Friday, February 26, 2010

Yellow Books

Today at Kelly's Korner, we are showing our collections.  And, no, I do NOT collect phone-books.  :)


I do, however, collect any and all yellow-bound books.


I got the idea to group monochrome books from a Pottery Barn catalog about two years ago, right before we moved into our new house - which already had these fantastic built in bookshelves flanking the fireplace.  Considering that my past "collections" included items such as: clowns, porcelin dolls, and pig figurines, this seemed to be a more "grown-up" and less creepy alternative.  Paired with the light teal back walls (suggested by a home stager) and a much smaller collection of white dishes etc., it makes a simple (and affordable) design statement.  Plus, being an English teacher and an avid reader, it seemed perfectly appropriate.  I love it!  It is probably one of my favorite things in our house.

No, I haven't/don't intend to read all of these books.  If I actually read a book that happens to have a yellow spine, it is considered an extra special gem!  (The Help is one of those!) Probably the funniest titles I have are: Confessions of a Sociopath, and Escaping the Hostility Trap... I'm willing to sacrifice a little of my reputation for the sake of home decor. :)


Mostly, these are yardsale and thrift-store finds.  (I try never to spend more than a dollar on a "decorative" book.)  My mother-in-law, and a few really fun friends, have also given me several books.  And, some are "antiques" I found in my grandparents' basement etc. - i.e. my poor Poppy's National Geographic collection that I played "school" with when I was little and wrote ALL over. They are little treasures to me. 
 

Yes, when I visit your house, I probably am scouring your bookshelves to see what I might - one day - be able to add to my collection.  Donations are graciously accepted.
 

Oh... And for the record, I also started a collection of YELLOW FUR about two years ago.  It is a very successful collection, tripling approximately every two hours.  I just can't seem to slow it down... Thank goodness I love it even more than yellow books. ;)

Edited to Add: Once you've checked out all of Kelly's links, head over to The Shabby Nest to see her readers' Frugal Decorating Finds.  :)  I decided this post fit into BOTH categories!  Enjoy!

23 comments:

  1. LeslieFeb 26, 2010 04:09 AM
    What a unique and fabulous collection!!!! I LOVE it!!!!!! This is really cool and such a fun collection....precious!!
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  2. KristenFeb 26, 2010 04:51 AM
    That is so neat! I have never met anyone who collected monochrome books!
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  3. JanetFeb 26, 2010 04:52 AM
    THat's very interesting and really pretty. Looks like a Pottery Barn catalog!
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  4. heididh33Feb 26, 2010 05:08 AM
    How fun!!
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  5. EmilyFeb 26, 2010 05:43 AM
    How interesting.. makes for a very pretty decor..
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  6. JennyFeb 26, 2010 05:51 AM
    Just stumbled upon your blog, I love it! What a neat idea, I love the yellow books!!
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  7. Katie BugFeb 26, 2010 06:37 AM
    Never would have thought of starting this kind of collection. Great idea!
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  8. CrystalFeb 26, 2010 07:08 AM
    wow- that is so unique!! I love that idea. =)
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  9. AllysonFeb 26, 2010 07:42 AM
    I love this collection! You are so creative!
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  10. LesliFeb 26, 2010 08:02 AM
    Ok, I have to admit this is the best and most unique collection I have came across thus far!! This really is awesome and I LOVE the look of it. Yellow and teal rock, just like your blog!! Love the colors!! Oh and I can definitely relate on the collecting yellow fur!! We have two goldens to twice the fur collecting!! Thanks so much for sharing, I am a new follower now! Have a great weekend!

    Lesli
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  11. AnonymousFeb 26, 2010 09:34 AM
    I can just picture a little toddler pulling all of those books off the shelf...just you wait!

    -liz mcd
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  12. AnonymousFeb 26, 2010 09:49 AM
    What a great idea!! Very cute!!
    Carley
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  13. AnonymousFeb 26, 2010 09:53 AM
    A book that has a 'somewhat' yellow cover and is a GREAT read is Drowning Ruth by Christina Schwarz.

    Carrie K.
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  14. Marla TavianoFeb 26, 2010 10:32 AM
    Okay, this is so, so, so, so cool. I love, love, love old books, and the ones in my bedroom are all blue-bound. But the yellow is just way cool.

    I just inherited a ton from my grandma. I'll look through them for a yellow one for you.
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  15. AnonymousFeb 26, 2010 12:54 PM
    Okay... Carley again... I just read most of your blog! You're so fun! And real!! Love it!!
    = )
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  16. Amanda HerveyFeb 26, 2010 12:54 PM
    I love this! So pretty :)
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  17. Taylor @ The Undomestic MommaFeb 26, 2010 01:02 PM
    That is the cutest idea ever! Love your blog--Im a new follower!
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  18. Wendy @ The Shabby NestFeb 26, 2010 01:17 PM
    Fabulous!
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  19. ErikaFeb 26, 2010 03:30 PM
    OH my gosh...I'm in LOVE with this idea!!! SO fabulous!!
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  20. LindseyFeb 26, 2010 06:27 PM
    Great idea! I love it!
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  21. dawnFeb 26, 2010 10:01 PM
    Super cute!! Love it!
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  22. SaraApr 2, 2010 10:14 PM
    I love this. I may have to steal your Pottery Barn-inspired idea. I guess I have SO VERY MANY books, it's never occurred to me that I could utilize books that I'm not actually reading! I've always been a height-arranger myself, for books, but I do love how pretty my color-coded closet is...hmmm...

    Seriously, though, great post. How fun!
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  23. JayniAug 22, 2010 08:17 AM
    I obviously got here a LITTLE late, but your/PB's idea of using monochrome books is FABULOUS. I WILL be a big copycat, I promise.

    Now about that yellow fur: I have two fur manufacturers in my home. One is white with chocolate patches, and one is white with black patches. Soooo, should you ever need any of those three colors to compliment your collection, I might be willing to trade for some of your abundance of yellow fur. I wish I thought we could come up with a way to decorate with it!

    Great blog.
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