This week, I’m sticking to the theme of books, but with a twist. I’ve been seeing a lot of writing-as-fashion going around lately, and I’d like to share some of that with you. No, not writing about fashion, this is literally wearing the written word on your sleeve. So to speak.
Online, I read a lot of crafts blogs, and if there’s one thing bloggers have in common, despite the fact that everyone chooses quite disparate genres, is that we all like to read. And loads. So, while flipping through my reader I came across two craft projects that seemed like they would work as fashion is supposed to: showing the world who you are. In my case, I am a reader. I’m assuming if you read this column, you are too. We’re a dying breed.
The first one is one I tried myself today, and it’s very easy. Instead of just putting down your words on paper, why not wear them on your, um, nails? Nail art is very cool and trendy at the moment, but I’m not a little hearts-and-flowers girl, so when I read about the newsprint manicure, I was thrilled. You’ll need: a light nail polish, some alcohol (vodka works best), a top coat of polish (you can just use the clear one again) and newspaper, cut out around your favourite words or even today’s comic strip. First, apply two layers of nail polish to your nails and let dry. Put about an inch of vodka into a bowl or glass and dip your finger in it. While the nail is wet, take the newspaper with the word you like and press hard on your nail. Watch that it doesn’t smudge. Hold for about five seconds and remove. You should have the word printed (in reverse) on your nail. Now, add a top coat, let harden and ta-dah! You have yourself a fancy manicure, which shows the world precisely who you are.
The second is even cooler, but since I’m not terrific with glue, I’m going to leave this to a professional. You’ll need one hardback book, that you’ve already read or own a copy of (because you’re going to have to tear out the inside) and one old clutch, with a fabric inside and a metal clasp. Make sure the two of them are about the same size. Gut the book and the clutch, so you’re left with the cover of the book and the fabric part of the clutch. Superglue the two together so that the top of the book where the pages show act as your clasp (use a clear strong glue so it doesn’t show) and add a chain handle if you like. This can be easily done by punching a hole on either side of the book and adding metal rings and a chain. If done right, you should have a bag that looks like a copy of your favourite book.
The columnist is an author