Book Cover Purses

[@sandiebourassa9040]

Nik, I just found you, as I'm sitting in my RV waiting for the closing on my farm so I can figure out where I'm going to spend the last part of my life. I thought it would be on the farm in SC but I decided I can't stay here. I think I'll end up back in CO where I just moved from. Oh, well. ALL of my craft stuff is in storage but as soon as I land someplace, I'm going to make books. I love what you do. You are so talented. I couldn't have figured out the purse. I think I can follow your "not-a-tutorial" and make one though. Thanks for being there for us artsy geeks.

[@NiktheBooksmith]

hello Sandie, welcome!! My heart started to ache as I read your comment. Change is so hard especially when it is unexpected. But, a new journey awaits! I wish you all the best as you begin a new chapter in your life...what a great time to make a book =) 🤗

[@diamondstud322]

Love this project! ❤❤❤ this would be so awesome as a sketchbook or journal tote, you could customize the inside to hold the supplies needed for sketching or journaling. Or create some pencil cases and or pouches in the same or complimentary fabric. 😊

[@teresa-ux8db]

Have done a similar project. You did well for a first draft 1) next time make a large loop with your cool handles so that they are attached to the entire book= do what you did, but lengthen the "flat tab" part & glue all the way down and around (====). It will give your handles more strength to hold what you place in the purse. The way you have it now will not allow much weight in the purse and the small handle tabs may eventually pop out/tear the paper. 2) mod podge the paper for more strength, if you mod podge fabric onto the paper, spray the fabric with scotch guard 1st. 3) spray the "gussets" and book (lightly) with scotch guard 1st. 4) when creating the gussets, it's a good idea to attach them together with a spine piece of their own, it would look like »------« and helps strengthen the gusset attachment area so that a gusset doesn't tear off the book and disappear. 5) make the gusset connection area of the fabric wider than the quarter inch or so that you have it attached to the book. Again, gives the gussets more strength and less opportunity to tear away. 6) it's a good idea to create an actual "purse" liner in the dimensions you came up with for your specific book, by attaching all fabric together first, including the areas u placed the paper-just replace that area with fabric and you can certainly still reinforce with the card stock. There's only a tiny bit more sewing, and can be done easily by hand as well. 🌈💐❤️ As always, I have so much fun listening to you work & I was excited that it was a book about trees, as that's my nickname 🌳🌴🌲👛👜☺️

[@journalwithne5376]

combined journal and handbag

[@anntowle1706]

Thank you for all the tips on this project. Because I use a cane I don't carry a purse unless I wear a dress which only happens occasionally. I think one of these would be a cute, practical small tote as well as something to do with a 40-year-old college textbook or 4.

[@hambeastdelicioso1600]

Also, as long as you're at the sewing machine making the darts, why not run a few stitches up the sides so that you don't have to glue the layers of fabric together?

[@aptwalker2009]

I was thinking the same thing about the handles. Either make another flat tube, minus the rope, and stitch it to the 'tab' end of the rope handle so it could be glued to the entire inside cover, down under the 'spine area' and back up to the tabs of the other handle....or you could just stitch on a single flat strip of fabric that could be stitched onto the tube handle. You'd have the support and strength of the fabric with the single layer without the bulk. I'd glue that to the inside book cover I think before even putting the first white cover panels. I was also picturing leaving the rope out and just having the flat tube handle and maybe wrapping some copper wire with beads and fibers twisted around the fabric to create a boho bead type design to the handle and even have a couple of coordinating boho bead danglse to hang off the handle where it glues to the book itself or pinned onto the top edges of the gussets. It's an inspiring video to watch and opens the mind up to all sorts of ideas to springboard from this. Thanks Nik!

[@jnordfors]

I am really enjoying your chit chat about how you don’t know what you’re doing. I do the same thing! I would say you are pretty ingenious, but I understand the frequent disclaimer, “this is not a tutorial.” Your instructions were pretty clear and I think someone could follow along and complete the process. Thanks for your easy going way. :)

[@char3474]

Don’t ever change. You are the best! You are fuel for our creative fires! Pure joy.

[@anntowle1706]

Super cute! I've never seen these book purses but I really like the idea. I love that you aren't afraid to show your first attempt 😁

[@cindyshipley1]

Hey, don’t apologize! It was really cool hearing and watching you “figuring it all out!” Super cute and fun! Thanks!

[@marlenejones6266]

My daughter and I started making journals together. We haven't finished one yet but we are working on them. Now she saw this and we both want journal purses for our journals. Lol. These purses are so damn cute. If I had a little girl in my life I would make her several. I may show my 20 yr old granddaughter this purse when completed and if she's crazy about this I'm making one or two for her. You make such clever things. So cute fun and conversation starters too. Keep your mind uncluttered while you dream up goodies for us. Rock on crazy lady.

[@alicechristian2980]

This purse is so adorable. I will try to make this, but doing the straps all the way around. Good job though. 🙏👍

[@misssugarme]

I LOVE this, it came out beautiful. My daughter is a HUGE Harry Potter fan. I'm going to spend the rest of the summer searching yard sales and flea markets for a used Harry Potter book in not the best of shape that I can use to make her a purse for Christmas, she will love it. Thanks so very much.

[@bast713]

The darts are genius. I've been searching for a while now for a way to train the fabric to fold in. This is the suggestion I've been looking for. Thank you! And I get the whole "my brain was stuck on this project" thing - I've tried this once already and I was just not feeling the way I put it together. This has been in my brain for over a year...

[@TheNatsimard]

"I don't have a whole lot of time today... So naturally I have a very ambitious project." I love it and I so get you!! Also, really cool project. I'm sure I will try to make one as soon as I am squeezed for time. Lol!

[@NiktheBooksmith]

I'm going to blame it on the squirrels running laps in my brain 😄

[@nancymac2445]

Wow! I love these purses! Watching you flail is so much fun! LOL! I would have messed this up so badly, but your mind works just right to think of all the details that make these projects work! I'm off now to check the neighbors' trash cans for discarded books.....

[@NiktheBooksmith]

😄

[@jaytee2642]

Too cute!🤗 I've never even conceived the minuscule molecule of an idea that a book could be transformed into a purse.😲 I simply have no imagination. That's all!🤷🏻‍♀️😄

[@kristiemaynard8869]

Looks like you figured it out to work great. I'm making one of these for my friend for Christmas with her favorite book. She will probably never use it as a purse, but have it on display in her little home library. Thanks for all you videos, I love them.

[@carolyoung3164]

You are a fabulous Flailer,Nik.I can't imagine a better way to make a book purse! I might try one if I get the courage.I can always refer back to this video even if it isn't a "tutorial" as you say!Thanks a bunch. Carol Young

[@freidagepner2370]

Really cool!!! I like the contrast of the cardstock and the fabric.

[@jennym73]

Really enjoyed seeing your creative imagination put into action with fabulous results. Love the end results! What a great gifting idea. Thank you for sharing xx

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Hello Miss Jenny, so great to see you! Thank you so much 🤗

[@cynthiasmith5138]

This is so stinkin' cute.. I have done these with cigar boxes too. I firstly made the entire inside lining and then attached it to the box... I felt like it held together really well. I did not want any thing escaping through any holes that could be missed. The liner was lined with the pattern of muslim, just perfect for me.

[@viviansmith8036]

you can use the handles from purses you don't want or crossbody straps that you don't use for this project. We all have totes or beach bags that are now stained or we don't use.

[@katniks92]

sometimes I think you are crazy, maybe that's why I enjoy your videos so much. Cute purse. Think I would need a law journal with chain handles for my purse. Thanks for this play date.

[@judichristopher4604]

The Book Purse turned out Beautiful

[@soccerjulie46]

That is so cute! Maybe I will use one of my pretty books for one of those.

[@sharona8737]

I can't believe you fit all that into 30 minutes AND it turned out great for a first try! Inspiration!!!

[@NiktheBooksmith]

yeah the squirrels were hard at work today 😄 thanks, Sharon!

[@darlenesmith515]

You are amazing, making the book purse in a half an hour or so! I could never have made that in such little time and have it look so well put together. Thanks for sharing!

[@michilleclark-exum4330]

This was great. You have given me an idea. And the sides was geniuse!!! All these "lost" books will have new homes very soon

[@sharleneknaus3664]

Nik thank you so much for the instruction video. I so enjoy watching your videos and laugh a lot but not at you. I think it is with you! You are awesome! (Love the fabric and paper choices!!!) I love "flailing".

[@cherylpesutimassie5010]

Cutest purse ever! I'm a purse hound, gotta get me some book covers and start gluing things. Thanks for sharing Nik. I love the book/purse...,)

[@phyllisscutt9902]

Amazing! I love it! I’d have to watch once or twice more before I’d be ready to tackle one. Thanks for sharing!

[@marycozzensauldridge6634]

ok, go to the dollar tree and get the wooden clothes pins = $1, use them to 'clamp' things in place while the glue is drying. you will not need an extra hand.

[@abundantlyyours6861]

I love your figure it out videos! The only thing I might suggest is riveting the purse handles so that they don't pull out. Unless you are only carrying tissues in that purse, they might not hold up. I only say this because I carry my kitchen sink around in my purse, so it regularly weighs a lot!

[@NiktheBooksmith]

😄

[@AzaleaLala]

Very nifty. Well done figuring this out. I definitely would not have done this good of a job. I found myself holding my hands out and trying to help you hold the book while trying to glue stuff together. Finally I looked down and realized what I was doing. lol. I really like the look of the different fabric and paper patterns together. You know what they say about company. Joking. Ikea and the museum sound like fun. :D

[@GrandmaLaura2nd]

your first book purse turned out way better then my first purse

[@joycehill4399]

It turned out great! That's such a cute handbag. Love, love, and love! Thanks for sharing your technique.

[@ultraviolet13881]

The book purse is fantastic!! You do amazing art, and you make it lots of fun to watch!! Thank you for sharing this.

[@tearalewis7532]

I am going to have to try this now. actually have an old purse going to the dump I can cut the clasp out of....hmmmm, so many ideas. thanks Nik!

[@shirleymccullough2515]

Adorable Nik ! I watch you not Pinterest .. ok maybe now and than but I’ve not seen this book purse. It was popularized in years gone by I believe and is back I guess. You did great at making yours and I as usual had fun listening and watching. Thanks a bunch for sharing

[@05grandkids]

Nic, A beautiful purse. YOU DID A FANTASTIC JOB. I LOVE IT. TFS...

[@JudithBrummett]

love this! I think when I do mine I will press the side fabric with some starch as well as sewing the dart so I will be more inclined to fold inward. You do a great job with videos as well as keeping us inspired

[@susanmolinari2348]

So cute! Thanks for the flailing! It was more enjoyable than it sounds! Ohhhh The exhibit sounds interesting...

[@jenedge5949]

I love this project. I think it would be quirky and fun to get an old book related to an event, like a wedding or a Christmas party and make a purse for that occasion. Great conversation starter. I'm really not fond of purses, but I'd like that. I'm thinking a brad through the book and through each handle attachment, pretty side out, would make the handle more secure. I'm just concerned that the glue may not be reliable at such a stressed point. Also if you get a big book and prop up both sides with something, you'll have a nice v shaped surface to work in. I've done that when I was piercing paper to bind signatures. It worked well for that, but you'd need some serious nonskid surface I think.

[@juliestine1235]

Super cute! I'd love to make one of these to gift one of journals in.

[@lindenbergers]

Great idea, i would have created a normal handbag liner, sewing the entire thing....but a nearly no sew method is cool too!

[@Debraisea]

Nik your book purse is 'just adorable'. I've not been a subbie long, but when I made a mini journal the other day I found myself repeatedly saying, 'omg It's just soo cute'. Wonder who I've been watching a lot? Lol Thank you so much for all your tips, inspiration and lots of laughing on the way. X

[@NiktheBooksmith]

😄 ha! thanks, Debby =)

[@49Nutmeg]

You have more gumption than anyone....you see it, you make it. I'm one of those that think I have to have a pattern and follow it to the tee!!..and I think everything to death....a long, slow, miserable death. So kudos to you girl, I love everything you do!

[@sweetcurly28]

You are hilarious Nik!! And I so enjoy everything about your projects and your chit chat! BUT in all reality, you are so clever and talented and your finished products are adorable & charming!! ❤️❤️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻😁😁😁

[@veronicalynn6469]

OMG Nik....I love the concept!!! You did a great job on figuring the process out. Looks beautiful and cute!

[@barbarahutton108]

You are a real Gem! I have been binge watching you as you do your magic! Bless you, oh and you are funny, really. barbara

[@mixedupmargie]

Great idea, turned out good, glad you didnt delete thevideo, tfs

[@lolableu517]

I love this idea. I have a lot of friends who would love these. Great job Nik 😀

[@FinallyCrafting]

I’ve seen these too and I think they’re absolutely gorgeous! And recycling is always good ;)

[@lizlepp5036]

that is so darn cute..you can even put a journal inside it.,a place to hide all your candies lol..it was fun..looking forward to your journal with me.

[@sundayssolace9653]

I thoroughly enjoyed Your Presentation and Your Subject❣️ I have a library of outdated textbooks that I want to commemorate and repurpose. Your Site was recommended to Me, and I am thrilled to have been introduced to Your Book Themed Tutorials❣️ I Am Now A Subscriber❣️ Thank You For Sharing Your Talent❣️💐

[@ornamentologygailyoung]

Thank you for sharing this lots of helpful hints and tips to help us all make our own bags❤

[@vikkieldridge6801]

Wow Nic.....that was fantastic to watch. You have made it look easy and I'm flooded with ideas. Thank you for sharing. :)

[@kristykohn1]

I love this. And u made it on my birthday it must be a sign. I need to make one 😍

[@pamketron]

Such a cute idea! Perfect for favorite books.

[@teresaalick5314]

You are so clever and talented....thanks for sharing!! Loved it.

[@LouiseFraser]

Nik, thank you for sharing your talent with us. I`ve binge watched 6 or 7 months and counting.. QUESTION: Have you ever made a video of your studio and how you store all those little tid-bits, I'm finding I'm collecting all sorts of papers, bits and bobs and ephemeras but have no idea how to store them all so I can find them when I'm creating journals. Love the book purse, I think they would be great to give a journal in as well.

[@NiktheBooksmith]

I really must do that, Louise. I'm in the process of consolidating and sorting...once Im finished I promise a room tour =)

[@sheilamcclung8555]

i Love the way you did the purse. Thanks

[@choc01cake]

A beautiful job! The only thing I might have done differently is that I would have coated the inside paper liners with Mod Podge or another sealer of some kind so that it wouldn't wear out quickly.

[@tfntexas]

Turned out really cute! Thanks for the non-tutorial!

[@charlotteragan6583]

I think this is awesome for a gift bag. Present could be things for writing or coloring. My girls would have carried it to church.

[@janawilliams5808]

This is so cute !!! I don't think there would be anything you couldn't do !!! Amazing !!!! TFS

[@janetanderson9072]

Thanks Nik! Absolutely love when you share! Great fun project!

[@crystal13l]

Oh man I was holding my breath when you were gluing the gussets! LOL

[@jcalexander5530]

Thank you for figuring out such a cool thing. Now I've got to try it.

[@veroniquepriso2723]

Bonjour. J'aime beaucoup. Très beau travail. 👏💕

[@lunaspiritbeth]

I ❤ your videos and especially your commentary. Watching your videos just brightens my day/night. I'm a true "nightowl" 😁

[@collettekunkler7211]

To cute!!! Have fun the next 5 days!!!! Can’t wait to here about your weekend!!!

[@deezrsr]

you come up with such great ideas!

[@moonlightknitting]

You can change your name to Nik the book genius. I love this adorable book purse.

[@karensumner3772]

THIS IS SO LOVELY-ITS MY FIRST TIME SEEING ANYONE MAKING A PURSE. YOU DID SUCH A GREAT JOB-THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR CRAFTY IDEAS/TIPS,AND WONDERFUL VIDEOS-BY THE WAY I HAVE BEEN MISSING YOU-I AM JUST SO GLAD I FOUND YOUR CHANNEL-HAVE A BLESSED DAY

[@susiescraftroomandstudio]

Nik, when you get your fabric trained, would you PLEASE train mine so that I don’t have to iron it. That’s the worst part of sewing....ironing. Lol

[@AlteredBookeryCrafting]

Well... aren't you clever. That's a neat idea! Thank you for sharing with us 😊

[@faith3276]

Thank you 💜 You did great. Great artist such as us are true creators, mainly because we recycle. Thanks again 💃

[@ScrappingPosh]

This is the most interesting non-tutorial I've ever watched :)

[@NiktheBooksmith]

😄 thanks!

[@ritzv74]

I probably would have used duct tape also to hold the handles. A little bit more secure. thanks for the video.

[@penguinoni8941]

This turned out really great Nik and you cracked me up with your "snappy snap bit" 😁

[@marycozzensauldridge6634]

I like this idea. if I can get a used novel at Goodwill, one from my daughter's favorite author, I can make one for her birthday.

[@jessjtadesigns]

I was dying at the dart sewing😆 I learned how to sew them in 6th grade, 4h.My Mother said so-No chest to speak of and oh my goodness I didn't want um, lol😂. Your brain is so much like mine, we could be bust buds forever! Bless you for making me laugh, I needed that today!!

[@NiktheBooksmith]

😄 thanks, Jess!

[@tattoolane1]

You crack me up - I was giggling all the way through - I think you may be genetically related to me - because I also get gluey hands - even when I haven't used glue! Love the little handbag. Take care Nik and keep on being scatty because I LOVE it!! xxxxxx

[@IthliaH]

I have to admit Nik, that when you were putting on the side gussets, I had my doubts. However it turned out soooo cute! The only change I would make is to put the magnet (not the one on the fabric strip) on the outside. Great job.

[@kimb.keepsakes8617]

my granddaughter will love, love, love a book purse!! I think ill use one of her old children's books to make it :) and omg how about a mini squash album to go inside YAY ok gotta go get busy with it . Nik you are so great tfs

[@joandamerow3518]

Love this, does not seem to hard, thank you for sharing you are wonderful.

[@donnapusti7859]

Love it. Truly boho. 😊

[@tootsfour956]

Wow!!! What you do with you spare moments! Thanks for this Nik! B

[@caroldinius4402]

dont be hard on yourself. I think you did a great job!

[@darleneroach2848]

Wow Nick I Love It. Thanks So Much For Giving Us More Ideas and Esp The How To's...

[@barbaraburgdorff7025]

Absolutely great job!!! I want to make one now. Thank you.

[@jeanthobaben]

Love this idea. You are always a source of inspiration.

[@debbiemitchell6055]

That is how I paint, lol, I really just design as I go. Sometimes I sketch it out but rarely do I follow it...

[@aprilcary5335]

This turned out so neat! Thanks so much for sharing your talent and your chit chat! :-)

[@Crazy.Sheller]

So cute, now I need to try that

[@lisahodgson2133]

Wow Nik, that is really cool!! Luv it! If I knew how to sew I’d attempt one. Thank you for sharing.

[@LaughingDogsBookNook]

What a fun project! Thanks for sharing! It’s a great idea.

[@teriweiss2670]

Thank you! This looks like a fun project!

[@carlenegilpin261]

Awesome little purse 😊

[@rebeccabee6615]

You’re too hard on yourself. This looks amazing! I’d do it just like you did. TFS!

[@viviennebolton4358]

Great video! I wondered if you put the card covered spine support in first and then the handles clasp and gussets followed by the side card patterned insets and then put the material in as a front and back pocket so glueing the spine and just the edges. Could be interesting, whatdoya think? 🤗