Looking for creative ways to upcycle old books? These DIY book crafts are perfect for turning worn-out novels, outdated encyclopedias, or thrifted hardcovers into stylish home decor, clever storage solutions, and handmade gifts.
Don’t toss that tattered novel or outdated encyclopedia just yet—turn it into something beautiful and functional instead! From hidden storage and vintage-inspired wreaths to upcycled phone chargers and kitchen decor, old books are a goldmine for clever, creative DIYs. If you’re a book lover, craft enthusiast, or just looking for a unique weekend project, these ideas will give new life to your forgotten pages and add character to your home. Whether you’re into rustic book page wreaths, hidden book safes, or functional projects like a book knife block, this list of book recycling ideas will inspire your next DIY project and help reduce waste in a fun, artistic way.
Table of Contents
- 1. Book Page Rose Wreath
- 2. DIY Hidden Book Storage
- 3. Turn Old Books into a Knife Block
- 4. Iphone Dock From Old Books
- 5. DIY Book Balls
- 6. Book Page Gift Bags
- 7. Heart Garland From Old Books
- 8. Old Books Into Wall Shelf
- 9. DIY Deer Book Art
- 10. Book Photo Frame
- 11. DIY Book Purse
- 12. Dollar Store Book Topiary DIY
- 13. Place Card Holders Made Out Of Old Books
- 14. Painting Books DIY
- 15. Old Book Clock
- 16. Book Page Bunting
- 17. Portable Art Case
- 18. DIY Book Vase Planter
- 19. DIY Cell Phone Charging Book
- 20. DIY Glass Jar Tea Light Holder
- 21. Old Book Lantern
- 22. Repurposed Book Flower
- 23. Book Page Pumpkin
- 24. Make New Books Look Old
- 25. DIY Snowflake Covered Books
- 26. DIY Old Book Accordion Organizer
- 27. Turn an Old Book into a Book Box
- 28. Boxes Covered With Old Books
- 29. DIY Book Bangles
- 30. Book Page Wreath
- 31. DIY Book Page Tags
- 32. Hardcover Book Purse
1. Book Page Rose Wreath
This DIY craft tutorial guides you through tearing out pages from an old book, crafting them into spiral-cut roses by rolling and gluing, then layering them onto a grapevine base (with optional burlap “leaves”) for a rustic wreath. It’s an easy, budget‑friendly project that gives damaged or outdated books new purpose as charming, farmhouse‑style décor. A hot glue gun and a little patience transform forgotten pages into a beautiful, vintage-loved piece. Such a pretty way to use old book pages!
2. DIY Hidden Book Storage
This craft tutorial shows how to repurpose old hardcover books into stylish secret storage by hollowing out the center pages and using the solid front and back covers to disguise the compartment on your shelf. The easy-to-follow method uses tools like an X‑Acto knife and glue to create a snug hideaway for small valuables, with no fancy woodworking required. It’s a charming, functional way to upcycle books and keep things discreet. I just love this idea and have it on my “must make next” list of DIY ideas.
3. Turn Old Books into a Knife Block
This clever DIY book craft tutorial transforms old hardcover books into a stylish knife block by hollowing or filling the spines with dowels or skewers to securely hold knives. The process involves sealing books (and plywood bases, if used) with Mod Podge for durability, binding them together, and sliding in knives—creating hidden, conversation‑starter storage. It’s a resourceful, eye‑catching upcycle that brings functional charm to any kitchen.
4. Iphone Dock From Old Books
This clever DIY idea for old books repurposes an old hardcover book into a phone charging dock by hollowing out the pages, gluing them securely, drilling a slot for the charger, and using the covers to camouflage the setup. It creates a hidden charging station that blends seamlessly on your nightstand or bookshelf—no fancy tools beyond an X‑Acto knife, drill, and glue are needed. The result is functional, stylish, and a great upcycled decor piece that works great on an end table.
5. DIY Book Balls
This creative book upcycling tutorial shows how to punch scalloped circles from old book pages and scrunch them around a pencil before gluing them onto a Styrofoam or ping-pong ball to create charming paper “hydrangeas.” These book page balls make versatile decor—you can use them as holiday ornaments, bowl fillers, table centerpieces, or floral-style arrangements on sticks. If you want an easy craft that uses book pages, this pretty DIY is a perfect choice.
6. Book Page Gift Bags
This DIY book craft shows how to make vintage-style gift bags by folding and taping pages from an old book (like a flea-market dictionary) into small bags, then adding stamped accents, ribbon handles, or washi tape closures. It offers simple variations—sewn seams, reinforced pages with Mod Podge, or punching holes for ribbon—to customize the size and finish. A clever, eco-friendly upcycle that turns forgotten book pages into beautiful, reusable gift packaging. Make DIY gift bags that a free and way cuter than anything you could buy in stores.
7. Heart Garland From Old Books
8. Old Books Into Wall Shelf
9. DIY Deer Book Art
10. Book Photo Frame
11. DIY Book Purse
12. Dollar Store Book Topiary DIY
13. Place Card Holders Made Out Of Old Books
14. Painting Books DIY
15. Old Book Clock
16. Book Page Bunting
17. Portable Art Case
18. DIY Book Vase Planter
19. DIY Cell Phone Charging Book
20. DIY Glass Jar Tea Light Holder
21. Old Book Lantern
22. Repurposed Book Flower
23. Book Page Pumpkin
24. Make New Books Look Old
25. DIY Snowflake Covered Books
26. DIY Old Book Accordion Organizer
27. Turn an Old Book into a Book Box
28. Boxes Covered With Old Books
29. DIY Book Bangles
30. Book Page Wreath
31. DIY Book Page Tags
32. Hardcover Book Purse
