This post contains affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for more details.
I keep coming across a similar decor item in many rustic and farmhouse-style homes lately; a neatly stacked set of stamped books. They usually have family member names or a favorite saying stamped along the spine. These books are so sweet and simple! You can dress them up or down for different holidays! Aaand, they would also make perfect gifts for hosts, housewarmings, and weddings!
Learn More About Rustic Farmhouse Design Style
Discovering Stamped Books
So the stacked stamped books decor idea is not original to me, I just added my own twist. I first came across the idea on RedBrickFauxFarmhouse’s Instagram account (go check her out!) She makes and sells these on her Etsy shop. Astra’s style is a lot more farmhouse than mine, and she does an amazing job deconstructing them. But I wanted to create a set that would better reflect my own home. I had intended to only do one but ended up with two different diy projects in different styles.
Also check out the Christmas version of these stacked books made for my 12 Crafts of Christmas series.
First Attempt at the Stamped Books
My initial plan was to skip on over to the dollar store to pick up cheap hardcover books or to the second-hand store. While brainstorming all of the supplies needed for this little project a lightbulb went off! There was a box of books in the basement waiting to be donated. Sure enough, opening the box revealed a few hardcover books that had been tucked away. Cha-Ching! This DIY just got less expensive!
As I started to slip the dust covers off the books to reveal the glorious canvas wrapped covers beneath, I made my second exciting discovery: a white hardcover! No need to paint the whole book! Just the letters on the spine needed to be covered. Cha-Ching, less painting required! Farmhouse chic stacked books here I come!
Almost.
I only had one book that was white, the rest were variations of brown, beige, and black. One red one! So I decided to try out just the white one to see what I thought first before painting the entire cover of the other books.
The Painting Process
I dabbed white acrylic paint over the letters on the spine. The cherry red letters required two coats of paint in order to fade enough into the background. Then I painted two coats down the length of the full book spine. This covered really good! Just make sure you let it dry properly in between coats, otherwise, you’ll just wipe off the previous paint layers. This is true especially on the foil letters, and then you’ll have to touch it up all over again. I tested this out for you so I could properly warn you.
Once the paint was dry, I wrapped some brown craft twine from my stash around the book to see how it looked. And I left it on the one book because I liked it so much! I added a cheery sunshine yellow flower for a pop of
Second Set of Stacked Stamped Books
So I got working on completing a full set. I found three more hardcover books that were about the same size. Much to my joy, the covers were all black under the dust covers! I was having a lucky streak!
Same as with the white book, I painted the letters on the spine first with two layers of black acrylic paint. Once that had dried I painted 2 coats of paint down the full length of the spine. I picked one book to sit on the top of the stack and made sure to paint its front cover. The black paint was giving the books a nice chalky finish which I loved the texture of. Paint only the front cover of the top book since the other books and sides will be hidden in the stack.
Stamping The Books
After letting the books fully dry, all that was left to do was stamp them. I already knew I wanted to have Houk Sweet Home stamped on them (it’s a play on words using my last name). Since I used to do a lot of scrapbooking, I have a good collection of stamp supplies by Close To My Heart. I love that I can see through their clear acrylic bricks to make sure the letters line up and press exactly how I want them to. The clear stamp letters from the Hodgepodge Alphabet collection were the perfect size for these spines. And I used their White Daisy stamp ink. I love that it gave it a chalky look!
Once again, I used my craft twine to tie the books together once everything was dry. I didn’t glue any of the pages or even the books together. I actually like that they are loose so I can stack them offset. And if we want to read these books again, they are available to be read.
Voila! My completed stacked stamped books decor is done and looking fab on my coffee table. Bonus points to me for not having to go to the store to buy anything for this project! Let me know in the comments if you plan to try this yourself. Be sure to subscribe to my mailing list for access to my printables and weekly emails from me.
Pin For Later:
Charina Lopez says
I am just starting this craft! I have a Cricut and was thinking about using a vinyl stencil along the spine to stamp my writing. I used chalk paint along the spine, several coats, and I STILL can see the imprints which is driving me nuts! For such a simple, beautiful craft, it’s giving me the most difficult time lol. Any suggestions? Is it the paint I am using?
Thank you! Love your black farmhouse books!
CL
Sara-Lynn Houk says
Hi Charina! A vinyl stencil is a great idea to get a straighter line! As for the imprint issue, if I look closely at mine I can slightly see the imprints too. The white stands out against the black though and really camouflages it. I used acrylic paint so it may a difference in paint types. If the imprints are driving you crazy and you don’t mind an extra step at this point, I would put a layer of contact paper (peel n stick drawer liner, in a solid white or black) over the spine to give it a smooth layer to build upon. I don’t think that vinyl will be thick enough for this, you want a fairly thick material so that it doesn’t form to the imprint. Try cutting a strip of contact paper to match the size of your spine, peel and stick it on, the press hard so it really adheres to the book spine. Then paint over top of that with the same chalk paint to give it a clean finish and match the rest of your painted book. I hope it works!
Kimberly says
I love these! I bought everything to make them and they turned out so cute!! Any other ideas for what to do with the stamps? I need more DIY ideas with them lol
Sara-Lynn Houk says
Hooray! I’m so excited for you! I made some Christmas book sets as gifts. I like to make my own cards, gift tags, and container labels with my stamps too. Some more ideas are to use them to make your own gift wrap or patterned wall art to frame. Have fun with your stamps!
Peggy Weston says
I love this!!! I cannot wait to try this myself! Do you do anything with the bottom book? Did you paint the backside?
Sara-Lynn Houk says
I am glad you love this Peggy! I did paint the backside of the bottom book and the spine but not the front cover since it will always be covered by the middle book. You don’t necessarily need to paint the backside though either since it will always be laying down and unseen. Only you will know it’s not painted or when you pick it up to dust around. Have fun making your stacked books!
Sarah says
I love this idea! I can’t wait to try my own! Thank you!
Sara-Lynn Houk says
That is wonderful! I am so glad this can help you decorate your home to your liking!