How to Make Book Pages Look Aged
Today, we’re sharing our best tips for how to make book pages look aged today!
Several years ago, I was outside making these topiaries while my Mom was inside giving new book pages an aged look right in our kitchen.
I could not believe how easy they were to make!
Since then, I’ve used this old-school trick for everything from creating vignettes with books to creating DIY French Bucket Labels.
I know sometimes the smallest project can make the biggest difference.
Especially, if you’re decorating on a budget.
So, I wanted to share this technique with you in case you wanted to try it as well.
Here’s a look at how to make book pages look aged…
Supplies:
- Small Paperback Books (without jackets)
- Small Bowl of Dark Brewed Coffee (make sure it has completely cooled before you start using it)
- 2 Sponge Brushes
- Wax Paper
- Cookie Sheet
- Tarp or Trash Bags (for drying outside)
- Ribbon
- Scrapbook Paper of Your Choice (we used a script paper and one with a neutral design)
- Mod Podge
Aged Book Pages: Painting with Coffee Steps…
Firstly, gather your supplies and line a cookie sheet with a layer of wax paper.
Carefully tear the book jackets off the paperback books you’re using.
Fill a small bowl with dark brewed coffee that has completely cooled.
Place the book on the wax paper, then dip the sponge brush into the coffee.
Begin brushing coffee onto the book pages.
Remember to brush the coffee onto the front and back pages. Also, the sides and spine.
Once you’ve achieved the color and aged look you want, allow the books to dry completely.
I let these books dry in the sun using a large trash bag as a tarp for several hours.
Some of the pages were still damp. So, I let continued to let the books dry inside overnight.
Consequently, the pages have to be completely dry or they will mildew.
After the aged books were dry, I wrapped some of them with ribbon,
Crafting DIY Book Jackets…
I also crafted new book jackets for some and embellished others. This was really easy to do as well!
Similarly, use caution and care as scissors will be sharp to cut a new jacket from scrapbook paper or wrapping paper.
You can pick up specialty papers like this at most craft supply stores.
Next, paste the scrapbook paper directly onto the front and the back of the book bundle using a sponge brush and Mod Podge or your favorite glue.
Use a straight edge to make sure there aren’t any glue bubbles.
Allow the book pages and bundles to dry completely.
Decorating With Aged Books…
When it comes to decorating with aged books the sky is truly the limit.
You can wrap them with ribbons.
Use them in vignettes.
Place them on bookshelves, nightstands, and coffee tables.
Undeniably, the whole process of how to make book pages look aged is so simple!
I don’t know about you but vintage books in our area are getting harder and harder to find.
Although these aged pages aren’t the real deal, they’re a simple way to get the look for less until you’re able to find enough vintage books to fill your bookshelves and create vignettes around the house.
And I’m all for simple and easy these days, aren’t you?
We hope these tips for how to make book pages look aged have helped. Let us know how you decorate with aged and vintage books!
And for even more ideas on how to decorate with patinaed books, be sure to check out this post, DIY Antique Books in Minutes from my creative friend, Cindy of Cloches and Lavender. You’ll love her easy-to-follow, step-by-step ideas!
Additional Book Page Inspired Posts to Enjoy:
French Country Script Ornaments
Many blessings,
CoCo
I can’t believe how easy these are to make. They have a romantic feel but I appreciate how the jackets can be customized depending on the style of the home, very smart.
Yes, yes, yes, Bonnie! You can add whatever color or kind of scrapbook paper design to these that will best fit your décor. They are totally customizable and you can even make the pages darker too if you prefer that look. Super easy! Hugs, CoCo
They look really pretty gathered in the large dough bowl. Great idea!
I appreciate it, Stacey, thanks so much! Hugs, CoCo
Oh CoCo – you know how much we love book page projects! This is another one to add to our list. We love how you added new covers to the existing books. The books looks fabulously aged and vintage. Thanks for sharing this great technique with us!
You guys are the Queens of fabulous book page projects so I’m definitely taking that sweet comment to heart! Big hugs, CoCo
I am also having a harder time finding vintage books, so your post provides a fabulous and helpful work around. The finished look is absolutely gorgeous!
What a great idea! I love the look these books have, especially that they all have the same color scheme!
I really appreciate it, Susan, thank you so much. They were so easy to make! Hugs, CoCo
Coco, these are beautiful. I like to age my books and pages with dark black tea. Sometimes I take the pages and soak them for 5 minutes or more.
Have w wonderful weekend!
I love that you use black tea, Elizabeth! That’s such a great idea. I’ll definitely try soaking mine longer to see if I can get a richer color. Thank you for the tip! Hugs, CoCo
I love this idea, thank you for the information and the steps.
CoCo, I just love this idea! I have so many paperback books that I could transform into vintage books with this technique! Pinning now so I can try it sometime! Thanks for sharing your creative ideas with us!
Such an easy and pretty DIY, CoCo!! I love this!! Vintage books are not only hard to come by here but they are expensive when I do find them. This technique is so easy and the books do look old afterwards! Pinned!
I’m loving this great idea CoCo. i can’t wait to try it!
I have never used coffee to age books, but a long time ago I used tea to age a comforter. I have so many paperbacks, I need to give this one a try. Thank you for sharing CoCo!
Hi CoCo- Oh my gosh – yes- vintage books are getting more difficult to find. I love this idea because I frequently use old books in my booth for display. Mostly I use them as risers. But, this is a perfect way for me to “make my own” vintage books. I especially love the rumpled wavy pages. Great tutorial!
I absolutely love this post! I did something similar years ago, with tea, but I completely forgot about it. And, those book jackets are so beautiful! Just gorgeous.