Learn how to update an old dictionary with a beautiful mesh stencil. This upcycled book can be used to decorate your home in so many fun and simple ways. Read on for all the details…
On one of my thrift store visits, I found a lovely set of old dictionaries for $2! (BTW – have you joined The Salvaged Society yet so you can tag along on my thrifting adventures? More info HERE!) There was no way I could pass them up. Decorating with old books is one of my favorite things to do. But, I usually give them some sort of fun update.
You can use both the dictionary pages, like I did with this dictionary page print, and the book cover, like I am showing you today. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for a big old dictionary like this, so you can make your own stenciled book!
Supplies for old dictionary update
Click on the links to get the exact supplies I used:
- A Makers’ Studio Mesh Stencil – Enjoy the Little Things
- A Makers’ Studio Paint – Almond Daze – in Good Man is Hard To Find
- A Makers’ Studio ChalkArt – Preaching to the Choir – in Metallic Gold and Slow as Molasses
- Squeegee Tool Bundle
- A Makers’ Studio – Matte Sealer
how to update an old dictionary
The first thing I do with any old books I buy is to give them a good cleaning. You can just wipe it down to make sure there is no dust or dirt.
Next up, you want to paint the book cover with the almond daze paint. You don’t have to worry about having full coverage. It actually looks more aged with a lighter paint finish.
The stencil we are using will show up much better on a lighter background.
Stencil the dictionary
Once the paint has dried, it’s time to stencil. Place the stencil on the dictionary so it is centered. If you haven’t worked with A Makers’ Studio stencils yet, they are super easy to work with. Because they are sticky, no tape is needed. And, they are reusable. You can’t beat that!
Start with your main stencil color, which is “slow as molasses”. Apply the chalk art with your squeegee. Pull the chalk across the stencil so it gets in all the open mesh of the stencil.
Next up, use your accent color, “heart of gold” to paint the corners of the stencil.
QUICK TIP: Less is more when working with chalk paste. You can always add more if needed.
age the dictionary cover
Now that the stencil is complete, you want to give a little bit of an aged look to the side of the book, specifically the book pages. Simply water down the “slow as molasses” chalk art to age the pages and change the color from that bright red to a neutral.
You can also seal it with a Matte Finish if you want.
enjoy the little things…
Here is a close up of the finished dictionary book makeover. Doesn’t it look great? This is just a simple reminder that we all can benefit from every once in awhile, right?
HOW TO DECORATE WITH UPCYCLED BOOKS
There are lots of different ways you can decorate with books. Here are a few projects I have shared to get you started, plus a few tips:
This old dictionary looks right at home sitting on a table with a couple of plants and a few other vintage treasures.
I hope you enjoyed this quick and easy craft. Please let me know if you give it a try.
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Very neat idea!