G’day! Thanks for the photography feedback, very much appreciated. As ever.
How are you?
Oh I have had a lovely day…full of junkin’. As simple and as unpretentious as that.
And even though I was surrounded by vintage things that made my heart skip a beat, some I have to say, I had to pass up…this my sweeties is one small ratty old cottage with a garage full of furniture and one resident Mr Beach Cottage who well might combust should I bring home yet another weathered old cupboard.
But of course I could manage to smuggle a few vintage books in could I not?
And so, on my junkin’ adventure today I did just that, I fulfilled a void in my life that has long irked me, the one that involves decorating with old falling apart books.
Yep, much found on vintagey blogs and much renowned in many a decorating magazine, I needed to bundle up a pile of old books and have them sitting on the side all pretty..
And this my friends is all too easy a little escapade to do…spend a wonderful time thrifting in peace with no-one annoying you…grab a few old books, tie up with some pretty ribbon and voila you are decorating extra-ordinaire!
and what I didn’t expect with this little delve into all things vintage reading material was that on days when I want to just simply surround myself with the faded things from days-gone-by rather than the tumult of everyday living, days like today, hunting for them, and more bringing home a big old box of them fills me with that kinda feeling you get when the rain is pelting down against raggedy windows but all inside is secure…ya know?
And I think something about that feeling of a pile of old books, faded old pages, battered binding is in contrast to the fast-lane life some of us find we are unwittingly living…it’s just that sometimes, rather than kindle (don’t even get me started on that) and iphone, you, sometimes, want to almost rebelliously, positively squander in the modesty of old things…made with love, made to last….
And that ladies, is the beauty of what we have here…a delicious conglomeration of texture, ageing, patina, and workmanship all wrapped up in what we call….an old book…
…of course it’s almost double the pleasure when teamed with a vintage bottle and a white flower
Umm I have an old vintage chair to show you too from my adventures, sadly, oh-so-very-sadly it is not a wing-backed or of course, should you prefer it, wing-back chair…that was for sure a let down and a lesson for me in not raising one’s thrifting-dance expectations…
and I have a whole box of vintage bottles, complete with old lettering and beautiful fading, plus and purrrlease pause here for emphasis, genuine ceramic old-style stoppers…hoping to do something with those in the next few days
So, with these old books, I my sweet BC’ers will be checking out from here and say adieu
…oh and just to let you know, without wishing, of course, to blow it, these, for sure, will be making the header…
let me know what you think about collecting old books and what you do with them ‘cos errm what I declined to say, and what I am seriously keeping hidden in the back of my wardrobe, is that the sweet little cluster of old books you see above is actually a miniscule amount of the vintage beauties I came home with and now, of course, I am wondering quite on earth what I will do with them.
So long
p.s. thanks for the Cockney feedback & emails..yep and I think Tricia Rose coined it…sometimes such brazenness can only be met with a face like a flounder….I will of course, being the happy soul haha that I am, have to work on that
My heart did a little fip-flop when I saw those books! Now, I want to visit the many antique shops heree in this seaside area of Maine to look just for them! Love the way you made them look like a pile of schoolbooks a child wuld carry to class.
But, Sarah, I have to confess that as much as I love books, I also love the convenience of my Kindle. I feel like a traitor, but, there it is!
Sarah, I love old books, new books anybooks as decoration. I know people who buy antique books purely for decoration but we have so many thousands of books in my tiny terrace that we cannot indulge that. I’d love to, however! And I’m not a kindle lover. That’s way too high-tech for me. Hope all is well. xx
They look gorgeous all trussed up with that pretty ribbon! Nice find, and I am not surprised at all that you have a large , secret stash hiding in your cupboard…
I wouldn’t have a clue what to do with the rest of them, but I have faith that you will come up with a truly genius plan! Flick
ooohhhh what a perfect pile of non fun-paced living……these are your header photos hon!!
these are the photos to sit alongside my still fave- the white chair in the sea photo
love your crate of vintage bottles…..i have been collecting my vintage milkbottles from the local farm our milk is delivered from…
on the last- in pale blue typeface it stated- all lovely and scratched and old- to *deliver to your doors in all weathers*…how lovely {& essential !} is that….
can’t believe you got stoppers as well you jammy gal!
x
pop over for a little summer vintage parade sighing with a cup o’tea if you want a moment of home – the brits do a vintage parade so well……
I came across a wedding that was chock-full of vintage books and I fell in love! Something about them feels nostalgic and romantic. It would be awesome if you could find old copies of books that actually mean something to you. Love this!
I’m knowing so, so well what you mean with your words
“rain pelting down on raggedy windows, but all inside is secure”
It… is the best, best, feeling in the world. It can’t be described,
it has to be felt.
The books!! A visual feast to feed the imagination.
There’s nothing quite like a stack of old books to evoke the feel of home. I use them a lot…on tables, on shelves, etc. I do like how you tied them together…with the flowers. Peaceful… Beautiful photos!!!!
Love classic style new or old books. Leather bound even better! I’ve been decorating with them for some time. For you Sarah, being a writer extraordinaire, books must mean quite a whole lot. I’m still waiting for your book to come out. ; )
I think I ought to tell you that I constantly steal your decorating ideas.
With absolutely no hint of shame, too!
Thanks for the never ending inspiration! My budget (and husband) are very very very happy…
xxx
I love to use books as sort of a “riser.” Stack them up and put a porcelain flower on them, or make a big stack of books for the alarm clock instead of a bedside table.
My very favorite use of old books and ledgers is as a decorating scrapbook. Splash some paint on a page, clip a piece of fabric, lace, etc, and you have a record of your project. Remove the odd page to use somewhere else, or to decrease bulk. Cut a big hole in the middle of fifty or so pages, smear white glue on the edges and you have a shadowbox.
Love the pics…
What a great idea for decorating! I have a ton of books (some old, some newer) out in the garage and have been dying to bring them in and give them a place. Never thought of bundling them up with a ribbon to display a few favorites. Guess I might have to take a trip on out to the garage…
I agree with all you have said about the special feelings associated with old books and all things worn with age and loved by time. As a long time collector ….hundreds and hundreds of books…some to read…some to admire the colors or covers….I understand the attraction!
Wonderful photos…great post!
I have a small collection of old books…some handed down by my grandmothers(like Louisa May Alcott’s…those are my treasures) and then some I’ve collected from our local vintage shops…we’ve read most of them during our homeschooling days. There really is nothing like an old book or stacks of them.
I also have a small collection of vintage books. Several I purchased in Scotland. Right now I have three of them stacked with a small teacup and saucer on top. It always cheers me when I see it.
That last shot is gorgeous! All nice and symmetrical….
As for the old books, I LOVE books, but my collection (usually) consists of books I want to read. So many are new/paperbacks with not so lovely covers. But I love books on shelves, all lined up for everyone to see, where anyone can pick them up, hold them, smell them….I don’t like it when they are tucked away in in cabinets, no way!
…’a delicious conglomeration of texture, ageing, patina and workmanship’, what a wonderful description! As I approach middle age I would love to be described in this way!!
Great job Sarah!
I just did a blog post today about so more vintage linen and book finds I found this weekend! I love books…especially when their old and ratty…I can’t grasp the kindle…I want the worn pages and to “feel” them in my hands and to throw around in my bag. I want to be able to mark them up if I want. My dear hubby purchased an old bible from early 1800′s for me for my birthday this year and I love how the lettering is all raised and it has the families history and notes all in it!
Just love old books
for decorating, just as you have done, they are a nice display,
have seen college kids using them to create storage shelves with big planks
but for creative types like me – they can become picture frames or trinket boxes or handbags or an altered book, nothing i like more than to give a darling old book a new way to shine
I love old books- I usually look for titles of old classics that I want my children to read, they are usually pretty easy to come by.
I like to pile up similar colours together. A stack of red books looks great and some blue books of differing sizes really pops, particularly with a lamp beside it – speaks sit down relax and read- one of my great passions!
Well Sarah, I can’t believe it; the other day I reported I too found a great vintage bottle. Today I found just one thing worthy of coming home with me; A vintage French novel to add to my collection on my also newly acquired antique white table with drawer and beautiful pulls. So, there are 4 French books there now sitting at different angles. I love my little stack. What do you think we’ll be bringing home next? I’ll be going to outdoor sales this Friday and Saturday. A girl’s gotta look forward to some great finds. (I better be finding some since that’s the business I’m in.)
Hi Sarah, I also love old books. They are wonderful for “elevating” a lamp, etc. I sometimes have trouble getting the old musty smell out of them. That I can’t have – musty smell! Makes me sneeze. . .
love your book stack tied up with ribbon!
i’ve been looking for some vintage books & old bottles & jars & bottles. i think you inspired me to go to vinnies yesterday, but no good stuff there..might try some 2nd hand bookshops… does anyone know where to find mason ball jars in australia? lots on US ebay but so expensive to post!
Oh Sarah this post spoke volumes…..I adore books (my mum has been a 2nd hand book dealer for years) and I have a small pile (among many) that I have inherited/bought sitting on a side table propping up a vintage lamp and an antique cup/saucer set that my nana gave to me. One of them is a children’s nursery rhyme/fairy tale book that I still read to my children even though it is near to falling apart. The illustrations in it are exquisite, and it holds such a dear place in my heart. I think books should be displayed proudly, not hidden away.
I love old books (and new) too. I have a whole collection of old nature and science books in a glass front bookcase along with some outdoorsy things. They are also stacked all over my house. I may have to try wrapping some up in ribbon. I like the contrast of the pretty ribbon with the worn texture of the book covers. Lovely as usual!
Love how your books look. Sometimes they are helpful – when I have a too-small lamp that needs some more presence, I just set the little lamp on a stack of books and it gives the height I need!
These look so pretty with their crisp new ribbon! Love it. I love the lilac covered one in there..it adds a little somethin’ to the grouping..so pretty.
I love reading a “real” book but would love a Kindle or I-Pad for travel reading..so much lighter.
Sue
LOOOOOVE the old books with the flowers!! I’m a diehard bookfreak. I will go without a lot of things before going without more books. Hence we had to put a library in our house. But I do love the idea of tying them with ribbon…such a sweet idea!
Oh sometimes, well actually most of the time I want to laugh in the face of the ‘fast-lane life’ and ignore it all. Kindle… ah I am so um..dumb I had to google it to know what it was!! Give me real books anytime, I want to slow down and live life at a slower pace. Sit back relax and enjoy it. Would love the ‘simple life’
Love the old books, I have quite a few ‘stacks’ of books dotted around my home.
Gorgeous photos.
Alison
I love old books, and if they’re too fragile to read, I do the same thing with them and wrap them up with ribbon and display them. Love they way you did it.
Blessings,
Marcia
I will disagree with you here. I collect girls’ school stories and Biggles books. If there is a pile of them around, it’s because I’m going to read them. I think there’s something fake, or artificial, in having piles of old books around which are never read. It is a different matter if they are books you collect or that are otherwise meaningful to you. And don’t get me started on people who rip plates out of books and decoupage them!
I love the look of old books like that – but i have to say i sometimes agree with the commenter above me in that I sometimes think there is something artificial about having books around for decoration, not to be read. (But, I did major in English and am a major bookworm, so maybe that is just because I am jealous that you have the SPACE to beautifully stack antique books and I have whole stacks of books for my job/spare time piled everywhere and they are NOT sightly!) That being said, I oh so very much love the look of antique books. i have a couple armloads of books like those from my grandparents or my dad’s childhood, but it would never have occurred to me to decorate with them. now it has! thanks!
I will never be a Kindle- user! Give me the feel of a book anyday, like to be able flip pages, turn the corner down and highlight sayings or quotes. Can’t do that with a kindle, they just seem too impersonal! I like to have book sitting around for people to pick up and look at. Can’t swap kindles with friends. Oh well, just call me old fashioned or out of tune with technology! Love my books!
Books have given so much pleasure to so many forever. I like the feel of a book in my hand all summer. I love how people who have small libraries in their homes, have books on shelves for anyones pleasure. Books they have enjoyed and now decorate their shelves! They essentially have devoted and decorated an entire room to reading.
I take great pleasure in finding an old first edition of one of my favorite stories as a child, such as “Black Beauty.” This kind of find is not taken lightly, I would barely even turn the pages of it. In true respect of an old vintage favorite the BEST thing you can do with it is decorate!
I love how you have wrapped them in ribbon as you would a precious gift. Way to go Sarah.
Luckily, in this world today we don’t have to choose between Kindle and books, between old and new, between paperback and hardbound. I love and use them all! These photos are gorgeous and inspiring, and my old books are cherished treasures, but the Kindle version of “God Is An Englishman” is much easier to manage on the treadmill than is the thick paperback version. It’s all good!
G'day! I'm Sarah, I live in a tatty old cottage, near the sea in Australia with a battered old deck & a big old fig tree out the back...stripped wooden floors, old sash windows & a jumble of vintage furniture. [Read More …]
Beach Cottage ladies, we have some vintage linen and some wood/twig washed up on the beach today here in Beach Cottage Land….don’t say I don’t keep you entertained now will you . Come on in. So, yep I have posted about colanders on this blog, about things sourced from the side of the road, about [...]
G'day ladies, let's have a Too Easy Beach Cottage recipe yeah? The original place for Too Easy Recipes on the web ;-)
So, after my last salad went down a storm in my inbox, that's here if you missed it, I had to do this one seeing as I make it most weeks.
There is a problem with this salad and kiddos though...it looks, well, it looks, kinda yucky...but once they try it, they'll ask if and when they are next having it....at least that's what happens in this ratty old cottage...but I must interject here that my kiddos are 'good eaters'? ...they didn't get a choice in that ;-)
Now, stop, don't start running and hitting that next on your blog reading list, pulses are your best friend in the Too Easy Dump & Go kitchen for the busy mum, or busy anyone for that matter...that reminds me I must blog the garlic canneloni Go To for when you forgot to do dinner, feel like a bath but have three ravenous young Beach Cottage Kiddos on your hands...another day.
I am almost embarrassed to tell you how easy this is, we have it so much that I always have a couple, make that six, cans of lentils around and a jar of goat's cheese in the fridge...the great thing about this is that it's all too easy to get ready in just a few minutes, but it looks, tastes and seems like you did oh so very much more than that.
You can obviously too change it up a bit depending on what you have to hand in your kitchen, and I must say that is how I settled on this version...because one day when I made it I didn't have enough Parsley in the garden and so I chucked in some basil too, and liked the Summer feel it added.
I think of this as being a rather posh salad, not sure why, because it couldn't really be further from the truth...the great thing is that it works so well for an average run of the mill day, (when I did this for this blog post, it was a hot Sydney Sunday and I did it just simply to go with Rosemary & Garlic stuffed pork, you can see that pork here),
...but just as easily it works on a regular old Wednesday night when you have lost all enthusiasm for rustling up yet another meal, or indeed on Saturday night, when your friends are on their way over for dinner and you my friend, are in your new vintage inspired clawfoot bathtub (that's me in a few weeks time, k?) without any clothes on, a tipple and no idea what to cook for dinner...
I have a complicated and ever-changing relationship with goat's cheese...it never fails me in its performance and it never fails to impress me (you can find out a bit more on what I like in food here if you like) and I kinda collect it...because it's very easy to collect and has a fairly long fridge-life, I love trying out different ones and there's not many things I love more than goat's cheese on sourdough...but I think the best thing about it is not thinking about it exclusively in the toast/salad department...I've stuffed it in chicken and all sorts of things as a last minute and it's been fab.
But let's get down to the nitty gritty of this super salad that makes you look like an angel who has been on her knees all day scrubbing the front step when really you are in the digital world and spent most of ...
G'day Beach Cottage ladies, howdy, howdy howdy today for a Beach Cottage Too Easy recipe.
If you like cake, cream, sugar and chocolate, make this.
This is, rather than a recipe, a putting it together...as you know I am no dessert maker, but, I do make quite a few sweet things, because, somehow I have ended up with kiddos, who in their roles as offspring, believe that part of the deal, is that not only do I feed them a home-cooked meal with a few homegrown ingredients in there, yes, they also believe that dessert and not the kind that comes out of a packet is included too in this All-Inclusive Deal they call Parenthood.
So, this, for sure, is no culinary masterpiece, but if you are looking for something that is so very easy, dump-able, uses everyday ingredients and at the same time makes you look like you spent hours pulling things together plus tastes good....well, then this is for you.
Best though, you don't make this for yourself, if you have spent the most part of your week sitting on your derriere reading blogs...this my friend ain't low in the calories department...if, however, you are treating yourself to a delight in a mason jar, this is so for you.
I first had a version of this when at dinner back in Old Blighty with a girl, I once, in another life, caught the train up from our village to London with...she was a funny thing really...I am not quite sure how we got on...she was kinda prissy and a bit bothered by too much...I would run to the train flustered, having got up late, and she would have a spreadsheet on the train times, if you know what I mean.
Anyway, a few years later when we both had bambinos, I bumped into her again and we met up for playdates and dinner sometimes....this particular night, after a lovely meal she served up little bowls of creamy, cakey fruity stuff topped off with chocolate flake...it was delicious!
She didn't serve hers in little jars like this, hers were in a champagne glass and not quite so layered as these ones, plus she used tinned fruit not fresh or frozen.
Years later when said offspring kept requesting dessert, one day I wangled together somehow these from what was around in the fridge and they've been with us ever since.
Most likely, if you ever come here for dinner, and shock horror, you dont' bring the dessert with you, this, if you are lucky, will be what you will get.
Throw it all together, sprinkle a lil bit of chocolate on the top and the blog reading past-time you so rudely left in order to make this, is my friend, your oyster.
Beach Cottage Too Easy Layered Raspberry, Cream & Sponge Dessert
1 small maderia or butter cake or a pack of cupcakes (or of course make your own)
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/4 cup sugar
8 tbsp fruit
1 x chocolate Flake or chocolate bar for grating
1. beat the cream cheese until it is soft
2. whip the cream until soft peaks form
3. combine & add the sugar through
4. cut your cake into portions
& layer into the bottom of your jar
5. add a tablespoon of fruit
6. layer on top the cream combo
7. repeat
8. grate chocolate or Flake on top
*Beach Cottage Recipe Notes : this is just a guide really, you can use any cream that you have on hand...I have made this with clotted cream (don't even go there unless you want to seriously get these babies on your thighs), with double cream and I have even, in desperate times squirted in that, ...
G'day Beach Cottage ladies, well I thought it was time for some blogging tips here today, alongside a few nice flowers and shells ;-)
I was recently part of a blogger discussion group over at Kidspot and a couple of hours later had a few questions from girls who couldn't make it to the live chat, one was on my Facebook page and one via email, the Facebook one I will deal with in another Real Girl Blogging Tips post...the email one asked me what essentials do I think every blog needs?
Well I have been around here for a while now doing the blogging thing, so I should know this, yeah and I mused this on my walk by the sea this morning I thought well what do you only need?
...I think it is really very easy when blogging, whether or not you are blogging up there in the lofty heights of the Super Bloggers or you are just dipping your toe in the water, to get side-tracked by 101 million different things that are 'essential' to your blog and if you are someone like me who actually gets a thrill from reading blogging tips then you are in an even worse place because you will find yourself literally buzzing with these essential things to add/do/implement on your blog.
However, walking along, gulping down that brisk sea air today (no sunshine & clouds) I thought you actually don't need any of that professional blogging stuff to be successful...but there are a few things that are pretty much crucial ...and once I started to think about it I got it down to about 5 - these are the only things that you need to concentrate on...once you have read through take a look at some of the big girl's blogs...you'll see that actually they don't have bundles of stuff on their blogs...but they do have all of these...
So here are my top things that your blog must have
1. About Page
There are all sorts of About Pages out there, and if you search on it there are many different tips and ideas for what to have on yours
Whatever blogging platform you use, adding an About Me Page is easy, quick and simple and will do everything to grow your blog.
I like a long-ish About Page, I am inherently nosy and I like to know a bit more about the person but at the least you should have on it your name and where you are located. I also think a photo is good too...over the last year or so I think this has become more important in blogging - if you are hesitant about that as I was, you can try using sunglasses or a behind shot until you get comfortable.
There is nothing worse than stumbling upon a new blog and going to find out more to only be faced with a piddly little one liner About Me Page...well there is something worse, not having one at all!
2. Contact Page
The chances are someone, somewhere will want to contact you and you will be surprised what lands in your inbox once you put yourself out there on the world wide web with a blog.
Many bloggers also use this page to include details for PR's/brands that may want to contact them and some bloggers put their stats on there too.
A short, to the point and simple Contact Page works really well...whenever I have wanted to contact another blogger I am often very busy and have limited time so I don't want to hang around sifting through information looking for an email address, so concise and clear ...
G'day lovely Beach Cottage lovelies.
So, yeah, so on a roll people, so on a roll.
I feel kinda home accessory wired right now.
I am always telling people, if anyone ever listens, that blogging is all about passion, not that sort of passion, but about passion that makes one tick.
Things like this make me tick tick boom.
I love finding things that suit my budget and let me treat my home but look amazing too.
So without further adieu I introduce you, ladies of the beach, to the blue vintage glasses that I have been stroking for about a week or two now...
These glasses are from a little boutique I sometimes happen upon, this boutique sells also pet accessories, carpet cleaner, bras and compost...it's quite unique though.
And, thanks to my friend Marnie (she blogs over here, go take a look at her praying position, interesting), who just so happens to be one day having me over for a lil' Greek dinner, has let me in on the fact that we call Kmart....The KMart...with an accent ....as in 'I love The KMart'...just like her MIL does. Oh yeah. Love that.
So I have had my eye on reproduction vintage glass blue wine glasses and being trying to find real true vintage blue glasses for like ever.
Oh yes I have spied them in Frenchy boutiques, I have lusted after them in stores that I shouldn't even enter and I have put them back pretty quickly in those shops with the hand-written price tags. C'mon, you know the ones.
And, though all of the above have tempted me, muchly, really, even with my wardrobe stashing skills I just thought that, actually, I'd rather be saving that casherooni for our next trip overseas..
Hello The KMart.
Tick Tick Boom
Vintage style blue wine glasses.
Do not come to my old place and think you might pick up one of these and smile with pleasure at their handblown quality, their weight, and be secretly jealous that my wine glasses cost more than your car...friend, that would not happen...these do not feel like that...indeed these in a funny way reminded me of my baby girl, she was a tiny little thing, with stick legs, the tinsssssssiest ankles and wrists you ever did see, she slept sideways in her cot wedged in between rolled up blankets and would only settle attached to Mr Beach Cottage or I or a (dirty) pj top of mine scrunched up under her nose...the first few times I picked her up to cuddle, being used to Honeymoon Baby who weighed in at 9lbs at birth and has never really stopped growing, I nearly threw her little bird-cum-rat down covered body over my shoulder.
These glasses are like that...be careful or you might lose your wine down the front of your shirt.
But oh baby, we are not talking picking up here, we are not talking quality, we are not talking house accessory snobbery.
Beach Cottage ladies, we are talking aesthetics.
And this is what I need in my cottage.
Blue vintage style glass, paired with coastal / nautical / beach stuff on my deck.
It's The KMart.
Tune in tomorrow, tomorrow, I have more budget foofing for your home, or maybe it will be the dress that wraps me up in supermarket-chic and makes me feel like me again.
Good Day to you my friends, wanna come hang out on my deck, talk house accessories, The KMart and drink some wine from blue glasses?
Sarah
My heart did a little fip-flop when I saw those books! Now, I want to visit the many antique shops heree in this seaside area of Maine to look just for them! Love the way you made them look like a pile of schoolbooks a child wuld carry to class.
But, Sarah, I have to confess that as much as I love books, I also love the convenience of my Kindle. I feel like a traitor, but, there it is!
Sarah, I love old books, new books anybooks as decoration. I know people who buy antique books purely for decoration but we have so many thousands of books in my tiny terrace that we cannot indulge that. I’d love to, however! And I’m not a kindle lover. That’s way too high-tech for me. Hope all is well. xx
I am *so* nicking that idea. It’s a perfect idea for my mantlepiece to go with my collection of vintage bottles. And I agree re: Kindle. Ugh.
They look gorgeous all trussed up with that pretty ribbon! Nice find, and I am not surprised at all that you have a large , secret stash hiding in your cupboard…
Flick
I wouldn’t have a clue what to do with the rest of them, but I have faith that you will come up with a truly genius plan!
ooohhhh what a perfect pile of non fun-paced living……these are your header photos hon!!
these are the photos to sit alongside my still fave- the white chair in the sea photo
love your crate of vintage bottles…..i have been collecting my vintage milkbottles from the local farm our milk is delivered from…
on the last- in pale blue typeface it stated- all lovely and scratched and old- to *deliver to your doors in all weathers*…how lovely {& essential !} is that….
can’t believe you got stoppers as well you jammy gal!
x
pop over for a little summer vintage parade sighing with a cup o’tea if you want a moment of home – the brits do a vintage parade so well……
I came across a wedding that was chock-full of vintage books and I fell in love! Something about them feels nostalgic and romantic. It would be awesome if you could find old copies of books that actually mean something to you. Love this!
errm ya I know what you mean! but I guess all books mean something to me..just the feel of them, the oldness…the history
I’m knowing so, so well what you mean with your words
“rain pelting down on raggedy windows, but all inside is secure”
It… is the best, best, feeling in the world. It can’t be described,
it has to be felt.
The books!! A visual feast to feed the imagination.
There’s nothing quite like a stack of old books to evoke the feel of home. I use them a lot…on tables, on shelves, etc. I do like how you tied them together…with the flowers. Peaceful… Beautiful photos!!!!
Jane (artfully graced)
Love classic style new or old books. Leather bound even better! I’ve been decorating with them for some time. For you Sarah, being a writer extraordinaire, books must mean quite a whole lot. I’m still waiting for your book to come out. ; )
I think I ought to tell you that I constantly steal your decorating ideas.
With absolutely no hint of shame, too!
Thanks for the never ending inspiration! My budget (and husband) are very very very happy…
xxx
I love to use books as sort of a “riser.” Stack them up and put a porcelain flower on them, or make a big stack of books for the alarm clock instead of a bedside table.
My very favorite use of old books and ledgers is as a decorating scrapbook. Splash some paint on a page, clip a piece of fabric, lace, etc, and you have a record of your project. Remove the odd page to use somewhere else, or to decrease bulk. Cut a big hole in the middle of fifty or so pages, smear white glue on the edges and you have a shadowbox.
Love the pics…
What a great idea for decorating! I have a ton of books (some old, some newer) out in the garage and have been dying to bring them in and give them a place. Never thought of bundling them up with a ribbon to display a few favorites. Guess I might have to take a trip on out to the garage…
I agree with all you have said about the special feelings associated with old books and all things worn with age and loved by time. As a long time collector ….hundreds and hundreds of books…some to read…some to admire the colors or covers….I understand the attraction!
Wonderful photos…great post!
Oh Sarah, all I have to say today is this:
TODAY’S POST CAPTUrES THE ESSENCE OF WHAT YOUR BLOG IS ALL ABOUT!xx
Love those books!! I love to collect old books from meaningful people in my life that have passed on. Great way to display and remember them.
I have a small collection of old books…some handed down by my grandmothers(like Louisa May Alcott’s…those are my treasures) and then some I’ve collected from our local vintage shops…we’ve read most of them during our homeschooling days. There really is nothing like an old book or stacks of them.
Gorgeous Sarah! I love how you wrapped them up like a present! Might have to steal that idea, if you don’t mind! Have a wonderful day!
XO
Kristin
I also have a small collection of vintage books. Several I purchased in Scotland. Right now I have three of them stacked with a small teacup and saucer on top. It always cheers me when I see it.
That last shot is gorgeous! All nice and symmetrical….
As for the old books, I LOVE books, but my collection (usually) consists of books I want to read. So many are new/paperbacks with not so lovely covers. But I love books on shelves, all lined up for everyone to see, where anyone can pick them up, hold them, smell them….I don’t like it when they are tucked away in in cabinets, no way!
…’a delicious conglomeration of texture, ageing, patina and workmanship’, what a wonderful description! As I approach middle age I would love to be described in this way!!
Great job Sarah!
From the aussie english housewife.
I love old books. I search every thrift shop for the oldest ones…I love the look.
Lovely photos!
I just did a blog post today about so more vintage linen and book finds I found this weekend! I love books…especially when their old and ratty…I can’t grasp the kindle…I want the worn pages and to “feel” them in my hands and to throw around in my bag. I want to be able to mark them up if I want. My dear hubby purchased an old bible from early 1800′s for me for my birthday this year and I love how the lettering is all raised and it has the families history and notes all in it!
Just love old books
for decorating, just as you have done, they are a nice display,
have seen college kids using them to create storage shelves with big planks
but for creative types like me – they can become picture frames or trinket boxes or handbags or an altered book, nothing i like more than to give a darling old book a new way to shine
I love old books- I usually look for titles of old classics that I want my children to read, they are usually pretty easy to come by.
I like to pile up similar colours together. A stack of red books looks great and some blue books of differing sizes really pops, particularly with a lamp beside it – speaks sit down relax and read- one of my great passions!
Well Sarah, I can’t believe it; the other day I reported I too found a great vintage bottle. Today I found just one thing worthy of coming home with me; A vintage French novel to add to my collection on my also newly acquired antique white table with drawer and beautiful pulls. So, there are 4 French books there now sitting at different angles. I love my little stack. What do you think we’ll be bringing home next? I’ll be going to outdoor sales this Friday and Saturday. A girl’s gotta look forward to some great finds. (I better be finding some
since that’s the business I’m in.)
Hi Sarah, I also love old books. They are wonderful for “elevating” a lamp, etc. I sometimes have trouble getting the old musty smell out of them. That I can’t have – musty smell! Makes me sneeze. . .
Question, do you have any mem readers?
Make that MEN readers. lol
love your book stack tied up with ribbon!
i’ve been looking for some vintage books & old bottles & jars & bottles. i think you inspired me to go to vinnies yesterday, but no good stuff there..might try some 2nd hand bookshops… does anyone know where to find mason ball jars in australia? lots on US ebay but so expensive to post!
Oh Sarah this post spoke volumes…..I adore books (my mum has been a 2nd hand book dealer for years) and I have a small pile (among many) that I have inherited/bought sitting on a side table propping up a vintage lamp and an antique cup/saucer set that my nana gave to me. One of them is a children’s nursery rhyme/fairy tale book that I still read to my children even though it is near to falling apart. The illustrations in it are exquisite, and it holds such a dear place in my heart. I think books should be displayed proudly, not hidden away.
Again, your photos captive me.
I love old books (and new) too. I have a whole collection of old nature and science books in a glass front bookcase along with some outdoorsy things. They are also stacked all over my house. I may have to try wrapping some up in ribbon. I like the contrast of the pretty ribbon with the worn texture of the book covers. Lovely as usual!
Why… Read them all of course then store them on a pretty shabby bookshelf next to flowers. Beeeeautiful!
Beautiful post with beautiful photos…you never disappoint there! I love vintage. Period. But especially old books. Your blog is always so refreshing.
Love how your books look. Sometimes they are helpful – when I have a too-small lamp that needs some more presence, I just set the little lamp on a stack of books and it gives the height I need!
These look so pretty with their crisp new ribbon! Love it. I love the lilac covered one in there..it adds a little somethin’ to the grouping..so pretty.
I love reading a “real” book but would love a Kindle or I-Pad for travel reading..so much lighter.
Sue
LOOOOOVE the old books with the flowers!! I’m a diehard bookfreak. I will go without a lot of things before going without more books. Hence we had to put a library in our house. But I do love the idea of tying them with ribbon…such a sweet idea!
God bless!
Oh sometimes, well actually most of the time I want to laugh in the face of the ‘fast-lane life’ and ignore it all. Kindle… ah I am so um..dumb I had to google it to know what it was!! Give me real books anytime, I want to slow down and live life at a slower pace. Sit back relax and enjoy it. Would love the ‘simple life’
Love the old books, I have quite a few ‘stacks’ of books dotted around my home.
Gorgeous photos.
Alison
I love old books, and if they’re too fragile to read, I do the same thing with them and wrap them up with ribbon and display them. Love they way you did it.
Blessings,
Marcia
I take photos of mine too, and then leave them where I can see them often … http://artisticmusings.typepad.com/artistic_musings/2010/05/sunday-snaps–1.html
I will disagree with you here. I collect girls’ school stories and Biggles books. If there is a pile of them around, it’s because I’m going to read them. I think there’s something fake, or artificial, in having piles of old books around which are never read. It is a different matter if they are books you collect or that are otherwise meaningful to you. And don’t get me started on people who rip plates out of books and decoupage them!
I love the look of old books like that – but i have to say i sometimes agree with the commenter above me in that I sometimes think there is something artificial about having books around for decoration, not to be read. (But, I did major in English and am a major bookworm, so maybe that is just because I am jealous that you have the SPACE to beautifully stack antique books and I have whole stacks of books for my job/spare time piled everywhere and they are NOT sightly!) That being said, I oh so very much love the look of antique books. i have a couple armloads of books like those from my grandparents or my dad’s childhood, but it would never have occurred to me to decorate with them. now it has! thanks!
I will never be a Kindle- user! Give me the feel of a book anyday, like to be able flip pages, turn the corner down and highlight sayings or quotes. Can’t do that with a kindle, they just seem too impersonal! I like to have book sitting around for people to pick up and look at. Can’t swap kindles with friends. Oh well, just call me old fashioned or out of tune with technology! Love my books!
Books have given so much pleasure to so many forever. I like the feel of a book in my hand all summer. I love how people who have small libraries in their homes, have books on shelves for anyones pleasure. Books they have enjoyed and now decorate their shelves! They essentially have devoted and decorated an entire room to reading.
I take great pleasure in finding an old first edition of one of my favorite stories as a child, such as “Black Beauty.” This kind of find is not taken lightly, I would barely even turn the pages of it. In true respect of an old vintage favorite the BEST thing you can do with it is decorate!
I love how you have wrapped them in ribbon as you would a precious gift. Way to go Sarah.
Luckily, in this world today we don’t have to choose between Kindle and books, between old and new, between paperback and hardbound. I love and use them all! These photos are gorgeous and inspiring, and my old books are cherished treasures, but the Kindle version of “God Is An Englishman” is much easier to manage on the treadmill than is the thick paperback version. It’s all good!