Friday, October 16, 2009

Altered Reading

I bought a couple of old books at the thrift store to add to my Halloween decorations, but they needed a little altering.One book's cover was beginning to separate.Which made it very easy to rip the entire cover off and I didn't have to feel guilty for damaging a book (that's the teacher in me).I sanded the spine a bit to achieve a more worn look. Then wrapped it with jute twine. Next I cut and frayed a piece of burlap and used a permanent marker for printing a title. Now I have the perfect addition for my mad scientist's shelf!I was attracted to the second book because of the cover's textural pattern. I removed the label on front using a little water and a scraper.A cotton swab and some fingernail polish remover worked for taking off the wording on the spine.I added a new title using a paint pen and permanent marker.It's the perfect addition to my Halloween library.And it looks fantastic on my witchy inspired entry table!
P.S.
I am humbled to announce that I am
the Friday Feature over at A Little Tipsy.
Thank you Michelle for the opportunity.
It was fun!
at

29 comments:

  1. CaroOctober 16, 2009 at 10:45 AM

    Oh gosh, I just *HEART* this!!!! What a fabulous idea! I'm totally saving this idea for my next Halloween party :)

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  2. BethOctober 16, 2009 at 10:59 AM

    What a great idea for Halloweeen!

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  3. Sandy aka Doris the GreatOctober 16, 2009 at 11:04 AM

    How creative you are!! That's wonderful!

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  4. Ceekay-THINKIN of HOMEOctober 16, 2009 at 11:12 AM

    That is so cute! I love that you took off the titles and put your own. Way clever!

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  5. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsOctober 16, 2009 at 11:13 AM

    I love them! The textured books are great ~ it's like instant age. I did not know you could use nail polish remover on that type of lettering to remove it.

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  6. SandraOctober 16, 2009 at 11:18 AM

    Super creative and cute idea!
    Sandra

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  7. Debra LeaOctober 16, 2009 at 11:19 AM

    Hi:0) I LOVE the witchy books! Such a great idea!!!

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  8. StacyOctober 16, 2009 at 11:24 AM

    WOW! I just found your blog today. I love it! I have already passed an hour of my day. I feel like I need to hurry down to the thrift store right away and get creative.

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  9. Drew's MomOctober 16, 2009 at 12:00 PM

    What a creative idea! I never would have thought of something like that. Great job!!

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  10. KathyOctober 16, 2009 at 12:43 PM

    Well aren't you the clever one! What a great idea. So many more applications than just Halloween! How about romantic titles for Valentines Day, Bunny related for Easter, Christmas Themes, a person could have a whole stash of books for every holiday!

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  11. DarleneOctober 16, 2009 at 12:45 PM

    Cute, CUTE!! I LOVE the books...great idea!!

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  12. Kari SweetenOctober 16, 2009 at 12:46 PM

    This is sooooo cool!

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  13. KimberlyOctober 16, 2009 at 1:22 PM

    very cute or "witchy".

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  14. Miss ObaraOctober 16, 2009 at 1:39 PM

    Great idea w/the books. Love it! I just went to Goodwill and bought a few Stephen King books and set them outside on my porch, I'm hoping they'll look "old" next year. Take a look at http://missobara.blogspot.com/

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  15. UnknownOctober 16, 2009 at 2:16 PM

    You are so creative! I would never have thought of something so cool.

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  16. UnknownOctober 16, 2009 at 2:25 PM

    You are too sweet Joy! I am just sad I did not get to include this fabulous idea in the feature! You are so creative!

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  17. Folkman'sOctober 16, 2009 at 2:26 PM

    Love that idea! And it looks so cute on your table with the rest of your halloween decor!

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  18. Rachel@oneprettything.comOctober 16, 2009 at 4:22 PM

    Those are great! You have such nice pen paint writing, I'm jealous! =) I'll be linking, thanks so much for the great idea.

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  19. Phyllis @Around the HouseOctober 16, 2009 at 4:58 PM

    I loved the idea of changing the books and they look so cool now, how creative, I am now a new follower of yours, come visit

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  20. JennOctober 16, 2009 at 5:24 PM

    These are fantastic! What a wonderful idea!

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  21. Linda - Behind My Red DoorOctober 16, 2009 at 6:16 PM

    What a clever idea for your display! I love it!!

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  22. AnonymousOctober 16, 2009 at 8:20 PM

    Very nice job on the books! I did books for my Halloween decorations also. I designed book covers and printed them at the local copy shop on 11x17 paper and then folded them and covered regular books we have. They look great and I love that I don't have Halloween specific books to store. LOVE the painted titles on the old books, though. Looks better than mine.

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  23. Lewaina@cliffsideranchOctober 16, 2009 at 10:02 PM

    I love them! Thanks for telling us how to do them! ♥ mercy

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  24. KarliOctober 16, 2009 at 10:32 PM

    I LOVE those books. The embossed detailing is A.MA.ZING! Fabulous idea!

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  25. AnonymousOctober 17, 2009 at 3:03 PM

    ASTONDING!

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  26. AnonymousOctober 18, 2009 at 9:09 PM

    I love what you did with the leather book. Who would have thought that nail polish remover would work? I love the new titles.
    Kim
    www.vintagepretties.typepad.com

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  27. ChristinaOctober 19, 2009 at 9:08 AM

    I loved the potion/spells books. I found the perfect ones this weekend but when I got them home they were old hymnals. I didnt have the heart to transform them to Halloween decor...loved the idea though

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  28. Alaskangal BOctober 20, 2009 at 1:42 AM

    I adore your little decorations. It is a highlight of my internet time to be able to see your creations. Good idea.

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  29. Nancy JewkesOctober 23, 2009 at 8:40 AM

    Love books and love decorating with books ... inspiring idea ... personalizing books for decorating ... terrific. Also didn't know could remove titles with finger nail polish. Thank you!

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I am truly humbled and thrilled that you read and comment on my blog. If you have a question for me, please feel free to email me.
Thank you so very much for inspiring me to be more creative!