Mystery Review Crew Presents: The Curious Case of the Book Wreath
Ever stumbled across a stack of battered old books or old manuscripts and wondered, “What would Sherlock Holmes do with these?” (Okay, maybe not Sherlock, but you know Miss Marple would’ve whipped out a glue gun by now.) Welcome to the most thrilling DIY you’ll read all week: How to Make a Book Wreath, with a dab of hot glue, a hint of humor, and a whole lot of page-turning fun.
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Table of Contents – How to make a Book Wreath
- Evidence You’ll Need (Supplies)
- Crime Scene Setup (Plan Your Design)
- Prepare the Victims (Select and Prepare Your Book Pages)
- Assemble the Frame (Create the Base Frame)
- Secure the Suspects (Attach the Pages)
- Final Flourishes (Decorative Touches)
- Where to Display the Crime Scene (Hang Your Wreath)
- Happy Crafting!
Evidence You’ll Need To Solve the Case (Make the Book Wreath)
Every great detective (or crafter) begins with gathering their tools:
- Old Book pages, Manuscripts, or ARCs – Don’t worry, no literary classics were harmed in the making of this wreath. Slightly worn? All the better for aesthetics!
- Book Wreath Frame – Wire, foam board, cardboard, or wood. We used a thrifted one because budget-friendly mystery lovers are the best kind.
- Hot Glue Gun & Glue Sticks – Because nothing says commitment like a low-temp glue burn.
- Scissors (Fancy-edged optional) or an exacto knife – Channel your inner Poirot: precise and stylish.
- Ribbon, Stickers, Ink Pads – Optional, but recommended for those who like their mysteries tied up with a bow.
Pro Tip: Scope out your local thrift store for hidden treasures or watch your local craft stores for sales. You never know what covert crafting supplies you’ll uncover.
Step 1: Plan Your Design
Before charging in like a rogue inspector, take a moment to plan out your book wreath approach.
- Choose Wreath Form Diameter – 10-14 inches is ideal. Any larger and you might summon the ghost of Agatha Christie to question your design choices.
- Pick a Theme – Monochrome for a noir vibe, multicolored for cozy mystery flair. Maybe even throw in pages from your favorite whodunit.
Optional Enhancements:
- Pressed flowers (romantic mystery vibes)
- Stenciled words (“Murder,” “Mystery,” “Read Me If You Dare”) or perhaps your favorite mystery-themed stickers.
- Maybe a Magnifying Glass or two
Step 2: Select & Prepare Your Book Pages
This is the part where you go full mad-scientist librarian:
- You can choose book pages with character: yellowed edges, torn corners, and gripping prose.
- Guilt-free options: damaged copies, old manuscripts, or those mysterious ARCs that you never know quite what to do with.
Optional Idea:
- Use a mix of materials (sheet music, newspapers, mystery novel excerpts, crime scene tape) for that true “investigation board” vibe.
Step 3: Create the Base Frame
Think of the frame as the skeleton in your closet (literally).
- Choose sturdy materials and reinforce as needed.
- Cover with neutral fabric, ribbon, or crime scene tape to make the finished product clean and cohesive.
- Add a wire loop up top – we’re here for mystery, not mayhem.
Tips:
- Neutral-colored base = timeless elegance.
- Foam? Carve it into a magnifying glass or skull for spooky flair.
Step 4: Attach the Book Pages
Here comes the clue-by-clue construction:
- Roll those pages like you’re concealing secret messages. Each of the paper cones needs to be rolled into a cone and held together with a dab of hot glue. If you’d like more definition in your wreath, roll a bigger cone shape for the first layer, and then for the next layer, roll them a little tighter to make them smaller. All in all, depending on what size wreath you choose to make, you’ll need between 30 and 75 paper rolls.
- Start gluing from the outer edge, layering the second layer toward the center like a crime scene slowly unfolding. Glue cones by using a little hot glue about halfway down the back side of them and then holding them in position on your wreath frame for a few seconds for the cones to adhere. Continue gluing around the shape until the first layer is done, trying to keep them all close but not squished.
- Continue for the next few layers, covering the gaps between the paper cones as you layer.
Detective Detail:
- Work in small sections. No one likes a glue gun gone rogue.
- Consistency is key – unless you’re going for a chaotic thriller aesthetic.
Optional Twist:
- Curl the edges of the pages outward to simulate tension.
- Throw in a map or coded message.
- Leave the center of the wreath open for a special message or ribbon (uh, crime scene tape?)
Step 5: Add Final Decorative Touches to your Book Wreath
This is where your wreath becomes a signed confession:
- Add a bow (evidence ribbon?)
- Weave in twine or dried herbs like rosemary around the outer layer – great for ambiance and repelling bookworms.
- Attach tiny charms: magnifying glass, typewriter keys, red herrings.
Bonus Intrigue:
- Mini LED lights for late-night reading nooks. You can hide the battery pack on the back of your wreath.
- A central photo of your favorite sleuth or villain to the front of the wreath.
Make sure everything is well secured. We don’t want your wreath unraveling like a badly plotted alibi.
Step 6: Display the Scene
Find a spot worthy of your literary creation:
- Over a bookshelf, fireplace, or in your reading nook.
- For seasonal flair, swap out a few decorations with each holiday – pumpkins and ghosts for Halloween, holly for Christmas, fake blood splatter for… well, any time really.
Final Thoughts from the Mystery Review Crew on the Case of the Mysterious Book Wreath
This DIY project won’t just wow your guests—it might just leave them wondering if you moonlight as a craftsy detective with a love for all things bookish. So roll up those sleeves, warm up that glue gun, and let the crafting clue-sion begin!
And remember: in crafting, as in crime-solving, it’s all about following the plot. 🖤
Signed, The Mystery Review Crew (Purveyors of Puns, Crafters of Chaos, and Bookish Detectives Extraordinaire). If you make this, we’d love to see your creations, so please tag us in any posts you make!
Be sure to watch for more Mysterious Crafts coming soon!
What a fun idea!
Thank you Stacy! I had fun coming up with it 🙂
Thank you for the idea I took some art from a book and framed it. Deborah
Ooo! What book art did you use? I’ve thrifted a few older books that have some beautiful illustrations in them and used them for craft projects before.
Sincerely,
Kimmie