As much as I like sepia, sometimes a girl's just gotta get some color in her life. I love my vintage wallpaper, but I have a tendency to be a little bit of a hoarder about it. I like "having it" and I'm afraid to use it because then I won't "have" it anymore. I think that's kind of like having your cake etc etc..
But I decided it was time to get some of it out where it could be enjoyed. I started working on these "house books" back in March. I've been piecing scraps of wallpaper together on the pages of a deconstructed board book and added a house cut out to some of them.
These are fun because they can be used as a scrapbook - just add pictures, doodles, postcards to the pages. Or, the books can be taken apart and each book has four two sided pages that could be used as the basis for a collage.
I finished the books up last week at Karla's- and she was working on wallpaper house books, too. We hadn't talked about, we just both had the same idea at the same time- great minds think alike?
While I had the wallpaper out, I worked on a collaged chipboard book. I usually lay out a bunch of wallpaper I like and stare at it for a loooong time before I decide if I dare cut and paste it.
And then I get a little upset when it wrinkles in the crease of the book- just like it would in the corner of a room...
Then I made a BUNCH of tags. This little birthday birdie and the "D is for Doll" logomachy are my favorites.
All are available in my Etsy Shop.
These are beautiful! I'm in love with vintage wallpaper!
I especially like the little birdie one....
:)
~Becca~
Posted by: Becca | July 04, 2009 at 10:00 PM
Uhmm, I didn't get my post up about the wallpaper neighborhood yet. But I will tomorrow! Yours are pretty. well, dur, of course they are.
Posted by: karla nathan | July 04, 2009 at 10:33 PM
Happy 4th of July!
What wonderful work! I know what you mean about using color sometimes - my sepia is grey - love it, all shades, tones, etc and occasionally, I understand I need to add some color :)
Thanks again for that book you sent - love it.
Posted by: hope | paper relics | July 04, 2009 at 10:55 PM
they're all so pretty - how could I bring myself to alter the pages?
Posted by: Mary | July 04, 2009 at 11:50 PM
Beautiful work! Love the tags, love the wallpaper, love it all!
Posted by: Gail | July 05, 2009 at 12:05 AM
I know everything about hoarding! I have only used one piece of the wallpaper you sent me :-} But when you decide to work with it, you do! My, what a bunch of tags, they are beautiful.
It's impossible to forget the 4th of July while everyone in blogland publishes posts that they are so happy that they live in the land of the brave etc. it's not me who is thoughtful, I wish I was.
Posted by: LiLi M. | July 05, 2009 at 09:56 AM
I love all of it!!
~Sadie
Posted by: Sadie Lou | July 05, 2009 at 10:07 AM
Your wallpaper books are wonderful! My favorite is the scalloped one! You should use the birthday book as a memory book for your big birthday adventure with Karla and the girls! happy sunday! karen....
Posted by: karen | July 05, 2009 at 11:21 AM
These are so beautiful. Wow...
Posted by: Jessica at Kids Napping? I'm Scrapping! | July 05, 2009 at 12:57 PM
You are such an inspiration. I think I'll get out my stash of wallpaper and use, well not THAT one...nope, that one's special, No way I'm cutting that piece because I'm saving it for... I totally understand. It's cheaper then crack though, so I feel that I'm safe! AND...if one is careful...one can hide it from the family and avoid those smart-aleck retorts. However, one is seriously thinking that their home may be running neck and neck with Grey Gardens soon.
Love what you did do with your paper, Beth!
Kathy in Chicago
Posted by: Kathy in Chicago | July 05, 2009 at 02:20 PM
Beth, your wallpaper books and tags are beautiful...the colors and mix of papers on your bird tag and the doll tag are wonderful...they both really look so sweet!!! that is so funny that you and Karla were both working on house books at the same time...great minds indeed:)
Posted by: Lori | July 05, 2009 at 05:18 PM
Beth,
I love the tags and books! I too love sepia but the color in old wallpaper is just wonderful! I found four half rolls of vintage paper in a flea market last week for...FREE!!! I am afraid to cut it much less unroll it, it seems very fragile. Any hints on handling it?
Posted by: Sandy | July 05, 2009 at 07:14 PM
Cute! Cute! Cute! I love all that you are doing!
-c
yapping cat
Posted by: Cindy | July 05, 2009 at 09:20 PM
Beth, your books and tags are awesome! I love them all... you and Karla had a great day of creative~ness.
xoxo
Posted by: Heather ~ Pretty Petals | July 05, 2009 at 09:36 PM
These are fabulous! Love vintage wallpaper. I never see it around. In fact it is hard to find a wallpaper store anymore. I know what you mean about the "holding on". I am that way about my shell buttons. You know one way of stretching the wallpaper is to scan it and then you can print it out and use that.
Posted by: Debra Abel | July 06, 2009 at 12:30 AM
Hi Beth I have just had a good look through your blog I just love the things you do you are very clever.
Hugs Mary.
Posted by: Nanna mary | July 06, 2009 at 11:45 PM
Beth - you've been busy! I've found some "treasures" while on holiday and can't wait to get home to "share" with everyone - I'm thinking of finally doing an "altered book" (like in your last post) and found just the right cover...more to come - and love what your creations! J
Posted by: Julie | July 07, 2009 at 10:49 AM
Looks like you've been busy having a lot of fun. Love all your goodies!
Sandy
Posted by: sandy | July 07, 2009 at 11:41 AM
Oh, I know just what you mean about hoarding and not using it -- and wanting to, but not! But these efforts are simply wonderful! I love the house books. I've been trying to find old wallpaper this summer at sales to no avail, but I'll keep trying! This post just makes me smile!
Posted by: jeanie | July 07, 2009 at 02:53 PM
Thats a great way to use your wallpaper without having to use too much! I have never used the paper you sent me, can't bear the thought of it!!! Rachaelxo
Posted by: Rachael | July 13, 2009 at 07:43 PM