Antiqued Books to Satisfy my Nerdy Obsession

Remember my love affair with books?

No matter how much I L.O.V.E. books, I still can't bring myself to buy books for decoration. I'm sorry. I just can't do it. Unless of course you're talking 50 cent books at the thrift store. That, my friends, I can handle.

So when I saw how you can make your own antique books. Me oh my, how excited I was. I dropped everything, ran to the thrift store, picked up some books and started right away!

Off came the book covers.



I heated some water in my favorite red teapot. Made some tea.



Squeezed the excess water from the tea bag so the books wouldn't get soggy. Rubbed the book pages. Rubbed to hard, broke the tea bag. Whoops. It's all good, just keep going. Then I waited impatiently for them to dry. Then repeat, x3, or more if you want them darker. I did, but didn't have the patience to wait. I know Mom, I know...

Then I realized I didn't have any jute twine to tie them in. No worries. Next to my craft chest was a Whole Foods bag that has been sitting there for 6 weeks now with things I need to donate. Lightbulb! I tore off the handles and used that to tie the books. Perfect!



And how lovely they look on the mantle with that sunburst mirror and Live sign.



What do you think? Is there anything you love but refuse to buy just for decor?



PS - You wouldn't even believe it if I told you. But Roeshel featured my sunburst mirror over at The DIY Showoff! How awesome is that?!? Need I say I spent another day squealing like my 6 year old cousin. Thank you so much Roeshel, you're awesome!

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