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269 In decor

Merry Halloween!

(UPDATE! For a new and improved version of this tutorial, click here!)
Soooooo, almost every other blogger I know already has their Christmas tree up. And then there’s me. Showing you Halloween decorations. So, yeah. Just think of it as an enormous head start for next year.

Anyway, as may know, I’ve been working with Apartment Guide to share some of their great tips and tricks on how to make your apartment greener and recycling and good stuff like that. So I thought I’d share this little project that falls under the ‘recycling’ umbrella for me: altered books!

I started with a bunch of outdated textbooks from my husband’s school that were headed for the dumpster. The DUMPSTER! I couldn’t let that happen, not even to outdated textbooks, so I rescued as many as I could. This involved me pushing a broken shopping cart full of books through downtown Phoenix in a windstorm. You really should have seen it.

Once I was safely home with my pile of books, a glue gun, and some cheapie Halloween toys from Wal-Mart, this is what I did:

(You’ve seen glimpses of this already if you follow me on Instagram, @betterafterlnz).
This is what I used:

The paper towel is actually the most important part.  You’ll see why in a second.  But first, you want to start by gluing everything to your book the way you want it.  I cut the wings off the bat toy and hot-glued them on first, then the skeleton right over that.  I also hammered round thumb-tacks into the corners and edges for extra detail.  After you get everything glued to your book, you dampen the paper towel slightly and just mod-podge it right over the top of everything for that leathery look, pushing it into all the crevices nice and snug with a small paintbrush.

The spiderwebs were made with hot glue, and I just cut the letters out of cardstock and glued them on too, although I put the letters on AFTER mod-podging on the paper towel, but it probably wouldn’t make a huge difference either way.

Once the mod-podge was dry, I painted the whole thing black, then lightly brushed over the details and raised parts and lettering with gold rub-n-buff and copper metallic paint.  You could get the same results with gold paint instead of the rub-n-buff, but just not as bright. Doesn’t really matter, just be creative!

Anyway, the details and lettering really picked up the paint nicely and looked authentically embossed.  Matt actually asked me if “Venomous Potions” was the original name of the book. No, dear they don’t typically teach that in high school these days.

 (Inspiration was found via Seeing Things.)

 

Fun!  I’m so glad they live with me now and not in some sad old dumpster.

I hope you liked my little project.  File it away for next year, and be sure to check out Apartment Guide whether you’re living, looking or moving.  Apartment Guide has the photos, floor plans, features and tips to help you search for green apartment communities.

 

 

altered_books_for_halloween

(Click here for the updated tutorial with more pictures and new techniques!)

November 14, 2012 By
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269 Comments

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    November 14, 2012 at 10:23 PM

    Thanks for the chance to will this!

    Vesta

  • Reply
    Lindsey @ BakingBytes
    November 14, 2012 at 10:27 PM

    This is awesome! Definitely going to do this next year. =)

  • Reply
    *Katie May*
    November 14, 2012 at 10:28 PM

    How creative!

  • Reply
    roofandwalls
    November 14, 2012 at 10:35 PM

    That is so cool! You did an amazing job on those, glad you saved them from the dumpster.

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    November 14, 2012 at 11:03 PM

    That project is so awesome! And, I actually think I could accomplish it, unlike many of the furniture “works of art” that I typically envy.

    Thanks for the great giveaway.

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    November 14, 2012 at 11:04 PM

    That project is so awesome! And, I actually think I could accomplish it, unlike many of the furniture “works of art” that I typically envy.

    Thanks for the great giveaway.

    Sorry – posted before without my contact info – Stephanie, steph0828 at hotmail.com

  • Reply
    Amie
    November 14, 2012 at 11:11 PM

    Are you kidding me?? This is fantastic!!!

  • Reply
    Deb
    November 14, 2012 at 11:19 PM

    Thanks for the great halloween idea nad the super giveaway

  • Reply
    ashley emmett
    November 14, 2012 at 11:26 PM

    love these!!!!

  • Reply
    Trina
    November 14, 2012 at 11:27 PM

    I’d love to win this gift card, and you should give away your cool books next :-). They look really great!

  • Reply
    Brian
    November 14, 2012 at 11:36 PM

    Very creative.

  • Reply
    Sara B.
    November 14, 2012 at 11:40 PM

    Creative idea! Thanks for the chance to win.

  • Reply
    Meigh
    November 14, 2012 at 11:56 PM

    Looks awesome. Also, yay giveaway!

  • Reply
    Kim Coe
    November 15, 2012 at 12:49 AM

    Gift cards to hardware store is the only thing I want for Christmas this year… 🙂

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    November 15, 2012 at 3:16 AM

    I love those, they look amazing! (And love HD!) scg00387 at yahoo dot com

  • Reply
    Amy
    November 15, 2012 at 4:37 AM

    The books turned out so cool.

  • Reply
    Christin
    November 15, 2012 at 4:58 AM

    So cool! I especially love the skeleton one!

  • Reply
    Tami
    November 15, 2012 at 5:06 AM

    Would LOVE to win this! We have many more projects to complete on our house.

  • Reply
    Melissa
    November 14, 2012 at 10:23 PM

    Love these! great giveaway

  • Reply
    jamie lynn prata
    November 14, 2012 at 10:24 PM

    those look incredible! great job! 🙂

  • Reply
    Amberlovebuck
    November 14, 2012 at 10:24 PM

    What a great idea! So Creative!

  • Reply
    Michelle
    November 14, 2012 at 10:24 PM

    Hope I win!

  • Reply
    Jodie
    November 14, 2012 at 10:27 PM

    Cute, clever, and creepy!

  • Reply
    Karamie
    November 15, 2012 at 5:30 AM

    Very cool idea! Love your blog!

  • Reply
    Lisa
    November 14, 2012 at 10:30 PM

    Think I goofed up on the comment section. Anyway, LOVE the Halloween books they are awesome. Hoping I win the gift card:) thanks!

  • Reply
    Lori C
    November 14, 2012 at 10:30 PM

    Thanks for the giveaway! LOVE these books, going to dollar tree tomorrow to see if I can score some cheap after halloween stuff to use on my books!!

  • Reply
    Lisa
    November 14, 2012 at 10:30 PM

    Think I goofed up on the comment section. Anyway, LOVE the Halloween books they are awesome. Hoping I win the gift card:) thanks!

  • Reply
    Jessica
    November 14, 2012 at 10:31 PM

    Loved this. It could be modified for many holidays with different colors.

  • Reply
    Raye Marie
    November 14, 2012 at 10:32 PM

    So clever! Thanks for the fun.

  • Reply
    Raye Marie
    November 14, 2012 at 10:32 PM

    So clever! Thanks for the fun.

  • Reply
    Michelle
    November 14, 2012 at 10:35 PM

    I would be my husbands hero if I won this gift card! 🙂

  • Reply
    Katrina Mick
    November 14, 2012 at 10:36 PM

    I love these! I wish they lived at my house!

  • Reply
    Colleen
    November 14, 2012 at 10:37 PM

    This is remarkable. I have tons of old books. I need to do this. Thanks for the idea!

  • Reply
    Kylie McGowan
    November 14, 2012 at 10:37 PM

    Wow. That turned out awesome. I am definitely picking up some old books at the thrift store and some dollar store creepy toys 🙂

  • Reply
    Krista
    November 14, 2012 at 10:37 PM

    So fun and creative! You’ve got mad skills!

  • Reply
    Heather M
    November 14, 2012 at 10:38 PM

    Yay! I could use a $50 Home Depot card!

  • Reply
    Minharos
    November 14, 2012 at 10:39 PM

    That is amazing! I was really skeptical when I saw the supplies, but WOW!

  • Reply
    **Mumzy
    November 14, 2012 at 10:40 PM

    Those look so cool!!! They look all leathery!!! Good job!!! Plus…HOPE I WIN!! WO-HOO!!

  • Reply
    Ann
    November 14, 2012 at 10:46 PM

    Love it!

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    November 15, 2012 at 5:49 AM

    These are too cute! I love Halloween decorations. What glue did you use on the plastic toys? Will Mod-podge hold them?
    Delia
    de_rotolo@yahoo.com

  • Reply
    Lisa
    November 14, 2012 at 10:49 PM

    I’m in the middle of a project at my house and this sure would come in handy!!!

  • Reply
    mrsalf97
    November 14, 2012 at 10:51 PM

    I love what you did there. One of the local thrift stores has a shopping cart full of books for $5.00. I think we may end up with several of these next year. ;o) And what a fantastic giveaway!

  • Reply
    Reenie
    November 14, 2012 at 10:53 PM

    Those are so cute!!

  • Reply
    Kris
    November 14, 2012 at 10:57 PM

    These are great! Now I want to hit up the Walmart 90% off carts to see what I can find in there!

  • Reply
    Jill
    November 14, 2012 at 10:59 PM

    They look amazing, and something I could do! Paper towel, would have had no idea. I had a bathroom I striped of wallpaper, and hate to texture, so I used tissue paper. Roll paint on wall, laid a sheet of crumpled-then-flattened tissue paper on wet paint, roll paint of the top. Coolest texture.

  • Reply
    tanya romero
    November 14, 2012 at 10:59 PM

    Those books are amazing!
    And I need to paint my brown living room so thanks for an awesome giveaway

  • Reply
    Tami Von Zalez
    November 14, 2012 at 11:01 PM

    Too cool for skool!

    thriftshopcommando.blogspot.com

    Hoping to win the $50 gift card …

  • Reply
    Kimmer
    November 14, 2012 at 11:02 PM

    Very cool Halloween decoration! 🙂

  • Reply
    Kimmer
    November 14, 2012 at 11:03 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

  • Reply
    Tafuzi
    November 14, 2012 at 11:07 PM

    Clever! I’m totally pinning this for next year’s mantle.

  • Reply
    Meagan {Green Motherhood}
    November 14, 2012 at 11:07 PM

    Those are pretty awesome! You have much more skills than you give yourself credit for.

  • Reply
    Tafuzi
    November 14, 2012 at 11:07 PM

    Clever! I’m totally pinning this for next year’s mantle.

  • Reply
    Mindy
    November 14, 2012 at 11:07 PM

    I don’t even like Halloween but those books look cool!

  • Reply
    Julie Berdine
    November 14, 2012 at 11:09 PM

    A paper towel! Brillant!

    I would love to win the gift card! After 3 years of saving, I’m planning on a DIY kitchen update over christmas, the gift card would sure help!

  • Reply
    Sarah
    November 14, 2012 at 11:22 PM

    I was definitely skeptical when I saw your pile of supplies, but they look great!

  • Reply
    jeni
    November 14, 2012 at 11:23 PM

    I can see lots of possibilities for this!

  • Reply
    Nichole
    November 14, 2012 at 11:24 PM

    We’re building a new home for our family so it would be awesome to win this!! (great job on the projects too!)

  • Reply
    Alayna
    November 14, 2012 at 11:27 PM

    I never would have thought to up-cycle old books like that! I have a few old college books lying around that I could totally do this too.

  • Reply
    Unknown
    November 14, 2012 at 11:28 PM

    The books are great! Love them. I love to scroll through your blog and drool over all of the makeovers. Makes me want to move so I could start over with all re-purposed furniture and fixtures. I would love to win the gift card.

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    November 15, 2012 at 6:29 AM

    Love these!

  • Reply
    xoxo
    November 14, 2012 at 11:30 PM

    This could work for any holiday! I’m thinking Valentines would be perfect..

  • Reply
    Ruffles and Relics
    November 14, 2012 at 11:31 PM

    Wow. Those books turned awesome.. Definately gonna try this next year! Awesome giveaway too!

  • Reply
    Pumpkin Loves by Steph.
    November 14, 2012 at 11:32 PM

    Books_ look freakin’ awsome
    Giveaway_ yes, please.

  • Reply
    Shelli
    November 14, 2012 at 11:34 PM

    This is great! They look so real! Great giveaway!

  • Reply
    Whitney
    November 14, 2012 at 11:35 PM

    Love the books! I can always use a home depot gift card.

  • Reply
    Alicia
    November 14, 2012 at 11:41 PM

    Home Depot is AWESOME but you are awesomer! I love these books! What a great idea. I didn’t know you lived in Phoenix. Dust storms get pretty bad there. I’m a blond-haired, blue-eyed, busty California girl now (well busty anyway) but I was born in Casa Grande AZ and grew up all over AZ, love that place. Nowhere in the world are sunset more beautiful!

  • Reply
    Tonya Tice
    November 14, 2012 at 11:45 PM

    Great giveaway! I hope I win! 🙂
    Tonya T.
    gohawkys@yahoo.com

  • Reply
    kathyanddave
    November 14, 2012 at 11:48 PM

    Awesome giveaway. I would love to win!

  • Reply
    Rachel Larson
    November 14, 2012 at 11:49 PM

    These look awesome!!! Thanks for the giveaway!

  • Reply
    Brittons of Provo
    November 14, 2012 at 11:51 PM

    So awesome! Both your project and the giveaway!

  • Reply
    ColleenD
    November 14, 2012 at 11:52 PM

    Less scary and more merry – maybe a Christmas tree and green or red paint and you have a cool Christmas journal for photos and memories!

  • Reply
    S+S+S
    November 14, 2012 at 11:58 PM

    pllease!!!!

  • Reply
    Abby Kartzinel
    November 15, 2012 at 7:09 AM

    Love the paper towel and modge podge idea for a leathered look!

  • Reply
    Ashley
    November 15, 2012 at 12:25 AM

    I love shopping at Home Depot!

  • Reply
    Bree Peterson
    November 15, 2012 at 12:39 AM

    You’re so creative! They turned out amazing!

  • Reply
    book_lover_girl
    November 15, 2012 at 12:44 AM

    They look great!

  • Reply
    Cottonridge
    November 15, 2012 at 12:55 AM

    That’s okay, I’m still selling some Halloween in the shop, too. Thanks for the chance at the giveaway!

    ~Glenda

  • Reply
    Lyndsey
    November 15, 2012 at 1:02 AM

    I love the books! Such a clever idea!

  • Reply
    Teacher Mom
    November 15, 2012 at 1:05 AM

    I absolutely love this idea! I cannot, repeat cannot, throw out a book. Now I have a fabulous reason to keep them. Thank you!

  • Reply
    Katie R
    November 15, 2012 at 1:14 AM

    i love the home Depot!

  • Reply
    Annie
    November 15, 2012 at 1:35 AM

    The books turned out great! Not what I expected when I saw the plastic decorations…:)…and thanks for calling me “dollface” (I’m referencing your note under “Leave your comment”….please don’t think I’m weird…or – at least not too weird. :)Don’t know if it’s always been there, but that’s the first time I’ve seen it.

  • Reply
    Becky
    November 15, 2012 at 1:35 AM

    I want to win!

  • Reply
    kellyr78
    November 15, 2012 at 1:41 AM

    Thanks for the giveaway & I love the way the books turned out.
    KellywcuATyahooDOTcom

  • Reply
    Heidi
    November 15, 2012 at 1:59 AM

    Pick me! Pick me! 🙂

  • Reply
    Rachel
    November 15, 2012 at 2:02 AM

    Wonderful giveaway; thanks for hosting!

  • Reply
    ashley
    November 15, 2012 at 2:15 AM

    Very creative!

  • Reply
    Joan J
    November 15, 2012 at 2:22 AM

    I think I could win this!

  • Reply
    Carissa and Jeff
    November 15, 2012 at 2:35 AM

    What an awesome way to recycle old books!

  • Reply
    ista.ista.ista
    November 15, 2012 at 2:38 AM

    This is fantastic & God bless you for still being in the Halloween spirit! October just isn’t long enough. I stocked up on some clearance Halloween decor so I will be sure to makes these..next year. Thanks for sharing love!

    istaistaista.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    JC
    November 15, 2012 at 2:42 AM

    This is so creative, love it!

  • Reply
    Emily
    November 15, 2012 at 2:49 AM

    Love me some Home Depot!!!!!

  • Reply
    jenbellriley
    November 15, 2012 at 2:54 AM

    Really clever! I’m going to do this for my brother for Christmas.

  • Reply
    Becky
    November 15, 2012 at 2:55 AM

    Did I hear the words “gift card?”

  • Reply
    Mami2jcn
    November 15, 2012 at 3:06 AM

    What a great giveaway! Thanks for the chance!

    Name on rafflecopter: Mary Happymommy

  • Reply
    chedeb5353
    November 15, 2012 at 3:12 AM

    Great giveaway! chedeb5353@hotmail.com

  • Reply
    Jules
    November 15, 2012 at 3:17 AM

    Oh good gracious alive. You have GOT to be kidding me. Those are UH-MAZING! Sooo fun!

  • Reply
    CountryBelle
    November 15, 2012 at 3:18 AM

    Those just look soooo cool!!!!

  • Reply
    Theresa
    November 15, 2012 at 3:19 AM

    Very creative. I would love to win. Thanks for the chance.

  • Reply
    Theresa
    November 15, 2012 at 3:20 AM

    Very creative. I would love to win. Thanks for the chance.

  • Reply
    Angela Reindl
    November 15, 2012 at 3:40 AM

    Those are absolutely amazing! I am thinking of a lot of possibilities with this technique!!! Awesome!!

  • Reply
    Angela Reindl
    November 15, 2012 at 3:40 AM

    Those are absolutely amazing! I am thinking of a lot of possibilities with this technique!!! Awesome!!

  • Reply
    Marissa
    November 15, 2012 at 3:47 AM

    Awesome giveaway!

  • Reply
    Julia R
    November 15, 2012 at 3:50 AM

    That is really cool, turned out much better than other books I’ve seen! I’m impressed and have the itch to try it myself!

  • Reply
    Megan and Jared
    November 15, 2012 at 3:55 AM

    I hope I win!! 🙂

  • Reply
    Debbie
    November 15, 2012 at 4:09 AM

    I want to win!

  • Reply
    Heather
    November 15, 2012 at 11:45 AM

    Those are awesome! Now I’m having the moment of regret for getting rid of old text book last month! See, I was right, never get rid of anything! Kidding!

  • Reply
    Leshia @ Southern Chic Love
    November 15, 2012 at 5:04 AM

    These look so neat! 🙂

  • Reply
    Rox
    November 15, 2012 at 5:06 AM

    Wow those books are awesome! Fingers crossed to be the lucky winner… 🙂

  • Reply
    Bec
    November 15, 2012 at 5:09 AM

    Super clever! Love it!

  • Reply
    sandpaperandglue
    November 15, 2012 at 12:11 PM

    I love that book idea- my school’s library always has a cart outside its door for free books and I’m totally going to do that! 🙂
    Thanks for the giveaway!

  • Reply
    sandpaperandglue
    November 15, 2012 at 12:11 PM

    I love that book idea- my school’s library always has a cart outside its door for free books and I’m totally going to do that! 🙂
    Thanks for the giveaway!

  • Reply
    nursepressley
    November 15, 2012 at 5:18 AM

    I really love Giveaways I hope I win.

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    November 15, 2012 at 1:05 PM

    So cool and you are so organized….you know,being ready for Halloween 2013 already! ha ha great job, I love saving things from the trash can.

  • Reply
    Tiffany
    November 15, 2012 at 1:10 PM

    Love Home Depot… here’s hoping I win!

  • Reply
    Lin
    November 15, 2012 at 6:31 AM

    WOW! That’s awesome, especially the papertowel to make it look like leather.

  • Reply
    Lin
    November 15, 2012 at 6:33 AM

    WOW! That’s awesome, especially the papertowel to make it look like leather.

  • Reply
    Bethany F
    November 15, 2012 at 2:15 PM

    Great project!

  • Reply
    Shantel Holt
    November 15, 2012 at 2:31 PM

    wow love this! i have plenty of ugly old textbooks taking up space on my pretty white built ins to try this with! thanks for the great idea!

  • Reply
    April D.
    November 15, 2012 at 2:34 PM

    I could always use a HD giftcard!

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    November 15, 2012 at 3:20 PM

    wow! That was some awesome stuff!
    carriesummerlin at yahoo dot com

  • Reply
    Lindsey @ Better After
    November 15, 2012 at 3:54 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

  • Reply
    Koliti
    November 15, 2012 at 4:19 PM

    Freakin’ cool transformation!
    You are a creative genius!

  • Reply
    Jo @ Let's Face the Music
    November 15, 2012 at 4:33 PM

    This techniques could work on soooo many projects. I’m thinking frames little hinged boxes. Thanks for the giveaway. Jo @ Let’s face the Music

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    November 15, 2012 at 4:46 PM

    Thanks for the chance!

    Kristina A
    janhanderatyahoodotcom

  • Reply
    Emelie
    November 15, 2012 at 10:21 AM

    Those are really pretty awesome!

  • Reply
    Terri
    November 15, 2012 at 11:35 AM

    These are amazing…sure hope I remember this for next Halloween. You would never know these were homemade! Great job!

  • Reply
    Meghan Brown
    November 15, 2012 at 11:55 AM

    Too cool!

  • Reply
    Meghan Brown
    November 15, 2012 at 11:55 AM

    Too cool!

  • Reply
    Pattie @ On Hollyhock Farm
    November 15, 2012 at 11:56 AM

    Thanks for the chance to win. Love Home Depot!!!

  • Reply
    Terry Moore
    November 15, 2012 at 12:04 PM

    Who couldn’t use $50 from Home Depot! Love the giveaway and love the books.

  • Reply
    Marjorie T.
    November 15, 2012 at 7:09 PM

    Great book project & giveaway!

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    November 15, 2012 at 7:33 PM

    I can’t even think about a christmas tree yet. Where does the time go. Thanks for the giveaway. I just love your blog. lharring at umich dot edu.

  • Reply
    Amy
    November 15, 2012 at 12:41 PM

    Oh my gosh, SO doing this for next year!! Those potion books turned out AMAZING!!
    I think I’ll make mine more of a Harry Potter-ish vibe. 🙂 Geeking out.

  • Reply
    Christina
    November 15, 2012 at 7:53 PM

    I love what you did with the books!

  • Reply
    J-ROK LGM
    November 15, 2012 at 1:06 PM

    HOLY CWAP this is awesome! How have I never thought of that? Good thing my box-o-Halloween decorations is still sitting out…

  • Reply
    J-ROK LGM
    November 15, 2012 at 1:06 PM

    HOLY CWAP this is awesome! How have I never thought of that? Good thing my box-o-Halloween decorations is still sitting out…

  • Reply
    kekmh
    November 15, 2012 at 1:17 PM

    You did awesome! Those look friggin amazing! I would totally buy those if I saw them in a store somewhere, but now I can make them!!! Yay!

  • Reply
    Kammy's Korner
    November 15, 2012 at 1:18 PM

    Yay for a giveaway!!!

    Very cool and scary books!

  • Reply
    Robin @ our semi organic life
    November 15, 2012 at 1:24 PM

    These look great! What a cool idea!

  • Reply
    six3design
    November 15, 2012 at 1:31 PM

    Love the book idea!!

  • Reply
    kelley
    November 15, 2012 at 1:40 PM

    with all the Halloween stuff highly dicounted right now it’s the perfect time to share your cool recyclings…thanks!

  • Reply
    Hillary
    November 15, 2012 at 1:47 PM

    What a great idea! Thanks for the giveaway!

  • Reply
    Chickaboom Anderson
    November 15, 2012 at 2:02 PM

    These are fun!!

  • Reply
    Suzann Knudsen
    November 15, 2012 at 2:04 PM

    Tucked aside for nextyear – I always seem to find large old hardbacks at thrift stores that I couldn’t figure out what to do with 🙂

  • Reply
    Melanie
    November 15, 2012 at 2:06 PM

    Love them!

  • Reply
    Stoltzfus Family
    November 15, 2012 at 2:09 PM

    Great giveaway! Thanks 🙂

  • Reply
    ann
    November 15, 2012 at 2:20 PM

    THAT just blew my mind! AWESOME!

  • Reply
    Three Blue Owls
    November 15, 2012 at 2:28 PM

    These books are awesome!!

  • Reply
    Meliss
    November 15, 2012 at 2:29 PM

    Love it!

  • Reply
    Mollie D
    November 15, 2012 at 2:34 PM

    very cool

  • Reply
    Lara
    November 15, 2012 at 2:41 PM

    Love these! What a unique way to spook someone for halloween!

  • Reply
    Dee
    November 15, 2012 at 2:41 PM

    I am in love with these! Nicely done!

  • Reply
    Babs
    November 15, 2012 at 2:42 PM

    They are very cool books, thanks

  • Reply
    Bianca Branch
    November 15, 2012 at 9:46 PM

    Awesome! Great giveaway

  • Reply
    Elizabeth M.
    November 15, 2012 at 2:57 PM

    So many projects could benefit from a trip to the Home Depot!

  • Reply
    jackie jade
    November 15, 2012 at 3:12 PM

    Wow these books look fantastic! Great work!!

  • Reply
    The Halladays
    November 15, 2012 at 3:25 PM

    Thanks for another awesome giveaway!

    -Stacy

  • Reply
    the cape on the corner
    November 15, 2012 at 3:32 PM

    holy crap, those are amazing. i’ll take this head start, for sure.

  • Reply
    Mommy's Journeys
    November 15, 2012 at 3:47 PM

    SO creative! I love coming here to find new ways to repurpose stuff! THANKS for Better After!

  • Reply
    Marji
    November 15, 2012 at 3:48 PM

    no way! that’s like the coolest halloween make over ever. man i may even try it for NON halloween related things and just make them because they’re so awesome.

  • Reply
    Tori
    November 15, 2012 at 3:58 PM

    I seriously love these! I’m going to make them. Also…I hope I win!

  • Reply
    Katie Bell
    November 15, 2012 at 4:05 PM

    I love the Home Depot, like on a firstnamebasis love Home Depot. Thanks. And….I love those books, totally doing that next year.

  • Reply
    Rosemary
    November 15, 2012 at 4:07 PM

    Oh my gosh! This is the coolest ever. I was going to make some old school paper covers like this for Halloween decorations, but this is so much cooler! Dang it. Why, why can I not find any dumpster bound textbooks?

  • Reply
    Rosemary
    November 15, 2012 at 4:07 PM

    Oh my gosh! This is the coolest ever. I was going to make some old school paper covers like this for Halloween decorations, but this is so much cooler! Dang it. Why, why can I not find any dumpster bound textbooks?

  • Reply
    Robyn
    November 15, 2012 at 4:08 PM

    Love the spooky books!

  • Reply
    Zach and Cecily
    November 15, 2012 at 4:21 PM

    I love this blog, love the books, and love home depot!

  • Reply
    Zach and Cecily
    November 15, 2012 at 4:22 PM

    I love this blog, love the books, and love home depot!

  • Reply
    Erica
    November 15, 2012 at 4:27 PM

    Those books look incredible!! You have a great blog!

  • Reply
    AubreyLaine
    November 15, 2012 at 4:41 PM

    Thank you for the giveaway!

  • Reply
    Karen Hewitt
    November 15, 2012 at 4:57 PM

    These look amazing

  • Reply
    Dani
    November 15, 2012 at 4:57 PM

    I wonder if I could do that with snowflakes or Christmas trees!??

  • Reply
    The Mickelsens
    November 15, 2012 at 5:05 PM

    What a creative idea..>I haven’t seen this one yet. Love it. casidyanne at hot mail dot com

  • Reply
    Andrea
    November 15, 2012 at 5:09 PM

    Absolutely fantastic! I love reusing old books!

  • Reply
    Alyssa
    November 15, 2012 at 5:28 PM

    Wow, those books are awesome!!

  • Reply
    Anne
    November 15, 2012 at 5:28 PM

    What a fun giveaway!

  • Reply
    Amy Johnson
    November 15, 2012 at 5:30 PM

    Wow…I love those books! I’ll have to remember them for next year…

  • Reply
    Tracy@GeneralSplendour
    November 15, 2012 at 5:44 PM

    OMG – these are fantastic! One is better than the next – you are super talented! SO thinking how to do these for a Christmas carol edition. A nice one – not a creepy one! 🙂

  • Reply
    Katie
    November 15, 2012 at 5:57 PM

    Those look great! Very creative.

  • Reply
    Kamps Family
    November 15, 2012 at 6:03 PM

    You are so creative! Thanks for the giveaway!

  • Reply
    Katy
    November 16, 2012 at 1:21 AM

    I love the home Depot and your blog!

  • Reply
    Janelle
    November 15, 2012 at 6:30 PM

    love this blog! great inspiration!

  • Reply
    Holly
    November 16, 2012 at 1:33 AM

    Fun Fun!

  • Reply
    CP
    November 15, 2012 at 6:45 PM

    Thanks for doing the giveaway!

  • Reply
    zolzetka
    November 15, 2012 at 7:17 PM

    🙂 Would be awesome to win it 🙂

  • Reply
    heidi
    November 15, 2012 at 7:23 PM

    oh home depot…. where i always find things i never knew i needed 🙂

  • Reply
    Joc
    November 15, 2012 at 7:28 PM

    Those are awesome!! A good idea for my outdated technical manuals 🙂

  • Reply
    wriska@gmail.com
    November 15, 2012 at 8:18 PM

    These look great!

  • Reply
    Iuliana@Hip2Thrift
    November 15, 2012 at 8:20 PM

    A $50 giftcard to my favorite store? Sign me up! Random.org…please randomly choose me.

  • Reply
    Penny
    November 16, 2012 at 4:01 AM

    These are great! I’m so glad you gave directions, I was wondering how you did them!

  • Reply
    Robin O
    November 15, 2012 at 9:08 PM

    Your project is fantastic!
    THANK YOU FOR THE GIVEWAY!!!

    osullivanrobin1 at gmail dot com

  • Reply
    Disco Jess
    November 15, 2012 at 9:08 PM

    I can think of a lot of things I could do with $50!

  • Reply
    Molly Campbell
    November 15, 2012 at 9:10 PM

    Those look amazing!

  • Reply
    Elyse
    November 16, 2012 at 4:13 AM

    These.Are.So.Cool! They turned out so wonderful. I will be sure to give it a shot next year. Halloween is my favorite holiday. Always nice to add a little something different to the bookshelf.

  • Reply
    Sondrah
    November 15, 2012 at 9:17 PM

    Those look absolutely amazing. Something tells me mine would looks so good.

  • Reply
    vikki
    November 15, 2012 at 9:24 PM

    Wow, love those books. Now for me to find some to Halloweenize!

  • Reply
    Heather T.
    November 15, 2012 at 9:28 PM

    I LOVE the books! What a cool idea – I think I will definitely have to do this next year. Also, I didn’t know that you were here in the valley too — always nice to find that someone’s blog you read is local!!

  • Reply
    Heather T.
    November 15, 2012 at 9:29 PM

    I LOVE the books! What a cool idea – I think I will definitely have to do this next year. Also, I didn’t know that you were here in the valley too — always nice to find that someone’s blog you read is local!!

  • Reply
    Shanna Gilbert
    November 15, 2012 at 9:37 PM

    I hope I win!

  • Reply
    Mosiphine
    November 15, 2012 at 9:45 PM

    So cool!

  • Reply
    Kathe
    November 15, 2012 at 10:02 PM

    Your books turned out awesome! I am pinning to remember to try next year! Speaking of awesome, so is your giveaway! I love me the big orange HD!

  • Reply
    abby b.
    November 15, 2012 at 10:24 PM

    I love Home Depot at the holidays!

  • Reply
    Tawnya H.
    November 16, 2012 at 5:25 AM

    I just love this blog! Great tutorial!

  • Reply
    Karin
    November 15, 2012 at 10:54 PM

    Totally in love with these. We do a major haunted house and I think I need to do these,

  • Reply
    Jenny
    November 15, 2012 at 10:54 PM

    I don’t decorate for Halloween but these are so cool! I’m wracking my brain for an idea of using this method for another holiday …any ideas? If you do it again in another theme please show it.

    Thanks for a chance to win.

  • Reply
    Stephanie
    November 15, 2012 at 10:54 PM

    Very cool. Great idea! Will use next year for sure.

    Stephanie

  • Reply
    gksedgeman
    November 15, 2012 at 11:25 PM

    Thanks for the opportunity to enter this givedaway!

    gksedgeman@msn.com

    Kathy

  • Reply
    Erin C. Young
    November 15, 2012 at 11:49 PM

    booyah! enter me to win. :))

    erincyoung (at) yahoo.com

  • Reply
    kari bell
    November 15, 2012 at 11:56 PM

    oh my!! i just LOVE this. you can post holidays “early” all the time.

  • Reply
    Laree
    November 16, 2012 at 1:16 AM

    This is an AWESOME idea! Love it!

  • Reply
    Helen
    November 16, 2012 at 2:14 AM

    I’m cool so I am leaving a comment! : )

  • Reply
    Debb
    November 16, 2012 at 2:18 AM

    How neat… a great idea.

  • Reply
    Sutton Bend
    November 16, 2012 at 3:11 AM

    Awesome Project!

  • Reply
    Laura @ LPC Interiors
    November 16, 2012 at 3:12 AM

    Would love to win!!

  • Reply
    Sutton Bend
    November 16, 2012 at 3:12 AM

    Awesome Project!

  • Reply
    Chris Davis
    November 16, 2012 at 3:34 AM

    Wow. Now I seriously want to redo all of my books. Wouldn’t mind winning the gift card, either. Thank you!

  • Reply
    robyn
    November 16, 2012 at 4:03 AM

    Amazing job!!!

  • Reply
    Cynthia
    November 16, 2012 at 5:31 AM

    AWESOME!

  • Reply
    Cynthia
    November 16, 2012 at 5:32 AM

    AWESOME!

  • Reply
    The Morrisseys
    November 16, 2012 at 5:57 AM

    Could really use a win right now !

  • Reply
    mel
    November 16, 2012 at 6:26 AM

    Okay those books are freaking awesome! Gotta start collecting some books for next year now.

  • Reply
    *CoUrTnEy*
    November 16, 2012 at 7:00 AM

    AMAZING idea!! I’m a fairly new reader of your blog but I absolutely adore everyhting that is posted!! AWESOME ideas allll the time!! Thank you!

  • Reply
    Paula -- CutieFruity
    November 16, 2012 at 7:23 AM

    this looks so amazing! I haven’t ever seen anything like it.

  • Reply
    Jillian {Her Split Ends}
    November 16, 2012 at 2:43 PM

    Nicely done!

    CHeers
    ~ Jillian
    http://www.hersplitends.com

  • Reply
    Jenn
    November 16, 2012 at 12:50 PM

    Love these books, it’s such a great idea!

  • Reply
    JB
    November 16, 2012 at 1:41 PM

    The Halloween books are awesome! Great job and thanks for the giveaway.

  • Reply
    Heidi
    November 16, 2012 at 9:38 PM

    These books are amazing, you should sell them on Etsy!

  • Reply
    pamelotta
    November 16, 2012 at 3:23 PM

    I could always use more stuff from Home Depot! Brilliant use of useless plastic nothingness, by the way! I always just toss those kinds of things into the trash!

  • Reply
    K Kung
    November 16, 2012 at 3:51 PM

    those books look amazing!

  • Reply
    Mel
    November 16, 2012 at 5:08 PM

    Perfect for the ongoing projects in our new home!!

  • Reply
    Ashlee
    November 16, 2012 at 5:13 PM

    these are SO creative! Lovbe them and your site!!

  • Reply
    Jennpoop
    November 16, 2012 at 5:51 PM

    i love the projects!

  • Reply
    Evelyn D.
    November 16, 2012 at 5:55 PM

    I love Home Depot. you are really creative.
    shopgurl101 at gmail dot com

  • Reply
    Julie
    November 16, 2012 at 8:04 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

  • Reply
    Julie
    November 16, 2012 at 8:05 PM

    thanks for the giveaway
    my dh loves hd
    aunteegem@yahoo.com

  • Reply
    Lisa Brown
    November 16, 2012 at 9:08 PM

    Thank you!

  • Reply
    EllieE
    November 16, 2012 at 9:14 PM

    Those look really sweet! Awesome job!

  • Reply
    Courtney
    November 16, 2012 at 10:57 PM

    Great giveaway! The books are so cool!

  • Reply
    Jayme
    November 16, 2012 at 11:13 PM

    Sweet! Thanks!!!

  • Reply
    phall0106
    November 17, 2012 at 2:51 AM

    Love the books! and its a great giveaway, too!

  • Reply
    aaltw_515
    November 17, 2012 at 3:50 AM

    would love to win this for my husband he would just love it thanks so much for the chance.

    sethandtjay@yahoo.com

  • Reply
    Tristie hearts Dax
    November 17, 2012 at 5:12 AM

    This is SUCH a cool project! I am so glad I haven’t thrown away any of the cheap toys we have collected from Halloween’s past! Thanks tons.

  • Reply
    throuthehaze
    November 18, 2012 at 4:27 AM

    Those look amazing!

  • Reply
    Philip J Bedard
    July 25, 2013 at 6:00 PM

    I shared this idea on my halloween facebook page. I placed a link back to here. This is really cool. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Halloween-in-my-Heart/696524940373175

  • Reply
    Lindsey
    October 2, 2013 at 8:54 AM

    Awesome idea! I just made 4 “books” using your method. Used an empty dish detergent box in addition to a phone book and 2 Goodwill found books. Thanks!

  • Reply
    Heather e
    October 24, 2013 at 2:23 PM

    I half way made one of these last night and had a few questions.
    1. Do u have any tips on how to get to the detail u got out of the skeleton. I had a hard time getting the paper towel to stick and stay. I don’t know if I used to much or to little mod podge, or if the paper towel was to wet. I used a bounty paper towel and tryed putting the mod podge over the top and underneath first. 2 did yours take a really long time to make?

    • Reply
      Lindsey @ Better After
      October 24, 2013 at 3:38 PM

      Hi Heather!
      To get the most detail out of the skeleton, it’s best to have a stiff paintbrush to really jab the paper towel in. I try to use the bristly types. I’ve made these several times since, just did a few with my sister the other day in fact, and it didn’t take us very long at all. You could be using too much mod podge, which would make the paper towel less able to stick and harder to work with. Try using less, or giving it a little more time to dry so it becomes tacky. I just dampened my paper towel and squeezed all the water out, so it wasn’t dripping wet or anything, then mod podged underneath and over the top too. Hope that helps! Good luck!

  • Reply
    ruth
    November 1, 2013 at 7:20 PM

    I’m going to try this for a Kindle cover.

  • Reply
    Papi
    January 14, 2014 at 6:58 PM

    I’d LOVE to see this done in video. I have a large collection of RPG books that this would look great on, but I need to see it happen to learn it.

  • Reply
    Debi
    May 21, 2014 at 9:02 PM

    This has got to be, by far, my most re-pinned pin. Great job.

  • Reply
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  • Reply
    deb wible
    September 18, 2014 at 4:17 PM

    Theses are wonderful great job! I have been seeing theses in stores @ a ridiculous price. Theses are so much nicer & I can do! Thanks for sharing!

  • Reply
    Juli B.
    October 1, 2014 at 9:46 AM

    Thank you for this tutorial! I made my first book and it looks great. There were some mistakes along the way: I forgot to dampen the paper towel, used more Mod Podge than I should have, and all I had to work with were sponge brushes b/c I misplaced my bristled ones. But I was able to recover from those mishaps and am pretty happy with the results:

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      Lindsey @ Better After
      October 2, 2014 at 11:55 AM

      I love it! Thanks so much for sharing it with me Juli! Looks fantastic! I love the font you used for the lettering too. Just perfect. 🙂

  • Reply
    jenn
    October 3, 2014 at 9:22 PM

    I made these as gifts, but had real recipes wrote in them some my daughters can cherish other then on just Halloween … Used hard cover spiral notebooks..

  • Reply
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    Brenda Hartten
    September 11, 2015 at 9:16 PM

    If these were made with a thicker book, you could make them into hidden box books by gluing the pages together and then cuttung out the inside. Great job on these! Thank you for sharing!!

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    Wendy
    December 4, 2017 at 9:15 AM

    Thanks! I used this process to make a guest book for our daughter’s Halloween wedding and it really was scary at the “paint it black” step but turned out grand! If you email me, I’ll send the photo!

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    Patricia A Fitzpatrick
    October 27, 2018 at 3:22 PM

    I have looked EVERYWHERE for these! Thanks a million for the steps and pics. I think even I can do this!

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