

This one is decorated with a vintage mother of pearl buckle and buttons, then topped off with an old clip on earring.

These Reader's Digest books make perfect specimens for chalkboards. They're inexpensive, easy to find, they're thick and stand up easily, the front covers are smooth, and they're guilt free....you can still read them.

I taped off the front and used a paper towel to cover up the back and sides. I sprayed on one coat of black primer and two coats of Rust-Oleum chalkboard paint.

I cut the trim about 3" longer than the book and then used my finger to apply regular ol' Elmer's glue directly to the trim. I wrapped it around the inside on both ends and put a piece of wax paper under the front cover to keep the glue from sticking to the first page.


The metallic silver rosette used to be a shoe clip. I added a vintage earring to the center and another rhinestone earring to the bottom of the rosette.

Since there's not a lot of room for writing, wouldn't several of these look good together with just one letter on each book? I'm off to tackle the other two.
What a great idea, Betsy. Don't you love it when inspiration hits. Your chalkboard books look fantastic, and would make great gifts.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! Ya know, I had about 20 or more of those! My dad used to buy them for me, with the short stories!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI no longer have them though . . I gave them away years ago along with my complete (at that time) collection of Nancy Drew books which I could kick myself for!
xxoo
Marsha
Super repurpose, Betsy. Those Reader's Digest Condensed books are so easy to find. Excellent ideas!!!
ReplyDeleteBetsy this is such a unique idea...the vintage jewelry and lace gives it a vintage flair!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea....Love it!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inspiration,
Cheryl
Very creative idea! They look great.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea! Wow, it looks so great and like you said, "guilt free"! Love it, love it, love it!
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful idea! I have been on a chalkboard kick lately but never thought to apply it to a book. I have several old books so I'm definitely going to do this. Thx!!!
ReplyDeleteJane
So clever, and creative. You never cease to amaze me. Blessings and thanks.
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat idea! I need to pick up a few more books in my thrifting. I've pretty much used up all my books I've picked up here and there.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your weekend,
Gail
What a great idea! I love the older covers, so pretty, but the newer ones, this is a definite improvement.
ReplyDeleteYour vendor space looks great. Funny, before I read the caption I was thinking 'look at all that space!'
Susanne.
How do you get all this done and keep coming up with such great ideas???
ReplyDeleteI swear you must never sleep.......
A Lovely transformation and creative touch! Thank you for stopping by, yes, that long row of Green Lockers was amazing wasn't it? The Booth belongs to a Friend of mine and if I only had the empty wall space that unit (which was 2 separate pieces that fit together) would have been a fabulous way to store my Fabrics and supplies in an organized and appealing way! And I was eyeballing those Grates, I might just get a couple of those because our Old House still has that Style but over the years a few got Stolen when the House was Vacant for a period of time.
ReplyDeleteBlessings from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian
WOW, you really rock at taking thrift store finds and transforming them into beautiful art! I may just have to steal this idea (and give you credit, of course!) Now I'm on the prowl for some of those RD Condensed books!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Kathleen
So fun! I love this idea :)
ReplyDeleteWOW! Simple yet I super love it.
ReplyDeletecute idea! btw, i have many fond memories of reading those RD books as a child. My grandfather subscribed to them and gave them to us to read. Talk about cultivating a love for reading! Nothing like a brand new book, and they were so fancy it made us feel special. I still have a few my mom kept over the years.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea...love the embellishments!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! Our library gives those away for free during their book sales..need to gather some up next time!
ReplyDelete*hugs*Deb
Oh I just love your clever decor! I hope you will add your lovely metamorphosis to my Fall in Love linky party on Wednesday.
ReplyDeleteUntil then, stop by and see the under $20 makeover I gave an ugly brass light fixture.
Happy Monday!
I would of never thought of using chalkboard paint on books!! They are so adorable & charming...well done.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Marie
This is an amazing idea! Seriously, inspiration at it's finest!
ReplyDeletePS I have a $50 cash giveaway going on on my blog right now. Come by when you get a chance! :)
What a fun, "guilt free" repurposing idea, Betsy! I haven't been able to bring myself to rip the covers off of books, but THIS I could do and not feel bad. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining Time Travel Thursday each week.
Hugs,
Liz @ The Brambleberry Cottage
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/
I think this is a great idea! I just got a bunch of books at that auction, something fun and different!
ReplyDeleteCarol
Love this idea!!! So many things you could do with this too! Thanks for stopping in today, great to meet you!
ReplyDeleteTake care
kristin
Fabulous idea! I never would have thought to paint a book! Also like your idea of one letter per book.
ReplyDelete-caroline @ c.w.frosting
What an amazing idea. I never would have thought of that. Next time I go thrifting I know what I am looking for. Thanks for sharing this awesome idea!
ReplyDeletePaula
I am your newest follower, Love this post!!! You are so inspirational :)
ReplyDeleteThat is such a good idea. Can you believe I have never tried chaulk paint? One of these days tho!!
ReplyDeleteI picked up some of these books today, do you think I have to use primer or might the chalkbopard paint work without it? (Not like I'm impatient or anything!)
ReplyDeletexoxo
Kathleen
What a terrific, inventive idea!! Great job!
ReplyDeleteI have just linked up with Laura's party!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Betsy, I was looking for a good book repurpose for my upcoming show. Thanks so much for some great inspiration!
ReplyDeletecatching you!
gail
More cuteness you clever girl!!
ReplyDeleteBetsy, I love this idea! I like that you added the bling with the buttons and the lace. It's lovely!
ReplyDelete~ Sue
These are so fun and adorable!! Love your sweet vintage embellishments! And Yippee for guilt free!! Lol....I seem to have that problem with books :) Happy Friday!! xo Holly
ReplyDelete