Craft with Books: Simple DIY Ideas

Crafting with Old Books: Transforming a Coffee Table Book with Chalk Paint and Rub-On Transfers

Discover a creative DIY project using chalk paint and rub-on transfers to repurpose a vintage coffee table book. Follow step-by-step instructions and tips for a unique craft that blends art history nostalgia with a unique vintage design.

Good morning friend.

I was recently gifted this lovely coffee table book, and was told, do you worst, or maybe it was do your best, okay, so maybe it was, just do something with it.

Blessed with a Reader's Digest Family Treasury of Great Painters and Great Paintings coffee table book, I knew just what to do and how I would craft with this book.

As I was leafing through the pages, I had a flash back to my college days, Tuesday nights from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. was filled with viewing slides in the dark in my art history class. 

Some, I found so fascinating, my favorite being flying buttresses, I could stare at them all day long, but then there were those evenings where I felt the class droned on for hours on end, and I thought I may fall asleep! 

Thankfully Art History class is in the review mirror, and we are just crafting with this book of famous paintings.

I would not typically deface a book in this way, but I decided if I were to display it in my home, the orange and browns would need to be changed up a bit. 

I always cherish gifts, and the person did say to give it a makeover, and so I jumped in quickly with both feet before I could change my mind. 

That first swipe of paint made me sad, and then I quickly got over my hesitation since I decided this would be the perfect way to craft with old books and repurpose it for my needs! 

I love vintage sheet music, and that is what made me purchase these rub on transfers. You see, in the distant past, I also played the flute.  🎵

I purchased a set of three 11x17 rub on transfers displaying French sheet music with flowers, and bees. Seems they hit on several favorites of mine with this set, and so this project will be many of my interests all rolled into one.

Materials:

1. 1 book, or several if you so choose
2. 1 set of music sheet transfers with flowers and bees
3. Chalk paint, I used Waverly chalk paint in the color Ivory 
4. Chip Brush
5. Mod Podge 
6. Antique Gold Rub-n-buff 

Instructions:

• Wipe down the book(s) to remove any dust or debris
• Once the book has fully dried, begin by painting the exterior of the book with your choice of paint. If you choose to layer the paint, allow to fully dry between coats
• Figure out placement of the rub on transfer on the book front before removing the back, placing a piece of painters tape at the top may be helpful in keeping it's place while removing the backing
• Using the scraping tool provided, begin rubbing the transfer onto the book until the entire transfer has been transferred to the surface 
• Pull back the transfer cover, and use it to brandish it to the book to ensure the entire transfer is set
• You can put a protective coat over the transfer for longevity, I used Mod Podge brushed on thinly

What do you think of our old book upcycle? 

Now, I plan to cut up and use more transfers from this set to see what else I can make. I am hesitant to cut up rub-on-transfers, but it just prolongs the life of the product, and I am all about making more from what I have already paid for, aren't you?

I recently had several questions about paint this last week and I thought I would answer some questions before we got into this week's repurposing project.

You may be a lot like me, and wonder what the big deal is with chalk paint? 

I wondered it myself for several years, until I purchased my first bottle of Waverly Chalk Paint.

My first purchase was Snow White by Waverly. 

Knowing my vintage preferences in all things make-over, I probably would have started with Ivory, but you live and learn.

Snow White is exactly that, white as the driven snow. It's great when you are working on something you want bright white (like at Christmastime), but I have found I tend to like items with a bit of age to them, and so that is why I really like Ivory by Waverly. 

You can purchase Waverly chalk paint from Walmart, and if you purchase in a three pack, that is where you will find the best bang for your buck. 

I was hesitant to add a lot of paint to my stash initially so I began purchasing one at a time, and then quickly switched over to three packs.

I can tell you it has excellent coverage, typically covering what I am working on with one coat.

I have also found that when the paint begins to thicken, you can add a bit of water to it, which will thin it back out. 

Now, this will take away from the coverage a bit. In the instance of the book I worked on today, I painted two coats since I was working on a thinned down Ivory Chalk Paint.

If you have any other questions, I will answer them the best I can, but if you are on the fence still, let me know your concerns, and I can tell you my experience. 

This is also the only chalk paint I have worked with, so my opinion may vary from other's who have tried multiple chalk paint brands. I like to be as honest so you can make an informed decision. 

Don't Forget to Pin for Later!

Ciao,

Cara