DIY Decorative Books

This is a simple DIY project that only takes a few minutes, can be done with supplies you already have, and makes such a big difference when adding those last few touches around the home.  :)

Supplies:

Books (just grab some laying around your house! and hardcovered books are easier to work with)
Scrapbook paper or wrapping paper
Scissors
Tape


This is NOT permanent--so don't worry about ruining any books! We will just be wrapping them up like a pretty present for display :)

I'm sure this would be easy for anyone who has ever wrapped anything before but I will show a few pictures, hopefully they don't confuse you more..haha! :)

The supplies I used; I just grabbed a few books and gathered up some scrapbook paper and wrapping paper that I had lying around :)

Place one of your books on the wrapping paper; fold the paper over the book so that the front and back are covered. Cut the paper so that you have extra on every side.

Fold the paper over the side of the book and into the front on the cover, secure with tape.

Now flip the book over and do the same to the other side; fold paper over the outer cover of the book and secure the paper with tape on the inside of the book.

If you have more than 1/2 inch of paper hanging over the top and bottom of the book, feel free to trim it off.

The picture below shows about how much extra I had to work with. 

 Now you just need to fold and tape the bottom and top! But before you fold the paper over the bottom of the book cover, you will want to snip a small straight line at the corner of the book....I know that doesn't really make sense so see my picture below :) 

 Now fold the paper in and secure with a piece of tape.

Flip the book over and repeat; cut a small  line in the corner, than fold paper over and secure. 

 Once you have both sides secured you will have this little "tail" left :)

Just cut it off!

And your done!

Look how cute these upcycled books look on my upcycled table! :) 

Before and After: Ugly Table-Lamp turned Side Table

I found this table lamp at the DI a few months back..for $7, yep that's right! :) It didn't look like much at the time but I knew it would be a beauty!

The top lamp part twisted off, I also took off the metal ring around the top of the table. The lamp was holding the table top in place, so we had to secure it back on. We used some liquid nails and a few screws as well.

 I then used this wood filler to fill in the hole on top. This is our favorite kind and we use it all the time! It dries fast, and sands to a smooth finish. You can stain or paint over it as well.

Let it dry, then sand it smooth. You may have to do it twice.

Then I painted the table! Primed it first, then I painted it in a super cute Mint color that I found on discount!

And here is the after!

Can you believe the difference a little paint makes? :) 

Chalkboard Paint Week!: Chalkboard Mud Bench

I know...long title for a post..sorry about that! :) I thought it would be fun to do multiple post this week all dedicated to chalkboard paint and the fun things you can do with it! Its super easy, affordable, and the possibilities are endless! I'll give you a few ideas :) 

First things firsts: Chalkboard paint. I just use the ol' regular black paint. I LOVE the look! I guess I like my chalkboard projects to look like a chalkboard :) There are tons of recipes where you can make your own chalkboard paint and tint it whatever color you want. I have not tried these yet but go ahead! :) This is the paint I use :

 

You can find it at Home Depot for just over $9..and it last FOREVER!! I have used my ONE can for all the projects I will be showing you this week, and I still have tons left! So I would recommend getting this verse the spray cans, they don't last nearly as long and are about the same price. 

Check out my first project, a chalkboard table for kids!

And an my Easy Chalkboard Menu!

Sorry this last post has taken longer, I didn't feel like posting it during Easter weekend, haha! :) But I am excited to share my super easy Mud Bench Makeover with you today to wrap up our Chalkboard Paint Week!

I love having a mud bench! But it was always so crazy and disorganized! So I thought adding some chalkboard paint to help organize it sounded fun and easy!

Before:

...This was a "clean" day! :)

I wanted to label the smaller boxed off area above the coat hooks. First, tape of the section you want to paint.

Second, Paint! :)  I needed 3 coats of paint to cover well. I used a foam brush and waited 20-30 minutes in between coats to let it get mostly dry.

After one coat of paint

..2 coats of paint..

..and 3 coats! :)

 After you have painted, IMMEDIATELY take off the tape! This makes is so much easier to remove! And you are almost done! ...Now is the hard part, waiting 1-2 days without touching it!! :)

 

Last: Now that it has really dried for a few days you are ready to condition the chalkboard

Rub chalk all over

Then wipe it off with a dry rag

You are down! Now get to writing on it! :)

Thanks so much for joining me during our chalkboard week! There are so many uses for chalkboard paint and it is so easy and affordable! After all 3 of my projects I still have more the HALF of the paint left in the can! ..makes me wonder what else I should do! hahah! Here are some more fun ideas that I love on Pinterest!

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Outdoor Chalkboard

I want to do this soo bad! ..But I don't have a fence..haha! Maybe someday! :)

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Organize your pantry and cupboards by using some chalkboard paint to help label!

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Chalk board Place Mats are also on my To-Do list! :) Find some cheap plastic mats at the Dollar Store and paint away! They can be used for a formal event as place savers or just for fun and to entertain the kids!

What other projects have you done? Or whats on your To-Do List? :)