dr and I belong to the local writer's guild. We both had short stories in the Christmas anthology and both will have stories in the Winter anthology. But, tonight's meeting was to plan a book signing and sale for local or Texas authors. Since I don't have a book to sign or sell they wanted to know if I would make book related items. Since it's a small town there are only about 20 members. They suggested book covers and I make book marks for the library which I could sell there and I have book bags though I call them tote bags. They thought that was a good idea. I have never made a book cover so I guess I'll have to measure a book and see what I can come up with. I could put lacy around them or add decorations. I wonder if I should line them like I do the tote bags. Do you think I should have matching sets of book covers and book marks? They could be a cheaper price if you bought the set instead of individual pieces. I would make the money for them with the exception of the bookmarks. I've already told the library when I started making them that when I sold them elsewhere I would donate the money to them. I noticed the basket that I made for the friends of the library is almost empty so I should fill it up again. It's not until Feb.17 so that gives me a month to come up with stuff. I'll have to get my tote bags out of storage and sort through them and see which would qualify as book bags. I know that dr and I both have bags we carry our books to and from the library. Beats trying to balance everything and our library doesn't sell library bags. I'm surprised they don't because the Friends of the Library could use the sale of them as a fund raiser. Did I need another project? Probably not but the guild needs another table to make the large room look busier so I will do my part. dooley
This sounds like a lot of fun, Dooley. It is so nice of you to donate time and work to this organization. Good luck with your new project.
Thankfully you have a month to get everything sorted out Dooley. I think your idea of matching book covers and bookmarks is really good idea. How will you know what size to make the book covers though as books come in all different sizes and thicknesses? I don't think I'd line the book covers but decorating them does sounds nice. You must let us see the ones you make. The idea of book bags would certainly make taking heavy books to and from the library so much easier. I'm sure your tote bags will go down well with everyone as they are strong and good looking.
Dooley, you are amazing--you garden, cook, sew up a storm, and now we learn you write, also! You don't waste much time, do you? Book covers might be as simple as a decorative fabric rectangle with elastic at the corners to slip over the book's back and front corners. I would think your totes would all make good book bags--people might like some "non-bookish" patterns so they could use the bag for carrying things other than books. Please post a picture of your book marks--I'd be willing to bet they are lovely!
wow, you don't let moss grow under your feet, do you! I had a book cover like you describe once, and it had handle sewn into it so I could loop it over my wrist... and carry a teacup & book in the same hand Waaay back when I had time to read, lol!
