It’s a Book Party!

 Welcome!

Have you ever thought about starting a book club? A gathering of soon-to-be friends discussing a book all have read?

Fall is a perfect time to start!

The kids are back in school; weather is getting a little cooler, and outside activities are starting to dwindle.

To get started, choose a book. It can be something from the New York Times top 10 list, it can be a classic, or it can be genre motivated.

Your local librarian is a great resource.

Once you have a book chosen, and where you want to meet (again, many libraries have meeting rooms free with a reservation) it’s time to send out invitations. Putting up notices at your library or local bookstore can work, if you don’t mind unknown people coming. Be safe. Be careful. But this is also how friendships can develop.

Let’s make some creative invitations!

The idea of using a library card for an invite is so clever! Here is just one example I found of many on Pinterest.

Etsy

This next one you can order from the company.

Canva Templates

There are many different styles of pre-printed invites, or ones you can order from stationery companies.

Paperless Post

You’ve got your flyers or invitations prepared, what’s next? You might want to put a small notice in your local city newspaper. Of course there is also all the social media sites.

If you know who is coming it can take you less than 1 hour to make a batch of bookmarks, and personalize them. There are so many bookmark ideas out there I need another blog to cover them! But here are some ideas:

(Seen above) Magazine name bookmarks: card stock or old Manila folders, book pages and magazine letters cut out. Add string for a tassel.

Don’t know who is coming? Have the base bookmark pre-made. Then cut out an assortment of largish letters from magazines, and have sorted by letter. Provide glue sticks or double stick tape. The attendees can then make their own bookmarks quickly and easily.

Playing card bookmarks: punch a hole at the top. Finish with a grommet if desired. Add tassel (you can make these out of embroidery floss if you want).

Book spine bookmarks: from old beat up hardback books, cut off the spines. You can Mod Podge them if the inside is a bit musty. Punch hole, use a grommet if desired, add ribbon tassel.

Dictionary page Bookmarks: cut old dictionary pages into bookmark shape. Back with cardstock or old Manila folders. Braid a few strands of embroidery floss for the tassel. Write with permanent black ink names of attendees. 
(I haven’t given credit to anyone as these ideas are all over Pinterest.)

Again, don’t know who is coming? Recruit a friend with nice handwriting. She can add the name as people come in.

Found on Etsy
Want to do a little decorating to make the first meeting a bit special? The following ideas are quick, easy, and won’t be messy to put up or take down.

Banners and Garlands

Book pages lend themselves to pennant style banners so easily. The one above has cut out letters on the pages. The one below is cut from a children’s book with illustrations randomly scattered throughout.

Pinwheel Garland

Remember the paper fans we used to fold in school to cool us off? That’s what these are, x2. Glue the edges together to make a circle ‘fan’ with a thin ribbon sandwiched in between.

Circle Garland
A circle paper punch (here they used a scallop circle one), book pages and string are all you need for this garland. You can glue the circles onto the string, or you can even sew them together.

Hearts Garland

This one is more time consuming, but certainly looks great. Cut strips of book pages as follows: for each heart you will need 1”x9”, 1”x7”, 1”x5” and 1”x3”. Look at the photo and fold the smallest strip in half, and bend the top. Add the next largest, then the next largest, etc. Staple the ends together to form the heart. My directions don’t have the strip in the center to use for the hanging ribbon. I just tied ribbon around each heart at an angle.  Make your strips longer for bigger hearts.

Tabletop Decor

These are just fun little extras to make that first meeting special. You can set these on a coffee table, entry table or kitchen/dining room table. The idea is quick, easy, and thematic.

The Antiqued Journey 

Simply take a handful of hardback

books and tie ribbon or lace around them. Tuck in a sprig of baby’s breath or small silk flowers. Charming!

Even better, if your book’s author has written more than one book, use her other books for this display.

Kelli Kania (Gamache)

Here is a similar idea, with a teacup setting placed on top of the stack of books. I like it that the tied books are only two, then stacked on top of each other at an angle. You can use a fresh flower in the teacup, silk florals or even something like Jordan almonds.

I love this next idea, even though it is more time consuming and you really have to have a large table to show it off. But how cool is this?

Book Page Table runner

No credit, as there were many variations on Pinterest.

Have a stack of book pages. The runners I have seen have all used the same size pages. Start laying them out with edges slightly overlapping. Refer to photo. Stand back and look at what you’ve done. Like it? Then start gluing. Just a few dabs will do. I don’t like glue sticks as I think they come apart too readily, but some folks do like them. I use a DAB of Aleene’s Tacky Glue in the gold bottle, or Art Institute Glitter Adhesive Glue. Continue laying pages down and gluing until the length you want is reached. 

Book Page Doilies

This idea is similar to the table runner, only you lay the pages to form a circle, like a doily. These can be as big or small as you want. This is great for little side tables in a home, or used as doilies for food platters.

Paper Punched table runner

Brit Morin
Love the table runner idea, but not the boho look? Lay out your pages with a slight overlap at the center. Using a border punch to punch a decorative border on both sides. You can run a thin line of glue to attach them at the center, or strips of double sided tape.

This works best for a shorter table runner.

Lively, posted on Pinterest

Love this one made with vintage children’s book pages.

Every gathering needs a little food, don’t you think? It can be simple or fancy, whatever you feel like. Just remember the first meeting may set a precedent for future meetings so simple might be best for the initial get together.

I love these ‘green eggs with ham’!

If you have any glucose-free or specialty diet foods, these scrabble letter signs are so clever.

Cupcakes are super easy, and easy to dress up too. Here you just punch out shapes, sandwich a toothpick between 2 shapes and glue together.

Short on time? These book page toothpicks look just as charming in store-bought cupcakes. Have a recognizable theme? Use punches that compliment it. For instance a Harry Potter theme could have owl-shaped punched toppers, or Little Women could have hat shaped pokes. Yes, they do make punches in those shapes! Or use plastic swords (used for cocktails) for an Aladdin theme!

Book Page Cones are quick and easy for popcorn, circus peanuts, candied pecans, etc. These have been made with pages from a children’s book, as the book read is a children’s book.

Next is a book cake used for a baby shower. Replace the crib with a book shelf, a mini book or something themed from the book club choice and you have a super cake idea!

Your Book Party/Book Club should be fun and interesting and stimulating. I am giving suggestions to ‘dress up’ the event, but the bottom line is people gathering together for an intelligent discussion about a mutually read book.

Don’t want to have a focus on food, but would like to send everyone home with a little ‘bookish’ reminder of the evening?

Next I have a few ideas to share with you that I have found just for that!

The little Smartie bag toppers are a bit juvenile, but are sure to bring a smile to all attendees! And so will these -

Bag toppers are so easy to print yourself, or stamp or even hand write; then staple to a Baggie of goodies.

Book Bub 

Lifesaver mini bags with quotes

This next idea I would tweak just a little.

Purchase little bags that fit one Lifesaver mint (I have bought the bags at both Amazon and at Michael’s stores). Use book pages for a bag topper, only make them large enough for a quote. (See photo). The only thing I would change are the quotes. With a lifesaver I want quotes that have to do with treasure, islands, boats, water, etc. and reading! I like Dave Barry’s quote-

“Reading is a vacation for the mind “

I also like-

“There is more treasure in books than all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island”.

Lastly I found these cute mini ‘book’ chocolates. Wrap individual chocolates with book pages. Just a strip around is enough. Print out covers of a variety of books. Glue on top.

Since you have already scanned book covers, why not make a few cupcake toppers? These are done with Little Golden Book covers.

To make your Book Club time interesting, here are some good start-up questions to ask:

Here is a fun way to break the ice:

Are you thinking about going to a Book Club yet? It’s a great way to get to know your neighbors, or people at church, too.

Still not sure? Check this chart out!

I hope this blog has made you think about starting or joining a book club.

Do drop me a note and let me know what book y’all are reading!

‘Til next time,

inkspired

Note: you may wonder why I do not give credit below each photo I use. It is 1 of 2 reasons.

1. The idea is on Pinterest in so many similar ways it is impossible to tell who had the original idea.

2. There are no credits or anything attached to the photo.

As always, if you see a photo and you know whose it is, please let me know so I can give credit where it is due.

😊

Bangladesh- Ancient Kingdom to Modern Powerhouse

Ashun 

Please come in, 

Welcome

Sonargaon Folk Art Museum, Bangladesh

Photo credit: Kristin Boekhoff

I was browsing through my stats, reading all the different countries that have people who visit my blog. Wow!

Bangladesh has been popping up recently.

Bangladesh?

I know pretty much nothing about that country! So…time to do some research.

Pathia Rajbari Mondir, Rajshahi, Bangladesh

First of all, how do I say ‘Welcome’?

Easy, right? Well. Maybe not.

Bengali is the language spoken there, but as in many places, there is ‘welcome’ and then there is ‘welcome’!

I made an executive decision and went with the less formal version, which translates to ‘please come in’.

Dhaka, Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a very ancient country. There are archaeological findings that date it back to minimum 500BCE. Before that they believe it was inhabited, but structures were made out of wood and reeds, so have not survived the centuries.

Wow. Kinda’ boggles my mind!

To put that in perspective, 500BCE is when the prophets were active in the Old Testament, Bible. That’s 500 years before Jesus’ time.

Madangopal Jiu Mandi temple; 17th Century CE; West Bengal

Bangladesh has been under rule by ancient kingdoms, Muslim rule, dynasties, British colonialism, authoritarian and parliamentary governments, martial law and military coups.

1576CE; Akbar leads his army into battle against Daud Kharkarrani, 

the last Sultan of Bengal.

The People’s Republic of Bangladesh is the 8th most populous country in the world. In 57,320 square miles (148,460 square kilometers) there is packed 171 million people -making it also one of the most densely populated countries.

It is bordered by India, and Burma, and the Bay of Bengal. Nepal and Bhutan are very close to its’ borders also.

Bangladesh. 

Where did a name come from like that?

Well, because the country is so ancient, some of this is guesswork. There is early Sanskrit literature that talks about the Kingdom of Banya.

Same area. Seems like Banya at some point turned into Bengal. Which turned into Bangladesh.

Bangladesh has a long, involved history as it is so old, and a popular port site.

In 326BCE Alexander the Great invaded.

Pretty much if Alex was coming, prepare to be conquered. Except this time.

Charles Le Brun 1673 “Alexander and King Porus”

Depicting the battle of 326CE, Pakistan

The Gangaridai Empire was too big, too strong. Alex’s advisors convinced him to withdraw, and go around!

That was a big deal back then.

The Gangaridai Empire flourished, and Bangladesh became a Buddhist hub.

Until the next empire came into power, the next king or ruler, and a new religion!

Repeat.

Repeat.

There were Brahman, Hindu, Buddhist and Islamist rulers. By 1245CE the country was riddled with feudal fighting and religious pressures.

There were lots of revolts, no wonder.

Bangladesh Bnadarbam

During all this fighting and conquering and revolting there were some very impressive archeological projects, large mosques and progressive literature writing going on.
There were links with China, Java & Ceylon who had some liberal policies that focused on justice, and charity.

Postage stamps

In 1757 the British East India Company seized control.

That’s another whole blog, so let’s just say they controlled until 1947.

Freedom, right?

Nope.

Edwin Lord Weeks 1849-1903, ‘Mughal Imperial Court’

Until 1971 Bangladesh had riots, treaties, proclamations, diplomatic maneuverings, military coups, starvation, major famine, fighting, student uprisings and demonstrations.

1965

There were major divisions over the official language, even! 

Was it Bengali, or Urdu?

Should there be an official national religion declared?

Just what were the borders of Bangladesh?

In 1971 a Provisional Government of Bangladesh was formed as the country’s first government. It issued a Proclamation of Independence.

The Proclamation declared Equality, Human Dignity and Social Justice as fundamental principles.

Then the lure of power seems to have taken over. Again.

There was a state of emergency, a major famine, newspapers were banned, a military Special Unit was formed with many human rights abuse accusations.

Things were a mess again. Leaders were jailed and then killed. The military overthrew the current president, but then there was mutiny and a counter-coup.

Bangladesh was back to rioting, coups, military law, authoritarian government, socialism, disputes with India, assassinations and political repression.

Whew.

Rickshaw traffic 

The 1990’s saw a renewal of parliamentary democracy. There were 2 main political parties, alternating who was in power.

With that stability, Bangladesh has become one of the world’s fastest growing economies. The garment industry and international remittance programs are major factors in this.

Bangladesh has also stepped up its infrastructure development, meaning it is improving things like power plants, schools, transportation, sewers and clean drinking water.

Postage stamp, 1983. Photo credit: Bob Suir

Let’s find out more of just who and what is Bangladesh today?

The official language is Bengali, 

the 2nd most widely spoken language in India also.

There are many dialects from smaller indigenous groups, with words from Portuguese, English, Arabic, Persian and Hindi tucked in.

Native costumes, Garo people

The official religion is Islam.

Most are Sunni, while a lesser amount are Shi’i. Hindus are the main minority followed by much smaller groups of Christians & Buddhists.

Zaminder’s Mansions and Palaces

Bangladesh is a mixture of modern and rural. It has urban cities and villages with no electricity. There are pre-fabricated 1 and 2 story buildings and thatched roof bamboo huts.

Through the Lens of Shah Rukh Khan

It has a sub-tropical monsoon climate.

Lots of rain.

It deals with river flooding regularly.

A tea estate

Almost half of the population is in the agricultural business. Rice is the main product, but also wheat, peas, beans, lentils, sweet potatoes, oil seeds, spices, sugarcane, tobacco, bananas, mangoes and pineapples!!!

…and watermelons!

The official bird is the magpie robin.

The flower is the water Lily.

The fruit is jackfruit.

The fish is hilsa.

The tree is the mango tree.

The official tiger is the Royal Bengal Tiger.

ArtProjectsForKids.org

HOWTODRAWFORKIDS.com

ArtProjectsForKids.com

Bangladesh still struggles with political instability. There are accusations of authoritarianism and human rights abuses. And yet it has really worked on the Rohingya refugee crisis. The influx of so many refugees strained their resources almost to the breaking point. Their economic growth continues.

If they can just get along politically, and clean up any remaining human rights issues, I see a bright future for Bangladesh. Definitely a country to watch!

Flower market

‘Til next time,

inkspired

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