For July’s DIY Challenge we are doing a 3 stack book challenge. And, for those of you who haven’t read my previous challenges by “we” I mean a group of blogging friends hosted by my friend Terrie who take on a monthly challenge to do various DIY projects. This particular one is something I was really looking forward to, because I’ve been wanting customized stamped books. In fact I had placed an order for some by a friend of mine who does beautiful stamped books, but by the time I would have paid for the books plus the shipping costs the price was getting a bit too much for me. Although they’re beautiful and worth every penny I’m semi-retired now and don’t have the disposable income I once did. So when this challenge came up I was happy to participate. And, although I’m nowhere near as good as she is at this at least I finally got my books.
I wasn’t sure exactly how I to do them – I just knew what look I wanted. And, I knew I wanted to do them as cheaply as possible. So I went to Goodwill and purchased three books for .89 cents apiece….
Next I got some 2X Rust-oleum spray paint from Home Depot in the color called Heirloom White.
I sprayed front, back and sides in two coats.
When they were nice and dry I brought them inside to stamp them….
I used some stamps I had purchased from Hobby Lobby that I actually had on hand. They were the perfect size for these books.
I completely forgot I had these until after I purchased some new ones for this project But, when I was rummaging around for some other goodies I stumbled onto these and they turned out to be a better fit than the ones I purchased.
I struggled with the stamping….it was harder to do without making a bit of a mess than I thought it would be. I kept getting the outside edge of the stamp on the books, too, and would have to touch it up with paint and start over. And, I also had trouble getting the letters even so I just gave up and did them in a more random look.
I used string to wrap around the books like I’ve seen shown in pictures. I like the natural color and texture they lend to the look.
I wrapped it around the books several times….
Then since I actually already had these on hand in my craft stash….I added a couple of these keys for a little extra touch.
I just looped them through and tied the string into a bow.
The words you see here are lyrics from the Fleetwood Mac song – Songbird.
It was a song my hubby and I had sung at our wedding and we both love it and consider it “our song”. I sometimes still cry when I hear it, because it means so much to me.
So these are the words I wanted for my books. In fact….this is why I wanted stamped books in the first place.
It’s definitely not as neat and tidy as my friend’s would have been, but I’m good with it.
I have it sitting on my nightstand and it feels really special to me. The words and the fact that I made it myself.
We will be married 42 years in September and these words still hold true!
Please check out my fellow bloggers below and the looks they came up with. You’ll have fun seeing all the different designs.
Sheri you books and the lovely phrase you added to them are so inspiring. I love how you styled them next to your photo. The key add was the perfect touch. LOVE IT! Thanks for joining me in this wonderful challenge. Happy July 4th!
Oh how I love your stamped books! I love the saying as well!! Happy to be on this challenge with you!
Thank you so much Shae!
Oh my, girl, you made me tear up. First, I happen to love Fleetwood Mac. Second, congratulations. Your books are amazing and the story behind them, even more so.
I love the added keys! So pretty and sweet!
Thank you so much! I appreciate it!
Sheri, I’m will you on the stamp challenge. I’ve never had success with stamping individual letters. Stencils and ChalkArt work much better for me. I love the idea of embellishing your book stack with the key. Thanks for sharing that.
Oh okay! Glad that I’m not the only one! Thanks for the tip!
Your books are so cute! Love the little touches you added
Thank you so much! I appreciate that!