Making your plain books pretty.

July 26, 2009

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Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!! I have gotten a ton done, and hope to still get more done this evening. I've done about ten loads of laundry. TEN people. Hate it with a burning, searing passion.

So for a little creative break, I worked on a quick project I've been wanting to do for a long time. Back when I showed you how to do my wallpaper art, many of you commented that you use wallpaper for many other projects too, including covering books. LOVED that idea!

On my Goodwill coffee table in our living room, I have a simple stack of books:

I always recommend taking the cover off your hardback books. It transforms them and makes them so much prettier. I've been pulling books from all over and from Goodwill, trying to make the sizes work just right. I'm a little DOCD (Decorating Obsessive Compulsive) about little things like that. I found plenty that work, but the problem was, I didn't like the color of the book, or the titles. I've told you before I have many, many issues.

I thought about using my wallpaper, but wanted something with a design. So I went to Hob Lob yesterday, coupon in hand, to find adorable wrapping paper, and wouldn't you know, they had nothin'. I mean, you've got to be kidding me nothin'. Because I was determined to find something, I checked out the fabric and found these:
Adorable. With just scissors and double sided tape in hand, I covered each book in the fabric. I just cut the fabric to size:
And then used the double sided tape to secure the fabric:
This does not hold extremely well, so if you want to be able to use the books, I'd recommend something like hot glue instead. Because we don't use these often, the tape works fine. Just keep in mind hot glue will ruin your Love to Last a Lifetime book from Goodwill though. Just so you know.

The result:
Oh how I love you, you purdy little books!! Soooo elegant!
Love them!!
Obviously, you could use just about anything to cover books. How cute would this be in a kitchen with cookbooks? Although I use mine all the time, so that may not work for me.

Snort.

**Just a little side note -- this is just a fun way to add some pop to a room. I love my uncovered books as much as anybody -- have them all over my house. This is a cheap and easy way to add some texture or color to a room if wanted. It's just for fun!

P.S. You may have noticed lately my little "blogicon" that shows up with my blog title in your browsing tabs, or in your bookmarks. Cara from RockSTARRMom.com was sooooo incredibly sweet to make one for me. I love it! Thank you Cara!!

P.P.S. If you have purchased a consult, I will get back to all of you this week!! Just a quick note to tell you all I'll be raising my consult rate just slightly -- probably next week. If you are interested in the consult for the $10 rate, get it to me this week! I'll give you warning before I raise the rates though.
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July 26, 2009

Comments

  1. Melissa MillerJuly 26, 2009 at 5:23 PM

    Very pretty Sarah! Love the black and white. :)

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  2. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeJuly 26, 2009 at 5:32 PM

    Sarah, the black and white is so pretty. What a great idea with books that you don't like. Love the look. Hugs, Marty

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  3. Kristina P.July 26, 2009 at 5:32 PM

    What a great idea! I never would have thought about that.

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  4. MJ @ 517 CreationsJuly 26, 2009 at 5:38 PM

    Beautiful! Where did you find your fabric?

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  5. Lamp TrampJuly 26, 2009 at 5:40 PM

    The books look lovely, isn't fabric great?

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  6. Vivienne @ the V SpotJuly 26, 2009 at 5:48 PM

    I have to be honest, I am not loving this idea....
    I would be all for it for a book that you HAVE to have sitting around and that particular book is bow-wow, but for display books, I don't know....
    I still love ya though.
    ;-)

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  7. Aimee LarsenJuly 26, 2009 at 6:20 PM

    That's awesome! I think you may have channeled me! Every time I play catch up on your site lately I see something that I have...that black swirl fabric is what I made my Bible Cover in! How crazy! I get more compliments on that print! Gotta love HL!

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  8. Cass @ That Old HouseJuly 26, 2009 at 6:21 PM

    Nice job. I am partial to stacks of books everywhere -- we are all big readers -- and the stacks change all the time so this might now work for us, but your coffee table looks lovely. I like the black and white -- chic.
    Cass

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  9. 3 Little ChicksJuly 26, 2009 at 6:29 PM

    I am glad to hear you are raising your consult fee. Your time is worth so much for than $10. (don't hate me people) Love the blog. I bought fabric similar to this black and white swirl about a month ago at Hob Lob to make a curtain.

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  10. TriciaJuly 26, 2009 at 6:29 PM

    I adore this project! I'm thinking journals for Christmas presents. Eeek! Did I say Christmas?!
    They are lovely.
    *Tricia

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  11. Rebecca CorveseJuly 26, 2009 at 7:00 PM

    What a cute idea! Umpteen years ago I used to make fabric covered photo albums for baby books, wedding albums, etc. It was so much fun to make them and then embellish them with trim, lace, etc. This takes me back!

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  12. AbbieJuly 26, 2009 at 7:11 PM

    Oh my goodness! I just used that same exact fabric (both of them!) to make a ragamuffin garland and hairbow holder for my little girl's room. Great minds think alike, right????

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  13. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsJuly 26, 2009 at 7:43 PM

    They look great Sarah, and I like the way you alternated the fabric with the way you stacked the books.

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  14. ErinJuly 26, 2009 at 7:59 PM

    oh I absolutely love it - I am for sure doing this quickie makeover - it makes such a difference sooo quickly!

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  15. The Weathered CottageJuly 26, 2009 at 8:11 PM

    I love reading your blog. you seriously crack me up and make my day. "snort". hehe

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  16. SjnJuly 26, 2009 at 8:37 PM

    Love the book cover idea!
    I call it Hob Lob too, my fave store! I go every week.

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  17. Julie HJuly 26, 2009 at 8:48 PM

    Very cool!

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  18. LeeJuly 26, 2009 at 8:51 PM

    Wow....looks fantastic! We have books stacked everywhere, but with the dog...now dogs...leaving them out means having them eaten!

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  19. Jill@Barnes YardJuly 26, 2009 at 8:55 PM

    Ok I'm really loving the covered books, but I like the pear thingy on top better :)

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  20. rebecca @ older and wisorJuly 26, 2009 at 9:01 PM

    Kay, heres the low down: best wrapping paper selection? Container Store. They've got it all separated by color stories. Seriously, I can't go in there without getting turned on. You know what I mean. Talk about issues....
    Oh, and Cost Plus (World Market whatever-it'll always be Cost Plus to me) has some funky patterns too, but not nearly the selection.

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  21. MaridithJuly 26, 2009 at 9:04 PM

    Great idea! Looks beautiful!!

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  22. ShannonJuly 26, 2009 at 10:24 PM

    Love this idea! I think i'm gonna use it for some of the ugly books i have on our desk...Although I did like how that one red book stuck out....Can't wait to try it!

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  23. skinner studioJuly 26, 2009 at 11:21 PM

    What a great idea! So simple too.

    It would make a great gift idea too - especially if you found the perfect second hand book for so-and-so, but it was too ratty to present as a gift...me likey!

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  24. Katie LaneJuly 27, 2009 at 1:01 AM

    This is a fabulous tip!!

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  25. PaulaJuly 27, 2009 at 1:12 AM

    Your books look really great and the idea is awesome but I have to admit that I really liked the before picture better

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  26. MaisyJuly 27, 2009 at 7:33 AM

    OMG!!!!! You are AWESOME!!!!!!

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  27. MillieJuly 27, 2009 at 8:17 AM

    There's something a little wrong to me about displaying books that "match" your home. Books are a reflection of the people that live in the home. I want books that I love displayed, not books that match. I have my favorite authors and some old copies of my favorite children's books such as Ramona the Pest displayed throughout my home. I do remove the covers as they look better without them. Matchy books feels the same as buying a paintng that "matches" my home as opposed to one that I love. That being said the fabric is fabulous and the books do look cute.

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  28. ChristinaJuly 27, 2009 at 8:20 AM

    Awesome idea! They look great!

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  29. KimbaJuly 27, 2009 at 8:24 AM

    Girl! You and I are soul-sisters. No doubt.

    I have this same post in my drafts right now. Different pictures and my own words, of course. But the exact same idea. I LOVE this tip.

    Cute favicon too!

    Kimba

    P.S. - You'll be so proud of me. I pulled out the instruction manual for my sewing machine this weekend. I've figured out how to wind a bobbin and thread the machine. Baby steps. Baby steps.

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  30. Laurel @ Ducks in a RowJuly 27, 2009 at 9:37 AM

    Sometimes HL surprises me with their fabric choices - yours are adorable.

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  31. Amanda @ Serenity NowJuly 27, 2009 at 9:44 AM

    Yet another reason why I wish we had a Hobby Lobby. :) I love the black and white fabrics you chose. It really makes a difference! Thanks for the idea!!

    If you have a chance to stop by, my 200th post Giveaway went up yesterday (Sunday) with my Thrifty Treasures post. :)

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  32. carrieJuly 27, 2009 at 9:53 AM

    Aw, I think I like the books better before!! They looked like real books then, now they just look like fabric covered cardboard or something.

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  33. HeatherJuly 27, 2009 at 10:42 AM

    Cute idea, they look a little too perfect though. I think I like the before pic better.

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  34. TracyJuly 27, 2009 at 11:22 AM

    I'm gonna have to agree with the minority - I liked the books as they were. Sorry. A little too matchy-matchy for me.

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  35. The Whispering Creek HouseJuly 27, 2009 at 12:02 PM

    Thrifty decor chick! you are the very first blog i ever looked at! And now i have started my own! thewhisperingcreekhouse@blogspot.com come check it out!I am also a Goodwill hunter! And do everything on the bottom of the budget! i really think this idea of covering your books is ingenius! it is too cute! thanks for sharing all your great ideas. I check your blog everyday Ask my kids! LOL

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  36. Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries®July 27, 2009 at 12:17 PM

    What a great idea! You always have such creative posts. Thank you for sharing your home and ideas with us.
    Warmly,
    Traceyxox

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  37. TidyMomJuly 27, 2009 at 12:20 PM

    Sarah I LOVE that idea!! I've been looking for a new idea for my coffee table!!!.......off to look for books now!

    FYI- I've been wanting to make a flavicon too - I was thinking of a "T" also or "TM" Looks CUTE!

    ~TidyMom

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  38. ErinJuly 27, 2009 at 12:20 PM

    Very cute! I love this idea.

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  39. Mold Glen Burnie, MDJuly 27, 2009 at 12:21 PM

    Such a cute idea! The books look great uncovered too but sooo much cuter covered!

    <2 Lindsay

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  40. Beki - TheRustedChainJuly 27, 2009 at 1:38 PM

    Oh how cute, Sarah!

    (uhhh, I still have a package to mail to you. Blah. Just got swamped.)

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  41. Richella ParhamJuly 27, 2009 at 4:24 PM

    So pretty. Watch out, world: if you spend some time around Sarah, she WILL make you beautiful!

    I am glad to hear that you will be raising the rates for your consults. It makes me think that there must be a real demand for your services. That's exciting; your first week as the full-time Thrifty Decor Chick must have gone well! And your services will still be a real deal even at a slightly higher rate, I'm sure. Good for you and your clients (and your readers!).

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  42. LorieJuly 27, 2009 at 6:25 PM

    Beautiful as always! Now where are those pictures of your garage! ;D

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  43. mltJuly 27, 2009 at 10:59 PM

    Sorry, but I also liked the books and the pear better - more character! The stack now looks like scrapbooks...or fabric stacks...or something.

    Mellie

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  44. mltJuly 27, 2009 at 11:02 PM

    p.s. I love your jute bottles project, and am working on my second one, with about 5 bottles rescued from goodwill waiting for their turn!

    Mellie

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  45. Thrifty Decor ChickJuly 27, 2009 at 11:13 PM

    I always appreciate all your comments but today I feel like I need to defend myself. (And I hate that feeling!) As I always preach -- if YOU like it, that's all that matters! :) And I LOVE my books as they are now. I too liked them before -- I have stacked books all over my home. But this is just a fun idea for THIS spot -- I love the punch it gives to the room. I understand if you don't like them, but I do and I'm just sharing what I thought was a fun idea. As much as I try, the negative comments do get to me. All I'm doing is sharing a project I enjoyed that I thought others would as well. I don't assume that everyone will enjoy every project I've ever done, that is for sure. OK, that is all. :)

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  46. Down PillowJuly 27, 2009 at 11:16 PM

    Such a good idea - love 'em :) And the tape is nice b/c it doesn't ruin the fabric, either.

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  47. Infarrantly CreativeJuly 28, 2009 at 12:11 AM

    Ohhh it sure does pop....luv it!

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  48. Infarrantly CreativeJuly 28, 2009 at 12:11 AM

    P.S. We both had books on the mind today...we must be soul sisters ;-)

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  49. LeeJuly 28, 2009 at 1:30 AM

    I have to give you an award! Check it out at wanttomakethat.blogspot.com.

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  50. Amanda@Imperfectly BeautifulJuly 28, 2009 at 1:52 AM

    LOVE this! And now I'm off to take all the ugly book jackets off my lovely books. Why didn't I think of that? GEnius.

    ~Amanda

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  51. AnonymousJuly 28, 2009 at 8:14 AM

    I love your book covers. What a terrific idea!

    Gretchen

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  52. Mrs. LimestoneJuly 28, 2009 at 12:00 PM

    Don't be bothered by the negative comments. Your house, your blog, your style!

    Im the nosy type so I like to see what people are reading but this is a fun projct for books that are ugly. (For some reason I have a lot of books that don't have the pretty cloth hardcovers but those ugly plastic ones that look like the bookjacket!)

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  53. AnonymousJuly 28, 2009 at 2:22 PM

    I used one of those fabrics on my new kitchen curtains I made. I loved it lots and now I may have to cover some book in it to match. You can see thepost aout my curtains here
    http://timlinzrowland.wordpress.com/2009/07/03/my-new-custom-kitchen-curtains/

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  54. AnonymousJuly 28, 2009 at 2:41 PM

    hey chica,

    Just wanted you to know that now I have 10 loads of laundry piled up in the hamper - BECAUSE... my Glidden paint arrived! I chose Sweet Baby Boy (daughter is expecting #1 in November) but I ended up painting my white on white on white bathroom and now I feel like a sunny summer sky surrounds me. Thanks so much for the tip on the freebie. Love your oh so entertaining blog!

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  55. Jen WesternJuly 28, 2009 at 4:54 PM

    Your project of covering the back of a bookcase with fabric inspired me to cover the lids of plain photo boxes with fabric as well. I saw this post, and it made me happy that you cover random things too! I love your books! Here is a link to my bookcase project on my blog: http://jenwestern.blogspot.com/search/label/Trifty%20Idea%27s

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  56. JodyJuly 28, 2009 at 4:57 PM

    What a simple and effective way to a a little punch to a room. I think you could also paint the books that are just for decoration to get almost the same effect. But I love the black and white with the piece on top. Great graphic punch for not a lot of money!

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  57. HeatherJuly 28, 2009 at 8:05 PM

    I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings! Just being honest and I agree that if you like it that's all that matters (it's your house after all!) :)

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  58. UnknownJuly 28, 2009 at 9:44 PM

    Looks great, Sarah! My mom has made window shades with wallpaper to coordinate rooms, and my sister and I each had all of our "good" books covered in wallpaper that matched out rooms.

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  59. ErinJuly 28, 2009 at 10:25 PM

    I already commented on this project and I like to think I am clever but I cannot figure out how you did the top of the spine???? blond me maybe... And I painted my dining room bay window today with my free glidden paint!!!, and two squares I am going to put MOLDING around - that's right, I went there!

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  60. ginaJuly 29, 2009 at 4:03 PM

    I could totally do that to the girls bookcases to with different shades of neon....


    your little blogicon is adorable. I used to have one. I miss it. :)

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  61. AnnyJuly 29, 2009 at 9:44 PM

    Prettiest. Bookcovers. Ever.

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  62. CandelabrasJuly 31, 2009 at 10:43 AM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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I LOVE your comments, thank you! (I read every single one.)
If you have a specific question I will do my best to answer you back here! You can find our paint colors and links to items at the "Our Home" tab at the top of my site.
THANKS so much for reading!