$100 Bathroom Challenge: Hang a pretty book as artwork

I’ve had this little 1931 encyclopedia for more than ten years. It came from a free box outside a bookstore and I recently re-discovered it on our bookshelves. It’s where I found the boxer graphic for another no-cost wall art project.

At only 4″ x 6″, it’s such a cute little book. And because it’s the perfect shade of red, I wanted to find a way to use it in this bathroom challenge. I didn’t want to alter or ruin the book, so I thought it best to display it simply.

I took some 2″ grosgrain ribbon I found in my stash, which probably came from some sort of packaging. I cut a length that would wrap around the book and extend upward to make a hanger of sorts.

I ironed out the wrinkles then laid the book on top of the ribbon (1). Next, I opened the cover of the book (2) and pulled the ribbon up around the front of the pages (3). Then I shut the cover (4).

I tied a knot in the top of the ribbon. The back of the knot made a nice little nook for hanging on a nail.

Then I trimmed the edges of the ribbon cleanly with a fabric scissors.

I hung it up and did a little tugging and adjusting to the ribbon so the book would lay flat against the wall. This bathroom never gets humid because the shower is so enclosed, so I’m not worried about moisture ruining the paper.

I think it looks really good against the beadboard and has a vintage schoolbook sweetness about it. Wouldn’t this idea also be really cute in a kid’s room with vintage children’s books?

Note: You probably shouldn’t do this with a book you hold very dear or one that might be valuable. I’m not certain, but it’s possible this could be bad for the binding.

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How I spent my $100 budget (so far)

1 qt. Semi-gloss wall paint … $11.42
Curtain rod … $4.49
1 qt. Semi-gloss paint for vanity and mirror … $11.42
Frame … $0.01 (yep, for real)
Mirror … $26.91
Bathmat … $7.47
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Total spent … $61.72
Amount left … $38.28
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Follow along with me as I give our upstairs bathroom a face lift with a budget of only $100.

1. Another bathroom update: Before
2. My color plan
3. Painting the walls
4. Curtains made from a tablecloth
5. Painting the vanity
6. No cost vintage boxer wall art
7. New mirror & bathmat