Howdy Friends! Today there are 9 Bloggers showing how we use books in our decor. Each post is beautiful as are the individuals sharing them. But one thing we have in common is that we all live a vintage, antique and farmhouse loving lifestyle. I’m excited to share my post of how I use 3 Farmhouse style book page decor ideas in my home. If you are visiting from Laura’s blog, Decor to Adore, welcome – I’m so glad you are here! Let’s get started so you can make sure and check out the others below.
3 Farmhouse Style Book Page Decor Ideas
I know some of us may cringe at the thought of tearing up a book. It’s like men not wanting to paint wood. It’s fine! Especially if you get a book for 25 cents at a garage sale for the purpose of using a few pages for decor. That’s what I did. I love the books we have and many I’ve not read but the color of the covers and crispy pages speak to me. I like using them as risers for lamps, photos, vases, pitchers, and for adding a touch of color to a space. You will see today there are many ideas.
My 3 ideas were made to “light up my life”. LOL! – Anyone else singing that song by Debbie Boone now?! Sorry! Hahahahaha! It’s okay, keep swaying. 😉
#1 – Cover your ugly candles
The first project was to cover up a dirty crumbly candle that had been dropped one to many times. Candles are expensive so I am not pitching it when I can cover it with book pages. It was super simple. I gently ripped out 2 pages from a book then to cover the candle, I used my favorite craft tool, double sided tape. Simply add the tape to the edge of the book page and stick it to the candle. Do the same for the other page and over lap the pages if necessary. I add a little twine and voila – a brand new farmhouse looking super cute candle.
I’ve done this before on candles that were the wrong color for what I needed. In particular, seasonal candles. No one will notice that it’s a dark green Christmas candle unless you have it lower than eye level. These are stuck up on the candle holders that hang next to the TV.
#2 – Use Wood and Vintage Items to Make Candle Holders
Use a Vintage Ladle
This is one of my favorite candle holders. I connected a vintage ladle to a scrap piece of wood to make this candle holder. Used the same book pages and Mod Podge for this easy craft. Whoever invented Mod Podge is a genius. You can make things so much prettier with that stuff. Just cover the wood with it and then again on the top of the book pages for good adhesion.
The Mister made a hole in the ladle and screwed it into the wood for me. I lean this up in so many places and it looks lovely everywhere. If you are wondering if the ladle ever falls forward, the answer is nope. It pulls the wood down instead of forward. Just keep the wood shorter and the bottom of the ladle close to the bottom. I don’t keep this one lit for hours though I don’t want it spilling over. You could use a battery operated candle though and it would be fabulous!
Use a Vintage Jello Mold
Okay, I know what you’re thinking – she went a little crazy that day with the Mod Podge and scraps. I know but it was so easy! This one is a vintage jello mold. Who doesn’t love little jello molds?! 😉 Plus, I need to get my 25 cents worth from the book. This one does fall forward some so I keep it in a small plate holder. As you can see, there are more books being used as risers in my decor too. I love books!
#3 – Use Book Pages to Make a Paper Cone
Some people call these May Day baskets. I call it a Paper Cone. To make them you only need book pages, ribbon, tape and a hole punch. Twirl the pages (I put 2 pages together to make a square) into a cone shape and tape it together on the seam. Then punch holes in the top edge to run the ribbon through. Leave extra ribbon on the ends to hang on door. Fill and deliver.
They have a lot of uses. You could use one to hang greenery or lavender on a knob in your home. They’d be cute if used as a wedding favor or throwing wedding confetti. What about at a beautiful table setting to hold the utensils or a small gift for guests? Ooh, what about using them for a walking snack/appetizer holder at your next party?! Fun!
All great ideas but my favorite is to use the cone as a vase for flowers to give to a friend. These days with social distancing and so many people hurting or in need, why not deliver one to a friend or neighbor? Just hang it on their door knob for an instant boost. No ding dong ditching! Ring the bell or send a text and step back. I’m sure they will want to say thank you. 🙂
A Lesson Learned
Total confession time… When I uploaded these last two photos to this post, I noticed the title on the paper. OH MY WORD y’all look at it! I burst our laughing! How did I not notice that? Depending on the friend, that might be a terrible gift. Especially with the McCall’s pattern used as tissue paper! LOL. If I received such a cone, I think I’d take the flowers out, crumple up the cone and throw it back in their face! Just sayin.
Besides having 3 Farmhouse style book page decor ideas, we also have an extra lesson thrown in – check the book title before using! No wonder it was only 25 cents. Hope you found inspiration today. Up next is Christy at Our Southern Home. Make sure and click on the images below to see all the beautiful book ideas!
Happy Decorating Friends!
You are so funny and so creative too, Cindy! I love all these ideas and I can’t believe how easy they are too. We totally need that in our lives right now. Love your idea of leaving a thoughtful flower-filled paper cone on the doors of friends and neighbors. It’s so important to lift each other up right now. Thanks for putting this hop together, I can’t wait to share these ideas. You guys are the best-! Hugs and Happy Mother’s Day, CoCo
Author
Thank you CoCo. I’m glad you like the projects. And I don’t intend to be funny. That’s my self-inflicted life! It stays interesting to say the least. LOL. Hope you enjoy seeing your family this weekend too.
I love your book page ideas! In fact, I’m probably going to copy your covering a candle with a book page idea today. I “need” a white candle that is a certain size but don’t have one. I know I have one in another color. Now I can cover a colored candle with a book page in the correct size and add it to the candle holder that has been bare for a few days.
You made me laugh when I read the text on your pretty May Day cone. I wouldn’t have noticed if you hadn’t pointed it out!
Thank you for letting me join this group. I’m looking forward to reading everyone’s ideas.
Author
I seriously laughed so hard when I noticed the book title. The book itself doesn’t have a paper cover on it so I never looked. I just like it for the white hard back. I’m excited to hear you’ll use the candle idea today! Woo hoo, I inspired someone! And it’s my pleasure you are with us. 😉
Cindy,
I love each of these ideas. You are one creative gal! I am kicking myself for getting rid of some old candles that I could have covered with book pages! Great idea.
Author
Thank you Christy. A long time ago I sold several candles at a garage sale for like a nickel and later realized that was really dumb because I could have covered them with scrap book paper, wrapping paper, fabric etc. But now, if I see them at a thrift store and they are a great size, I snatch them up. I know you’ll have a wonderful Mother’s Day tomorrow with your babies home from school. Enjoy!
You are not what you weigh. Snort! I love it all. Here’s to jello molds and old patterns used for tissue paper. Thank you so much for hosting!
Author
I think you and my friend Patricia would be the only people to receive the cone and would laugh and understand it wasn’t on purpose. LOL! Love me some jello molds and patterns too. I bet your closet is full of some fantastic patterns. Happy Mother’s Day Laura!
Your cone is darling. I’m giggling at which page you chose. Too funny. Darling ideas. Thanks for hosting.
Author
I was giggling too. Glad I caught it before a sneaky delivery! The ideas were easy and fun and just how I like it. Have a great weekend Katie!
Beautiful use of book pages. I truly, truly love the book page cone vase!
Author
Thank you Jemma. I would love getting one on my door. Well not that one but one like it! 😉
Great ideas Cindy. I love using books and pages too. Love wrapping the candle idea.
Author
Glad you like the ideas Carol. I love me some super easy, super cheap crafting! Well I don’t like crafting all that much but I do like saving money. I threw away many candles before that idea hit me. No more of that nonsense around here. Thank you
I was laughing with the title too funny, that’s blogging, things get passed us😉.
I use books in my decor always. Love the aged spines and pages. The second spot I hit at my thrift store. The first is always something I spot right away.
Love tge ladle being used as a candle holder.
Cindy
Author
I have a ton of projects from that vintage set of silver. I cherish them all. Books are coming in second. I am always looking for old books. Found a small Bible last year that is beautiful. Inside are handwritten names of I guess the past owners. One date is October 1914. I love it! Not sure the books made today will ever be so cherished. Just not made with the same materials. Thanks for the visit Cindy!
hi cindy, that is so funny! Okay, the idea to wrap tired candles with book pages is genius! I think you have a separate post for that idea! Love it! And, the ladle? Great idea! Happy Mother’s Day! laura
Author
Girl, I can’t remember what I’ve posted about unless it was like a couple of months ago. LOL. Seriously! But I know I have a candle wrapped in drop cloth and one in other paper so I’d say yes, I probably do have a post for that idea somewhere. Glad you like the ideas and that ladle is my favorite because of the vintage silver piece. I can’t get enough vintage silver! Enjoy your Mom’s Day and milk it while you can. I am!
You are so thoughtful and fun, great ideas. I love collecting old song books for this purpose, have a blessed Mothers Day, Cindy.
Author
Thanks Marlene I’ve been on the hunt for old song books for ages. Wanted some last year around Christmas and never found one. Maybe this is my year?! I have seen so many projects for them that look easy. I need easy if you haven’t already noticed. 😉
Still laughing over the cone title…so funny! Such fun ideas! I am loving the page wrapped around the candle…such a great way to reuse
out-of-season colors! Thank you for sharing!
Author
Yay Linda! Glad you found a great idea. I’m still rolling my eyes at the cone myself. Might still be giggling a bit as well.
Hi Cindy,
I’m visiting from Sweet Pea and love this Blog Hop. Thanks for the great idea! I’m in the camp who cringes at tearing up a book, but I still read your post with interest. I love how there is Scripture on your Vintage Ladle and Jello Mold plaques–and cracked up with you at your paper cone with the lovely tulips. Thanks for the laugh. Have a great weekend.
Author
Yay, I’m so glad you found something you liked. I’m thinking I’ll give that paper cone to my Home Group leader and see if she notices the title. LOL! She has a great sense of humor and will believe me when I say I didn’t know. Thanks Marilyn for the visit!
LOL Cindy you are too funny!!! 🙂 I love the 3 beautiful and clever ways you used book pages in your decor. Thank you so much for including me in this super fun hop! I noticed a couple of things I forgot to include in my post – I’ll correct them now (newbie mistakes)! 🙂 Have a healthy and happy week!
Author
Thank you Michelle! They were fun to make. And I’m glad you joined in. Have a great as well!
Great ideas! I have a ladle that I have been wanting to upcycle like that. I think I may put 2 nails in the board and let the ladle slide down in between–so I don’t have to fight with a drill. I have had a good time decoupaging Easter eggs and jars recently. I think there is something about Mod Podge that is addictive!
Author
So true Kathy – Mod Podge is addicting. Reminds me of the days in elementary school when we’d cover our hands with glue just to peal it off. Ha, those were the good ol’ days. 🙂
Super cute ideas, Cindy! I especially love the May Day basket cone; just makes me smile. O.K…now I feel like I’m missing out being a part of you guys on this one:( I so appreciate this bunch of ladies and their creativity! I’ll email you and ask more dets and take another look at my calendar…having a FOMO moment.
Author
LOL Lora! You are always welcome to join our Lifestyle of Love group and you’d be a perfect fit! Hope it works out and glad you like the ideas too.
These are some really unique ideas for book pages. I’m laughing at the cone because that would happen to me–right when you are posting your final pick you see something that you didn’t catch that horrifies you. That said, these are all so pretty to display.
Author
Thanks Pamela. I’ve had the horrified look several times! You’d think I’d learn to pay attention to details but I haven’t so far in my 29++ years of life. 😉
Cindy, I love old books, so this link party has been especially enjoyable!
The ladle idea is my fav, but all your creations look great – they always do.
Off to the next stop on the party….
Author
Awe, thanks so much Rachel. Glad you are enjoying it! Lots of inspo in this hop! 🙂
Hey Cindy, I meant to ask you if I could use a picture from this post in an upcoming Friday With Friends post I’m doing on July 17th. It will be about cute diy crafts and upcyle crafts – and will include a link back to you.
If you are comfortable with this please answer here or send an email to me.
Many Thanks,
Rachelle
Author
Of course you can use a photo. I’m honored you think it’s worthy! Thank you. I look forward to seeing the post. 😃
Thanks Cindy! I will send you the link when it goes live.
Rachelle
Hi Cindy, here’s the link that features your post. Thank you again for letting me use it!
https://myhubbardhome.com/friday-with-friends-summer-vignettes/
Take care,
Rachelle
Author
My pleasure! I look forward to reading it. Thank you Rachelle. 😃
I love this idea! So much so that I hung a vintage enamelware strainer from a whitewashed cookbook holder and tossed in an LED candle! Easy and wonderful looking! Thank you, Cindy! Sandra
Author
Oh my goodness, that sounds so fun and so cute! You made my day today. Thanks so much for sharing that. 🙂