Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Who needs Pottery Barn?!

WARNING:  This post contains images that some may find disturbing!

I would strongly suggest that if you are an English Teacher or Librarian you just skip this post.  Continue reading at your own discretion.

Please don't hate me...

I just couldn't help myself.  It seemed like such a good idea and it, well, is just so darn pretty!

Please don't judge me...

By now many of you have seen this:


Pottery Barn book stacks - so very pretty indeed.  But $39.95?  A little steep for my budget (someone please tell my hubby to stop laughing....).  I am also sure you have seen the many knockoffs on others' blogs.  Well, what's a girl to do when she so longs for a vintage book stack and loves to craft?  Oh what to do... what to do...

Are you hating me yet?


It seems that I had these books sitting around, lonely and unread or read and discarded.  So I thought I would give them new (old) life.  And, it was super duper easy!



Disclaimer:  I. Am. Not. A. Book. Hater.  I love books.  I love to read.  And, there actually was some hesitation in, er, ripping the covers off of these books.  Like many of you, it has been drilled into my head that books should be respected and cherished.  And I sure do.  Which is why I can't bring myself to buy an e-reader.  I love the feel, the smell, the ambiance of a good book.  But I digress.

Want to make your own vintage stack of books?  Gather up some lonely books or buy some cheapies at your local thrift shop.  For my stack I used 4 books that I had around the house that I had read and no-one else wanted.  I *gasp* ripped the covers off and used distressing ink around the edges to make them appear old.  Next, I printed off a key graphic from the lovely and generous Graphics Fairy and used mod podge to adhere it to the top book.  I had some vintage lace and seem binding which I used to tie the books together.  I finished it off with some vintage keys and paper roses that I had. 



It was so easy and I love the results.  It now resides on the bottom of my end table.

Please don't hate me.  I just couldn't help myself!  And I ask you, who needs Pottery Barn?

Hugs,
Jacalyn

9 comments:

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

I love making theses and yes, I cannot believe that PB charges so much and they are so plain! (gasp)

Yours looks wonderful.

hugs
Sissie

Shabby Jen said...

See, places like PB and other very well known mass produced type companies that crank out stuff by the boat loads, they go around and copy us!!! They even buy things from us without knowing, so they can see all the components going into our artwork so they can mass produce it.
I normally don't speak outloud negatively like this, but good for you!! Because this little technique was created by some lovely WAHM or someone like that. I sell these for $8 in my booth, but $40!? sheesh!!!
Yours is so beautiful!!! I know you love looking at it.
Have a lovely day, and thank you for the post.

Michelle aka Naila Moon said...

Gasp! You ripped off the covers?
Oh ok, don't cry, I am just joking.
Really they are beautifully done.
Peace...Naila Moon

nancy said...

I used to get Pottery Barn mags and I thought that they're ridiculous in high prices. Yes, oh my that is a great idea. Even put pretty wrapping or scrapbook papers would be a great idea.
Thanks for the head up and ideas.
Nancy

Lisa ~Suburban Retreat~ said...

YOU certainly don't need PB 'cause your book stack looks FAB! Love the addition of the key!

Unknown said...

These are lovely. I love to go to high end placed and see what they have that I can recreate for a fraction of the cost. Great job! I may have to try this myself.

Anonymous said...

I could never hate you! PB charges that much because they can and lots of people don't have the talent you have to make that beautiful piece. :) Missed you at MBeach!! Are the SLS girls going to the beach? xoxo

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Jacalyn,
WOW your creation is by far prettier than the over priced versions from PB. I just love books too, but it does not bother me a bit to create with them.
Love your creative post too.

So nice to see you today. Thank you for stopping by sweet friend.
Have a great evening.
Hugs, Celestina Marie

DollHouse said...

I went into Doll House for a Sherri Hill dress and I had the worst time. The staff was rude and no help to me they made me feel as if I didn’t belong into their store. I well never return there and I am glad I didn’t purchase my dress from that store.

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