Sometimes when I have to style a room, books need to be bought. Most people do not have a plethora of these laying around their home. I often go to the Goodwill or the flea market. Yes.... it would be wonderful if I could just go out and load up on all new beautiful books but that is just not reality.
In my opinion...they really help to warm up a room.
On my hunt the other day I found gobs [a whole bunch] of the readers digest books for 2.00 each. You know the ones with the pretty colorful paper on the outside.
I ripped the whole display apart [crawling around on my knees] looking for the perfect ones to go with my plan.
Yes I did.
But....when I was putting them in the room...I could not get past the dark leather part.
It was too much color and they were way too dark. So I took them out and planned on not using them.
BUT....I had a brainstorm....WWKD?
That is "what would Kim do"....a blogger who flippin paints everything....and more than once I might add. She is unbelievable. I once asked her if she had paintbrushes extending from her arms instead of hands....
Anyway....what did I have to lose. I will paint out the edges. Proceeded to tape them off and got out my chalk paint.
I was starting to get excited..... but they looked a little bland so I got out the trusty "rub n buff".
Oh yes I did....
And that was the answer.
To MY problem anyway. Y'all have to figure out your own...I got way more than my share to work on.
Take a look.
I don't have a step by step.....I know you can figure this one out folks.
I did wax them also.....and lightly distress.....
Now I have to go get more cause I want some.
Yes I know everything does not have to match....but the unpainted ones just did not look good in this room...you are gonna have to trust me on this one. When you see the whole room I think you will agree.
So easy.......what cha think???
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46 comments
you and that dang Kim...make me want to go to a garage sale and buy all the books I gave away that were in this house
What a great find!
so cool! I want some too!
Hahahahahahahahaha!! Hey, I use rub n buff, too. Love the books. I have a basket filled with books and antlers, too.
You are freakin' amazing. Your clients are crazy lucky to have you!
Girl you are my hero!!!!! I have some that I love the color to, but then there's a few that I would love to do this to.
BTW, When are we going out to lunch?!
This is great! Rub n buff has been a long old friend of mine.
Great idea Sherry. I just love these. You are so industrious!
These look so good and you've just given me a great idea for the books on my smaller bookcase in the living room.
BTW, you are my kind of DIY'er! I love that your tutorial is "you can figure this out yourself!" Ha! :)
Brilliant! Such a easy fix that turned into pure greatness!
Lots of, 'Duh, why didn't I think of that!' going on right now! Genius!
whooaa! im gonna have to try this!
I think you're brilliant! And you should ABSOLUTELY do some for yourself now. :)
Brilliant!!! Now why didn't I think of this?!?!?! LOL Can't wait to see the room now!!!
~Des
Great find and what a great transformation!
OMG...how exciting to find a stash of books like that! I want some too! Love what you did to them...makes all the difference in the world. They look awesome.
You MUST be talking about my sister! Ha! I can't believe she hasn't done that yet herself. Painting books......brilliant idea! They look so good. I can't wait for you to reveal this room.
LOVE this! Can't wait to hit Goodwill later today!
http://casastephensinteriors.com
Sheer genius. Wow.
They look amazing!
You are amazing! Great Job!
You are incredible! I would have just saved them for another room, but these look incredible now! LOVE!
Painting book?! What the...? Friggen genius!!!
They look so good. You could sell them. I am excited to see the room.
yer a a cool cool clever chick. and i agree...paint EVERYTHING.
smiles.
michele
I think you are a genius...either that or slightly crazy- in which case I like BOTH of you! The joke at my house is not to stand still too long if you don't want MOM to paint you! xo Diana
Sheureka! You did it again!
I love the Readers Digest Condensed Books. I'm always on the hunt for pretty ones, but my collection is only 2 at the moment.
http://thenestinggame.com/2011/09/25/rdrs-dgst-cndnsd-bks/
You're a rock star.
Oh my gosh...who would have thought? I think my parents must have a million in their attic...going to pick them up tomorrow - so hope I can get mine to look like these!!
I love the idea, Sherry.
Best...Victoria
I love to paint everything under the sun but books - that is one thing I never thought of!! They DO look so pretty with the white & gold spine!!
This brings back memories of my grandmother's bookcases with her Readers Digest books. This is a nice update to an old classic.
What a great idea and it looks great on your ottoman.
Great job and idea! Would've never thought to paint a book! So clever :)
www.lifeofamodernhousewife.com
That is so cute! You could also get calligraphy pens and write fun fake titles on the spines of the books! "50 Shades of Bleached Blonde"! "Crime and Punishment and Shoes"!
Holy crap Sherry- you're a genius!!!! I've been wanting to get a ton of these because I looove the covers but the spines are what has stopped me- those just ruin the whole look in my opinion. But holy freak your painted ones look good!!!! Did I tell you already you're a genius?!?
LOVE. I love the covers of the books, and this makes them even better! I have a couple stashed away for a future project, and now I know what to do!
This is such a great idea! I need to give this a try, i salvaged a lot of readers digest from my professor and some of the have the same pretty paper cover like yours but some are burgundy red and forest green (the whole book cover) Do you think i can just put a coat of paint over it like you did?
You blow me away! So incredibly brilliant.
dang purdy!!
So, I'm still all inspired today by this project so I blogged about it!
http://inside-outdesign.blogspot.com/2012/06/painted-books.html
You made me so excited to buy some of these!!
I want some of them too, you little genius you! Fab idea! And I love your tutorial btw. :)
Awesome idea! They look completely different and toned down. It just amazes me that you can paint anything these days. I love the look of these!
Decorating is the least of your problems if you who don't have any/enough books in your home.
I'm not a fan of the paint everything trend, but this is genius!!!
happy weekend!
joan
These are amazing! I can't wait to try this!!!
xo Mary Jo
I think you're amazing...and SO STINKING LUCKY to find that many RD books!!!
Oh my word - Reader's Digest perfection! You are da bomb!
Interesting I never thought of using books to decoration a room. I find for myself books just take up space and make my room look unorganized and messy.
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