Creative Ways to Repurpose Old Books

A Dozen Creative Ways to Repurpose Old Books

I LOVE to read. I remember at one point I’d happen to be browsing the “recommended” book shelves and there were very few that I had not already read. Needless to say, my shelves are littered with books. Think twice before throwing away your old damaged books. You can’t really sell them for much anyway! Take the eco-friendly route and repurpose them into something new and inventive and take the trash to treasure route.   I thought I’d put together some fun repurposing ideas for your old books to get your creative juices flowing. Here are several creative ways to Repurpose Old Books!

Where to Find Damaged Books

Libraries have a process called weeding. Books that are weeded include books that have torn pages or broken spines, and would not survive further circulation. These books are too damaged to donate or too worn to sell at a discount to benefit the library. Ask your local libraries for books in this category; perhaps you can give them new life with one of these ideas.

Repurpose Books for Home Decor

• Make a book page butterfly wreath.
• Make a storybook clock for a nursery. You can purchase a clock kit at any craft store and turn any hard cover book into a clock. Simply drill a hole in the center and add your clock kit.
• Turn one into a unique lamp.
• Make your own book page wallpaper. Cover an accent wall in book pages.
• Make a book page wreath.
• Create interesting artwork and make an invisible book shelf.
• Use them in Holiday or Seasonal Crafts.
• Use them to hide things. See the front and back of a secret storage idea below.

 

Upcycle Books for DIY Gifts

• Make your own postcards or reuse the covers for handmade greeting cards and post cards.
• Make an interesting picture frame. Add some special and memorable photos to an old encyclopedia and use it as a frame to display in your home!
• Hollow it out to make a secret hiding place.
• A book purse seems like it would be a little heavy, but how ingenious! Turn books into a purse.

 

DIY Furniture with Books

• Create an interesting conversation piece and make a desk or coffee table.
• Decoupage the pages to a dresser or table.
• Securely tack them to make stools and side tables.

 

 

 

 

 

05/11