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Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Book Cover Tutorial

I like to use old books in my vignettes I create throughout my home. The books in this vignette are almost 100 years old.

But what if you don't have any old books...or the books just don't go with your decor?  How about making very simple covers for any hardcover book.
I started with a couple of hard cover books that I would not otherwise display (I believe that writing handbook is from my freshman year of college).  I also went through my scrapbook paper and chose sheets of paper that I had two of.  When I was in high school, I would cover my text books using old brown paper bags and then decorate them.  The book covers I made today have much more style.

Flipping the paper over, I taped the two matching sheets together.  I needed two sheets in order to cover both the front and back of the book.
I laid the book on top of the paper with an even distance on the top and bottom (it doesn't have to be exact).  I folded the paper up at the top and bottom of the book to make a crease for me to follow.
Using that crease, I folded the paper all along the top and bottom as shown above.
I then laid the book back on the paper and brought the two ends together.  I creased it again on the sides of the book and folded it again.  I then tucked the front cover of the book in one end and the back cover into the other end.
I wanted something to cover the seam where I attached to two pieces of paper.  I used Martha Stewart adhesive ribbon.  Great product.  It was in a gift basket filled with crafting supplies I received for Christmas from my Secret Santa.

Just peel off the backing and adhere.  Couldn't be any easier, right?

Here are the two books in my new vignette.
Such a pretty shabby chic look, for the total cost of a couple of dollars.  It also took less than ten minutes.  You can't beat that...easy, cheap and chic!  I love how it came out.  Let me know what you think.  As always, I love and appreciate your comments.

-Judy

38 comments:

Esther said...

Hi Judy,

Good one! I love the after picture! Simple and super fast make over

Taylor Renee said...

This is such a fantastic idea! I have plenty of extra scrapbook pages lying around. Going to have to try this ASAP!

Thanks!
Taylor

Anonymous said...

Judy, your book covers are beautiful! I'm going to do this and have thinking about it for days! You've inspired me! :) Love the trim you've used too.
be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Brandi said...

This is such a neat idea! Your vignettes are beautiful with the added look of the book covers!

Unknown said...

These look awesome! Such a great way to upgrade your books to match your decor! LOve it! Thanks for sharing with the Pink Hippo Party!

Bonnie@Creative Decorating said...

Great idea!! They look very pretty. I am thinking of trying some wallpaper scraps too. Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Super idea!!!!!

Heather said...

I love this idea! I was just saying to the hubs that I needed some books that I could cover. :) I awarded you the stylish blogger award today, btw. :)

http://straightstitches.blogspot.com/2011/01/thank-youthank-you.html

Lesa said...

What a great idea! And so pretty! As a bookworm, I typically prefer covers in all their glory-- even if they are a bit funky but this beautifies without destroying-- love it!

Do you mind if I highlight this post on my bookblog?

:o)

Allyson Pecilunas said...

Awesome idea these are so pretty! I found your blog from Melissa's Heart and Home and thought I would stop by. I am glad that I did I am now your newest follower. Come check me out if you get chance.

http://noplacelikehomecraftsdecorbyallyson.blogspot.com/

~Allyson~

Melissa Miller said...

Judy that is really simple to create and so pretty. I adore it.

Thank you for following along on my blog. I really appreciate it and love to make new friends. I would be very happy to follow yours as well. I have always admired your inspiring blog. I'll be back often my friend.

Blessings to you and yours.
Warmly, ~Melissa :)

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh I love usuing books, and this looks fabulous. What a great idea, I would never have thought of such a thing. Your covers are stunning. Gorgeous vignette. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

Modern Country Lady said...

It's very pretty,you've made such a difference with the ribbons, what a good idea !!

Brenda Pruitt said...

I love how they look in your decor! I need to try this.
Brenda

Annie said...

Gosh! I haven't made book covers since my college days—which ended only 49 years ago! Yours today are much prettier than the brown grocery bag ones we used to make!

The Charm of Home said...

These are beautiful Judy. I love your romantic take on the book cover. Very pretty. they would be fantastic journal covers. Thanks for stopping by.
Sherry

Melissa N. said...

What a great idea Judy! Thanks so much for stopping over and reading my post on HSing! I left you a lengthy answer to your question...lol...peace to your night!

Kelly said...

So pretty! I need to cover all the books I can't sell on half.com and turn them into cheap decore.

Kelly

Datssocute said...

I like the paper cover idea. It looks harder than the sewing though :) Thanks so much for stopping by my blog, come back anytime! :) BJ

Life, Crafts and Whatever said...

I. LOVE. This! I remember doing the paper bag covers in high school, but this is awesome! I came here from the follower swap to follow you, but it looks like I'm already a follower :)

MJ said...

Hi Judy...nice to meet you. Thanks for visiting and following from the party. Im doing the same, and I love this idea of covering books. I have tons that are just piled in a box. Might have to make a run to Michaels/JoAnns for some nice paper to cover them up.

Dwellings by DeVore said...

Love this! I always use books in my vignettes and this is a great way to customize them. Thanks for stopping by my blog! :)

SLR said...

such a great idea and way more glam than brown paper bag covers a la high school ;) this would be so pretty in a home office too! thanks for sharing!!

Denise said...

Hey! This is a great idea. I'd never heard of adhesive-backed ribbon. Glad I visited your post.

Anonymous said...

What a great way to dress up a room!

Allison {A Glimpse Inside} said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Allison {A Glimpse Inside} said...

So pretty! There are so many options of paper out there to match your decor too. Great idea!
Thanks for linking up!

Becky@Beyond The Picket Fence said...

Very pretty, thanks for sharing!

Anne said...

It looks wonderful! I think i'll try it out, thanks for showing how.

Christina said...

My favorite kind of project! Quick, thrifty, and super cute! Thanks for sharing the tutorial!

Thanks so much for linking to "20 Below Thursday"!! :)

Susan Anderson said...

Great idea.

(I have a pair of birds just like the ones perched on your books. I love them!)

=)

Judie said...

Your book covers are really lovely!!

Rocky Mountain Woman said...

What a great way to fix up old books! I have so many around that I need to use, but they really look awful...I'll have to cover them! It'll make me feel like I'm in high school again!

Except for the wrinkles and gray hair, of course..

Theresa Plas said...

Really enjoyed your tutorial Judy! The books look GREAT! So many beautiful papers out there these days...choosing one would be the hardest part:)

Jo said...

wonderful tutorial, i will have to try this!!!

Linda Bob Grifins Korbetis Hall said...

super neat.


awards 4 u, Happy Friday!

Happy Weekend.

Bonnie said...

What a wonderful idea. This is just beautiful!

Jenny said...

Judy, what a perfectly beautiful idea.

I never would have thought of doing that. I see all the altered books now, but this is such a simple solution to add height and interest to a vignette.

Thanks for sharing your many talents with us. It is always a pleasure to see what you are up to.

A+

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