DIY Book Planter

swap it like its hot As I mentioned last week, we had around $10 to go thrifting, then send those treasures to another blogger for an awesome makeover.  The time has come to reveal what I've done with the treasures that Jessica at Decor Adventures sent me!

#swapitlikeitshot treasures

Of the 4 items sent, the frame and the book called out to me.  The task was to transform these thrifted items.

#swapitlikeitshot frame and book before

The frame was the simple transformation.  From the moment I saw it, it said "tray" to me.  What does a frame need to turn into a tray?

#swapitlikeitshot tray feet via Year of Serendipity#swapitlikeitshot tray spray paint via Year of Serendipity

Feet (which are actually IKEA knobs) and a little spray paint, clearly.

#swapitlikeitshot DIY frame tray via Year of Serendipity

I put some scrapbook paper in place of the photo.  You could also easily put a fun fabric there or switch it out with your decor.

#swapitlikeitshot DIY frame tray via Year of Serendipity

#swapitlikeitshot DIY frame tray via Year of Serendipity

My pet project, though, was the book.  I'm addicted to styling with books if you haven't noticed.  My first thought was to hollow it out and create a secret 'safe,' but that project, while useful would have been, well, safe.  And let's face it, plants are always more fun.

#swapitlikeitshot DIY book planter via Year of Serendipity

This was such a simple project but was more time consuming than I anticipated.

#swapitlikeitshot DIY book planter via Year of Serendipity

#swapitlikeitshot DIY book planter via Year of Serendipity

The most tedious part of this project was hollowing out the book.

page.  by.  page.

#swapitlikeitshot DIY book planter via Year of Serendipity

#swapitlikeitshot DIY book planter via Year of Serendipity

I cut a hole to fit the tupperware, then trimmed the tupperware to the height of the book.

#swapitlikeitshot DIY book planter via Year of Serendipity

Once cut, I glued the interior, put a piece of parchment paper between the pages and cover to prevent it all from getting glued together, then I clamped.

#swapitlikeitshot DIY book planter via Year of Serendipity

#swapitlikeitshot DIY book planter via Year of Serendipity

While waiting for the glue to dry, I made a big mess with succulents.  Fingers crossed that if I ignore these, they'll stay alive!

#swapitlikeitshot DIY book planter via Year of Serendipity

With the book dry, I put everything together and started swooning.  Why didn't I do this sooner??

#swapitlikeitshot DIY book planter via Year of Serendipity

#swapitlikeitshot DIY book planter via Year of Serendipity

#swapitlikeitshot DIY book planter via Year of Serendipity

#swapitlikeitshot DIY book planter via Year of Serendipity

Thanks Jessica for the challenge!!  Head over to 58 Water Street and check out what Colleen did with the items that I sent her!

There will be a week full of these awesome projects, today's the first day, but you should head over and check out what these other lovely ladies are doing!

Day 1