This post is about how to recover books for decor. I made simple no-sew faux leather covers that are removable. But I also used a Cricut Maker to custom cut vinyl letters for these cookbooks. If you do not have a way to cut out vinyl letters, you could perhaps hand-letter your cookbooks.
I’m sure everyone has seen books used for decor. You can chalk paint old books, recover books with fabric or buy expensive coffee table books – all to make your decor look more on trend and elevated.
But what about cookbooks? They are not just for looks. Cookbooks get used. But what if you want them to also blend in with your decor?
Check out these cute little cookbooks. They belonged to my mom. Mom did not like to bake or cook; I’m pretty sure she bought them because they were adorable, lol.
We have many cookbooks, but I keep the others put away inside a cabinet.
These, however, are sort of cute. Like a small encyclopedia set for food. I had them out on display, but the color variation would bug me every time I walked by. Yes, I know some call that silly. But when you have a mind like mine; I KNOW I can make things work better for me. So, I indulge.
First Step to Recover Books for Decor
For me, the first step of all my projects is the Discovery Phase. When I think about all sorts of possibilities and then rule out the ideas that are not practical or cost efficient.
First, I measured the width of the books. They are 6-1/8″ square. The spine is 1″. And since I wanted simple “book covers” I also added about 2-3/4″ for each of the “flaps” that would hold the covers in place. All in all, these measurements meant I needed to find a solution that was about 19″ by 6-1/8″ (2.75″+ 6.125″ + 1″ + 6.125″ + 2.75″)
Next, I started thinking about options with these dimensions. Ledger size paper is 11″ x 17″. So that’s too small. Brown butcher paper would be big enough. But the color would be too plain for me. White butcher paper? No, that would get dirty too easily. Perhaps fabric? No, that would require a finished edge and would also get dirty too easily.
I needed something that could be wiped clean. Ah! Leather or faux leather would be perfect!
How I Managed to Recover Books for Décor (in the kitchen)
The idea I had in mind was a wrap-around cover without the need for glue or anything complicated. Loose covers – very much like the dust jacket you often find on hardback books.
Now I just needed to find the right leather or faux leather. Then I spotted this beautiful faux leather remnant with a slight shimmer. (Anyone who knows me, knows I will go with the shimmer every time.) THIS will be perfect for my cookbooks!
Cutting the Faux Leather to Recover Books for Decor
I am lucky because my paper cutter will accommodate materials up to 24″ wide and it will cut through leather! (It is an AMAZING cutter with awesome precision!!)
Before making any cuts, it’s always a good idea to determine which way you should cut your materials to get the best outcome.
For me, in this case, I had 5/8″ of a yard by 54″. So my piece of faux leather was 22.5″ x 54″. I put the 22.5” wide side into the cutter and sliced off (5) 6-1/8” sections (remember each book is 6-1/8″ high and I have 5 books). This left me with a single piece of scrap to be used elsewhere. Which is much better than several small scrap pieces that don’t allow you to do very much.
And now that I had (5) manageable pieces of leather, I sliced them from 22.5” down to 19” total length.
Using My Cricut Maker to Recover Books for Decor
You can’t tell from the photos but my vinyl is this beautiful orange shimmer.
I laid out all 5 labels (in Cricut Design Space) to cut them all in one pass with my Cricut. I wanted the font as large as possible. But considering the spine of the books, my words could not exceed 1” high nor exceed 6-1/8” total width.
I used the longest book name (worse-case scenario) to establish the font size. Then proceeded to type in the (4) remaining names. Since I wanted consistent placement on each spine. I made sure all my labels were left aligned in Cricut Design Space.
I also made sure to select a simple font that would be easy to weed on vinyl and easy to transfer.
Once the labels were cut, I weeded each one.
Attaching the Labels to the Shimmer Fabric
I cut out each label to the same size. Then using the brayer, I laid down consistent pieces of transfer tape on each label and removed the labels from the vinyl backing. (This makes consistent alignment on the book spines so much easier.)
With the shimmer leather already wrapped around each book, I was able to tell exactly where to place the labels so they would be properly aligned on the spines.
I used the transfer tape as my alignment guide and the brayer to make sure I had good contact on the shimmer leather.
And That Was It!
Here’s a look at the finished set. Now I need to find the time to make something yummy!
You can easily modify the dimensions for your size book(s). But when you’re calculating the total length, be sure to add front cover; back cover; spine and about 5-6″ extra so you have enough for the wrap around. Please see the wrap-around example below.
And if you’re stuck, please send me a comment maybe we can figure something out together??
Materials List for 5 Books (each book is 6-1/8” square with a 1” spine)
5/8 yard of faux leather (since my faux leather was meant for upholstery it was 54” wide)
Vinyl for use with Cricut (to cut the letters for the covers)
Tools Used
Professional Rotatrim Paper Cutter (but it cuts leather too)
Take Away
If you are not happy with the way something looks and its within your power to change it, why not?
Here’s to changing what is not working for you and Making it Fabulous!
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