If you’re a book lover who enjoys a touch of creativity, combining your passion for reading with DIY crafts is a perfect way to add charm to your home or wardrobe. From upcycling old books to creating decor inspired by your favorite novels, here are six bookish DIY projects that range from beginner-friendly to advanced.
DIY Book Bricks for Home and Garden Decor
Difficulty Level: Easy
Transform an ordinary brick into a whimsical, oversized book with just a few materials. This craft is perfect for adding charm to a garden, bookshelf, or entryway.
Supplies Needed:
Bricks
Acrylic paints (various colors)
Paintbrushes
Sealant (optional for outdoor use)
Instructions:
Clean the brick to remove any dirt or debris. For stubborn dirt, use a scrub brush and soapy water, then let the brick dry completely.
Paint the widest sides of the brick to resemble the front and back covers of a book. You can use a single solid color or add titles, designs, or even faux gold embellishments for a classic look. Alternatively, mimic the cover of your favorite book for a personalized touch.
Paint the narrow sides white or cream to mimic the pages of a book. To add realism, use a fine-tipped brush to draw thin horizontal lines across the "pages."
For additional detail, consider painting a small label or emblem on the book spine. This works especially well if you’re creating a themed set of book bricks, such as a stack of classics or your favorite series.
Let the paint dry completely, then apply a weatherproof sealant if you plan to place your book brick outdoors. A matte or glossy finish can change the final look, so choose according to your preference. For a distressed look, lightly sand the painted areas.
Create a Zippered Book Clutch from Old Hardcover Books
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Turn an old hardcover book into a stylish clutch that’s sure to make a statement at book club meetings or literary events.
Supplies Needed:
A hardcover book
Craft knife
Fabric (for lining)
Zipper
Hot glue gun or fabric glue
Scissors
Instructions:
Choose a hardcover book with a design you love. Gently remove the pages from the spine using a craft knife, taking care not to damage the cover. Consider using a book with vibrant colors or a vintage aesthetic for added charm.
Use a craft knife or ruler to measure and cut a piece of fabric for the lining. It should be large enough to cover the inside of the hollowed book, including the sides. Quilted fabric or faux suede can add a touch of luxury.
Attach the fabric lining to the inside of the book cover using fabric glue or a hot glue gun. Smooth out any wrinkles to create a polished look.
Sew or glue the zipper to the edges of the fabric lining. For a more polished finish, consider using a matching or contrasting thread color. You can also add a small pocket to the lining for extra functionality, perfect for holding smaller items.
Allow the glue to dry completely before using your new clutch. For added flair, attach decorative charms or tassels to the zipper pull. For a vegan alternative, use faux leather for the lining.
DIY Book Spine Bookmarks from Old Books
Difficulty Level: Easy
Repurpose the spines of damaged books to create unique bookmarks that will keep you company during your next reading session.
Supplies Needed:
Old or damaged books
Craft knife or scissors
Hole punch
Ribbon, string, or tassels
Mod Podge (optional)
Instructions:
Carefully remove the spine of a damaged book using a craft knife or scissors. You can trim away any frayed edges for a cleaner look. If the spine is fragile, consider reinforcing it with a piece of cardstock or fabric.
To personalize, use stamps, stickers, or hand-lettered quotes to decorate the spine. Adding a small coat of glitter or metallic paint can give it an elegant finish.
Punch a hole at the top of the spine using a hole punch. If the spine is particularly thick, you may need to use a drill with a small bit.
Thread a ribbon, string, or tassel through the hole and tie it securely. You can add beads or charms to the ribbon for extra flair, or even attach a small bell for a whimsical touch.
Optionally, coat the spine with Mod Podge or a clear sealant to protect it and give it a glossy or matte finish. This step is especially helpful if the bookmark will be heavily used or given as a gift.
DIY Book Page Flowers for Gifts and Decor
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Create delicate flowers using pages from damaged books. These can be used in bouquets, centerpieces, or as gift toppers.
Supplies Needed:
Old book pages
Scissors
Floral wire
Hot glue gun
Green floral tape
Instructions:
Tear out several pages from an old book. For added character, choose pages with interesting text or aged edges. Colored book pages or those with illustrations can create a unique effect.
Cut the pages into petal shapes, varying the size and shape depending on the type of flower you want to create (e.g., roses, daisies, or peonies). Use a petal template for consistency if desired.
Starting with the smallest petals, attach them to a piece of floral wire using a hot glue gun. Gradually layer larger petals around the base, adjusting the placement for a natural look.
To create a realistic stem, wrap the base of the petals and the floral wire with green floral tape, stretching it slightly as you wrap to secure it tightly.
Combine multiple flowers into a bouquet or display them in a small vase. For a pop of color, lightly tint the petal edges with watercolors or ink. Alternatively, add glitter or even scent the flowers with a few drops of essential oil.
Create a Picture Frame from Book Covers
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Turn a beautiful book cover into a functional and eye-catching picture frame for your home.
Supplies Needed:
Hardcover book with an attractive cover
Craft knife
Picture frame glass and backing (recycled from an old frame or purchased separately)
Hot glue gun
Ruler
Instructions:
Select a hardcover book with a striking cover design. Remove the pages from the book carefully, leaving only the cover intact. Books with embossed or metallic details work especially well.
Use a ruler to measure the size of the photo you’d like to display. Draw a rectangle in the center of the front cover that matches these dimensions.
Cut out the rectangle using a craft knife, ensuring clean edges. Sand the edges lightly if needed to remove any roughness. For a vintage look, consider distressing the edges with ink or paint.
Attach the glass to the inside of the cut-out area using a hot glue gun. Ensure the glass is secure and aligned with the opening. For a rustic look, consider leaving the edges unfinished or adding a decorative border.
Secure the picture backing to the back of the book cover using glue. If you’d like the frame to stand upright, attach a frame stand or hinge to the back. Alternatively, add magnets to turn it into a fridge frame.
Insert your chosen photo and display your unique frame on a shelf or table. To personalize it further, add decorative elements like gold leaf, fabric trim, or even small pressed flowers.
Creative Bookish Coasters for Home Decor
Difficulty Level: Easy
Transform old, worn-out books into unique, functional art pieces with these simple and creative book coasters. Whether you're looking to repurpose your favorite books or simply want a new DIY project, these coasters will add a literary touch to your home decor. Let’s dive into the supplies and directions!
Supplies Needed:
Old Book Pages (Choose pages that are no longer needed; these could be from novels, old dictionaries, or even vintage magazines)
Scissors
Mod Podge (Matte or glossy finish, depending on your preference)
Craft Glue (Strong, clear-drying glue)
Square Cork Coasters (Available at most craft stores)
Brush (For applying Mod Podge)
Clear Acrylic Sealer (For finishing touch and protection)
Ruler (To measure and cut pages)
Optional: Decorative Paper or Washi Tape (To add extra flair)
Instructions:
Prepare the Book Pages:
Start by selecting the pages from your old books. Measure the size of your cork coasters and cut the pages slightly larger to ensure full coverage. Trim them neatly using a ruler and scissors.
Apply Mod Podge to the Cork:
Using a brush, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the surface of the cork coaster. Be sure to cover it evenly. This will serve as the adhesive for the book pages.
Attach the Book Pages:
Carefully place your book page onto the coated cork, smoothing out any wrinkles or air bubbles. If you’d like to layer multiple pages, repeat this step to create a collage effect. Be mindful of how the text or design aligns for a more polished look.
Seal with Mod Podge:
After placing your book pages, coat the entire surface with a thin layer of Mod Podge to seal it in place. Let it dry completely. For extra durability, you can apply additional coats, allowing each to dry before the next.
Finish with Acrylic Sealer:
Once the Mod Podge is dry, apply a light coat of clear acrylic sealer to protect the surface from moisture and wear. This step will make the coasters water-resistant and help preserve your design.
Allow to Dry and Enjoy:
Let everything dry for at least 24 hours before using. Now you have your very own book-inspired coasters—perfect for your home or as a thoughtful gift!
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