I love this idea of repurposing old books!! I have seen book bundles so many places in blogland, and was looking forward to making these myself.
We inherited a lot of books, so I had to figure out how to incorporate books into my decorating, so this seemed like the perfect idea for a few of the books.
The first step of course is to get the books; we already had them, so that was done. The second step for me was to decide which books to rip apart for lack of a better word. I didn’t touch my FIL’s important theological books or any books that were special to us or those that had aged covers.
I selected books that we did not plan to keep or books that had damaged covers. I know some people think this is a terrible thing to do to a book, so if you are one of those people, you might want to look away just now.
I tried this technique with paperback books and hardback books. It is obviously easier to remove the front and back covers of paperback books, but removing the paper on the spine is very difficult on the paperback books. And if the cover was colorful, then it isn’t going to go with the creamy neutrals of the old paper. I actually used a metal brush meant for a grill on the books spines to remove the paper covers.
I used a box cutter to remove the covers for the hardcoer books.
Then I stacked the books into little bundles,
and tied them up with twine.
As a nod to the previous owners of these books, I added a silhouette portrait of my FIL and my MIL.
It was a wonderful way to add some neutral touches to my home, and a way to keep more of the family books. Oh don’t worry, I only removed the covers from a just a few books. The vast majority of the books we inherited still have their covers.
This one is about one of Mr. CH’s ancestors.
rkbsnana says
January 16, 2012 at 19:52I have never seen that done. Loving it though. I love where you put them too. I’d be interested in seeing what’s in the country preacher journal.
ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says
January 16, 2012 at 20:03Funny thing Anita I just made another bundle today myself. I love adding them all around! Your display looks awesome, I love how you incorporated them into your vignette!
On Crooked Creek says
January 16, 2012 at 20:34Anita,
Lovely display!
I am a former librarian…so yes, my heart was being ripped away with those covers! Who knows, though…perhaps someone will be intriqued, remove the twine and read the books again!
I do appreciate the gorgeous look in your decor and adore the framed silloutte of your in~laws!
Fondly,
Pat
Anita Cedar Hill Ranch says
January 16, 2012 at 23:48Sorry Pat, I know this isn’t for everyone.
THE FARMHOUSE PORCH says
January 16, 2012 at 20:38Looks good! They make great neutral, inexpensive fillers!
♥Linsey
Town and Country Gals says
January 16, 2012 at 20:45Anita,
they look wonderful with your decor! I’ve seen the look also and love it but don’t know if I’d be able to do it! I’d be more then happy to have some if someone was to do the tearing and ripping for me!
Rebecca
Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made says
January 16, 2012 at 21:11Love the book bundles — I just did some myself for my Valentine mantle. I have SO many books, I’m always looking for ways to use them up!
Sophia's says
January 16, 2012 at 21:36I just love book bundles! These look great. I’ve been meaning to make some myself and you’ve inspired me to get it done!
Beautiful…
Kristen
Karen says
January 16, 2012 at 22:07tooo cute.. never thought of doing that.thanks for the tips
Britt says
January 16, 2012 at 22:28The writer and book lover in me almost couldn’t finish reading this post, but the interior decorator in me loves this! Puts such a cozy feel to the room.
Anita Cedar Hill Ranch says
January 16, 2012 at 23:49Britt, I know, it was hard for me to do it, to be honest.
Dayle says
January 16, 2012 at 23:43As a writer, I was almost in tears seeing those bookcovers cupt off (they’re my favorite part of old books), but you created something pretty. 🙂
Anita Cedar Hill Ranch says
January 16, 2012 at 23:51Dayle, I have tons of books that I did not mutilate. You might prefer the post I am going to do on how I displayed the other books.
c l says
January 17, 2012 at 00:04I was going to post but broke bonding off a front tooth and luckily the dentsit fixed it, but to the tune of $270. Yikes!
Anyway, it is pretty but it also disturbs me! LOL My Dad buys and sells rare books so… I know they were nothing special but just hard to see.
Deanne says
January 17, 2012 at 00:30I actually bought some old mills and boon at a garage sale to do this to, I must find them and make my book bundles- yours look so good!
Janie says
January 17, 2012 at 01:02I have seen book stacked as end tables but never like this..I like it…I love stacking old books bundling them makes it even nicer…
Anonymous says
January 17, 2012 at 01:43I can’t comment like I used to! If anything, I have to be anonymous. This “threading” thing is truly messing with me and my attempts at commenting! As for the books, I was an English major and had a hard time making my book bundles too. But I did get over it because I love them as decorative accents in my home. You can see mine here:
http://charmbraceletdiva.blogspot.com/2011/03/pottery-barn-inspired-book-bundles.html. Thanks for sharing!
Kathleen
http://charmbraceletdiva.blogspot.com
Betsy@ coastal-colors says
January 17, 2012 at 01:45I love these book bundles! I know some flinch at doing this, but I do think they’re beautiful! I love the silhouettes; they’re amazing! Your vignettes looks wonderful!
Doniene says
January 17, 2012 at 02:01So cool!! I love old books and place them around, but the bundling is a neat idea! Thanks for sharing.
Did you get rain? We had some – Praise the Lord!
Blessings
Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says
January 17, 2012 at 02:56Hey, Anita! Love the look of these twine wrapped books. We did something similar at my daughter’s wedding. Loved the way they looked. I took it a bit further and distressed them a bit with paint to make them look even older. Even though they weren’t books worth keeping it was still quite hard to tear the covers off and dirty them up! LOL!
S says
January 17, 2012 at 12:09Pretty display, but not matter how damaged a book might be, I could never rip off the cover. I’d hear my Mom’s voice in my head saying we don’t abuse books like that. I am all for covering them with pretty paper though. In fact, you’ve inspired me to do that.
Tracey says
January 17, 2012 at 12:42Love this idea.. they look wonderful!
Sue Frazier says
January 17, 2012 at 13:34how pretty! thanks for sharing!
Farmhouse Style Living says
January 17, 2012 at 14:05I love books, but I do have to say that I like this repurposing. I have a project for some books that I want to do. You make a planter out of them. Just have to find the right books! I may borrow your idea and do a few bundles also. Great job!
Joy says
January 17, 2012 at 14:48Love that vignette. Very pretty and of course I love books 🙂
W. Latane Barton says
January 17, 2012 at 15:09I cringed a bit at the sight of those books without their covers but as I read on, it got to be okay with me. Pretty way to save books you might otherwise throw out. Good job.
Laurel @ Ducks in a Row says
January 17, 2012 at 17:28This is a beautiful way to use those books! Stopping by from a bowl full of lemons!
Tina says
January 17, 2012 at 19:22I love this look! So pretty.
Have a great week.
❁Velma ~Down Our Country Road❁ says
January 18, 2012 at 00:24Obviously, I’m living in a cave because I don’t recall ever seeing this decorating idea. Cute. I like it. I really love your vignette!
Ann from On Sutton Place says
January 18, 2012 at 02:23I have not done this yet…I think yours turned out great and the twine is the perfect touch. I made a bundle with books I covered with paper…it doesn’t have the charm yours have though. Thanks for sharing how you did it. Love the silhouette of your inlaws.
Bonnie@Creative Decorating says
January 18, 2012 at 16:50I love the book bundles. Books just add something great to a vignette!
mamaroses says
August 11, 2013 at 19:02I looked the other way 🙂 but I am sure my Mom is going to be gleaning and will have plenty to take away from this!