DIY antique books in minutes. Have you ever wanted old antique books to decorate in your home?
I did this to hardcover books I have had for years. Now when I say antique books in minutes, if you blink you may miss it.
By the way, I have books in the house that are antique books from France. However, these can be expensive. I also have books from thrifting. For the most part, having a variety of thrift stores nearby doesn’t exist where we live. Thrifting in NJ can be tough.
These Shakespeare sonnets are especially special in our home. These were my Father-in-laws and date back to 1842. I truly enjoy adding these to many areas of our home. The aging on them adds character too!
So, I decided to make my own antique books.
Items Needed:
- hardcover books
- 2 stencil brushes
- clear and dark wax
- lint free rag I use these religiously
Now for my project I am using Annie Sloan clear wax and Maison Blanch dark wax. However, this is another option HERE and HERE.
Normally when waxing furniture, I use a large waxing brush. However, for this simple project I am opting to use a soft stencil brush for an easier application.
Adding Clear and Dark Wax to the Edge of Pages of the Books Adding Age
First, I add clear wax to begin my DIY aged books using one of my stencil brushes. Now when applying the waxes, generally use light strokes. For the most part, I keep the hardcovers away from the pages when applying bother waxes.
After adding the clear wax to the edge of the pages, I add a small amount of dark wax to the book pages using the other stencil brush.
Now I begin blending the dark wax which gives these DIY books and pages an old look.
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Next, simply take the lint free rag and rub the wax well. That’s it. DIY antique books in minutes.
Now, I realize all may not want to spend money on wax for this project. By the way I have waxes around all the time it is what I chose.
In addition to wax, craft paint in raw and burnt umber are another option. For this process I recommend using a drybrush technique or adding a minimal amount of water to keep the paint moving.
Folk Art and many others sell this paint. As a rule, this is a good color to use because it has a bit of a green undertone. In addition, if I use this technique, I also will do this step with a bit of burnt umber craft paint.
Ways to Use These DIY Antique Books Home
One way I enjoy adding these homemade antique books is using them as pedestals under pieces I need to add height. Immediately, these books add an antique look.
The most obvious way to use books is adding them to bookcase and bookshelves. When adding these DIY books or antique books I like to stager the direction of the books.
For instance, some I will stand while other books I lay down and stack. This adds dimension and interest. Also, when adding these homemade books, I will use a book underneath dishes or pitchers.
As an example, adding a stack of books to a tray with a small vase or pitcher of flowers is pretty. Adding a candle alongside gives it a soft and pretty look too.
By the way if you may enjoy this post to see how I use pink Antique Books in our home decor.
I hope you enjoyed this DIY antique books in minutes technique. Do you enjoy decorating with books? Do you have aged books in your home? I’d enjoy reading in the comments.
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Very nice aging technique Cindy. Happy Saturday. xoxo
Thanks my friend. Snow day
such a great idea, just beautiful! Hope you’re not snowed under today!
Thanks Debra. Yes we are snowed in. Fire and hot chocolate day
Great idea for creating an aged look.
Thank you, Paula!
Clever way to age the pages of a book! Stay warm!!
Thanks Ann and it’s so quick!
Very smart!
Thank you!
This couldn’t have been simpler – seriously this is brilliant Cindy! I’m off to grab books off of my shelf to do this project. Thanks for sharing. Pinned😊
Have fun!
What a transformation and so simple!
Thank you!
Very cool project! I love the look of antique books and now I can make my own. Thanks for sharing!
So simple and the books look amazing
Who knew it was so easy to create the look of antique books. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Janet!
I love books abd using them to decorate with too. Great tutorial.
Thank you!
Oh my!!! That is a great idea. I had never thought about it! You decor is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Rachel!
This is such a clever idea, Cindy! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much!
I love working with books. I pick up free ones at a local book store when I want to have a project.
Great idea!
Great idea and so simple, too. I like one particular church Christmas fair for $1 OLD books; have resold a few at a good profit. My faves are the old deckle edge ones!I can see doing this to old Reader’s Digest condensed books with no guilt!
How cool would that be
This is such a smart way of aging the. pages. Thanks. for the inspiration and for sharing at Fabulous Friday Link Party!
Thank you so much!
This is a great idea! I frequently use books as risers for display. This is an easy technique to make the books look older. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much Anna. Books are such great risers
I love this idea. It is genius. Thank you so much for sharing on Fabulous Friday Link Party. We sure appreciate you. Hugs and blessings to you.
Thank you so much!
What a great idea!! Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you so much
Clever! I’m going to have to try this. I have some oldish books but they don’t look as old as I would like them too. This is the answer. Love it! Thanks for sharing in the Fabulous Friday Link Party
Lynn
Thank you so much!
Thanks so much!