Upcycling Books

I've been helping my friends at Pazzo Books move their store from Roslindale to West Roxbury, recently. (I've been painting the new storefront, mostly, though I have also been known to schlep a box or two.) I love used bookstores, and nicely aged books. Which is why I'm of divided opinion about this sort of thing, spotted on Rob Walker's blog, Murketing, today:

It's a handbag made out of a book. Which is an example of upcycling, I suppose. As Brainiac readers know, I do approve of upcycling. But... did this book really need to be recycled? Unlike a beer bottle or out-of-fashion shirt, books don't ever have to be upgraded or tossed out. Right?

People love using vintage book covers to make chic new stuff. Like these coasters:

Or this blank journal:

Or this belt buckle:

Heck, Tom Nealon from Pazzo even makes something cool out of old book covers. He makes clocks. This particular clock is mine:

Please note, however, that the books Tom uses are in terrible condition. He really is upcycling them, saving them from a trip to the dump.

As for you aliterate crafsters, out there, though... cut it out!