EASY BOOK STACK DECOR
DIY BOOK STACKS
Hello, Friends!
Today I wanted to post a simple and fun DIY BOOK STACK DECOR tutorial that you can do at home in the middle of this pandemic! These are crazy times we live in and it is important to keep our minds in a good place and keep busy!
So, a video tutorial, it is.
One thing that I am (somewhat) thankful for is that I have PLENTY of time to figure out how to do video. Editing is my weak spot but I have a feeling I am going to great at it when this is over!
A couple of years ago I created these DIY Painted Book Stacks and they are my most popular tutorial. This version is even easier since it uses paint only if the spines of your books are dark. And I think that the supplies are readily available in your home or online.
Any old hardcover books will work for this project. Rummage through your closets or bookshelves to find a few, or go to the thrift store or library to buy some.
One thing that keeps me sane during any tough time is making the atmosphere around me beautiful and peaceful. I need the normalcy to keep me in a good headspace. Lots of clutter and things left undone only serve to stress me out!
These days I am Spring Cleaning, DIYing, and doing a lot of organizing. I figure I might as well get things done with this extra time on my hands. At some point, things will get back to “normal” and I will be procrastinating the cleaning and organizing in order to get out and enjoy the sunshine.
Please tell me I am not the only one! 🙂
One thing that has been really nice about all of this downtime has been spending time with my daughter. Earlier in the week, we drove to the top of Skyline Drive to watch the sunrise. She is a senior in high school and I know these days are numbered so I am drinking it all in. I have a feeling that after a week or two, we will be tired of seeing each other’s faces so much, but not yet.
My hope is that you are finding lots of goodness like this in your days too!
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HOW TO MAKE BOOK STACKS
Gather your supplies:
- Old hardcover books
- Kraft Paper
- Wrapping Paper
- Chalk Paint (this is only needed if the spines of your book will show through the paper you choose)
- Faux Flowers
- Decorative Ribbon and Twine (I LOVE this chicken wire ribbon!)
- Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
- A mug of ice water (just in case you burn yourself with the glue!)
Let’s get to making!
Start by covering your workspace with either kraft paper or newspaper to protect it from paint splatters or glue drips. You will happy to did this!
You can either follow the step by step tutorial below or scroll down to watch the video.
STEP ONE: If the spines of your books are going to show through your paper, paint them. If not, no worries. Proceed to the next step.
STEP TWO: Cut your paper approximately 2-3″ bigger than the size of your book.
STEP THREE: Fold the top and bottom of your paper even with the top and bottom of your book. Lay your book on top of these folds.
STEP FOUR: Fold the end in just a bit bigger than your book. You only need to cut the paper about 1/4″ bigger to make room for the book ends.
STEP FIVE: Slip your books flaps into the spaces you created. Yes, for those of us that are a bit older, this is what we did with our books in high school! If you need to, you can see me do this in the video below.
STEP SIX: Stack your books in a way that is visually appealing. I went with my printed paper on top, but the kraft paper on top would have been just as nice. I like to stack from small to large, top to bottom.
STEP SEVEN: Get a mug or glass of ice water and set it on your workspace. This is going to help IF you get glue on your fingers. Hot glue stays hot for a while and it helps to be able to dip your fingers in cold water to stop the burn. I know this from experience!
STEP EIGHT: Add your ribbon and twine by either hot gluing it on or tying it on. It helps to lay out your trims and see what looks best. Be creative and don’t get too hung up on this step. If you like it, glue it in place!
STEP NINE: Tie your flowers with twine and glue them in place on your DIY book stack.
That’s it!
I love this simple craft because it adds such a cute and simple touch to your home decor.
This is a great project to personalize for your own home or for a friend. Choose paper that compliments your home decor or that of someone you love. I think book stack decor given as a gift would be great right now. We can all use a pick me up these days!
Here is the video tutorial for DIY WRAPPED BOOK STACKS:
You might enjoy these other tutorials:
DIY PAINTED BOOK STACKS
HOW TO MAKE PAINTED BOOK STACKS FOR HOME DECOR
HOW TO MAKE A DIY WOOD TRAY
COZY SWEATER TO PILLOW DIY
Once this pandemic ends and we are able to get together with friends, host a Girl’s Craft Night to make this with your besties. Gather the materials, split the cost and serve wine and brownies. Just a thought based on what I am craving right this minute.
Wherever you are right now, stay safe and do what makes you and your family feel peaceful. Normal days are coming soon!
Happy crafting!