On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, these upcycled book crafts are perfect for book lovers and artists to transform their spaces into literary celebrations.
Books have so much more potential than just gathering dust on shelves.
Recycling your beloved reads into unique, creative projects can breathe new life into both the books and your home.
From chic home decor to practical storage solutions, upcycled book crafts add personality and warmth to any space.
Let’s explore some enchanting ways to turn old novels and forgotten tomes into stunning pieces of art and functionality that will take your decor game to the next level!
1. Book Page Wall Art
Transforming old book pages into wall art is a fantastic way to add a literary touch to your home. Choose pages that feature beautiful illustrations or intriguing text, and frame them individually or create a collage for a gallery wall effect. You can even play with different frame styles for an eclectic look.
To help you get started, consider using a picture frames variety pack, which includes different sizes to fit your chosen pages perfectly. Tearing the pages instead of cutting them can give a textured feel, and wrapping them on canvases can create a stunning modern art piece. For this, a reliable decoupage medium is essential to make the pages stick. It’s quick-drying and easy to apply, ensuring your artwork stands out. Lastly, using a clear sealant spray will help protect your creation from wear and tear, adding a layer of durability.
This is not just decor; it’s a conversation starter too! You’ll be surprised how simple and elegant this craft can turn out.
Product Recommendations:
• picture frames variety pack
• decoupage medium
• clear sealant spray
2. Upcycled Book Planters
Books can serve a fantastic purpose as planters! To create your own unique book planters, select some thick hardcover books like the Very Hungry Caterpillar Finger Puppet Book: 123 Counting Book. Carefully cut out the insides and line them with a practical plastic liner for planters to protect against moisture. Once lined, fill them with your favorite succulents from a succulent plant kit, and voila! You have whimsical, literary-inspired planters.
Consider placing these charming planters on your windowsill or bookshelf to bring a touch of greenery into your reading nook. These planters not only look delightful but also incorporate nature into your space, creating a soothing atmosphere.
Product Recommendations:
• thick hardcover books
• plastic liner for planters
• succulent plant kit
3. Book Spine Coasters
Make your coffee table truly unique with book spine coasters!
Cut the spines from old books and adhere them to cork or felt circles, like cork coasters, for a functional yet stylish addition to your decor. This project is not only eco-friendly but also adds a pop of color and creativity to your living space.
To ensure the spines stay put, use a strong adhesive like Strong Adhesive Glue. This heavy-duty mounting adhesive provides a reliable bond for materials like wood and felt, making it perfect for your coasters. Additionally, consider adding a waterproof seal using Waterproof Sealant Spray to protect your coasters from moisture. This transparent and long-lasting formula will keep your book spines looking great, even with daily use.
Every cup of coffee or tea you enjoy will come with a bit of literary charm!
Product Recommendations:
• Cork coasters
• Strong Adhesive Glue
• Waterproof Sealant Spray
4. Bookmark Bonanza
Instead of letting those beautiful book pages fade away, craft unique bookmarks! Cut them into various shapes and sizes, and use a lovely ribbon assortment pack to decorate them with ribbons or charms. These personalized bookmarks are perfect gifts for fellow book lovers.
To elevate your bookmarks, consider laminating them for extra durability and a polished look. The laminating sheets provide clear and durable presentations, ensuring your bookmarks will last through many reading adventures. Each time you crack open a book, you’ll be reminded of the stories within those pages.
Mix and match different book pages for a fun and eclectic bookmark collection. A good pair of craft scissors will help you achieve precise cuts, making this little project sure to spark joy every time you read!
Product Recommendations:
• vintage book pages
• decorative ribbons
• craft scissors
5. Book Page Wreath
Bring a literary twist to your door with a book page wreath!
Start by rolling or folding pages into flower shapes and attach them to a foam or cardboard wreath base. A great option for this is the Smithers Oasis festive polystyrene half round rings/wreaths, which provides a sturdy foundation for your craft. Decorate with bits of ribbon or twine for a rustic touch; consider using the Springboard mixed collage ribbon assortment to add color and variety, enhancing the visual appeal of your wreath.
This craft is perfect for all seasons; simply change the embellishments to match the time of year. A hot glue gun will make assembling your wreath much easier, and the Tilswall hot glue gun kit is an excellent choice, providing everything you need for crafting, DIY projects, and more.
Consider using a mix of colors and textures from different books to create depth and visual interest. A book page wreath is a creative statement piece, perfect for welcoming guests!
Product Recommendations:
• Smithers Oasis festive polystyrene half round rings/wreaths
• Springboard mixed collage ribbon assortment
• Tilswall hot glue gun kit
6. DIY Bookends
If your books are always toppling over, why not create some unique bookends? Use sturdy bricks or wooden blocks, like sturdy wooden blocks, and cover them with pages from your favorite books. This project is practical and aesthetically pleasing! You can personalize them with your favorite quotes or illustrations from the books.
To ensure your bookends withstand the test of time, consider sealing them with a protective coat. A product like protective sealant spray is perfect for this, as it protects and seals materials like wood, ensuring that your creations remain durable and beautiful.
For an added touch, you might want to utilize some old books for upcycling. These can provide the perfect pages to use, allowing you to craft bookends that truly reflect your personality. Not only are these bookends functional, but they also serve as a stylish addition to any bookshelf.
Product Recommendations:
• Sturdy wooden blocks
• Protective sealant spray
• Old books for upcycling
7. Vintage Book Shelves
Give new life to old hardcovers by transforming them into quirky shelves! Cut out the pages, leaving the spine intact, and attach them to a wall—angle them slightly to create a unique display for small items or plants. To ensure your vintage book shelves are secure and stable, consider using heavy-duty wall brackets to support them properly.
These shelves are a fun way to repurpose books while adding a decorative flair to your walls. When crafting, you’ll find that having precise tools makes a difference; an Amazon Basics craft knife set is perfect for cutting through those pages cleanly.
Choose books with vibrant covers to make a statement. Every time visitors come over, they’ll be in awe of your innovative decor! To complete your display, consider adding some decorative wall hooks to hang small items or keys nearby. This will not only enhance your space but also keep it organized and stylish.
Product Recommendations:
• heavy-duty wall brackets
• Amazon Basics craft knife set
• decorative wall hooks
8. Book Page Lampshade
Light up your space with a whimsical book page lampshade! To create this charming accent, start by wrapping a plain lampshade, like the plain lampshade, with book pages. Use a Mod Podge for a strong hold while ensuring a smooth finish, or alternatively, a glue stick for a quick and easy application.
Opt for pages with large print or vibrant illustrations to create a stunning effect when lit. This craft not only adds functionality to your lighting but also infuses creativity into your décor, making it a perfect conversation piece for any room!
Product Recommendations:
• Plain lampshade
• Mod Podge
• glue stick
9. Upcycled Book Gift Wrap
Give your gifts a literary flair by using old book pages as wrapping paper. This unique touch shows thoughtfulness and creativity. To elevate your wrapping, consider adding jute twine, which brings a rustic vibe and is perfect for tying everything together. Each gift wrapped this way becomes a piece of art in itself!
You can also enhance the presentation with dried flowers, adding a delicate touch that makes your gift stand out even more. Try to coordinate the book’s theme with the gift for added charm. Using book page gift wrap gives your presents a truly distinctive look, making the unwrapping experience as enjoyable as the gift itself. This is a fun way to upcycle and create memorable presents!
Product Recommendations:
• jute twine
• dried flowers
• book page gift wrap
10. Book Page Drawer Liners
Why stick with boring drawer linings when you can line them with book pages?
Cut the pages to size and adhere them to the bottom of your drawers using Mod Podge waterbase sealer, glue and finish. This versatile product not only secures the pages in place but also adds a protective layer, ensuring your designs stay vibrant over time.
For an eye-catching effect, choose pages with illustrations or large fonts. You can make the cutting process easier and more fun by using craft scissors with decorative edges, which can add unique borders to your book page liners.
A self-healing cutting mat will help ensure your cutting is precise and safe, protecting your surfaces while you work on this small but impactful project. This simple enhancement can significantly elevate your storage and make it feel more personal every time you open a drawer.
Product Recommendations:
• Mod Podge waterbase sealer
• glue and finish
• craft scissors with decorative edges
• self-healing cutting mat
11. Literary Memory Game
Create a fun and engaging memory game using book covers! Start by cutting out squares from book pages featuring covers, ensuring you have pairs of each. For a durable finish, consider using laminating sheets to laminate your squares, which will help them withstand repeated use while adding a professional touch.
This game is perfect for gatherings, providing a fantastic way for guests to reminisce about their favorite reads while enjoying some lighthearted competition. To make it even more special, you can customize the game by including covers from books that hold special memories for you or your friends.
You’ll want to have a good pair of scissors for cutting the pages neatly, and I recommend the craft scissors for their ultra-sharp titanium-coated blades and comfortable grip, which will make the task easier and more enjoyable.
For a kid-friendly alternative or as a way to mix things up, consider pairing your handcrafted game with a ready-made option like the memory game cards from Ravensburger. This offers a great way to spark conversations and nostalgia about beloved stories, regardless of the age group in your gathering. Enjoy crafting and connecting over literature!
Product Recommendations:
• laminating sheets
• craft scissors
• memory game cards
12. Book Page Banners
Add a personal touch to your parties with book page banners. To create these charming decorations, start by cutting book pages into triangles or other shapes using craft scissors for paper cutting. The ultra-sharp titanium coating on these scissors ensures clean cuts, making it easy to shape your book pages just the way you want.
Once your shapes are ready, string them together with twine or string for banners. This biodegradable jute twine is not only perfect for crafting but also adds a rustic charm to your decor. With 333 feet of twine, you’ll have plenty to create banners for birthday parties, book clubs, or any festive gathering!
For an extra touch of creativity, consider using a decorative hole puncher to add unique designs to your banner shapes. The star pattern it creates will surely impress your guests, making your event feel extra special. With these simple tools and materials, you can easily transform ordinary book pages into delightful party decorations that reflect your personal style.
Product Recommendations:
• craft scissors for paper cutting
• twine or string for banners
• decorative hole puncher
13. Upcycled Book Tables
For the more ambitious DIYers, consider creating an upcycled table from old books! Layer many hardcovers, securing them together to create a funky side table that reflects your personal style. To add a smooth, durable surface while preserving the charm of the books underneath, use a glass tabletop. This will not only enhance the aesthetic but also make it practical for everyday use.
Once you’ve assembled your book layers, consider using a strong adhesive for crafts to ensure everything stays securely in place. This adhesive is perfect for binding the books effectively, ensuring your unique creation is sturdy.
Finally, to protect and enhance the longevity of your table, finish it with a clear coat using protective sealant spray. This will shield your table from wear and tear while maintaining its beautiful appearance. This functional statement piece can serve as a stunning homage to literature, adding a personal flair to any room.
Product Recommendations:
• glass tabletop
• strong adhesive for crafts
• protective sealant spray
14. Book Page Greeting Cards
Delight your friends and family with handmade greeting cards made from book pages! To get started, you’ll need a few handy tools. The paper cutter from Firbon is perfect for precisely cutting out the pages you want to use, allowing you to craft them into beautiful card shapes with ease. Its automatic security safeguard ensures safe handling while you work on your creations.
Once you’ve cut your pages, you can add your personal message inside using a glue stick like the Pritt Glue Stick. This child-friendly adhesive provides a strong hold, making it great for attaching different elements to your cards, ensuring that your designs stay intact.
For an extra touch of creativity, consider using decorative scissors from STAEDTLER. These allow you to create unique edges that make your cards truly stand out. You can use pages from books that resonate with the occasion, like love stories for weddings or lighthearted novels for birthdays. Each card will be a cherished keepsake!
Product Recommendations:
• Firbon Paper Cutter
• Pritt Glue Stick
• STAEDTLER Decorative Scissors
15. Upcycled Book Journals
Create personalized journals or notebooks using old book covers! Simply attach blank pages, like those found in the A5 notebook blank journal, to the insides of the covers, and you’ll have a unique journal that tells a story before it’s even written in.
For a rustic touch, consider binding them with simple stitching using a bookbinding kit, which includes sewing needles, waxed thread, and an awl to make the process easy and enjoyable.
To finish off your DIY book journals, add some flair with decorative ribbon. This burlap ribbon not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also provides a functional way to keep your journal closed. These journals can serve as planners, dream journals, or even sketchbooks, making them versatile gifts for anyone who loves to write!
Product Recommendations:
• A5 notebook blank journal
• bookbinding kit
• decorative ribbon
Conclusion
Upcycling books is a creative way to not only show your love for literature but also to bring uniqueness to your living space.
These 15 ideas are just the beginning; each project can be customized to fit your style and needs.
So, gather those old books and let your imagination run wild—your next masterpiece is waiting!
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