The books were random hard backs, I tried to stick with the ones that had a dark cover because I could use that to help distress the books. This is a sample of the books in their original condition.
I painted them in multiple layers of gray and white paint wiped it back with a wet cloth and distressed the pages with distress ink.
Then I decided to stamp the binders with various stamps.It's dark and rainy today so it was hard to photograph these and get all the detail. I also used a little silver wax lightly on a few.
I have a few more that I'm going to try something a little more romantic with... I think. That may change between now and then.
Thanks for stooping by. I'll be joining these great parties this week,
Blue Egg Brown Nest
Savvy Southern Style
Timewashed
Stone Gable
Craftberry Bush
My Romantic Home
I absolutely LOVE the way these look, Karen. Beautifully done- xo Diana
ReplyDeleteThese are gorgeous! What a great idea! I love the stamp details.
ReplyDeleteThey look fantastic. What a great idea with the stamps too.
ReplyDeleteI love the originality of this idea. Your books came out great. I'm always looking for a reason to use my stamps so thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThey are beautiful, Karen! I love this look! Love the stamps you used, too. They seem like they worked out perfectly for this project {size and design}. Love the small letters and scroll at the bottom, too. Did they happen to come in a set?
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous idea and they look just beautiful! Love it!
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Trish
To darn cute, I love this idea:)
ReplyDeleteThat's a fantastic idea! They turned out great!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a cute inspirational idea,
ReplyDeleteMichele
Pearl 13.1
I love this idea! I plan to do this for my guest bedroom make over!!! Erica
ReplyDeleteericasrunningjourney.blogspot.com
I love anything using books -- pinning this to my "book" board. Such a great idea stamping them and distressing the pages too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a spectacular idea!!!
ReplyDeleteI just painted my room mostly white ( indcluding the flloors - ) I AM SO DOING THIS!!!
You're a genius!
Thanks so much for sharing - can't wait to start!
Visiting from Savvy Southern Style
Big hugs,
Suzan
I love to work with books - these are really like art! They certainly set a mood.
ReplyDeleteThis is really fantastic! I love old books and have quite a big collection in my dining room hutch, but I was just thinking about needing some white ones for a vignette I'm doing in the living room for spring. I have some books the library was giving away for free and they would be perfect for this. Thanks for the inspiration. Pinning.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
Angela @ Number Fifty-Three
I love this! They are just perfect for vignettes and the best thing, you got them for a dollar! What a clever idea, Karen!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jane
Genius! I love the look and I'm pinning it.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea...something to do with those not so pretty books! Visiting from Timewashed.
ReplyDeleteFaye
love them all. and more simple when you do not do designs on the front.
ReplyDeleteLove your white globe too.
well, you just know I love it here.
Thanks for sharing quick and easy ideas.
blessings
barb
Great idea! The books look so elegant now. Visiting from WOW.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great idea!!
ReplyDeletelove it!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThese are so pretty! I'm considering trying to change some of my books to fit my decor, and maybe I can use this idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks!!
Jeannine @ The Concrete Cottage
How many times have I passed books by because they didn't work in my decor! And why didn't I, who will paint most anything, ever consider a solution like this? They look great, and you are a clever girl! :)
ReplyDelete-Revi
You are too clever. They look great with the stamps you chose.
ReplyDeleteI would never think to paint books. They turned out great. Very clever Karen!
ReplyDeleteYour books look wonderful. What a great idea and great job! Love how you stamped them!!!
ReplyDeleteNice visiting with you this morning from Timewashed.
You did a great job. So unique.
ReplyDeleteThese are gorgeous! Would have never thought to do this! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteJenna @ http://rainonatinroof.com
adore! xo
ReplyDeleteThis is incredibly amazing. I love your technique, thank you so much for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteHow cute and crafty! I love the classic look they now add to your decor! Visiting from The Inspiration Gallery
ReplyDeleteLove them! Such a great diy idea! I love books and have a few that need this exact treatment! Thanks for sharing. I thought your photos were just dandy.
ReplyDeletel absolutely love what you've done with the books, they look awesome, and you've painted the globe as well, what a fantastic idea. What a beautiful vignette it makes.
ReplyDeleteSo cute..thanks for the idea!! love the delicate way you did them! Iam an artists/painter/ art dolls/ graphics and decorator.
ReplyDeleteThese books look so nice. I should try this myself. Thanks for the awesome idea! :)
ReplyDeleteYou clever and crafty girl! I adore these books.
ReplyDeleteI do hope you have entered the springtime giveaway I am currently hosting.
May you and yours enjoy a lovely St. Patrick's Day!
What a great idea!! They look beautiful and so delicate.
ReplyDeleteJudy
Hi Karen! Just popped back in to tell you that my post is up about the books I did after being inspired by you! : )
ReplyDeleteLove what you did with these books. I am pinning this one. Saw it over at Kathy's blog. What a great idea.
ReplyDeleteso clever and beautiful! I'm pinning too. Little Bit from www.DecorateWithaLittleBit.com
ReplyDeleteWould love to do this - but wonder how you would be able to put the actual name of the book on the spine..... in old lettering - or something similar. Any ideas? So pretty!
ReplyDelete