Original project inspiration and directions:
Book Page Wreath Tutorial
First, prepare the text pages. You will need a little over 100 sheets in total (this number might very somewhat based on page size), whether from a recycle-ready book or cut down from an old magazine/newspaper. It would be a good idea to prepare several extra pages for practice and mistakes.
Tear out the still-usable book pages (as in, not torn/highlighted/overly marked up) or use a paper cutter* to cut sections from another type of publication. They should be flat, un-creased, and measure 4-6" wide by 7-9" tall (anything in this range should work, just be consistent).
*If you do not have a paper cutter, try cutting a rectangle template out of paperboard (such as a cereal box). Use this as a guide to cut out your sheets a few at a time.
If you have torn-out pages, you can optionally use a paper cutter or scissors to trim the rough side straight and keep the sheets uniform in size (the pages shown measure 4"x7").
Once all pages are cut, begin forming the cones. Curl up each page in a tight tube to start.
Use the tube as a base to form more of a cone** shape, then staple it near the bottom.
This is what a completed tube should look like, with a point at the top and the page corner curling over the front.
**If you have trouble making the cones at first just from looking at the image, try this: find the page corner on the inside of your tube and gently pull this out, while keeping the other tube end smaller and together.
The process will become smoother the more cones you make!
Create cones out of all the prepared pages. Aim to roll the sheets consistently (same direction, tightness, etc.) for a more cohesive final look. Set aside 4 nicer-looking flat pages for the end.
Set aside the completed cones until it is time to attach them.
To make the wreath core, use a couple pieces of corrugated cardboard or a sheet of foam core. Plan to make and connect two identical layers.
Use a dinner plate or similar object to trace the outline of the larger circle (the plate shown is 10.5" in diameter).
Use a single-serve bowl or similar to trace the smaller inner circle, making sure to center this on the larger circle (the bowl shown is 5.75" in diameter). The ring should be roughly 2 to 2.5" thick all the way around.
Use a craft knife or sharp scissors to cut out the two circles. If you are using scissors, cut a straight line through to the smaller circle from the larger one (this will all get covered anyway).
Trace the completed ring onto another section of cardboard or foam core to make a second ring.
Cut out the second ring the same as the first.
Tape the two rings together to form a sturdier core, making sure to tape over any cuts through the ring in the process. If you have used corrugated cardboard, rotate one piece 90° so that the corrugation lines or waves run opposite directions.
Before adding any paper cones, attach a hanging loop to the core. This example uses wire, but you could alternatively use twine, yarn, or even a piece of ribbon. You will need to cut at least 12" in length for your hanging line.
Twist the wire (or tie the twine/other) fully around the cardboard ring, adding a small loop at the top. Place a couple layers of tape over the bent-up ends for a more secure attachment.
Finally, it is time to use the paper cones! Begin on the back, attaching each one with hot glue. The "fronts" of the cones (where you can see the wrapped layers of the page) should be facing down at this point. This example used 24 cones per layer, but the number might vary based on core and cone sizes.
When the back layer is complete, flip to the front. All cones should now be glued on facing forward. The points of the first front layer should extend as far as the back layer, but offset each new cone so that it lies between two in the previous layer.
For the second layer on the front, continue to offset the cones but bring the bottoms of this layer in closer to the center of the wreath. The top points of each of these cones should be around an inch lower than those behind them.
Repeat the last step for the third layer on the front, but let the cone ends hang down into the empty center of the core.
After completing the final cone layer, flip to the back. Fold the hanging ends back on the core; glue and/or tape them in place.
If you are satisfied with how your wreath looks, end here! Or, use the 4 reserved flat pages to add another layer at the center of the wreath. Cut them in half horizontally and glue the corners of the half-sheets around the center of the wreath. Glue on 2-4 to start.
To deal with the overhang of the half-pages, flip the wreath to the back. Cut the excess in half from the point to the edge of the wreath core, then fold these thinner points back. Glue them in place and repeat for each half-sheet. Continue this process for a total of 8 half-sheet corners glued to the front, then sliced and attached to the back of the wreath.
At last, your recycled book page wreath is done!
If desired, add some colorful or decorative elements. Create a nice ribbon bow or glue on some craft pearls, gems, or flowers. Maybe some tiny fairy lights? Get creative! Or, create a banner to add to your wreath with a favorite literary quote. Try your hand at calligraphy/decorative writing or print your text in a nice font.
