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Decorchick!

Pretty Book Decor {A Ballard Knock-Off}

Everyone loves decorating with books.  It’s an inexpensive decor item, especially when you buy them at the thrift stores.

As I was admiring the new Ballard’s catalog the other day, I came across these Antique Book Bundles they are selling.

How easy to recreate those right?  And it won’t cost you $18 or $25 like they are charging for a set.  Just rip off some covers of old books and tie with string.  So that’s what I did.

Pretty, right?  You can stack 3 or 10 books, there’s no right or wrong.  Have fun with it and stack them wherever in your home.  I know some book lovers might be cringing that I tore off book covers, but these don’t have any sentimental value to me since I maybe paid .25 for each of them at the thrift store.  Probably less, but I don’t remember.  But the older, more worn books the better, because it gives more character.

I have these as decor on my winter mantel which I’ll show you soon. :)

Do you love decorating with books too?  It makes me feel educated having books in random places all around the house.  :)

Sharing this post at My Romantic Home, Just a Girl, Tatertots and Jello, Funky Junk Interiors, Between Naps on the Porch, Under the Table and Dreaming and The Shabby Nest.

xxoo,

Decorchick!

Filed Under: Decorating, Spring / Summer Tagged With: Antique Books, ballard designs, ballard's, Books, Decorating books

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« 2011 Realistic Goals
A Winter Mantel »

Comments

  1. Lauren@SimplyLKJ says

    January 6, 2011 at 7:29 am

    Love decorating with books. Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn both have the same bundles in their newest catalogs. When we were recently in the PB store near us, must hubby just about died…they are charging what??? for old books with the covers torn off??? Don’t get me wrong, we love PB, but that is a bit much. I assured him I’d take the less expensive route and go to Goodwill for my books!

    • Decorchick! says

      January 6, 2011 at 3:24 pm

      Haha that’s funny. I can’t believe what they are charging too. I am in love with the new catalogs everywhere! I’ve never seen these books till I got the Ballard’s. So easy!

  2. Tracie @ Gurtler + Home says

    January 6, 2011 at 8:57 am

    That looks really good. I believe if I walked into your home I would think, ‘Hmm, she most really love to read to wear the covers off of those books.’ I would think you were very well read.

    Question though. I see Lauren goes to Goodwill for her books. I seen some worn out books at Antique stores but their still $12 a book which I thought was a little much for the grouping that I would need. Where do you go to find them?

    • Decorchick! says

      January 6, 2011 at 2:07 pm

      Well the books at the antique stores are going to be actually worth something and valuable, so try thrift stores and garage sales for old books. :)

      • Decorchick! says

        January 6, 2011 at 2:08 pm

        Thrift stores are a lot cheaper than Goodwill too.

  3. Mary@home says

    January 6, 2011 at 9:49 am

    What thrift store do you shop at that sells books for .25? Our local Goodwill charges $3 for a hardback – when they told me that, I took them off the checkout counter and put them back. I don’t want to pay $3, even to read them :) I think I need to expand my horizons beyond Goodwill.

    • Decorchick! says

      January 6, 2011 at 2:06 pm

      Goodwill is much more expensive. Try thrift stores and garage sales. :)

  4. Amber O. says

    January 6, 2011 at 10:22 am

    Cute! I’m so doing this. My husband is a librarian, but since he only had a minor fit when I made my book wreath I’m assuming his reaction to this won’t be much different. :)

    • Decorchick! says

      January 6, 2011 at 3:25 pm

      haha, I can only imagine..

  5. Brittany says

    January 6, 2011 at 10:28 am

    Great idea!! I love it. Thanks for sharing. Can I feature this on my blog next week?? little-inspirations.blogspot.com

    • Decorchick! says

      January 6, 2011 at 3:25 pm

      Sure Brittany, go for it! Thanks! :)

  6. Tys says

    January 6, 2011 at 11:24 am

    Ooo… I likey! But man, I don’t know if I’d be able to rip a cover off a book… it seems very taboo to me!

  7. Stephanie@cre8tive says

    January 6, 2011 at 12:01 pm

    This reminded me of when you did the stamping on the books that you saw on Ballard (which I tried my hand at here http://www.cre8tivedesignsinc.com/2010/07/finds-and-altered-art/) I have bought these type of books already done by crafters just out of plain laziness. They were on my “to do” list but I knew I would never get around to it.

    • Decorchick! says

      January 6, 2011 at 3:23 pm

      Hey Stephanie, that link doesn’t work?

  8. Paula Raymond says

    January 6, 2011 at 12:20 pm

    GENIUS!! I will have this on my entry table by the end of the week! THANK YOU! :)

  9. Gloria says

    January 6, 2011 at 2:44 pm

    That’s beautiful. And you can use those covers for altered books as well!!

    • Decorchick! says

      January 8, 2011 at 8:46 pm

      Thanks Gloria! Good idea!

  10. cassie {hi sugarplum} says

    January 6, 2011 at 3:20 pm

    great idea!!! those look lovely…and I can’t wait to see your mantel!

    • Decorchick! says

      January 8, 2011 at 8:46 pm

      Thanks Cassie!

  11. diane says

    January 6, 2011 at 5:24 pm

    I couldnt agree more that books add interest and character to a home. Read my post on the same idea here:http://www.onlinefabricstore.net/blog/5-items-that-make-a-house-a-home/

    Nice pics and looking forward to seeing your mantel.

    • Decorchick! says

      January 8, 2011 at 8:48 pm

      Great article, thanks so much for sharing!

  12. Kim@SandandSisal says

    January 6, 2011 at 7:39 pm

    I’m going to cry! This is too, too easy! I’m headed to the thrift store in the morning! Oh so smart! Love it!

    • Decorchick! says

      January 6, 2011 at 7:43 pm

      Aww don’t cry! haha. Enjoy your thrifting trip! :)

  13. Beth says

    January 6, 2011 at 7:40 pm

    Love it! I did the same thing on my side board display for fall and Christmas and think stacks of books around are fab. Looking forward to seeing your mantel. I need to be inspired for mine!

    • Decorchick! says

      January 6, 2011 at 7:43 pm

      Oh poo, I hadn’t seen it before. Sorry! You’re smart though. :)

  14. Chris says

    January 6, 2011 at 7:42 pm

    I love it! So easy and so inepensive. The best of both worlds, eh?

    • Decorchick! says

      January 6, 2011 at 7:44 pm

      Eh to the eh!

  15. L.Duncan says

    January 6, 2011 at 8:47 pm

    This is something that I have been planning to do myself. Thanks for giving me the push I needed girl! Yours turned out beautifully! I love them Emily!

    • Decorchick! says

      January 8, 2011 at 9:07 pm

      Thanks so much Lakeitha!

  16. Paula @ JC's Loft says

    January 6, 2011 at 9:15 pm

    LOVE this idea! I don’t decorate with books, but I should!!!!!

    • Decorchick! says

      January 8, 2011 at 9:07 pm

      yes, you should. :)

  17. melissa horrisberger says

    January 6, 2011 at 9:27 pm

    wow, this is awsome. So simple and cheap. Forget spending $20.

    • Decorchick! says

      January 8, 2011 at 9:08 pm

      forget about it!

  18. Janelle says

    January 6, 2011 at 9:35 pm

    I couldn’t believe those when I saw them in the catalog! C’mon! You’re right – how easy to do that yourself instead of paying them plus shipping! You done good girl!

    • Decorchick! says

      January 8, 2011 at 9:08 pm

      Thanks Janelle!

  19. Rosalie says

    January 6, 2011 at 11:16 pm

    Charming idea…. I can’t wait to try it. Please come up with more ideas for books. We are all bibliophiles in my family with hardly a shelf to put them on. ^.^)

    • Decorchick! says

      January 8, 2011 at 9:08 pm

      ha, well I’ll be thinking. :)

  20. Tonja says

    January 7, 2011 at 3:37 am

    Love this look…I got lots of old books….a good place to find some is at library books sales…you can fill up a grocery sack for anywhere 3.00-5.00 a bag….if you fill it right you can get lots in there….also you
    can use the book covers to do something like this that Cathe made…
    http://justsomethingimade.com/2010/04/vintage-book-planner-tutorial/
    Happy crafting…
    Tonja

    • Decorchick! says

      January 8, 2011 at 9:10 pm

      Awesome, thanks so much for sharing!!

  21. amandaandandy says

    January 7, 2011 at 9:24 am

    I featured this today on Today’s Top 20!

    Amanda
    todaystoptwenty.blogspot.com

    • Decorchick! says

      January 8, 2011 at 9:11 pm

      Thanks so much Amanda!

  22. Rachael@Lovely Crafty Home says

    January 7, 2011 at 5:24 pm

    Love these! Totally going to make these :) For anyone wondering where to get cheap books, check your local used bookstore- a lot of times they will have a $1 or $2 rack or even a free bin. Would love to see this project on my linky party!

    • Decorchick! says

      January 8, 2011 at 9:11 pm

      Awesome, thanks for the tip!

  23. Leighann says

    January 7, 2011 at 8:43 pm

    Wow! I love how something so affordable (your version, that is!) and simple is still so chic! It’s really pretty! (saw your linkup on Tatertots & Jello)

    • Decorchick! says

      January 8, 2011 at 9:11 pm

      Thank so much Leighann, and thank you for visiting!

  24. Debbie says

    January 7, 2011 at 10:08 pm

    This looks awesome. I saw these tonight in the Ballard’s catalog. I did cringe for a minute when I thought about copying this look and ripping off covers of my books…but then I thought I will go to goodwill tomorrow…there are so many old books there – that no one will ever read – I won’t feel as bad to rip the covers off. Great idea. I am gonna get going on this one.

    • Decorchick! says

      January 8, 2011 at 9:12 pm

      Great Debbie, have fun rippin! :)

  25. April says

    January 8, 2011 at 11:13 am

    This is a great idea! I always see the old books but they have ugly covers…this eliminates my problem! Thanks for sharing. Come link up to my Sew Crafty Saturday Party! ~April

    http://wildflowersandwhimsy.blogspot.com/2011/01/sew-crafty-saturday.html

  26. Jenny says

    January 9, 2011 at 7:17 pm

    Neat idea! I’m getting ready to fill/style a bookcase in my living room, and maybe I’ll use this idea there? Thanks for sharing.

  27. Jeanine at One Cheap B*tch says

    January 9, 2011 at 7:21 pm

    My first comment wouldn’t post so I’m saying this again: I’m totally with you on this one. I saw the BD and Restoration Hardware catalogs over the weekend and laughed when I saw these. I’m totally doing this after my next trip to Goodwill.

    Jeanine

  28. Miss Char says

    January 9, 2011 at 8:28 pm

    I do use books to decorate with and this is a great idea that I haven’t seen before, I love when someone comes up with a good knockoff for decorating. This is one I can pull together in just a couple of minutes. Thanks for sharing.

  29. Machelle says

    January 9, 2011 at 8:44 pm

    Great post! Find it and make it, so much easier than buying it!
    machelle

  30. Susan says

    January 9, 2011 at 10:19 pm

    What a great Ballard knockoff! Thanks for showing us how!

  31. Carrie says

    January 10, 2011 at 5:57 am

    This is such a good looking project!

    I would be honored to have you add it to my blog party

    Amaze Me Monday Blog Party

  32. Michelle @ Faith, Trust, and a Little Pixie Dust says

    January 11, 2011 at 4:57 pm

    I’m a big fan of Ballard also, so I love to see ideas associated with this awesome catalog. Great job!

    Warmly, Michelle

  33. Stephanie Lynn says

    January 12, 2011 at 2:28 am

    These look great! You have found some amazing looking books – I love the color of the pages. {I usually have to dye mine to get them to look like that} Thanks so much for linking to the Sunday Showcase – Hope you have a great week ~ Stephanie Lynn

  34. Living the Balanced Life says

    January 13, 2011 at 9:51 am

    I love this! I saw these in a boutique last week, but didn’t even bother looking at the price tag! I have on OLD bible that is falling apart, but I still have the cover, so I may experiment with doing it with the cover on. Either way, it is an awesome idea!
    Bernice
    There is a God and it isn’t me

  35. Donna says

    January 30, 2011 at 7:14 pm

    great BD knockoff, actually better!

    please visit the blog of a newbie ;)

    http://paintedfresh.blogspot.com/

    ~donna

  36. Marie says

    March 23, 2011 at 12:49 am

    I love decorating with books and these are so charming. Thanks for showing us how it’s done easily (and cheaply). I’m off to the thrift store tomorrow. Hope you’re having a great week :O)

  37. Destiny says

    May 16, 2011 at 7:08 pm

    Well here I was thinking I was soooo smart! Well know I see your just as smart!!! haha! Ohh I LOVE you! We really might be long lost design sisters!!! Going to enter your CW giveaway so we can have matching curtain too! lol!!!

  38. Mindy @ Heart Maine Home says

    May 23, 2011 at 8:19 pm

    I like your version even better than Ballard’s! I was so inspired, I had to give it a go myself. Check it out here, if you want:

    http://heartmainehome.blogspot.com/2011/05/one-book-three-ways-book-wreath-book.html

    I love decorating with books too — simple and easy, but lovely. Thank you for sharing this project!

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  41. Jessica @ Mom 4 Real says

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Trackbacks

  1. A Winter Mantel says:
    January 7, 2011 at 8:50 pm

    […] I propped up the painted and stamped book next to the Ballard inspired stacked books. […]

  2. My Fave Shelter Blogs Part Dos says:
    January 17, 2011 at 6:00 am

    […] Thrifty Decor Chick, is simply DecorChick! The chick is Emily and she had a recent post about a Ballard Design Knock Off. Pretty smart and cheap! Woohoo! Shots for everyone! Oops, it’s a little early for the bar, […]

  3. The Fall Mantel | Decorchick! Changing her world, one project at a time says:
    September 22, 2011 at 3:27 pm

    […] see I have my yarn wreath, the Ballard knock-off books, and a lot of my antique goodies on here like the old window, the scale, and the giant […]

  4. Book Decor Ideas — Saved By Love Creations says:
    March 14, 2012 at 7:01 am

    […] Go see how she went about her Ballard Designs knock off. […]

  5. The Sweet, But Not Too Sweet Valentine’s Day Mantel | Decorchick! Changing her world, one project at a time says:
    January 21, 2013 at 8:59 am

    […] I sat a birdcage (I think from Michael’s or Hobby Lobby?) on top of my Ballard knock-off books. […]

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I’m Emily and love my family, faith, decorating, travel, fashion, and healthy living. And our Goldendoodle Louis, and now two kitties! I can’t wait to share with you more of our imperfect lives, and home. Get cozy and come on in!

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