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Friday, March 29, 2013

Old French Books

Okay, my title might be a little misleading.  These are not old books nor are they French, but they are real books.  I wish I could take credit for this ingenious idea, but I confess I saw this project on Maison de Stencil's blog.  Aren't these gorgeous?  I want to make some more.  I think I'll tie them with some black hemp and I may put a little key or medallion on them.

 I had everything on hand to do this project including the fabulous stencils from Maison de Stencils which I wish I could get more of, but every time I try to hit a sale I'm too late.  One of these days I'll splurge and pick up some more.
 So here is what I did according to what I remembered from the blog article.  I painted the books with Annie Sloane Graphite and stenciled the French graphics using my stencils.  I used ivory craft paint.  Then I took my champagne gold craft paint and painted the pages of the books which I forgot to show you.  When you paint the books paint even the pages of the closed books.  That's what I trimmed out with the gold.
 I also rubbed a little paint on my fingertips and ran along the rims with the champagne gold.  To finish it off I used a little wax.  Don't worry.  I didn't deface good books.  You know they are an endangered species since every Barnes and Noble seems to be closing (boo hoooooo).  I used these abused encyclopedias and gave them a second chance to be beautiful decor accents.  Happy crafting.  I hope you all have a wonderful Easter weekend.  I am off to Temecula tomorrow for another Christie Repassy workshop.

I may be partying at...


Mondays          Le Chateau des Fleurs       The Graphics Fairy    
                                      Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday
                       
Tuesdays          Knick of Time       Coastal Charm  
                                      Boogie Board Cottage    A Stroll Thru Life   
                                     Cozy Little House Tweak it Tuesday
Wednesdays     Savvy Southern Style
                                           
Thursdays        The Shabby Creek Cottage    No Minimalist Here 
                                     Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday    
                                     Rustic Restorations Homespun Happenings
Fridays            French Country Cottage       My Romantic Home        Miss Mustard Seed
                                    Potpourri Friday     Common Ground
                                    The Charm of Home    Rooted in Thyme
Saturdays        Funky Junk Interiors

Sundays           


11 comments:

NanaDiana said...

Wow! What a great looking project- Amazing job!!!! xo Diana

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

I love this idea!! Thanks for sharing.

Art and Sand said...

Your books are great. I am adding this to my "to do' list.

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

Fun project! You could really have fun with all sorts of themes for the books.

I can't wait to see what you paint at the workshop!

Happy Easter!

Susie said...

Maggie, Once again you are so clever . I must try this. xoxo,Susie

Unknown said...

Great job!!!
I painted some old books last month - love the lettering on yours!
Happy Easter
xxx

Anne said...

What a great idea Maggie! Oh yes I over heard a worker at a BN say that eventually there won't be anymore stores.Not sure if they will still keep the stores on line but the brick and morter stores seem to be deemed :-(.
xx
Anne

Unknown said...

My party is up! What a great post!

Irene Helms Designs said...

What a wonderful way to upcycle old encyclopedias! Just pinned this link on Pinterest to my Upcycled Board.
Irene

karen@somewhatquirky said...

Gorgeous Maggie! Very clever. Hope your paint workshop was lovely.

Deneen@dreaming-n-color said...

Fun idea. Love books so its always hard to damage them. I am such a dork!