Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Dictionary "Art"

Not sure what it is about an old dictionary but there is something beautiful about letter after letter spanning the onion skin pages. They aren't pratical anymore - its so much easier to look up a definition on the web but they can be appreciated in other ways.

Step 1: Get one old dictionary. (Purchased for $1 at junk shop)
WebstersNewWorldDictionary

Step 2: Find a word suitable for the print. (For example, I selected the pages 'sit' and 'furniture' for this set)
WebstersNewWorldDictionaryOpen

Step 3: Carefully tear out page; trim rough edge straight.
WebstersNewWorldDictionaryTornPage

Step 4: Using regular old laser printer, print your selected image.
WebstersNewWorldDictionaryPrintedChairPage
Repeat as necessary
WebstersNewWorldDictionaryPrintedPages
Repeat as necessary

Step 5: Matte & Frame as desired.
WebstersNewWorldDictionaryFraming3
Footnote: Isn't that matte pretty? A very thoughtful friend send a pair to me as a thank you. She was spot on knowing I'd love them. The black distressed frame was found at (where else?) Target for $13.
WebstersNewWorldDictionaryFraming4
I did this set to be hung over the guestroom bed but decided at the last minute it was 'too much'. But I still love the look. I might change the print (any suggestions on what I should do instead of chairs?) but I think I will use these in my own bedroom when I finally get to working on that space.

44 comments:

Heidi said...

That's such cool idea! I have that very same frame from Target. It goes perfectly with my black/brown Ikea furniture.

Oliver's said...

I stalk your blog frequently and I have to say this project is the best I have ever seen on blogland!!! Pure genius. I am going to get an old dictionary right now. You are amazing and that frame and matting is to die for!!!!!

Mango Gal said...

That is such a great idea! I'm definelty going to try this.

kay* said...

genius! i am sooo going to do this! i love 'words' so this is perfect.

also, i must say that dictionary is gorgeous too. the worn look of it - and the pink on the cover! the dictionary itself would look fantastic displayed in my space :)

yankeebelle said...

I love this! I have a set of old encyclopedias that would be great for this. Thanks for the idea!

Joyce said...

Mrs Limstone, you're a genius!

Emily said...

I have three old dictionaries that I didn't want to throw away because I was sure I'd need them someday. Now I have a use for at least one of them!

live a colorful life said...

I agree with everyone who said "great idea...genius...etc." And I like the looks of the dictionary itself too. Cool idea and very "doable."

healthydelicious said...

I love this!!!

So Haute said...

What a fun DIY project! It turned out amazing! Such a great idea!

Monograms and Mayhem said...

It's fabulous. I love it!

Freckles Chick said...

You are so freaking creative, I can barely stand it! Martha would be proud =0) LOVE this idea. The dark matting makes it look even more vintage!

Debra said...

Take a bow and then have a gorgeous seat~ you are clever!

Tricia said...

I love this idea! I have stacks of old dictionaries that I've picked up at yard sales..I'm going to make some of these lovelies.

Scribbler said...

This looks great. So many "crafty" projects look downright hokey -- this does not!

Scribbler

Suzie said...

Oh, Mrs. L! I absolutely love this project! ITA! You are leaving Martha in the dust! :)

welltraveled said...

Please...this is wonderful..where do you get the pictures of the chairs....

Jen said...

I am SO making one of these this weekend! Thanks for the great ideas!

Jen said...

I am SO making one of these this weekend! Thanks for the great ideas!

Rachel@oneprettything.com said...

Wow, that is gorgeous I love it! I'll be linking to this tomorrow.

Jennifer said...

beautiful! love the chairs.

Mason said...

you should totally sell these on esty. I'd buy! :)

Beth said...

I really, really, love the look of this project. But, I have sort of a thing about cutting up books. It feels sacrilegious to me. So, I'm going to try copying or scanning a page of an old dictionary onto paper (or maybe beige vellum) first, then printing the picture on top of it.

Susan said...

These are really beautiful.
I was at the thrift store the other day and had a beautiful dictionary in my hand. I had a feeling that something cool could be done with it but I didnt know exactly what, so since I have a million unfinished projects I put it back on the shelf. Now I need to go back and get it!
Question though; where did you get the image you printed?

restyled home said...

Love this! It also reminds me that I need to get frames for the beautiful photos you sent me...!!!

Oh, and your spare bedroom is not only complete, but also perfect. When can I come and stay??

Linda

Jennifer Ramos said...

CUTE idea....When I get my frames for my family room I may try this, thanks!

Jen Ramos
'Cards & Prints You'll Love...'
www.madebygirl.com
madebygirl.blogspot.com

Jasmine said...

I LOVE this idea! I really hope you find a home for these guys. They're too cute. You're so crafty, Mrs. Limestone!

Danielle said...

That is most certainly going in my fantastic ideas file! You are so clever.x

pve design said...

print things like cameras, souvenirs, keys, perfume,
you know, things.

Mrs. Limestone said...

For those that asked, the image of the chairs is clipart. You can find some of it free online or buy collections in books.

Kwana said...

Get-Out-Of-Town! That is so cool. I just love it and must do it. Yay!

Katie said...

very classy...but what else could we expect from you?!?! I love LOVE the chairs but maybe chandeliers, vintage cameras, birds, etc. would work too...but then you probably already thought of all those :)

keep em comin' girl!

koopermom said...

These are really cool! Once again, your blog has inspired me!!

Julie said...

I love this idea. I think a few of them together on a wall would look great.

Lovely Little Nest said...

Ok WOW, this is a fabulous idea!

One question: where did you find the adorable images of the chairs??

Lynne said...

I like prints of old cameras. Or typewriters. Check here for ideas:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5120972

paperjunk-lc said...

Love this idea and will be "borrowing it" soon...now where can I find a dictionary that's that cute!

Kathleen said...

I love that.

Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

This. Is. AWESOME! I mean...really, really fabulous. Your kitchen is too fancy, but for mine I'm thinking I'd love to do vintage kitchen supply images (like egg beaters and such) on old cookbook pages. Yay, craft project!

Toni said...

Gee, I love that! You are so clever. You amaze me everytime I come on for a look :-)

20-Something Superhero said...

Very cool. These look great!! How lucky you are as well, to have someone send you such cool gifts :)

raquel raney said...

that project worked out quite nice.

tristan said...

LOVE This!!!!

~ Kelly Ann ♥ said...

Your blog- A++
I'm sooo glad I found it-Love this idea!

Thanks
Blog: http://kellyannstudio.blogspot.com

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