Today’s post is a guest post! That’s right, we just had to share this amazing tutorial written by our friend Ashley from Ashley Noble Photography. We love her idea and her style!
Looking for a quick and easy indoor DIY project? This is fun for kids too! Turn your old books into a new décor piece for a tiered tray or shelf.
What you need:
-Old Books
-Parchment Paper
-Scissors
–Flocked Lambs Ear plants (or any greenery )
-Chalk Paint (I love Annie Sloan)
-Foam paint brush
Cover your table with parchment paper to avoid paint drips and spills. I prefer to rip off the front and back covers of the books. I love the final look of the words showing through. You could also leave the covers on two of the books and just tear off the covers on your top book that will be visible. Try to find books that are similar in width but with varying thickness. If you have books that are exactly alike, it tends to look like wood blocks.
Chalk paint is great for so many projects. It’s easy to work with, requires no sanding on most wood projects, has almost no scent and it dries fast. (Great for impatient kids that are helping you)
Start by painting a thin coat over the cover, spine, and back of the book. I stand them on their ends while drying. You will need to apply a few coats or until you have completely covered the area. Allow the coats to dry in between. Stick a fan on them and they should dry within a few minutes.
Once you have finished painting, allow 30 minutes before you begin stamping. These stamps are functional and also cute to leave out on display.
Have fun with the wording you choose. These make great gifts with a new baby’s name, the last name of a new bride. Maybe your families’ favorite saying or an inspirational quote. There are so many possibilities.
After stamping your books, it’s time to decorate. Stack your books and wrap the top of your book 3 or 4 times with twine and tie a bow. Then stick a piece of lambs ear greenery, a cottonwood stem, or lavender in the twine. You have instantly transformed your old books! Add them to a display tray, entry table, or your favorite shelf.
Thank you Ashley for sharing this great idea!
Great idea! I’ll definitely have to give it a go!
Great, I really like it! Youre awesome
Great idea!!! Where did you get your stamping set???
I am looking for chalk paint to do this project for table decorations for a church activity so will be doing at least 15 books. How much will I need and I see some chalk paint that is wax and some is not. What am I looking for.
Thanks
Hello! One small can of paint (as pictured in our post) will be enough as it goes a loooooong way. The waxed paint is not necessary for this project but is more useful when painting woods. Good luck!
Where can I find the stamps blocks .? do they I actually have ink ? Do I need to wait until the books or dryer before I stamp them?
Hi Sandy!
The exact alphabet stamps that we used (pictured) are currently unavailable. Here is another great set: https://amzn.to/2QnwMN3
We used a separate black ink pad as they are not already inked. And yes, we do recommend letting the books dry before stamping. Have a great day!
Alphabet stamps, either new or vintage are pricey! Another alternative is adhesive lettering found in the scrapbook and papercraft aisles in stores like Hobby Lobby, Michaels, JoAnn, etc. The lettering is available in a variety of fonts, lower and upper case; comes several sheets to a package @ $5 per package. I remove the letters I want to use and gently stick them on a piece of wax paper, Using very thin coats of white chalk or matte craft paint, I paint over the letters some areas thicker than others, and let them dry. The letters are very easily lifted from the wax paper and added to the spines of the books. I go over the letter with a quick thin coat of Matte Mod Podge and achieve the same look without the expense.