Damaged, Stained old books? … Don’t Throw Them Out!
12January 10, 2016 by Terry
We all have a stash of old books somewhere that are just sitting there taking up valuable storage space and are well, just plain ugly!
I have a box full in my garage that have seen better days for sure. Some of them I have never read and to be honest, do not have any interest in. The box of books had been given to me after I did the French China Cabinet with the book page backboard.
While book pages are great for adding detail to your projects and for doing other fun things… I really didn’t need that many :) I also didn’t want to just throw them out and some are pretty old. While they are old ( one was from 1927!) they aren’t in good shape and aren’t rare. So for all you book collectors out there … don’t panic and don’t hate me … they were already damaged :)
During my recent room refresh I needed some visual interest in the room and decided that I would use these books to fill an old antique sewing machine lid that I bought a year or so ago. I bought it solely because it was so dry and tattered and I liked the look of it.
I never knew just what to use it for. It was falling apart pretty good and was quite fragile, hence the twine holding it all together.
So I took my old books and removed the covers, rolled them in half and tied them with a piece of hemp twine. Simply threw each one into the sewing machine lid and continued to do so until it was full.
The result was simple visual interest. It sort of reminds me of and old kindling log made from newspapers.
I quite like the look of the yellowed rough pages and the bare spines. Old paper has such a different feel from what we make books from now.
I have placed this under the end table next to my French Carved Salon Chair that I upholstered this past summer.
The neutral colors of the natural wood tones, the book pages and the fabric on the chair help to create a relaxing feel in the space.
Things are really coming together!
Have a great weekend!
Smiles!
Terry
Sharing at:
The Curators Collection 
The look is so elegant. The neutral color scheme with the different textures is so soothing.
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Thank you Deb! I can’t wait to share the whole space! Soon!
Smiles!
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Terry, that’s a great idea that definitely adds some visual interest and probably will become a conversation piece as well!
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Thank you Marie! I agree … it just looks neat! Happy Sunday!
Smiles!
Terry
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What a great idea Terry! I have sooo many old books kicking around as well and as a book lover I hate to throw them out because they are old but most really aren’t in great condition. I love, love, love this idea! Have a great week. Hugs, Lisa :)
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It’s a simple solution and adds something to the decor other than taking up space on a shelf :) I hope you have a great day!
Smiles!
Terry
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Great idea never thought of that. Thanks for sharing on The Scoop!
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Thank you for hosting this great party!
Smiles!
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I love all the neutral natural colors together and your chair is gorg! Great idea!
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Thank you Darrielle! I hope you have a great week!
Smiles!
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Totally stealing this idea!!
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I swoon over old books!!!! swoon! Great job dear girl! I do love it
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