Monday, September 16, 2013

What is it about old books?

 
I just love old books.
Is it the look?
The feel?
The smell?
 
    
 
They look great
in a stack...
 
 
The old gilded
bindings are always artistic
 
 
And even the plain linen
covers have character...


 
Some books even
have the author's
picture illustrated inside...

 
Some have gorgeous
lithographs

 
While others have
great content
inside...
 


Like a vintage garden book.
Charming!

 
This one is about
homemade cookies.
Love!

 
I even like to see
the old handwriting
in pencil...
sometimes a doodle
or a name.
 
My favorites are the
 sweet sentiments written
by the giver of the book
to the recipient.




This book is really decorated.
Makes you just want to open
it, doesn't it?

 
Often you will see
that I use books in
my displays.

 
Or maybe just one
other little vintage
gadget will give
the book a little
"life."




Like a pair of old
reading glasses.

 
 
 
This book doesn't need a thing.
Sometimes you'll find
the cover with a paper
chromolithograph.
This one is stunning.
 
Another beauty.
 


Another sweet surprise is to find
a flower or clover, pressed inside.
Makes me wonder what the person's
day was like...was it a sunshiney day,
with not a cloud in the sky?
 
Or maybe it was a gift from a
special friend or loved one...
 
What do you like about old books?

Linking to
Ivy and Elephants
What's It Wednesday?

and Knick of Time

6 comments:

Victorian1885 said...

Jillian I think I like the look...smell and feel of vintage books. I also love reading them! They display so nicely as well. Take care.

Wanda

The Old Parsonage said...

You are soo right my friend. I am always drawn to a pile of books especially if they are loved and tattered.

Enjoy your week!

Betty@SouthernGrace said...

I love old books, too. In fact, I keep buying them in thrift stores to make a craft and then find that I cannot bear to tear the pages out. Someone suggested the other day that maybe I could use and old phone book!

Tazas y Cuentos said...

I love old books! And I agree with you, I appreciate all those things you have mentioned about them.
I enjoyed your post a lot.
Besos from Argentina,
Silvina

AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNa said...

Great post! I love the way old books look all lined up. I have floor to ceiling bookshelves and I went to my local library book sale and filled them up! I love the smell of them too, if it is not too musty!

ornate splendor said...

Oh! For the love of old books!! Seriously, I have to stop myself from buying more sometimes! I love to use them in projects...paper decoupaged projects, banners, backdrops, photo props, and décor in general! Catherine