No disrespect is meant by this post.
An Old Book, Rediscovered
Walking into a thrift store, I have two places that I head for first. I look for an arts and crafts section, and if none is present, I look for the book corner. The shop I frequent has an entire room dedicated to books, complete with a rocking chair near the children’s books.
Also found in my favorite thrift store is a selection of books that they have been unable to sell, marked at 10 cents and 25 cents. I picked up 3 hardbound books perfect for this Succulent Book planter project. I selected dictionaries by Webster and found The Columbia Viking Desk Encyclopedia for less than $1!
Gathering Supplies
For this project, you won’t spend much, but the results will be stunning. You will only need a few supplies, all of which I had on hand (and I bet you will have at least one in your supply box!)
Old Hardbound Book
Mod Podge
Saran Wrap
Dirt
Succulent Plants
Spray bottle
Exacto Knife
Ok, so I did not have a spray bottle on hand, but the local Dollar Tree did.
Sealing Pages Of Time
In the tutorial that I read from apartmenttherapy.com, the post said to just use a little white glue to hold the pages together for cutting. For my project though, I wanted to really seal the pages together. I used several coats of mod podge (which I also found at the thrift store for $.99) Let these pages fully dry before moving on.
Don’t Eat Your Words
The hardest part of this project was putting the knife to the book. I was raised that you MUST respect books. Deciding the perfect place cut and place a succulent was a little nerve-wracking. For the bigger book, I flipped thru the words and found the one I loved the best. Curisioty. Perfectly describes the values our teachers have instilled in my elementary school kids.
After selecting where the cut would be made, the work is slow. Trace out the area, and use a very sharp exacto knife to slice the pages. You should be able to cut out a few with each pass of the knife. Remember, succulents do not need tons of dirt to thrive, making this succulent book planter perfect for the job. Stop cutting pages when you have reached about 3/4 of the pages of the book.
A Little More Glue
After cleaning up the edges of the pages and getting all of the little scraps out, I took my brush and did a light coat of mod podge on the inside, and before it dried I cut a piece of saran wrap to lay inside. A little barrier to keep your succulent book planter from getting too soggy.
Dirt and Books
After you have completed the steps above, you are ready to start planting. Choose plants that are hardy and do not need tons of care. I love working with hens and chicks, as well as sedum and trailing jade. Sprinkle a little dirt to cover the bottom of the succulent book planter and carefully place your plants inside. Tamp down and water in.
Give The Gift Of A Succulent Book Planter
This is such a conversation piece. Place it on an end table or on top of your desk. Give this easy succulent book planter as a gift for your favorite teacher or school support staff to show your appreciation for helping your little one grow all year long.
As a little thank you for reading this far and supporting this little blog, I have a free printable tag that you just need to print and cut out and attach to your succulent book planter to complete the look!
A Warm Invitation
Speaking of free printables, are you in the mood for a party but need some sweet paper party goods? Let me sweeten that deal just a little and give you free access to beautiful party printables in a growing resource library? Well, the rumors are true my friend. I have opened up a fast-growing library where you will find the perfect party theme with plenty of free printables to get you in the mood for a party! Sign up below to get the super secret password, along with updates when new designs are added! What have you got to lose? Unsubscribe at any time, no hard feelings!
So tell me, what do you want to see made next?
Until next time,
Marlene
Before you go, if you liked this, I know you will love these:
Mini Succulent Magnets Are A Breath Of Fresh Air
A Hanging Succulent Planter
From Boring To Beautiful With A Tantalizing Rain Chain
Driftwood Succulent Planter- DIY Gift Ideas
DIY Wooden Coasters With FREE Print Files
The post Give The Gift Of Old Books: Succulent Book Planter appeared first on She's A Hot Mess.
Give The Gift Of Old Books: Succulent Book Planter was first posted on May 10, 2018 at 3:03 pm.
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