Words...Words...Words...

For most of us, pictures, paintings or prints are what we hang on our walls.  We decorate our surroundings with expected expressions of who we are and what we want others to think about us.  As a writer, I look to words as a definition of me.  You may be wondering what this has to do with flea markets or second hand items...a lot.  You can walk down the aisles of any flea market or antique mall and find thousands of items that can express your thoughts about yourself, your home or simply a room.  Instead of feeling intimidated by the possibilities of such an item, consider these ideas:

1. Signs-

Probably the easiest of items to work with, you can find these everywhere in all shapes and sizes.  The larger your home, the more fun you can have with them.  For example, you can find a sign that expresses your sentiment or thought, or you can combine several small signs to express your thought, such as "Always Kiss Me Goodnight"...perfect for your bedroom or your child's.  A simple arrow can be used to direct guests upstairs.  A sign that says "Stop" is a wonderful for a mud room and if you can capture the "boy" and "girl" signs for a restroom, they can be used on your children's bedroom doors.  You know your own style or the look you are aiming to achieve.  Once your start looking for signs, you'll find them everywhere and at prices that meet your budget and creative ideas.

2.  Books-

I love books, but there is no doubt that there are unused millions everywhere you go.  So, if you feel that books define you, then here's a few ways you can use them.  The easiest way to use large bulky books is for an eclectic bedside table.  You can top it with a glass topper, found in Wal-Mart and Target, or you can forgo the glass top and use a book itself as the resting place for your coffee mug.  Both sides of my bed have these tables.  One side is coffee table books about Feng Shui and the other about gardening.  It's a winner no matter how you look at it.  I've made room on my bookshelf and I didn't have to buy nightstands. 

The themes are endless and multipurpose.  If you don't have books and want to try this, there isn't a booth out there that doesn't have books you can get for a song.  I have a friend who uses the pages of books to paper lamp bases and cheap glass vases.  Talk about an inexpensive gift or addition to a room that is sure to become a conversation piece.  If you really want push the envelope, try wallpapering an accent wall with book pages.  Once again, let your imagination take you.  Use a cornstarch paste for easy removal or wallpaper paste for something more permanent.  All you need is one of those credit cards you've hidden in that drawer to ensure there are no bubbles under the pages and each page will lay flat, in any direction.

3.  Individual Letters-

There isn't an idea book or magazine that doesn't showcase at least one page with a word wall art piece made of different items brought together.  Consider industrial letters or old tools for a "man cave".  What about buttons sewn on burlap and framed, or not framed, to express your thought.  Throw pillows, bed spreads, clothing suddenly become a mouthpiece for your ideas.  A frame is a frame, until you use Scrabble letters to theme it as "Friends," "Love" or "Puppy".  All you need is a glue gun and an idea. 

I could go on and on; but, I'd rather leave it up to you to discover what it is you want to say and how you want to say it.  The internet can offer even more ideas and the tutorials to accomplish your project.  Don't be afraid to ask dealers if they would be willing to offer you a greater deal, if you are buying in bulk.  Dealers want to sell and a lot of the items you would use for this type of project are plentiful.  If a dealer believes they will sell all of their books collecting dust, I'll bet they can work out something that pleases you both. 

My guess is that once you start using your words, you won't be able to stop.  Get your kids involved.  What's the worst thing that can happen?  They might read the pages, practice spelling or give you the best idea ever.  Words give us direction, tell us where we are and bring people together.  Where better to use them than in your home.  Express yourself and the theme of your haven with words...words...words...