We believe that there is a DIY project to occupy almost every weekend. Food lovers spruce up their kitchen, designers figure out how to make the most of small spaces and some fashionistas even craft their own jewelry. If your favorite pastime involves escaping into a good book, then a fun book-inspired DIY project is just what you need. From fashionable pieces to furniture to art, these projects might just inspire you to turn off Netflix for the weekend in favor of a must-read.
1. Book Covers With Colorful Tape: Protect those precious books with some old-school, washi-adorned covers. They’ll make any coffee table look shiny and bright. (via Brit + Co)
2. Vintage Book Clutch: If you want to carry around a signature clutch, add a bit of personality by using your favorite classic book as the base. It’s not only fashionable, it’s the perfect conversation starter. (via Brit + Co)
3. Stack ’em Up: Since you read so much in bed, why not make your bedside table out of books? The modern white paint and disheveled stacking make this piece look like a high-end buy. (via True and Sania)
4. DIY Notebook: This cute notebook can be made in less than five minutes (yes, five!) with only a paper bag, string and some pens. It’s the perfect companion for jotting down thoughts as you read. (via The House That Lars Built)
5. Book Headboard: Now this is the ultimate bedtime story. Sleep with the words from your favorite authors, past and present, resting above you. (via Recyclart)
6. Book Clock: Have you ever adored the cover of a book and felt awful that it sat hidden on a shelf? Bring it front and center by turning it into a clock with this unique DIY. (via Brit + Co)
7. Bookmark: Create your own love note with an adorable pocket bookmark that fits perfectly on the page you left off. Feel free to go wild with color blocking or even mix some patterns in for a stylish book accessory. (via Wake & Whimsy)
8. Brick Books: This DIY just requires a book for inspiration, an interest in painting and a brick waiting to get turned into art. (via Home Jelly)
9. Book Page Art: Print your fave Instagram pic or a cool painting onto a page to make your very own book-inspired art. (via Wonder Forest)
10. Keepsake Box: Your favorite book already holds the words closest to you, but it can also hold the items you treasure the most. (via Better Homes and Gardens)
11. Marbeled Notebooks: Marble contact paper FTW! Cover some plain ol’ notebooks with the stuff for a trendy twist. (via Brit + Co)
12. Cozy Reading Nook: You don’t need to have a designated space to create the perfect reading nook. This DIY hammock can go just about anywhere and it’s the perfect spot for spending an afternoon reading. (via A Beautiful Mess)
What are some library-chic DIY projects you’re excited to try? Tell us in the comments!
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.