DIY Altered Readers Digest Books

Someone recently gave me a bunch of old Readers Digest books to use for craft projects. I used them to make vintage style books to be used as Christmas decor. I have to say that this is one of those projects (like so many) that I became a little obsessed with. Sometimes I just can't stop myself, and if one turns out cute, then 12 or so might be even more cute! Well, actually, I didn't make quite that many yet.

Here's how I did it...

I covered the book cover with 2 coats of gesso...

I picked images from the Graphics Fairy website that I wanted for the books and printed them out on regular computer paper. If you use an image with writing, you'll need to print it in reverse.

I coated the front cover of the book with Mod Podge and then laid the image down onto the book...

I used a hotel key card to press the paper firmly onto the book.

You have to work quickly or the paper is difficult to peel up.

Slowly peel the paper off of the book...

If part of the image doesn't transfer, or some of the paper sticks to the book, don't worry, that just adds to the vintage charm once the next step is complete.

Next, I took some dark brown wax and rubbed it over the book with a rag. Anywhere paper is left will be a little darker which enhances the aged appearance.

It would be perfectly fine left as is, but what is Christmas without a little sparkle?!!! So, I added a light coat of Mod Podge, then sprinkled the book with glitter...

It's just the right touch...

Remember, I said I was a little obsessed, so here are a couple more...

For something a little different, I added red and green glitter to this one. Then I glued on a bow I made using a strip of fabric and added a small candy cane

These books are so much fun to make! I think I'll go make a few dozen more!

Linking To:

  Someday Crafts, Sew Much A Do, Ginger Snap Crafts,  Creations By Kara,  Rae Gun Ramblings, Ivy & Elephants,   Seven Thirty Three,  The Shabby Creek Cottage, Seven Alive,  Bear Rabbit Bear Crafts, Made In A Day, Katherine's Corner, Redoux, Chic On a Shoestring,  Simply Sweet Home, The Shabby Nest,  Momnivore's Dilema, Somewhat Simple,   Live Laugh Rowe, Have A Daily Cup Of Mrs Olson, Simply Designing, Truly Lovely,  The Cottage Market,  Funky Junk Interiors, Bowdabra,  Tatertots & Jello,   Blissful & Domestic, A Vision To Remember, Boogieboard Cottage, Lovely Crafty Home, DIY Showoff, Craft-O-Maniac,  DIY Home Sweet Home, Under The Table and Dreaming, Keeping It Simple, Homemaker On A Dime, I Should Be Mopping The Floor, The Dedicated House,  Lines Across, Coastal Charm, Reasons To Skip The Housework, Sugar Bee Crafts, Chef In Training, Nifty Thrifty Things, Cherished Bliss, A Bowl Full Of Lemons, Me & My Boys, Mad In Crafts, Flour Me With Love, Not Just A Housewife,  Today's Creative Blog, Tip Junkie,  Homework, Kammy's Korner,  I Gotta Create,  Thrifty 101,  Lamb Around,  Domestically Speaking,  The Kurtz Corner,     C.R.A.F.T.,  Finding Fabulous, The Answer Is Chocolate, Skip To My Lou, Sumos Sweet Stuff, The Thrifty Home, Or So She Says, Diana Rambles, Adorned From Above,  Cedar Hill Ranch, Classy Clutter, Flutter Buster, Crafty Texas Girls, Twelve O Eight, Nap Time Creations, The Shady Porch, JoJo And Eloise, Hope In Every Season, The Foley Fam,  House Of Hoff,  Our Home Away From Home, Living Well Spending Less, Remodelaholic, A Lived In Home, Flamingo Toes,  VMG206,  Finding Silver Pennies, Mad Cap Frenzy,  Gingerly Made,  Pink When,  Minnette's Maze,  Made To Be A Momma,  Start At Home,  Lil Mrs Tori,  Homecoming,  The Vintage Farmhouse,  Pink Recipe Box,  Sweet Haute,  Table For Seven,  Be Betsy,  It Happens In A Blink,  One Dog Woof, 4 You With Love, A Stroll Thru Life,  A Bright And Beautiful Life,  Crafty Goodies,  Live Love Create,  The Koenigs Create,  Bloom Designs,French Country Cottage, Daisy Cottage Designs, Orchard Girls, Elizabeth Joan Designs, The Scoop, Stone Gable, Knick Of Time, Lou Lou Girls,