Necklace for a book lover

If you're anything like I was (and still am) I'm a book nerd! Loved reading and being transported to other worlds and go on amazing adventures. My favorite genre as a kid, and now, is historical fiction. Whether it's our past or the past of some other world, I'm all over it!
It's why I majored in History in school and why one of my favorite books as a kid was this:

(couldn't find a bigger picture)

Amazing animation of the daily life in a castle. It's thrilling for a visual learner and a reader. (FYI parents!!)

So when I saw the Library Stack necklace on the Anthropologie website I knew I had to try it:

via Anthropologie

Now, there is no way on God's green earth am I spending $168 on a necklace. I understand that the teeny tiny books are made out of real leather, but c'mon people! We're in a recession!

Here's my version:


This was a fairly simple one to duplicate so it should be no problem for a jewelry novice.
What you'll need:
-small paper books in the dollhouse section of your craft store
-headpin
-chain
-clasp
-three jump rings
-hypo cement or super glue
-an awl
-hammer
-pliers
-jewelry wire cutters
-a movie
I'm a big believer in having a movie playing in the background while I make stuff. Netflix on my iPhone has been a blessing. :)

When I first saw the necklace, my immediate thought was that "those look like dollhouse books". I never made my own dollhouse when I was younger, but I love looking at all the miniature things when I'm at the craft store.

These were $2.99 at Hobby Lobby and I only used four.




(sideways picture because I decided to stop fighting with blogger and just let it be)

I took my awl (very cool tool, btw), placed it in the middle of the bottom book and gave it two or three good whacks with the hammer. Cardboard in place, just in case I went all the way through--definitely make sure you protect whatever surface on which you are working. The awl will pierce right on through with enough force behind it. It's super sharp and not a tool I would recommend for kids.

You don't want to go all the way threw the book because the diameter of the awl is much bigger than the diameter of the head pin. So, tap it to get a hole started and then turn it over and tap a hole on the other side of the book so the two holes line up.
I know this won't be exact, but I used a pin to work a complete hole through all the pages.

Just be patient. If you push too quickly you'll end up bending your pin. It helps to open up the book, a few pages at a time and work the pin through.

I then put the bottom book (red one) on the head pin and fastened it with a drop of hypo cement. Small plug for the stuff: excellent glue for really small jobs and areas. Bonus: it doesn't stick to your skin!





I then followed suit with the rest of the books. The ones I chose are skinnier than the books on the Anthro necklace so I did four instead of three. I quite like the way mine looks.


I slightly offset the hole on the third book so the wouldn't stack up evenly. It gives it a slightly disheveled look that reminds of a big stack of classics at the library.

I put a small drop of hypo cement between each book, pressed them together and let them dry for about 15 minutes. (I actually tried to finish the necklace before that and the books slid all around the head pin because the glue wasn't dry. So be sure to wait!)
I snipped the top length of the head pin off and gave myself enough to form a loop at the top for the jump ring and chain. I discovered that I'm AWFUL at trying to form a circular loop.

I chose an antique colored chain and a clasp that looks like a lock and key. I think it adds a bit of whimsy to the necklace!




Measure the chain around your neck and decide where you'd like it to fall on your chest. I chose right around the top of my shirt.
Connect the middle of the chain links to the jump ring on the books and connect a jump ring to the two ends of the chain. On those jump rings add one half of whatever clasp you chose.

And voila!! Finished Library Stack Anthropolgie Knock-off necklace.
Or you could simply call a book necklace. :)



I feel a bit like Superman in this picture.



Hope this was helpful. Feel free to ask any questions if some of it wasn't clear!

I'll be linking to the parties on the right. Have a good week!