BLUEFIELD — A few months ago, I was walking through a large craft show when a wreath caught my attention. Now, I am not particularly crafty. I have a rocky relationship with glue guns and DIY projects. It is one of those on-again-off-again type situations. This wreath was missing the traditional flowers, beads and leaves. But I had no problem recognizing the materials. The wreath was made out of pages from a book. I took a closer look; my eyes couldn’t believe what they were seeing. My favorite pastime had been used to create a wreath. I decided I couldn’t be upset. I didn’t write the book used to make the wreath. The pages were twisted into odd shapes to form a circle. The wreath was natural, white pages with black words, running in horizontal lines. It symbolized simplicity. I liked the idea of hanging my passion on the front door of my home. It is a small reminder of how words affect my daily life — at home and work.



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Are books in danger of becoming extinct due to overzealous crafters? Probably not. However, according to an article by the Associated Press, books — outdated encyclopedias, atlases and almanacs — are finding new life as tables, shelves, sculptures and yes, DIY projects. Crafters believe they are honoring the books by recreating purpose. When is a book no longer valuable? I want to believe every book is sacred. However, how can a 1958 encyclopedia be of any use, especially when it is covered in dust from the attic? I foresee plenty of wreaths and decor — all made out of books. Do we blame technology for this new trend? Maybe. It is a digital world, after all. For some of us, the idea of simplicity — a basic wreath out of book pages — appeals to the senses. At the same time, we would rather search Google than flip through a dusty encyclopedia. We are a fickle society sometimes.

I still haven’t answered the question. When is a book ready to become a wreath, or better yet, a piece of furniture? A book’s rebirth is in the hands of the owner. I have several old books. Some hold family history, like my mom’s story book and my dad’s old elementary text book. A few are valuable. I wouldn’t dare make a wreath out of an old edition of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s poetry. There are a couple of old books in my parent’s house. The kind you see at garage sales and flea markets, covered in dust so thick you could write your name. I feel those deserve a second chance, even on the front door. It lets everyone know, “A book lover lives here.” Did I buy the wreath? No and I regret not making the purchase. Given my past history with glue guns, it’s not likely I will make a book wreath anytime soon.



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There ought to be plenty of second-chance books. E-readers are popular than ever. I should know. I received one as a gift. Even though I resisted the urge a few years ago, I am now the happy owner of a Kindle Touch. I am fascinated with the ability to purchase any book from the comfort of my couch, in the middle of a snowstorm. Will I give up road trips to the bookstores? Never. I still like pages, the simplicity of black words on a white page. There are some books I put on my bookshelf at home. I need to see my favorite authors and bend back the covers of their books. But like the bookworm who uses Google, the Kindle adds another dimension to the flame. It is small and I can take it everywhere — work, vacation, the doctor’s office and everywhere in between. Plus, I can “try” on a book before I purchase one through the website. I had heard good things about “The Hunger Games,” but I was afraid I wouldn’t like a young adult novel. The sample proved otherwise. I downloaded the book in less than a minute. Confession: I tried to turn the page on my Kindle a few times.



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I am bookworm gone digital. Bring on the WiFi. But line up my favorite authors like ducks in a row on a shelf. I want to decorate my front door with a wreath made out of forgotten books, but don’t want to use my good books for art. It’s complicated, this affair with books. I want to pretend to be a library purist, but I can’t help but feel giddy with my new toy. I am going to stay calm and read. The Kindle or a book? Oh my. The possibilities are endless. Now, where is my glue gun? There has to be some old books around, just waiting for a second chance.

Jamie Parsell is the lifestyle editor of the Daily Telegraph. Contact her at jparsell@bdtonline.com.