Meet the Artist and Giveaway: Lisa from theshophouse

You know those gorgeous hanging book mobiles you've seen on the front page of Etsy and in over 800 treasuries? Of course, we all want one! It never occurred to me I could make one myself until my recent encounter with the creator, Lisa Occhipinti from theshophouse. Instead of sending me a book mobile to giveaway, she sent me something much more valuable, a "how to" book she authored, The Repurposed Library.

Lisa suggested that before I give the book away I skim the pages and see what it's about, maybe even try my hand at a project. I'm not sure who was more skeptical about my ability to create my own mobile, Lisa or myself! You see, I admitted to Lisa I had limited crafting experience. Still, I pressed on and carefully followed the details outlined in the book to create a book mobile for my daughters room.

I chose a used book I'd bought a few years back that had just been sitting on my daughters book shelf. I snapped a few pictures along the way so you could see first hand the transformation.

My daughter Eleanor got excited about the project when she saw me working on it and decided to join in.

She chose an old copy of Blueberries for Sal.

We were both very pleased with the way our book mobiles turned out!

Needless to say, I highly recommend the book! I will truly be sad to see this book go! I'd still like to make the Sewing Box, Story Time Clock, Birdhouse & Two-Book Luminary projects. My daughter would probably love to do all 33 tutorials included in the book!

Let us take a moment to get to know the amazing artist behind this inspiring book.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: I am a fine artist, specifically a painter, and since childhood have always held a love for books.

As a painter I use book pages as collage elements in my compositions and conversely use books as surfaces for mark-making and color. I utilize book pages and text as substrates and extract content from them while maintaining their mien for my sculpturals, stitching, mending and assembling them into new objects.With transparency central as a means of depth and intrigue, I harness the filminess of beeswax and encaustic as part of my layering system.

I began my book work with studying traditional handmade binding techniques at the Museum School in Boston, which then led to altered book practices which in turn led me to where I am now: transforming the book, either in its entirety or as components.

My work is in collections worldwide and is always evolving. I also teach, design and sew. I believe creativity is an expansive exploit. You can see more of what I do here and catch my blog here and feel free to pop into ShopHouse.

Q: What made you decide to write a "how to" book on your mastered techniques for repurposing used books?

A: I have always wanted to write a book, but know how hard it is to get published. I was fortunate enough to be approached by a literary agent who was crucial in the birth of this book. As an art instructor I think of The Repurposed Library as an extension of teaching where I can reach a far-reaching audience. The book shows how to make specific projects, but its undercurrent is about the vision and ingenuity we all carry within.

Q: I have noticed there are a few other craftsmen on Etsy using techniques from your book. How do you feel about that?  

A: Well first off book arts have been around before "The Repurposed Library" and I am by no means the founder of that practice! The point of "The Repurposed Library" is to enlighten people to the possibilities of what they can create and what they do with their creations is up to them. Each of us brings their own tastes, associations and levels of craftsmanship to what they make. And that is what makes ShopHouse unique. My own imprint is on everything there and that is specific to me, just as another etsy seller's mark is unique to them. 

Are you ready to win a signed copy of this inspiring book? Well, let's get to it already!

How to Enter the Giveaway:

1. Follow this blog

and leave a comment here saying you did.


2. "Heart" theshophouse on Etsy or an item in the shop
and leave a separate comment here saying you did.


Want to see what I've made with the left over pages from my book mobile project?
Visit the Upcycled Books section of my Etsy shop!
And don't forget to visit the Giveaway Page for other great giveaways :)

Fine Print:
Only 2 entries per household please
1 winner will be chosen September 21st at midnight PST
Winner will be chosen by random.org
Entries will be validated
Winner will be announced here
Winner will have 3 days to contact me, 

after which a new winner will be chosen

Must be 18 years of age or older to enter