SCRAP PAPER CIRCUS
Upcycled Book Arts Studio
Bel Mills, Book Artist
Turning Salvaged Paper into
Handmade Books and Mail Art
Looking for inspiration for upcycling your old paper into handmade books? Look no further than the free Bookmaker's Guide to Upcycling! This guide is packed with over 100 creative ways to use household paper in your bookmaking projects, as well as helpful tips on the best paper to save for your handmade books.
Did you know that you have a wealth of bookmaking materials right in your own home? I'd love for you to join me in an upcoming workshop where we'll transform ordinary household paper into extraordinary, one-of-a-kind books. You don't have to buy fancy paper to get started. Let's make some beautiful books together!
Enjoy the collection of unique journals and artist books I've created using salvaged materials like old books, envelopes, cardboard boxes, and more. Drop me a line to request a class if a particular book catches your eye.
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Take a peek at a sampling of mail art and collages made with old books, scraps, vintage maps, magazine pages, and cancelled postage stamps. Join my waitlist below to be the first notified of upcoming workshops on crafting unique mail art!
My blog is a great place to scout for resources and tips on bookbinding, mail art, and collage. Did you know there are tons of public domain images available online that you can use in your collages without worrying about copyright? And how about great sources for rubber stamps or the best books on upcycled bookmaking? Start right here!
If you're looking to add a touch of vintage charm to your envelopes or book projects, why not try making a button-and-string closure? It's a simple yet elegant closure that's easy to make from scratch. Watch this free video to learn how.
Want to learn how to fold your own "naked mail," or create a clever time capsule out of business reply envelopes? Check out these free tutorials, created in collaboration with the Smithsonian National Postal Museum in Washington DC.
Welcome to the single online source for artist books and handmade journals from Scrap Paper Circus. I usually have 3 sales per year in winter, spring, and fall and close my shop in the interim periods. Join my email list if you'd like to be notified of shop openings, sales, etc.