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.

62 comments:

  1. That's such cool idea! I have that very same frame from Target. It goes perfectly with my black/brown Ikea furniture.
    ReplyDelete
  2. 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!!!!!
    ReplyDelete
  3. That is such a great idea! I'm definelty going to try this.
    ReplyDelete
  4. 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 :)
    ReplyDelete
  5. I love this! I have a set of old encyclopedias that would be great for this. Thanks for the idea!
    ReplyDelete
  6. Mrs Limstone, you're a genius!
    ReplyDelete
  7. 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!
    ReplyDelete
  8. 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."
    ReplyDelete
  9. What a fun DIY project! It turned out amazing! Such a great idea!
    ReplyDelete
  10. 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!
    ReplyDelete
  11. Take a bow and then have a gorgeous seat~ you are clever!
    ReplyDelete
  12. 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.
    ReplyDelete
  13. This looks great. So many "crafty" projects look downright hokey -- this does not!

    Scribbler
    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh, Mrs. L! I absolutely love this project! ITA! You are leaving Martha in the dust! :)
    ReplyDelete
  15. Please...this is wonderful..where do you get the pictures of the chairs....
    ReplyDelete
  16. I am SO making one of these this weekend! Thanks for the great ideas!
    ReplyDelete
  17. I am SO making one of these this weekend! Thanks for the great ideas!
    ReplyDelete
  18. Wow, that is gorgeous I love it! I'll be linking to this tomorrow.
    ReplyDelete
  19. beautiful! love the chairs.
    ReplyDelete
  20. you should totally sell these on esty. I'd buy! :)
    ReplyDelete
  21. 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.
    ReplyDelete
  22. 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?
    ReplyDelete
  23. 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
    ReplyDelete
  24. 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
    ReplyDelete
  25. I LOVE this idea! I really hope you find a home for these guys. They're too cute. You're so crafty, Mrs. Limestone!
    ReplyDelete
  26. That is most certainly going in my fantastic ideas file! You are so clever.x
    ReplyDelete
  27. print things like cameras, souvenirs, keys, perfume,
    you know, things.
    ReplyDelete
  28. For those that asked, the image of the chairs is clipart. You can find some of it free online or buy collections in books.
    ReplyDelete
  29. Get-Out-Of-Town! That is so cool. I just love it and must do it. Yay!
    ReplyDelete
  30. 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!
    ReplyDelete
  31. These are really cool! Once again, your blog has inspired me!!
    ReplyDelete
  32. I love this idea. I think a few of them together on a wall would look great.
    ReplyDelete
  33. Ok WOW, this is a fabulous idea!

    One question: where did you find the adorable images of the chairs??
    ReplyDelete
  34. I like prints of old cameras. Or typewriters. Check here for ideas:

    http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5120972
    ReplyDelete
  35. Great idea! Have some frames but didn't know what to do with them till now! THNX!
    ReplyDelete
  36. Love this idea and will be "borrowing it" soon...now where can I find a dictionary that's that cute!
    ReplyDelete
  37. 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!
    ReplyDelete
  38. Gee, I love that! You are so clever. You amaze me everytime I come on for a look :-)
    ReplyDelete
  39. Very cool. These look great!! How lucky you are as well, to have someone send you such cool gifts :)
    ReplyDelete
  40. that project worked out quite nice.
    ReplyDelete
  41. Your blog- A++
    I'm sooo glad I found it-Love this idea!

    Thanks
    Blog: http://kellyannstudio.blogspot.com
    ReplyDelete
  42. Hey thanks for the great read, you just got a new follower! :)
    ReplyDelete
  43. Very neat idea!Thanks for sharing it with us:)
    Sarah
    HandbagsnPigtails.blogspot.com
    ReplyDelete
  44. Love this! Where is the clip art from? It's so perfect.

    And how did you do the matte? With the gold? Was that from Target too or a DIY?

    Many thanks for posting!
    ReplyDelete
  45. OmG! this is amazing, looks wonderful...You're so creative I check your blog first thing in the morning everyday and never leave disappointed <3
    ReplyDelete
  46. I actually tried this and ended up with a chewed up dictionary page in my printer. Hubby was NOT happy : ( My solution was spray adhesive on card stock and attach the dictionary page to it. Apparently my page was just too old lol.
    ReplyDelete
  47. Elizabeth BenottiMar 14, 2011 06:51 PM
    This is a great idea. I recently purchased these old open cube shelves that are rather large. I thought about pasting some type of newspaper or old book to the inside. I figure I might as well have fun with them. I'm not totally sure though. This is something to think about. Give a little something extra
    ReplyDelete
  48. To those of you that have tried OLD dictionary pages and have them tear and mess up your printer do this: Colour copy your dictionary page at a copy shop, The colour printer will pick up the subtle old paper patina, and it will be on a good quality paper, THEN run it through your printer, Voila! you will get the same good results. Good luck!
    ReplyDelete
  49. I like the chairs...yes, a bedroom would be perfect for their resting destination. Look at my blog http://amelias-musings.blogspot.com/search?q=dictionary+ to see what I did with dictionary pages .
    ReplyDelete
  50. Beautiful! Where did you find your clipart? I want to make these!
    ReplyDelete
  51. I love this one!
    Would you mind sharing the clipart?
    I googled images of chairs but found bothing like these ones!
    xoxo
    ReplyDelete
  52. You said the prints are online cip art.   Which site?
    ReplyDelete
  53. I'm thinking old-fashioned toilets printed on "toilet" or "powder room"  pages. .  .  for the half bath in my house.
    ReplyDelete
  54. Will an inkjet printer work for this?
    ReplyDelete
  55. Sure, that is what I used. Just don't get them wet.
    ReplyDelete
  56. I love this idea...but...how do you not have the image cover the wording of the page?
    If you want a 'word' for over the guest bed(s)...maybe something like...welcome (with a wreath)...or friendship (with a boquet of flowers)...or...I don't know...would need to know what is in the room to be more exact. Anyway...love the idea...and think it would be great in a babies room...or a hallway...by family photos...with the word love...or family...and a print of ??? a heart? Any way...having a great time brain storming about it...and I have a box of frames! Fun, fun, fun!
    ReplyDelete
  57. Sure, that is what I used. Just don't get them wet.
    ReplyDelete

I'd love to hear what you think. I ♥ comments.

If you are asking a question, please be sure to type in your email address so I can respond directly to you.

 

© 2007-2012 Brooklyn Limestone. All Rights Reserved. | Blog Layout By Penny Lane Designs