Altered Books Using IOD Moulds

Altered Books Using IOD Moulds

I wanted to make an altered book but first I had to find some books.  I picked up several fabric hardback books at a local thrift shop.  I used IOD moulds to make my embellishments for my books.  I made two but I am mainly going to focus on the larger one.  

To make my embellishments I used paper clay but you can use any clay that you like.  Then I used regular wood glue to attach them to my book. 

I then painted my books with gesso which accomplishes several different things.  First, it makes a great canvas on which to paint but it also fills in any little gaps or flaws. Once the gesso dried I lightly sanded my books. Then I gave them two coats of chalk paint, sanding after each coat. 

Then I stained the larger book to bring out the details. I took a cloth and started wiping away the stain. 

I then dry brushed my book with my chalk paint until I was happy with the appearance.  

Here is my book displayed with my antique chest. 

As a side note, I have owned this chest for many years and I recently found this metal stand that was perfect to sit my chest on. I added a globe, vintage books, and some Magnolia Home wire baskets off to the side. 

The other book was kind of for me.  I tried different painting techniques on it but I decided I liked it just a solid light pink color.  The paint is called pinkwash and it's perfect for my decor.  

I added a few tiny rhinestones and a blue bow to the pink book.  

I also loved both books simply painted white and I plan to make a few white ones for our master bedroom.

This was a fun project and I am excited about doing more books.  If you are interested in purchasing one please email me at toteacottagepretties@gmail.com. 

Also, this week I wanted to give a shout out to a very dear friend of mine.  You perhaps already know her blog Faith, Grace, and Crafts.  

Doni has a youtube channel at Doni H

Here is a link to Doni's Linktree

https://linktr.ee/faithgracecrafts

You can follow both of us on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/faithgracecrafts/

If you drop by tell Doni that Beverly said hello!!!!

and you can follow Tea Cottage Pretties at

https://www.instagram.com/teacottagepretties/

Be sure to come back soon to see what we have been up to here at Tea Cottage Pretties.

Beverly 

Tea Cottage Pretties

Vintage Stacking Tables Makeover

Vintage Stacking Table Makeover

I recently found this really cool set of vintage stacking tables.  The problem was that the original finish was in bad shape.  These photos don't really show it but the tables were very yellow and there were marks and damages to the finish here and there.  It was difficult to pull the tables apart as well. 

So, I knew I wanted to give them a new life.   

 I started by sanding them and painting them with a food primer. 

For the finish, I choose a DecoArt paint called Vintage.  It is a soft subtle green and oh so pretty.

I gave each table 2 coats of paint and sanded them after each coat. 

Then I added transfers to each table.  The transfers are by Iron Orchid Designs and are intended for flower pots but I thought this set of three transfers would be perfect for my tables. 

And here they are...

I added a wax topcoat to the tables and this makes them slide in and out very easily. 

I think they are super pretty. 

 Great piece of furniture for my Spring decor. 

 Now off to see what else I can find to make beautiful. 

Beverly

Tea Cottage Pretties

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