I had a request to share with you this easy DIY. I purchase my hard cover books at thrift stores or the Dollar Tree. Here lately I have been buying them at the Dollar Tree because the thrift stores have raised their books to $1.50. 🙁
Very easy. Here is what you will need:
- hard back books
- chalk paint or any type of paint you chose
- paint brush
- 150 grit sand paper
- minwax paste finishing wax
- soft clean cloth
Let’s get started!
Picking out your books, depends on what type of style you like. I normally look for a more square spine. I like to get a dark color book jacket when I paint a light color and light color jacket when I am painting a dark color. If I am wanting more than one book I get the same exact book or at least try to.
Take the paper cover off. You can keep the paper cover in case you want to recover it at a later date. I normally just throw mine away.
I open the book in the center and lay the book page side down.
I paint two coats to the outside jacket cover. I made sure that I painted the inside lip.
Let dry.
Sometimes I paint the pages depending on the look I want.
After all is dry, take your sand paper and give it a quick distressing.
Wipe the book off to remove all the sand dust.
I use minwax paste finishing wax to all my projects but you can use any type of sealer you desire. I like to seal my books because they are easier to keep from collecting dust and are easier to wipe off.
After applying the wax wait 15 mins and buff the wax with the soft clean cloth.
Now your books are ready for you to decorate!
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Thank you again for coming by and spending some time with me!
Stay strong and stay blessed!
XO Terrie
Decorating our home on a budget is my thrill. I think a home can look beautiful without breaking the bank. Your home should bring the best out of you and make you feel happy. You should smile every time you enter your home. 🙂
I love this idea so much, Terrie. As you know I’m fond of books but it isn’t always easy to find ones in the colors you want for decor. I’ve already chalk painted 3 from my own library since we talked about this! (They’re the ones I used in the photo of my deconstructed chair). Thanks, hun 🤗
Thank you Tara for your sweet comment. That’s awesome that you painted our books for your chair staging. It is so fun to see your DIYs come to life isn’t it? I love to use books for a lot of decor pieces in my home and finding an accessory that is inexpensive is a huge plus! You are so welcome!
Thank you for the tutorial. It really adds a personal decor touch. They look great…!! As always easy to follow directions. I really like your multicolor candlestick…💛💙💚
You are so welcome Lucy! When you want to have just a little something but don’t know what it is….using books is a great filler or riser. It also can add a pop of color to your decor too. You are so sweet. Thank you for stopping over and giving me a shout. Thank you!