October 18, 2012

Vintage Wallpaper Covered Book Boxes

I pick up old book boxes anytime I can, then save them up for a vintage wallpaper covering marathon


I'm sure you've seen these at thrift stores and estate sales


They are storage boxes, I wonder how many thieves they've fooled?


Now, if you are lucky enough to have vintage wallpaper you could certainly use it, if not, you can do like I did and print vintage wallpaper from Graphics Fairy...


....Onto plain copy paper, then let it dry well...


....I used a craft sponge and applied a THIN coat of Mod Podge  before putting the "Wallpaper" on the book.   Now, I say "THIN coat" because if you apply a thick coat, the ink on the paper will run.



The pictures were also from Graphics Fairy.  There is two ways you can do this, one is to just print off the pictures, cut them out, and glue them on the "Book".  I have a Mac which has a great photo program so, I was able to merge the pictures onto the wallpaper and print it off as one sheet.


I used the picture on the book cover and shrunk it to use on the book binder as a label.   In this previous post I made separate labels.


I finished with 2 LIGHT coats of Mod Podge 


The last transformed book box I brought to my booth sold as soon as I sat it down


 On the inside I glued the picture from the front of the book


I price them between $14 and $16 dollars


 I know all of you creative people, will think of tons of fabulous ways to transform these old book boxes......I am just the idea thrower!

Happy Creating

Carol

47 comments:

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

These are positively idyllic! Just when I think you've thunk of everything, you thunk up something even more creative and lovely. Lovely with a capital luh. And functional! Double-duty.

Doni said...

Oh Carol....absolutely ADORABLE!!
SO pretty too...what a super idea!
If I can locate a box around here that I can do that with...and where oh where is my modpodge?? I can't wait...
Super gorgeous! Thanks so much for sharing your ideas with us! You have some of the best!
Doni

Terra said...

This project and your pretty results are wonderful.

Used-to-Bees said...

These are so pretty! Thanks for the information on how you do them - might have to give it a try!
x

Unknown said...

As always, stunning execution from start to finish. You have such a clever eye.

www.madmainevintageshop.blogspot.com

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

These are so pretty Carol. I love the vintage wallpaper idea and what a great way to use those book boxes.

Debbiedoos said...

What a cute idea Carol! They are perfect now.

Ana Love Craft said...

Hi Carol,
So lovely!!! Love all! Thanks so much for sharing idea.
Happy week!

Hugs from Portugal,

Ana Love Craft
www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

No, I have *not* seen these before! Or maybe I have and was fooled? Anyway, I love what you did with them! Thanks for showing us! ♥

Pat C. said...

Oh, what an ingenious idea! Your "books" and boxes are gorgeous! The best part is that they could actually be used for storage, especially if the insides were lined, too.; )

Thank you, Carol, for sharing your assembly tips... now if only I could get my husband or son to take the time to figure out why the computer doesn't "recognize" the color printer (or vice versa)... UGH!!!

xoxo

Galina Hristova said...

Wonderful idea, Carol!Very rational and beautiful!The Roses are my favorites.Good day!

Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ said...

They are so beautiful Carol! I love the graphics you used.

Egretta Wells blog said...

Beautiful and completely COOL!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

These are beautiful, Carol! I thought you used real vintage wallpaper! : ) Love how you merged the picture with the wallpaper graphic to get one sheet. These are really just so lovely. Let us know how they sell.

Anonymous said...

Carol- here you go again with your brilliant ideas!! Love these book boxes! I have one down at my booth that I am going to have to bring home and doll up!

Haven't had alot of time to think any more about the trip but I am hoping something will work out-

bee blessed
mary

marda said...

These are beautiful.. much more so than in their original state. Love the images and the wallpaper you created. Not surprised they were snatched up immediately.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I think I still have a few and they sure could use an update! Thanks for sharing your ideas! Sometimes I wish I could abra cadabra some of these fabulous ideas! heehee!

Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovement said...

Beautifully done Carol! I love the graphics and the tutorial.

Have a great day.
Pam

Pam said...

Simply adorable . Thanks for sharing your talents with us! I greatly appreciate all the inspiration I get from you! xo's Pam

June said...

Carol these are darling! Useful and so pretty!

Shabby chic Sandy said...

Those books look so pretty--I love them! What a great project :)

Stacy's Shabby Shoppe said...

Clever girl...as usual! xo

Maureen Wyatt said...

More Carol magic! You have a truly artistic eye and the tutorials are impeccable! ~ Maureen

Unknown said...

They turned out nice. I need to dig out my book boxes now.

Sandy

Betty@SouthernGrace said...

Very pretty, must add to my things to watch for again / things I've passed up because I am not as creative as you...list.

Connie said...

Hi Carol, you are always filled with wonderful ideas. This one is absolutely lovely. I'm going to start watching out for these boxes now. You did (as always) a beautiful job . . . you're so creative!
Thanks so much for letting your light shine and sharing your marvelous talents.
Your blogging sister, Connie :)

Stampindamour said...

Carol - these are gorgeous!!!! Love 'em!!!

-PaMeLa ;)

Lululiz said...

They are so pretty, I love that look.

VINTAGE & COUNTRY said...

You never cease to amaze me with your creativity! Everything you do is just BEAUTIFUL! What an eye candy it is to open up your posts every time! :)
Quick question, what MAC program do you use to merge your photos? I have a MAC too, but I'm really bad when it comes to programs. I'd like to be able to use something that's easy to work with.
Thank you so much for all your inspiration!!!! :)

Sherry@Back2Vintage said...

Keep throwing those ideas, Carol! These "books" are beautiful!!!

Heart Vintage Design said...

These are the best looking book boxes I've ever seen!

Celestina Marie said...

Carol I love your book boxes with the vintage wallpaper and graphics. Such a talent you are always thinking outside the box. LOL~~
I too love to create with these little treasures and have painted many over the years. You sure found an awesome set to add your incredible magic.
Happy Creating!!!
CM

Createology said...

Your thrift stores certainly must be better than any we have here...I never see these book boxes and certainly wouldn't get them affordably. Yours are beautiful and I can see how and why they sell so well. Blissful Creating...

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Hello, "Idea Thrower!"
You do come up with great ideas! I always appreciate you sharing them with us!
Getting EXCITED??!! about the wedding! "DAH" LOL!!!
It's great to meet bloggers! I'm very happy to have met you!!!
Warmly,
deb

20 North Ora said...

Carol - These are just beautiful! You did such a great job coordinating the background papers and the prints. Thanks for sharing.

Judy

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

These are just beautiful, Carol! Inspires me!

Unknown said...

These storage boxes are soooo cute!!! Great idea!! Even if you are just the idea thrower!!

chris

Connie said...

Hello dear friend. In regard to the sweet comment you left about my gourd art: Thank you so much . . . but Carol, you forget I've seen the things that you do and I believe you can do anything and do it very well. You are a creative genius.
Have a beautiful autumn weekend, Connie :)

DownTheLaneWithDaisy said...

I love these, Carol. I haven't seen many of these around, but it's on my list now. The wedding is coming up quickly. I bet you're all organized and ready to go. That wedding is going to be wonderful. Lucky dil to have such a creative mil!!!

Silvia said...

I have not seen them before but I love them!!! And you made them even more gorgeous. You have such amazing Ideas

Marlynne said...

And what a neat idea you did throw out! I'm going to be on the look out now for boxes. I've got the wallpaper book!

Debbie said...

I love the new look of these. I've seen the boxes many times in my thrifting, but I had not thought to redesign them to my own style.

(And I have the same problem with ink running if I'm not careful. I've messed up more projects than I can to mention that way.)

Pollyanna said...

Oh My, these are SOOO charming. I think this cover idea would look amazing for old books turned scrap book/smash book!! They would be sweet together on a shelf. Thanks for sharing, you are soooo talented, always love your goodies!

Ann said...

I love these beautiful and romantic book boxes. Wonderful idea.

First Night Design said...

These are enchanting! Thank you for sharing. I have pinned it. http://pinterest.com/pin/166070304980801114/

Little Miss Maggie said...

These are fabulous, Carol. I just love them. You used some of my favorite graphics too.

Chenille Cottage said...

Another incredible creation, Carol...You are amazing! I need to stop by Graphics Fairy more often. My printer is on the fritz and I hate using the one at my hubs office too often.
the wallpaper colors reminds me of the ballerina wallpaper I had in my room as a girl. How I wish I had that paper today.
Dearest Carol...I am NEVER disappointed when I visit your lovely blog!
have a great day, my friend,
Blessings,
Carolynn xo