Monday, September 24, 2012

Projects with Vintage Books

 
 
 
I love to use old, vintage books for projects.  You can find them at thrift stores, yard sales, etc.  Sometimes, I leave the outer covers as is, but alot of times they have printing or something I want covered up.
 
To start out this project, measure out how big you want your cut-out part to be and draw on the cover.  Then, using an Xacto knife, carefully cut out the cover and a dozen or so pages of the book giving you an indentation.  Be careful and go slow.  It takes repeated times to cut thru the cover.
 
  This book had a bold imprinted title on the lower part of the cover. So, I simply painted the whole book in a ecru color.  Then I antiqued down the edges with a burnt umber color. 
 
I then glued a wide band of lace across the bottom where the printing was.  I added a portion of a doily across the top and a scattering of tiny, vintage buttons. 
 
I used scrapbooking letters to spell out MOM because this was in memory of her.  The tiny cupie doll was found in her jewelry box after she passed away.  So, I wanted someplace to show her off and now, she sits in the book protected, on my coffee table.
 
 
 
This one is rather plain, but I still like it.  I cut the opening out to match a window frame out of the dollhouse section of Hobby Lobby.  Then painted it to match the blue of the cover.  I used an old book page to cover the spine of the book.  I use Mod Podge for alot of these projects. 
 
Then, thinking it needed something else, I glued a copy of a little girl on the inside like she was looking out the window.  I think it will be cute to put a tiny Christmas wreath at the top of the window for the holidays.
 
 
 
 
This is probably the first book I altered and one of my very favorites.  I did this for my husband.  I cut out the section of the book pretty deep to hold his belt buckle and his pocket knife he had as a child.  I included a couple of pictures - one with a friend and one when he was in a band in the first grade.  Is that not the cutest thing you ever saw?
 
I used scrapbooking "buttons" to spell out his name.  Then, I added a quote about friendship.
 
So, go get yourself some old books and go to town!
 
Enjoy!
 
Till next time, Judy
 


16 comments:

  1. OMYGOODNESS...this is just about the cutest thing I've ever seen. You did a great job on it. I know Johnny must just love his book. :)

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  2. oops..I forgot to tell you that I am following you...:)

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  3. OMG - I am so in love with vintage books and book page art. I absolutely love altered books and get a little carried away at times. I love these they are so cute......

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  4. You sure have the creative gene. And it just keeps on coming. Like the energizer bunny!
    Brenda/Ethel

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  5. Brilliant Judy. Very pretty. xoxo, olive

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  6. You are so creative. I love the all white one. What a perfect wedding gift for small keepsakes.

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  7. They are all adorable, I agree a wreath on the window book would be adorable!

    Carol

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  8. Isn't there enough for a book yet? These are adorable. Is there anything that you can't make over? You are so talented..it's crazy! You should shop a book around. I think you are ready.

    Cheery wave from
    Bev
    the soon to be pistol packin' Granny

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  9. What great memories these books hold. The book for your mother is just precious!

    Lynn

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  10. Judy, that's an amazing transformation, how beautiful.

    Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

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  11. I love these, Judy! So creative and they would make such great gifts.

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  12. I feel so inspired by your altered books! They are wonderful, and you make me think I can make some. I'm afraid mine won't be as creative as yours, but I'm determined to give it a try. Thanks for the inspiration. laurie

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  13. I would love to make one of these...if I can bring myself to cut up an old book! heehee! What a nice keepsake.

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  14. that is lovely. what a thoughtful gift to hold his childhood mementos

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