Uses For Old Books
21 Uses For Old Books
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Tear out old book pages to make greeting cards ($5). The background is suitable for all types of occasions — birthdays, graduations, and more.
1 Cards
Tear out old book pages to make greeting cards ($5). The background is suitable for all types of occasions — birthdays, graduations, and more.
2 Candleholders
Wrap candleholders ($20) with book pages on the outside and cut little shapes to let the candlelight or LED tea lights shine through.
3 Wedding Paper Cones
Use old book pages to make vintage-style wedding paper cones ($8) to hold your confetti.
4 Paper Flowers
Make paper-rose decorations to add an interesting twist to items including gifts and Christmas tree ornaments. To find out how to make your own paper rose ($6), read this tutorial.
5 Coasters
Get the look of these Harry Potter coasters ($20) by using ceramic tiles, Harry Potter book pages, and a few layers of decoupage glue and varnish.
6 Necklaces
Create a book-page necklace ($19) with a cutout of your favorite text or illustration. You can paint the piece with lacquer, or glue a glass gem on top of the cutout to turn it into a durable pendant.
7 Gift Tags
Turn old book pages into gift tags ($4) that you can attach to presents to better personalize them.
8 Rings
You can also make book-page rings ($13) to match your necklaces.
9 Cake Toppers
When you're making cake or cupcake toppers ($4), use book pages to give them a unique look.
10 Art Print
Transform a book page into a pretty art piece ($10) by printing an image over the page.
11 Decorative Items
Use small bits of book pages as decorative items and insert them into things like vial necklaces or even terrariums ($12).
12 Garland
Make garlands ($40) out of book pages to use in parties or weddings. Here's a tutorial for how to make a paper garland.
13 Hidden Piggy Banks
Hollow out one of your old books to hide your cash and other valuables. No one will ever guess your secret hiding place ($17)!
14 Ornaments
Decorate your home and Christmas tree with handmade book ornaments ($5).
15 Earrings
Recycle book pages to create earrings ($10) that display your favorite quote or part.
16 Charging Stations
Create a charging dock ($40) for your iPhone, tablet, or other gadgets with an old book. Here are instructions on how you can make your own book charging station.
17 Table Runners
Create a vintage runner ($13) made of old pages by taping the pages together and using a decorative edge-puncher to create a cute border. You might want to lacquer the runner so it's not too fragile.
18 Furniture
Create furniture pieces like lamps ($95), side tables, or coffee tables by piling up old books.
19 Birdhouses
Create birdhouses ($15) from the pages and covers of your old books.
20 Book Wreaths
Wreaths ($20) are an interesting use of book pages and would be perfect for any vintage-inspired wedding or fun party.
21 Ereader Covers
Use the cover of an old book to create a cover ($30) for your ereader. It's perfect for the nostalgic bookworm who made the transition from paper to digital.
