52 Creative Craft Ideas Using Book Pages
Are There Any Creative Projects I Can Do With Old Books?
The answer is yes! I'm sharing what I believe are the best book-page crafts to try with you. You can make so many of these projects with just one book, which means you will likely be able to try all of the crafts in this list. Are you ready to start?
Learn how to make the beautiful ruffled book heart above at Wood You Like to Craft?
1. Poinsettia Wreath
Make a beautiful paper wreath with poinsettia flowers! This activity provides many ways you can use the flowers and is only limited by your imagination. I'm thinking of using this paper method for Christmas art in the classroom.
2. Invisible Bookends
When you use old book pages for crafting purposes, you also end up with an old book cover. Don't throw it away, but use it to create invisible bookends!
3. Canvas Art
Imagine how different your canvas art can look with just a change in the focal point! If you don't like to make birds in your art, feel free to choose a subject of your choice.
4. Lucky Clover
Atta Girl Says shares the instructions to make an owl using book pages.
5. Colorful Greeting Cards
Making homemade greeting cards is a great way to save money and recycle book pages! The recipients will also appreciate a heartfelt piece that's customized for their interests and hobbies.
6. Decorator Balls
I love thinking of ways to display these decorator balls in my house! One cute way would be to place them on overturned china cups. You could also group them in a glass or bowl to use as a centerpiece on a shelf or the mantel.
7. Book Page and Rope Bowl
You could use small versions of these handmade bowls to hold rings or jewelry and large bowls to hold anything from Christmas balls to faux fruit!
8. Lanterns
Make lovely paper lanterns and group them on a shelf or mantel for an eye-catching arrangement!
9. Words or Quote Votive
You can make votives like this in minutes! Here's how I'd approach putting the votive together:
- I'd choose a favorite saying or quote.
- Then, I'd search for the individual words on the pages.
- Once I had all of the words, I'd cut or tear them out to use for the project.
- I'd then assemble them on the votive glass.
You could even find vintage-looking pictures to add to the votive.
10. Fridge Magnets
Make unique and useful fridge magnets for yourself or to give as gifts. This is another idea that offers many ways to make the magnets your own.
11. Collage Canvas Art
This canvas craft would be perfect to do with a group of friends. Imagine all the unique results that you could end up with even though everyone followed the same instructions!
12. Book Cover Clutch or Gift Kits
Here is an awesome idea for using the book covers of old books. Not only will you find a great clutch-making tutorial at See Kate Sew, you'll also see gift kit ideas. This is an exceptional project for dedicated crafters.
13. Vintage Page Star
Just imagine a beautiful piece like this vintage star displayed on your mantel or shelf. How fun it would be to respond to compliments on this project and telling people, "I made it myself!"
14. Animal Ornaments
Imagine all you can do with these animal ornaments! You could make a unique decorator piece and even do this with the kids.
15. Garland
You and your family will enjoy making this beautiful garland for your Christmas tree. It'd also be a lovely decoration for a book club get-together.
16. Calla Lillies
If you love old books and the looks of aged pages, you'll love this upcycling project!
17. Egg Wreath
Make a beautiful Easter wreath like the one above! For a different look, consider tinting the book pages with a wash of color before making the wreath.
18. Aging Pages
Some page crafts beg for the pages to have an aged look. You'll find the easy instructions at Rustic Crafts & Chic Dcor.
19. Gift Card Envelope
You know you are special to someone when the gift is accompanied by something they made by hand for you. This gift card envelope makes a simple gift card extra special.
20. Vintage Mini Book Pendant
How cute is this little mini book necklace. It might just be one of those times when you have to make more than one. Go to Sadie Seasongoods for the tutorial.
21. Faux Curled Rosewood Wreath
Here's a wreath you'll be proud to display. Learn how to do it with directions at Deck the Holidays.
22. Wedding Bouquet
23. Rolled Pages Wreath
Put this very beautiful wreath together at All Things Paper.
24. Book Spine Bookmarks
Make beautiful bookmarks using the spines of old books.
25. Travel-Size Sewing Kit
I think this would be a perfect gift to give a college student or a newlywed couple. The travel kit can be put on a shelf, just like a book! It's easily available and quick to find when needed.
26. Hymnal Angel
If you can't find a hymnal, any hardback book will do for this angel.
27. Covered Boxes
This is definitely a project I'll be doing to cover some of the boxes on my office shelves. It'd add a lovely vintage look to the room.
28. Book Handbag
You know how sometimes you see a book cover that has all the colors you want in a handbag? Now, you can actually turn it into a bag with the guide from curbly!
29. Dimensional Star
I love that the directions for this five-point dimensional star are included in this tutorial. Find all the information you'll need to make it at House Revivals.
30. Book Clock
Follow the directions to make this book craft. This is really cool!
31. Lovely Candle Holders
You can make many of these candle holders in a short amount of time. Think about giving these away as gifts or to use as table decorations for a school function.
32. Transformed Table
Redo an old table and give it a place of distinction in your home. Find the directions at Craft Foxes. Very impressive!
33. Halloween Pumpkins
The kids will love helping you make these pumpkin faces. Find the directions at Jean’s Crafty Corner and make paperback pumpkins for a Halloween arrangement.
34. Framed Book Page Art
I think this is a beautiful way to preserve a beloved passage in a vintage book that is partially damaged. Find out how to make this stunning piece of art at Rustic Crafts & Chic Dcor.
35. Book Spine Bookmarks
Make unique gifts for your book-loving friends by giving them bookmarks created from book spines.
36. Treat Bags
This is a great idea for when you need small favors or place cards for a party. Find the directions at Alyssabeths Vintage.
37. Secret Box
I love this storage box craft. Think of all the secret hiding places you could have in your home, especially if your kids aren't avid readers.
38. Leaves
I can imagine watercolor painting or tea-dyeing the paper to give the book-page leaves a vintage look. Use your imagination for all the ways you can use these leaves.
39. Book Birdhouse
You'll easily be able to think of a place to tuck one or more of these birdhouses!
40. Mini-Tree Topiary
This mini tree topiary is a great piece to add a special touch to a small area. It's very easy to make and has an outstanding look about it.
41. Fringed Tree
This stunning tree creation is a very unique and elegant piece to add to your decor.
42. Bird Nest
This nest will be an adorable surprise to your decor, glittered egg and all!
43. Succulent Book Planter
I'm really impressed with this book planter. It looks like it'd be a lot of fun to make.
44. Rustic Pumpkin
I thought this rustic pumpkin was most impressive. It'd look great on a porch or on the dinner table.
45. Book Page Feathers
I think this is a beautiful and elegant feather that can be used in any home.
46. Simple Flowers
47. Organizer Boxes
I recommend using good sturdy boxes to create these organizer boxes! Then, you can use them in your craft room or sewing room to hold the supplies you have.
48. Page Rolls
Imagine how simple and beautiful this bowl of rolled pages would look in your decor. Anderson and Grant shares how to tackle this craft.
49. Butterfly Wreath
This beautiful butterfly wreath would look great in any home. Whether it's hanging on the wall or sitting on a shelf or mantel, this wreath will bring compliments your way.
50. Butterfly Garland
Butterflies are always a great decoration, and this garland can be used in almost any room or for any occasion. Learn how to put them together at The Guardian.
51. Paper-Covered Fruit
This fruit craft is so beautiful and another project I'm going to have to do as soon as I get some of the paper-mache fruits.
52. Mail Holder
This beautiful mail holder definitely looks more elegant than cheap!
© 2013 Loraine Brummer
Are We On The Same Page? - or leave a comment.
Robin Carretti from Hightstown on December 08, 2017:
Just so lovely what our crafty hands can make I enjoyed your pictures and what you wrote immensely we all need to keep creating
Deborah Minter from U.S. California on June 29, 2017:
Beautiful crafts... and I love book covers.
RTalloni on February 20, 2017:
Am being drawn to using old book pages and so I find your list inspiring. Really liking the gift card envelope, especially with the aging pages instructions. Thanks!
Victoria Stephens from Cornwall, UK on February 06, 2016:
A great combination of idea's here! Thanks for sharing. I want to do something with those leaves. I'm not sure what yet but I'll be keep this page in mind.
Mickie Gee on December 18, 2014:
I have a page here on Hubpages where I share how I used the pages from an old dictionary to cover a lampshade. I love finding new ways to upcycle and reuse old books that can no longer be read. Thanks for showing me all of these ideas.
stacy-windham on October 31, 2013:
Love thesr
Virginia Allain from Central Florida on April 25, 2013:
I find myself attracted to book page projects like these. You would think as a librarian, I'd want every book preserved instead of cut up. I admit that some books aren't worth hanging onto and converting them to these crafts is a good idea.
mrdata on April 25, 2013:
Very decorative lens! Thanks for sharing your ideas and congrats for your LOTD!
TopChristmasToysGifts on April 24, 2013:
What a great idea for craft. I'll definitely be taking a closer look at these for my craft ideas.
Heidi Vincent from GRENADA on April 24, 2013:
Really lovely book page craft lens, lbrummer! I enjoyed this lens but I LOVE books so I will be afraid to let you near my books lest you have TOO much fun...ha...ha...ha
Susan Deppner from Arkansas USA on April 20, 2013:
Absolutely! These are great book page crafts. I kept picking a favorite, then I read on and picked a new favorite, then read some more and picked yet another. There's plenty here to keep me busy for a good long while!
