Want to give old books new life? Follow these simple steps for using A Makers’ Studio Rescue Restore Paint, ChalkArt™, and alphabet stencils to create painted books with adorable DIY labels.

Who doesn’t love books? They not only add a personal touch to each room but some of them are just so beautiful. But what happens when you have old books you love, but the covers are a little shabby? A Makers’ Studio loves the effect books have on a room, so we created this painted book tutorial to help you create something that spruces up those old stories (and complements your space).

Want to give old books new life? Follow these simple steps for using A Makers’ Studio Rescue Restore Paint, ChalkArt™, and alphabet stencils to create painted books with adorable DIY labels.

Materials You’ll Need for Your Painted Books

Want to give old books new life? Follow these simple steps for using A Makers’ Studio Rescue Restore Paint, ChalkArt™, and alphabet stencils to create painted books with adorable DIY labels.

• Scissors

• Hardcover books

• Cardstock

• Cardboard Pallet

• Tape

Rescue Restore Paint (in your choice of color)

Specialty Wedge Brush

Dark Antiquing Wax

• Preaching to the Choir ChalkArt™

ChalkArt™ Spreader

Alphabet stencil (your choice of font)

• Optional: twine or ribbon

6 Steps to Make Your Own Painted Books With Custom Labels

  1. Make sure to dust your hardcover books to make it easier for your paint to go on smoothly.
Want to give old books new life? Follow these simple steps for using A Makers’ Studio Rescue Restore Paint, ChalkArt™, and alphabet stencils to create painted books with adorable DIY labels.

2. Paint the entire cover of one book with one coat of your choice Rescue Restore Paint. Allow to dry fully and then apply a second coat.

Want to give old books new life? Follow these simple steps for using A Makers’ Studio Rescue Restore Paint, ChalkArt™, and alphabet stencils to create painted books with adorable DIY labels.

3. Draw or trace a label shape onto a piece of cardstock and then cut it out with scissors.

4. Add a small amount of Dark Antiquing Wax to a dry brush, making sure to offload the excess onto your cardboard. Lightly brush the dark wax along the spine of the book to get it an aged look.

Want to give old books new life? Follow these simple steps for using A Makers’ Studio Rescue Restore Paint, ChalkArt™, and alphabet stencils to create painted books with adorable DIY labels.

5. Decide what you want your labels to say. Words like “Love,” “Read,” or “Pray” are just a few ideas!

Want to give old books new life? Follow these simple steps for using A Makers’ Studio Rescue Restore Paint, ChalkArt™, and alphabet stencils to create painted books with adorable DIY labels.

6. Lay down the first letter of your stencil and, using the ChalkArt™ Spreader, spread the Preaching to the Choir chalk paint. Remove the stencil and wash and dry it fully. Wait for the first letter to dry before painting the second one. Repeat until your label is finished!

7. Attach your label to the book with glue or tape, then embellish with twine or ribbon if you have any.

Want to give old books new life? Follow these simple steps for using A Makers’ Studio Rescue Restore Paint, ChalkArt™, and alphabet stencils to create painted books with adorable DIY labels.

Want to know the best part about this fun DIY painted book project? You can enjoy your beautiful decorative books in about 60 minutes or less! Then, when you’re done, share them with us! Tag @amakersstudio on Instagram and use #enjoythebraggingrights to make sure we (and your community of fellow Makers) can see your beautiful work!