About 3 years ago I painted and stamped some books to use on my fireplace mantel and I also covered books with scrapbook paper and wrapping paper (you can see the tutorial here). This time I looked in my fabric stash (cause I’ve got to use that fabric for something) and covered a few books with some fun fabric to use on my end table to give my painted obelisk some height.
I love using books as part of my decor. Especially covered books. They’re a great way to add a pop of pattern/color or texture (if you do something plain like burlap). Some times I just spray paint them the color I need. Of course, it should go without saying, that these are books that you are not planning on reading or that are damaged.
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Covering old books in fabric, paint or paper is a great way to get them to coordinate with your decor! I used some toile & ticking fabric on mine to go with the toile & gingham patterns that I use in that room (and all the red transferware I have).
Basically, all you have to do is to lay your book spine side down on your fabric, open it up and cut your fabric about an inch or so larger than the book on all four sides. Then put some hot glue down the outside edge of the book and fold your fabric in. You can also use mod podge or spray adhesive. There are a number of ways to do this. Here’s a detailed tutorial with photos that you can follow.
I just think they’re a fun, easy and inexpensive way to to add some pop to a room! So go get some old books you have lying around that are in bad shape or that you don’t want to read anymore and cover them!
Mary @ Ms. Redo says
April 29, 2013 at 5:43 pmLovely! How did you do the part around the spine without loose threads or fraying fabric showing? Thanks, Mary
Manuela says
April 29, 2013 at 6:14 pmHi Mary,
Thank you!
I cut the fabric at the spine to make a little tab which I dabbed with a bit of mod podge and then stood the book upright and pushed the tab into the space that’s created at the spine when you stand it upright. I tried different methods, on one book I totally removed the “innards”, covered the cover with my fabric and then glued the first and last pages of the book onto the covered hard cover. There are lots of tutorials online about how to cover books with fabric if you want more step by step instructions.
Rose H says
April 29, 2013 at 5:58 pmHi Manuela
This post brings back memories from school when we used to cover our books, the pile for marking on the teachers desk showed the whole classes family wallpaper taste!
Rose H
x
The Dibb Cribb says
April 29, 2013 at 7:03 pm(formerly Kelley Highway)
Hi, Manuela! I love to do this, too.
I also noticed your eyelet-topped “pot.” I saw Fifi’s like it that she can hang. It was from Ikea, I think. Cute!
Happy week,
Kelley
Manuela says
April 29, 2013 at 8:10 pmYes, it’s from my favorite place Ikea!
Glenda says
April 29, 2013 at 7:42 pmAnd they look perfect with the obelisk sitting on them – nice job!
Enjoy your evening.
Deanna says
April 29, 2013 at 7:46 pmGreat idea!
Dawn says
April 29, 2013 at 8:47 pmSuch a darling idea, I love the fabric choices:)
Mary Alice Patterson says
April 29, 2013 at 9:12 pmI use vintage books a lot to elevate accessories. I love your idea of covering them with pretty fabrics!
So pretty!!
Mary Alice
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
April 29, 2013 at 9:28 pmThese look great, Manuela! The fabrics work so well in this room, too. I’ve done the painting of books and the scrapbook paper, but not fabric ~ yet. : ) It’s a good idea for those small pieces I just can’t bring myself to throw out.
Cindy says
April 29, 2013 at 9:43 pmSo pretty!
Cheryl says
April 29, 2013 at 10:31 pmWhat a charming idea! Love it!
Mimi Sue says
April 29, 2013 at 11:20 pmGreat idea, Manuela! Mimi
Jeanette @ Creating a Life says
April 30, 2013 at 12:25 amThis is such a good idea. I’ve covered some of mine with scrapbook paper and vintage sheet music, but never thought to use my fabric scraps. Everything looks so pretty!
Jeanette @ Creating a Life
Theresa H. Roach says
April 30, 2013 at 7:27 amGreat idea:) Love the choice of colors for your stack! Have a blessed day dear Manuela, HUGS!
MariaElena says
April 30, 2013 at 7:36 amYour books look so pretty. What a beautiful idea! I have a new weekly link party which is live now and I would love if you stop by and link up this wonderful post! Hope to see you there! http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com/ Hugs, Maria
Penny @ The Comforts of Home & From Harvest To Table says
April 30, 2013 at 8:38 amThey look wonderful wrapped in fabric Manuela!
Cynthia says
April 30, 2013 at 2:22 pmThese books are outstanding, I just love the toile with the ticking stripe. The cup next to it is a perfect touch.
Cynthia
Kathleen Grace says
April 30, 2013 at 4:11 pmVery cute!
[email protected] says
April 30, 2013 at 6:32 pmLove that idea! I have a few really old copies of books I want to keep but they don’t look particularly good. This would be great for those books.
Although anything fun and creative like that will have to come after my lawn and garden work. We’re just now getting into that window of time where work must be done or the weeds will take over everything.
[email protected] to the Basics! says
May 9, 2013 at 7:41 amI love the idea of using books in your decor. I have a few older books that would be prefect.
Thanks so much for linking up at the Creative HomeAcre Hop. Hope to see you again this Sunday!
http://back2basichealth.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-creative-homeacre-hop-im-co-host.html