A little over a year ago I shared the fabric covered book I made to put in our guest bathroom to class the joint up a bit. Well, a few days ago I went bananas and started covering all of my thrift store and yard sale hardback books with fabric. So I thought I’d share this super easy and inexpensive DIY with you. Some of you may wonder why covering books with fabric is necessary. Answer: it’s not. But fabric covered books are pretty, cheap decor pieces that you can disperse throughout your home.
But First, a Rant about Goodwill
So a few days ago I went a little crazy covering a bunch of books with fabric, which helped me perfect my book covering technique. However, when it came time to photograph the process I had run out of books. Whoopsies. I decided to run to Goodwill since it’s the closest “thrift store” to our house. I grabbed a book and headed to check out. When the cashier said, “that’ll be $2.66” I was all “say whaaaat?!” Forgive me, but I don’t think a pre-owned book published in 1987 should cost more than two items on McDonald’s dollar menu.
This book debacle has solidified my boycott of Goodwill. I’m over it. I’ve been on the verge of breaking up with them for a while, especially after reading this article and this article and viewing this news report. I was also disgusted to learn that the CEO of Central Indiana Goodwill Industries makes nearly $500,000 a year. The average yearly salary of a state governor is $129,000, to put things into perspective.
Watching their prices slowly skyrocket has also angered me. ($9.99 for an ugly, 1970s lamp– sans lampshade? Me thinks not.) The rising prices are especially upsetting to me because thrift stores, like Goodwill, were created to help people who couldn’t afford brand new clothing and household items. Asking someone who’s in poverty to spend $5 for a secondhand shirt is ridiculous.
And what’s with all of their commercials in my area? People know where to donate their unwanted items. I don’t think Goodwill needs to be spending thousands of dollars on commercials and airtime. Goodwill also seems to be building a lot of new stores in recent years, when the stores they occupied seemed to be just fine.
Another issue I have is with how little they pay employees with disabilities. One of their employees with a disability would have to work for 12 hours in order to pay for the book I purchased. I get that this practice is legal, but it doesn’t sit well with me. I can’t support a “nonprofit” that prides itself on doing good, though it operates the way it does.
So if you see me shopping at or donating to Goodwill I give you permission to punch me in the throat.
Now, I’ll dismount my soap box and head into the meat of this post– the tutorial.
How to Make Fabric Covered Books
I prefer to use interesting books for this project– ones that will surprise the people who open them. This specific literary masterpiece is Vanna White’s autobiography, published in 1987. I’m sure it’s loaded with juicy gossip about Pat Sajak and Charlie O’Donnell. While I’m not a Wheel of Fortune fan (Jeopardy is my jam), I’ve always liked Vanna and her sparkly gowns.
To recap, you’ll need:
books
fabric
hot glue gun
scissors
butter knife
spray adhesive
Before you get started, I recommend ironing the fabric if there are any creases in it. And remove the book jacket, obviously. Also, cut your fabric with roughly 1-2 inches of overhang all the way around the book.
Note: it’s best to put down some newspaper, or the like, before breaking out the spray adhesive. Unless you prefer glue on your table.
Begin by spraying the spray adhesive on the back book cover and spine. Don’t go too wild and crazy. Just give it a nice coating. Turn the book over, position it on the fabric how you want it, press down, turn it over so the back is now facing you, and smooth it out with your hand.
Do the same for the front cover.
You should leave at least 1 inch of excess fabric around the book. You can always cut the fabric down if you have more than an inch.
Cut two slits on each side of the spine. We’ll come back to the spine later.
Grab your glue gun. Add some glue along the longer edge of fabric where it will meet up with the book. Don’t go completely to the edges of the fabric. Fold over onto the inside cover.
It should look like this.
Put a dab of glue where the fabric meets on the corner. Press the fabric together.
Run some glue along the edge of the fabric. Secure the fabric to the inside of the cover.
I fold the outer corners in a little bit and glue them into place so the finished product looks like this.
Now, onto the spine. I recommend cutting the fabric to 1/2 inch.
Get that butter knife and use it to fold the piece of fabric into the spine. You can use a little dab of glue to secure the fabric if you want.
This is how the spine should look after using the butter knife.
And now you have a beautiful, fabric covered book. Added bonus: it’s all about Vanna White’s mysterious life.
Remember, this DIY shouldn’t break the bank. Use old hardback books you already own or pick up some at garage sales. Utilize leftover fabric from other projects. If you’re going to buy fabric use a coupon. I never pay full price for fabric– that’s just silly.
kelly @stayingonbudget says
I agree with not paying full price, but more than that I love these and may have to do them at some point!
Thanks for the tutorial!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Yeah, definitely give them a try!
Maria says
beautiful idea. The storage area at our Good will is pilled to the ceiling I don’t understand why they are not begging people to take the stuff away.
Carol says
Maria, I completely agree! The donation area of my nearest Goodwill is like that as well….crap stacked all the way to the ceiling!! You can only get two feet into the room to drop stuff off and then they have to move stuff around to accept the fresh load of crap you are dropping off. Huge stacks, waiting to be priced and I’m sure they never, ever, reach the bottom. There must be bugs and vermin in there! Yes, with such a backlog of goods it would make sense to lower the prices to reasonable levels. Quicker turnover is a win-win for everyone.
Rachel D says
Thank you for enlightening me on Goodwill! The prices are outrageous in TN as well! I like the Salvation army store here, and while they dont have great prices either, they do have a half price day (wed), and they have a residential alcohol and drug program on site. The residents work in the store as part of their program… At least its nice to see what I am supporting when I shop there… They also have a homeless shelter, but beyond that, I dont know any more.
Mystery says
They are an awesome way to make a quick Christmas present or birthday present
Nikki says
I love this project for color and decor, and am glad you talked about book selection, as I can’t imagine using most of my current hardbacks for this project (but the box waiting in the garage to go to the used book store might get to stay). Also, check out the practices of your local GoodWill. They can differ a lot, and the local to me CEO has been doing interviews lately to explain how ours operates. It’s just like all the scandals, one bad apple makes a mess for the group.
Excited to pick out fabric now!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Oh yeah, give those old hardback books a new look with some fabric.
While this is dated, our local Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana, Inc. socked away $20,800,485 in assets (total revenue for 2008 was $58,142,665) in 2008, per their tax return report. The local CEO made $393,990 in 2008. I don’t know if you live in the area, but central Indiana has a low cost of living so nearly $400,000 is quite a hefty salary. The CEOs’ salaries is just part of the puzzle to me.
Nikki says
I don’t live in the area, so I don’t know how the 400,000 salary relates to the local cost of living. I would ask though what the salary of a CEO of a 58,000,000 for-profit would be in the area? I don’t mean to be argumentative, but this is one of my pet peeves. If nonprofits are to get the most of donor dollars, they should be able to recruit and keep top talent, and that sometimes means recruiting them from for-profit positions. Also, I would argue that the net assets are low rather than high. Nonprofit and for-profit businesses, just like households, should have a rainy day fund. I’m conservative with money, so for their budget, I’d think they should have closer to 30,000,000 in assets.
While I’m sure there are a plethora of reasons to boycott your local Goodwill, I’m sure these should be among them. The high price of their goods definitely should be!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
The median household income in Indianapolis in 2011 was $50,826 so a salary of nearly $400,000 is quite grand for the area. I understand your argument but I don’t think you can compare for-profit and nonprofit companies and CEOs. For-profits are in it for the money, thus the name. Nonprofits are supposed to be in it to give value to the group of people they administer to. I don’t like how many regional GW CEOs are rolling in the dough while they are paying some of their employees with disabilities pennies. And GW gets tax breaks because it employs felons and those with disabilities, so they’re getting kick-backs and treating these people unfairly (although it’s legal) IMO.
Maeve says
Couldn’t agree with you more, Chelsea. A non-profit is supposed to be just that, and salaries should be commensurate with the job. The CEO is profiting off the backs of the disabled, in my opinion. I will NOT support Good Will for that reason. Just because a person has an inability in some area does not mean he or she can be treated disrespectfully for their lifetime. They are often “innocents” and have much to teach us about love and joy. God dwells in the heart of each of us and thus all deserve love and respect in His Name.
sue says
YES! They are making millions off of FREE things. I too do not shop there or donate anymore after learning about their antics. Look at all the new buildings they build and I am sure they are not cheap and they are everywhere and pay low wages, disgrace!!!!!!!! GREED!
[email protected] the Manor says
I’m so glad you posted this! I want to cover some books with fabric leftover from some another project in our Master BR, and I’ve been looking for a good tutorial. Love the tip about how to fix the spine–I probably would have just cut it off 🙂
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Now it’s time to go crazy covering books with fabric. 🙂
Rachel says
This is a great tutorial! This gives a cute and easy way to “recycle” those old and ugly books!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Thanks, Rachel! It’s definitely a great way to recycle old books.
Nena says
So cute! Can’t wait to try it! Perfect for some fabric leftovers.
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Definitely!
Carol says
As a former Goodwill of Central Indiana employee I can assure you that it was never in our practice to under pay any employee regardless of disability or not. All Central Indiana Goodwill employees start out at least minimum wage, but I believe they raised the starting wage to 7.50 a few months ago. Unfortunately Goodwill Industries as a whole have the same basic set up and mission, but they are not one in the same. Even within the state of Indiana different Goodwills are operated independently. Central Indiana differs from Northeastern Indiana, etc. I will admit the prices have gone up over the last few years, but I just wish that people understood where all that money is going-not just to the CEO’s bank account. I do not agree that someone of his rank or power should make quite that much considering Goodwill is still a ‘non-profit’ organization. But I will say this, with the money of Central Indiana’s Goodwill’s they are able to completely run/operate a charter high school downtown, they completely run/operate at least 4 adult high school Excel centers(a place adults wishing to get their high school diploma can do so…for FREE!), not to mention all the benefits and classes and opportunities provided for employees. And least not mention just the simple fact of job opportunity. In the short time I was there, I was able to hire a man who had gotten out of prison for dealing drugs, his current job was holding a sign outside of a restaurant (this was in the middle of December), once he was hired we were able to guide him, offer him an adult class provided solely for Goodwill employees who want to set and keep goals and improve their lifestyle. When I hired him he was a part time donation attendant, after a little over a year, he is now a manager, and no longer on house arrest. Those are the types of stories that I wish reached the public more than the negative. I’m sorry to blow up your blog (which I am a big fan of!!) I just want people to know more/all of the facts before they hate something or want to boycott something that I was once a part of.
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Thanks for your comment, Carol. You offered a great perspective since you used to work for GW. And I’m happy to learn that all Indy GW employees make at least minimum wage. While I appreciate GW’s outreach efforts it’s not like they’re the only nonprofit or for-profit that gives back to the community. I’m not trying to undermine your point, I’m just saying that there are plenty of nonprofits who give back to the community without paying their CEOs crazy salaries and price gouging their customers in the middle of a recession (when most of their inventory is donated). $4.29 for a pre-owned women’s shirt? Absurd. It’s like they’re taking advantage of their customers who have been effected by the economy. I’m aware of how they employ those with criminal convictions because my husband used to work as a case manager for a work release program in Indy, and he had offenders who worked at GW. It’s great that GW gives these people second chances. I just wish all GWs would fairly pay their employees (whether it be a convicted felon or a person with a disability) at least minimum wage, especially because GW receives tax breaks for employing them. Again, thanks for your comment and perspective.
Dawn says
I agree with the prices being too high. habitat for humanity is the worst selling their donated couches for $300-400.
Char says
I agree about the prices and wages in GW and any non-profit thrift store. I can shop clearance and buy NEW shirts for $3.00! My favorite thrift store is one that runs to earn money for hospice. EVERY week for 3 days a designated colored tagged clothing is only $.25! The color rotates each week. Most if not all workers are volunteers. That sale always assures great turnover of clothing, and I always find things I love! I never feel like I’m buying anything, but instead donating to their hospice program.
Brenda Oden says
I do know here in NC, I was told by an employee that the CEO sends money overseas and as long as he does that one thing, that is all he has to do.
[email protected] says
These turned out super cute! I love the idea of covering cheap-o books with scraps of fabric I already have. I was actually planning to cover some books last night for decor for book club tonight but I ran out of time. Maybe I can squeeze this project in after work. Thanks for the inspiration.
[email protected] Stirring Place says
This reminds me high school when we had to cover our text books {I usually used paper bags…classy}. I LOVE the fabrics you used!! Gorg
Regan says
What are you going to do with those books when that fabric is no longer on trend?
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Oh, I dunno. I could skin and re-cover them with more on trend fabric. Or I could donate the books back to the thrift shops I purchased them from. I’m not too concerned seeing as buying and covering all of those books maybe cost me $10.
Samantha says
Great tutorial, and perfect timing.
I’ve been getting ready to create these invisible bookshelves using old hardcover books: http://www.wikihow.com/Create-Invisible-Shelves Now I can have a pretty fabric-covered “base” instead of the old James Patterson novels I borrowed from my dad’s collection.
Jess @ Little House. Big Heart. says
I’m not sure about DFW Goodwill’s practices, but Kev and I have stopped shopping there for the most part. They never have any “good stuff” and their prices are really high! Luckily Dallas has a ton of smaller charity run thrift shops that are much more fun to hit up.
[email protected] says
I need to do this with a couple of old books! It looks so good and would really spice up some of my decorating!
Mary says
I almost picked up the bird fabric on your top book today. Now I’m kind of wishing I had. Super cute!
PJ @ Planned in Pencil says
Oh lawd, my craft stash is HUGE and I own a lot of books… this is a bad bad bad bad bad thing for me to know!
Amber @ Wills Casa says
Super cute DIY. They would look great for nursery styling!
Debi Livsey says
Nice to meet you and I will give your lovely idea a go! I love collecting the classics now I willl
Give them the glam they deserve.
Here in Canada, the GW has raised prices and so has the Salvation Army . The good works of both have been called upon a great deal, both here and the US. That said, unfortunately greed and inflated ego’s justify huge salaries for the few. I would like to see the US get the minimum wage in line….. With the inflated salaries of the so called management, executives, CEO’s,
Well enough..fairness and profit are never in the same breath….
Thank you for the beautiful crafting idea and reminder to be more thoughtful wher to spend our hard earned pennies! xDebi
Sabrina says
This reminded me of a project I had to do in college. I thought it might interest you. We took several sheets of plain typing paper stacked up, sewed a stitch across the middle of the width to bind the pages. Then we covered 2 pieces of plain cardboard cut slightly larger to make the cover. Last, you glue the front and back page of the bound papers to the inside of the covers. This covers up the rough edges of the fabric. It made a little Notes book. We used them for kids to make their own picture books.
It also gave me an idea. I am going to buy some composition books when they go on sale this year. I plan to cover them the same way you did. I am also going to cut some cardboard to slightly smaller than the covers and cover it, then glue it to the insides to finish the insides. I might use the same fabric or maybe just some pretty paper. I think I could even just glue some stiff paper to the inside to make the insides look nice. I am going to give these journals along with a decorated pen (maybe a flower wrapped or just a fancy tape wrapped cap) for teacher gifts at school. I think the kids can help with this.
MB Nelson says
Great idea for finishing inside of covers ! So happy I continued reading the comments instead of spending time trying to come up with a solution. ; D
Deb says
Definitely, definitely doing this!! I quite like the covers of the hard backs I already own so will be heading to a car boot sale or charity shop this weekend! I’m thinking that this could be a good way to disguise those biographies I’m usually too embarrassed to buy!
Kelly @ View Along the Way says
That’s gorgeous! I wrapped some of my ugly books with fabric, but I just wrapped it around the cover and didn’t get this fancy… Also, your book choice – a 1987 Vanna White book? Epic.
Cindy @Made2Style says
Ugh! I feel your pain! My local and favorite “thrift shop” hung up an “Antiques” flag in front and then jacked up all of their prices. I found an Ikea lack side table ($7.99) priced at $35!! Haha
The books look awesome!
Renee says
What a terrible thing to do to those poor people! I read the articles that you posted. The funny thing is, where I live in Ontario, we don’t have Goodwill stores (not that exact company anyway). And I’ve always wanted to go into one after reading your blog. Now, however, I wouldn’t step foot in one!! Thanks for the interesting view into the corrupt world of business.
That being said, I LOVE your fabric covered books! Once I have the space to make my own office/craft room, that will definitely be an added punch!
GrannyB says
I might suggest checking out the local Salvation Army. In our area they have thrift shops and the items seem to be reasonably priced. The SA gives back to the community. We know for a fact that they help pay for rent, deposit, utilities and other, because my husband owns a couple of rentals and some folks get help from the S.A. when they move in. Also, the S.A. is usually first on the scene during disasters, giving aid where needed. I know nothing of their internal structure or their salaries, so I cannot comment on that. However, when a charity visibly gives back, I am more in favor of doing business with them and also donating when they help in disasters. Now I will crawl back in my shell and disappear. Have a wonderful day…..OH, thank you for the tute on covering books, yours look fabulous!
Best Wishes,
GrannyB.
Nancy M. says
We belonged to a Methodist church in St. Louis. Our minister, who was fantastic, father was a salvation army officer. So was his mother, as a matter of fact! So he and his brother were brought up in a salvation army household. They were the very best people. We had an opportunity to talk about his life as a salvation army kid and he said that all of the profits go to helping the needy. The salaries for the officers is low and he said he learned to be a really thrifty kid. As an adult he was Ingenious. He was a fantastic minister and we had the greatest programs for children young married’s, older married and the elderly in our church. Everything he did was so meaningful. His wife was lovely as well. She sang in the choir with me for 25 years. We were lucky to have them. Soooo donate to the Salvation Army. They do a great job. Goodwill is like you all have said……. I wouldn’t step foot in their stores. They’re expensive and the CEOs salaries are huge! Salvation Army? That’s the place to donate to! And we do! I also give money at Christmas Time to the salvation Army Santas that are ringing the bell. And they always remember you when you come back out and say thank you for the second or third time! I love the Salvation Army!
Angela S. says
Could this be done with paperbacks?
What would you do then if you can’t tuck the little fabric flap into the spine?
Sabrina says
Cut in the overage at the width of the spine and fold it down before you glue. =D
Melissa says
Love this(: I had to know what Vanna had to speak about…I looked on Amazon for a description and the only copy was listed for over 500 dollars!!! Have a great day and thank you for the smiles this post brought into my day(:
Portia says
Hey,
It helps if you cut the corners of the fabric off (cutting a straight triangle off), that way the fabric sits flat when you fold it over. 🙂
MarieRoxanne says
Just found this on Pinterest today! This looks like fun, I like buying second hand /Goodwill dresses that I will never wear and skirts that are too short or shirts that are too small or too big just because I LOVE the fabric! Now I know what to do with them!
K. Koschke says
Pretty darn cute, glad I read through all the comments.
I have my own beef with GW. When we were moving, I took sever bags and boxes of items to donate. The intake person said he had to know exactly what I was giving because……”GW is a big business and we cannot afford to have people suing us”. Needless to say that and a few other news items was enough for me. We have a local charity called Father Fred and all our donations now go there.
Crystelle says
Wow! What a fun idea! Gotta try this……
hugs x Crystelle
Crystelle Boutique
Daria says
So fun and easy! Thanks for idea!
suburbsmama says
This is awesome! I think i am going to do this to my old photo albums which have really ugly covers. If you get a chance, please link up to my linky party going on now: http://suburbsmama.blogspot.com/2013/08/sunday-linky-21.html
Gail @ BibleLoveNotes.com says
These look great. I’ve made cloth covers for things, but always sewed them and made them slip on and off. This is so much smarter for things you want to have a permanent cover. I love the fabrics you chose.
Home Coming says
Such a cute idea! A great way to make the books match with your room! I’d love it if you linked up to The DIY’ers! http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-diyers-and-our-country-weekend.html
Bettsi says
Hi, your books are adorable! I had no idea about the wages for Goodwill workers! I read the articles you linked to and I am flabbergasted. No more Goodwill for me. I can’t think of any justification that makes it okay to pay less than minimum wage. Thanks for the heads up! (linked over from Roadkill Rescue)
Jennifer says
Love this idea. I love old books but they often don’t look nice. Will have to try this. This would probably also work for three-ring binders which I use a lot to organize patterns.
Also you can probably find big enough pieces in remnant bins, which is usually cheaper than new pieces.
Reflective Tape Suppliers says
Such an adorable idea!
regina says
This is a great idea….
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Jo Dawson says
You could make a really cool journal like this and cut out a big letter of the persons name and stick it on the front and cut out letters saying ‘journal’ or whatever you like on the spine in a contrasting colour!! Hmm I’m getting all inspired!!
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Nikki says
Love this!
Any chance you know where I could find the striped fabric or know the manufacturer?
Thanks!
CandieBarr says
I’m going to have to bookmark this and keep it in mind next time I have to buy an ugly journal
Eva says
Hi,
This is a great idea and tutorial. Where did you get the flower and bird patterned fabric from on the top book on the pile?
ChiWei says
Funny I read this now. I went to my local GW last week and was shocked at the prices. Shocked, I say. I was looking for a nice frame to spray paint and found an old oil painting, and it was $40! Unless it gets me onto Antique Roadshow, I’m not paying $40 for an old painting. So yeah, I hear ya. Love the post though 🙂 I’ve been meaning to re-cover my “ideas” notebook, so this comes in perfectly handy! Hey, hopefully I’ll see you at Haven this year!
Chrissy says
I totally did this with pretty wrapping paper when I was in school to my text books but never thought about doing it with fabric.. brilliant! and I never did know the butter knife trick! 🙂
Gerry says
I used the fabric idea to cover cardboard magazine holders. I used fabric salvaged from full cotton skkirts purchased at Salvation Army. They look very spify on my bookshelves. I also shop St. Vincent dePaul. I have found the prices at Goodwill in my city to be considerably higher than these other two sources, and I do not believe Goodwill’s merchandise to be of any greater quality. I buy children’s books at the thrift shops and since they are usually well “loved”, covering them with cute fabric makes them acceptable gifts for my great grandchildren. Yes, I said “great”!
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Kate says
I love this. It would be great to cover those ugly books and create a great look on a bookcase. I just might have to try this one. Thanks! 🙂
Kate says
I love this idea. It would be great to cover those ugly books and create a great look on a bookcase. I might just have to try this one. Thanks. 🙂
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Suzanne says
These are too cute! I’m going to get some Dollar Tree notebooks for my girls and use this technique to spice them up. We’re going to make “Things That are Awesome” books this summer and fill them with photos, drawings, writing, stickers, etc. of (of course!) things we think are awesome.
Also, thanks for the info on Goodwill. I was getting fed up with them already. I was in there last week and they wanted $5 for a plain, used Hanes T-shirt. Really? So, as a person with a slight disability herself, I think I’m pretty much done with Goodwill.
Anjali says
This is really interesting , the old books can get a complete new and beautiful makeover , I always cover my books the very day I buy them with a thick transparent sheet , keeps them safe for generations , will try this idea for my old books , thanx for sharing the wonderful tip.
Hollie @ Stuck on Hue says
I love the fabrics you chose. So happy and fresh! I make and sell pillow covers on Etsy and have been looking for an otomi fabric. Do you mind sharing your source for that one?
Laurence W says
Thanks for sharing this great idea !
Tina says
I have done this with vinyl on soft cover books as well as hard backs. LOVE that you put this into a tutorial! The only difference I add is to add a piece of fabric with folded over raw edges to the inside cover to hide all the salvages. I usually give antique books as gifts. It gives the end result a nice finished pro look. I did not want the person using the book to have frayed edges during use!
Kreatywna says
This is so cute! I’m going to do the same with my book <3
Kaye says
I’m going to try this with a photo album, fill with pics and recipes, little sayings, written memories…for Christmas gifts.
Laura | Baking Outside the Box says
Very cute book overs and surprisingly easy. Thanks for sharing.
Sinea Pies says
Love this! I used to have my cookbooks covered with ivory colored, textured wallpaper. It made everything on my kitchen shelves look so neat. THIS idea is even better. Pinning it!
Hayley says
I made some of these for a college gift (I used journals) for my sister in law and she loved them!! Also, I am totally with you about the Goodwill prices. I will definitely not pay $5 for a darn sweater that some other random person wore before me. I have a few other thrift stores that have much more reasonable prices and better items in our area.
Sandy McClay says
I have a small independent Lutheran church thrift shop where I can get the Readers Digest Condensed books for 4 of them for 2.00! That is a deal….I agree Goodwill now has prices on some items that are higher than when the item was brand new! I go to Savers a lot….
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Billie says
I’ve been covering books with fabric for years. I buy cheap blank journals at the dollar store, cover them and give them as gifts. I do it a little differently, though. I use double-sided iron-on adhesive–iron it onto the fabric, remove the paper, then iron the fabric onto the book. Easy, quick and lots of fun!
CJ Lombard says
Very pretty! If I may offer a suggestion, a rectangle of card stock in a coordinating color would be a neat way to cover the glued flaps inside the front and back covers. It would give the project a clean professional finish.
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Cassie says
Hey Chelsea, I am totally going to do this awesome project but I just wanted to bring up a couple of things about Goodwill. Not necessarily in defense of Goodwill’s practices, because I bet the money could go to something better than the CEO’s paycheck… but something to consider is that these jobs wouldn’t exist unless someone was willing to work for the wages. I agree, it sounds really terrible that disabled people are making 22 cents an hour, but if companies were required to pay everyone the same amount, how many disabled people would lose their jobs altogether because they can’t necessarily do as much as other workers?
It’s the same issue as raising the minimum wage. McDonalds has said that if they raise minimum wage, they will just go to all electronic ordering — and cut jobs because it’s more affordable for them that way. No reason to raise mw when workers will obviously work for they wages they have now…otherwise no one would work at McD’s.
Anne says
I love it!! I’ve got a Craft Gossip post scheduled for later this morning that links to your tutorial:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-fabric-covered-books/2014/11/24/
My favorite source of cheap used books is rummage sales. You rarely pay more than $1.00 a book, sometimes less. Speaking of price gouging, this weekend we stopped into Savers where they were asking 10 DOLLARS for a pair of girls jeans. Granted they were name brand (Justice) but if brand names were that important to me, I’d probably just buy them new in the store with a coupon.
Kate says
Such a clever idea! I’m so in agreement with you about the prices that thrift stores are charging for their goods – shame on them.
Jennifer Arlem Molina says
I absolutely love this. Definitely have to try this during my holiday vacation.
Dee says
Hi , first time visitor and love your style ! Can you share the source of the bird fabric for the top book … It’s stunning ❤️
Maria Lopez says
This is really cute post, and very good way to make those old boring covered book as a decoration in the living room too. I have a huge file of books which I just stack in the shelves, with this tutorial I can re-arrange it and cover it to beautiful pattern so it will look better and match the wall painting. I can also do this to books that I will send as a gift to family and friends so it look more personalized.
Victoria says
Thank you so much for this tutorial! I just finished recovering my Bible using it and it looks so classy! I’m so excited 🙂 Love your blog!
Thanks again!
Victoria
sharron bennett says
I read that goodwill doesn’t give anything to charity.
Amanda says
To charity, they don’t. It stays in house for programs they run for the disabled.
norma says
I agree on most of the prices at Goodwill. Our store has hardback books for 1.99 and paperback for .99. Go on Wednesday for senior citizen day and get 30% discount. What bugs me is our store does not have 1/2 price on all items (that they have in the past) and designate one color as regular price. How confusing is this. I like the book cover and plan on trying it. Have made ones that you sew to fit book. Thanks
marie keller says
I’m glad I’m not the only one who refuses to pay full price for fabric. There’s too much out there to recycle. My family knows when I admire something they’re wearing it’s because I’m thinking what can be made from it.
Suzanne says
These are really nice. Think I would use pinking shearers to trim the fabric with. Love the idea.
Julia says
So clever to make books CHEERFUL. Love this idea and will be doing this DIY project.
Cassy says
Excellent tutorial, thanks a lot!
Greetings from Germany 🙂
Meg says
This is my first comment on a post! I had to comment on your Goodwill experience. I feel the exact same way about them! I couldn’t believe their outrageous prices for used items!!!….. Items that were donated to them!! $23 for Lucky Brand jeans! $150 for an old dresser! Thrift stores are supposed to be bargain shopping! Cute fabric books BTW :))
Wendy says
I have recently been thinking of sending my favorite Bible to be recovered. I would like a bright covering. Do you think this would work of that? My Bible is not hardback. Thanks for your input.
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Amanda says
I actually worked for Goodwill (of the Southern Piedmont) in North Carolina for almost 4 years. I know exactly what you mean, and for those reasons I refuse to donate or shop at Goodwill.
Anyway, I love this idea, I’ll have to try it!
Karla says
What do you think of covering notebooks or address books, etc? I was thinking that I have some clothes that I just hate to part with (sentimental reasons) but may take a couple and use the fabric on a photo album or keepsake box. You know something to help de-clutter while being able to keep memories.
DazzleWhileFrazzled says
Great photos and tutorial. We have a wall to wall bookcase system so I may need to do this to all the business book my husband insists on keeping! Visiting from Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop.
Angela says
I’m wandering over from Work it Wednesday. These books are adorable. I covered a few with burlap to use in vignettes. I have visited your blog before and I always enjoy it! Thanks!
Shelly says
Aww yeah! I attend parochial school in the late 80’s and we always covered our books with brown bags. Brings back memories!
Erlene says
Very cute. Reminds me of when I used to cover my books with paper bags.
Lauren @ Mom Home Guide says
So pretty! Love this! Thanks for sharing this at Motivation Monday on Mom Home Guide!
Debi says
I find that the local “friends of the library” sells hardback books at very low prices (especially on ‘sale’ days). You may even want to read some of the books you get. I discovered Mary Higgins Clark books there and think I’ve read most of her books by now!
Holly Gagnon says
Brilliant idea to cover books with fabric! So pretty!
Carol Lander says
Chelsea, now I have another use for all the bits and pieces of fabric I have amassed. Thanks for a great idea and how to use a butter knife.
Melissa says
How well does this hold up? I am wanting to personalize a photo album for a friend who is moving away,,,
Harold Harker says
Fabulous instruction. My favorite hardcover Bible is getting really ratty looking on the outside cover. I’m headed to the fabric shop to find a really cool looking fabric to cover it with.
The inside of my Bible is really well made with great paper and binding, but the outer cover was really cheap.
This idea will bring new life to one of my favorite books.
THANKS!
Sheila Ray says
I give everything to a Hospice house in Tupelo, MS. It’s called Sacntuary House and they sell almost all the clothes for $3 – $6. People who really need things from couches, mattresses, to shoes or dishes, may buy there at a really cheap price. They also only put out the good stuff! Great place to give.
Judy says
While visiting the GW in Sherman Tx I saw 2 cheap thin “prints” in dinged-up frames priced at $20.oo each.
Anyway, thanks for the cute idea to give new life to my (Mom’s) old fragile collection “Shepherd of the Hills” etc. Bet I can cover all of them for under $20.oo!!!
Heather says
Thank You for the goodwill info. Although I have not been fond of them for a long time and prefer other resale/ thrift stores, this info blew my mind. I can’t believe we have a law like this.
Adriana says
I love this!! I don’t know if you’re familiar with Penguin Clothbound Classics, but they are very popular right now. I was going to buy some but people online were saying the paint rubs off and they don’t hold up well. This is such a better alternative. Thank you for sharing. I can’t wait to get started!
Sandy Nugent says
I have noticed the same thing about Goodwill and do not frequent them any more either. Their prices have gone up on products one can by new for almost the same price. In my state it could be because of yhe rise in minimum wage
Dawn says
I agree with you “on goodwill” 100%! Perfect example, I had a yard sale and couldn’t sell a table for the life of me so I went to Goodwill and dropped it off. I went in a day or two later and there was my table for $50! Are you crazy! Also, I worked in the Special Education department of a school district and I tried to find Volunteer work for my students. I went to Goodwill, they wanted our school district to pay them $10 an hour for a student to Volunteer! To me that was when I was done with them! I didn’t even know about the CEO making that! Thank you for saying all of this! I think it is awesome! Us people banning Goodwill should stick together!
Maura says
I think the Goodwill stores in different places must set their own prices. In my local Goodwill (in Ventura County, CA), every book costs only 50 cents.
marcia says
Hi Chelsea!! Just found you on Pinterest!!! Thank you for the wonderful book covering tutorial. Books are my current obsession and I don’t believe in throwing anything away (thanks to my Grandmother Mary who taught me to make the proverbial purse out of a sows ear.) Thank you also for the education about Goodwill. I completely agree with you. We now choose to support our local Rescue Mission (homeless shelter) thrift store in Topeka with our donations. Their proceeds go to feeding over 500 people, three times a day, and providing a safe place to stay as well as education classes to become productive community members. They also have a new mission of helping trafficked girls escape this modern day form of slavery. We all have a duty to shine our light into the darkness!!