Gilding the Lily

In an earlier post I gave instructions on how to style a bookcase.
This was the result of my styling.

I like the collected-over-time look of my bookcases, but I've always been drawn to the uniform look of the Restoration Hardware bookshelves with the books covered in

a solid color.  Here's one of the shelves I like.

Restoration Hardware

I decided I'd like to give it a try and found some large books at a sale.
My only requirement was that they were all similar heights.
They were perfect for covering.  I purchased some white craft paper on a roll and I was ready to go.  Anyone who has covered a text book can do this.

I measured the width and doubled the measurement.  To that I added the width of the spine plus 8 more inches to allow for the fold overs on the front and back covers.

Next I measured the height and added 4 more inches to allow for the folds on the top and bottom.

I unrolled the craft paper onto my sewing cutting board.  The grid helps me measure  and draw a straight line.  I used my metal square also to make sure all was straight.  I then covered the books with the same method I use for school text books.

Here they are covered.  You know me though, I just couldn't stop there.  It was time to gild the lily.  So much for the Restoration Hardware look.

I decided to add images to the spine of the books.  The first thing I did was copy an old clock face I had.  I then cut it into thirds.

I glued the image to the spine with Mod Podge.
I also top coated the images to protect and seal them.

I really liked how it turned out.
Since I still had more books, I selected another image and cut it in quarters.

I liked this too so I copied some antique architectural bookplates that I had and cut them into strips and applied them to my other books.

You can see that I used three books for the building and decided to turn the two other books with a different architectural print on their sides.  I staged this photo in my laundry room.  I haven't shared that room yet, but I have three over-sized architectural prints in stainless frames.  I thought they would be a good back drop.  The urn and the finial are also part of the laundry room decor.  Underneath the items is a weathered and mottled mirror.

Yes, I'm out of control with this.  I had several vintage cardboard childrens' animal toys.  I decided to copy the elephant, then I cut him into fifths to fit the books I had.

I did a twist with this one.  I had some orange wrapping paper left over from Christmas.  I have to say that it was much easier to work with the wrapping paper.  I also removed the white back ground from the elephant copy before gluing him down.


I think I like the elephant the best.  What's your favorite?

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