Do you have a pile of old books collecting dust? Do you have some stored away in boxes ready to give to the Goodwill? Well, don’t toss them or give them away because I have some wonderful ideas for giving those books a new lease on life
Planters:
It takes a bit of patience, and a large hole saw to create this well-read planter, but the effort will be worth it for book lovers. Play with different combinations of books and pots, stacking where needed to create a mini garden of words.
Bookmarks:
Simply use a razor knife to slice off the covers and drill a hole in the top and thread through a strip of leather or ribbon to accent these unique gift items.
This next one is such a awesome idea. It comes from Happy at Home
Isn’t that beautiful! This book wreath is nothing short of breathtaking when it comes to crafts with old books. Patience and careful planning will result in a truly one-of-a-kind decor item that visitors to your home will love.
Light Pendant:
Photo: Courtesy of The 3 Rs Blog
Sometimes the best thing about a DIY project is making an existing product even better. This modern pendant takes a generic paper lantern and steps it up a notch by carefully pasting circles, cut from book pages, in a scalloped pattern which resembles an artichoke!
This cool pencil holder is a genius DIY project because it is made with the leftover scraps from the previous artichoke light project.
Purse:
Photo: Courtesy of Crafting a Green World
You’ll never need to worry about someone showing up with the same bag as you when you create your own purse out of a much-loved book.
DIY Hidden Storage:
All you need to create this amazing hidden storage box is glue, a sharp knife and a simple box frame. This is one home security hack that looks as good as it works. Check it out here hidden storage.
Knife Holder:
This is such a wonderful way to store your knifes. Pick your books, and wrap tightly at least 3 times. So easy! You could even hot glue the books together then use the twine. ( this would be perfect for a certain cook who has a new kitchen)
Banner:
Photo: Courtesy of Find it, Make It, Love It
Simply cut, paste and thread the pennant flags and adorn with whatever lettering you like. Stickers, stencils, and paint are all ways to make this DIY decor your own.
Jewelry Box:
Photo: Courtesy of Kate’s Creative Space
A hollowed out book is an age-old space to hide valuables, but it also looks great on display as a jewelry box. Get creative and add wooden feet or several stacked boxes for optimum effect.
Wall Hooks:
Photo: Courtesy of Turtles & Tails
Wall hooks have become an indispensable part of home organization – and good decor. By following this tutorial, you can create this great, vintage-looking coat rack that will be an instant conversation piece in your home.
So…what do you think of these uses for old books? Do you have any lying around or in boxes collecting dust?
I hope you enjoyed this post. Thank you so much for reading!
These ideas and designs are beautiful! And so original (╹◡╹)
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They are great ideas! I am in love with the wreath…gorgeous!
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Absolutely beautiful ideas! Love the wreath and the knife holder.
The tech support is super cute, too. 😀
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Oh my gosh! I so love that wreath! It could also be done in sheet music! Thank you Robin!
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😀
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😉
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Thank you Robin. That joke was part of a post I wrote: https://kelleysdiy.com/2018/10/18/okay-techs-this-ones-for-you/. I love that wreath also…beautiful! Robin, let me know if you create one of these, I would love to see it on your blog!!!
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Maybe 🙂 I have several friends who are avid readers that would love it.
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Okay…I will repost now
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I LOVE ❤️ this post because the ideas are BEAUTIFUL! Thank you for sharing! I may try some of them… starting with the bookmark. 🔖 🤗😁
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Oh I am so glad to hear that Christy, I would love to see what you do!
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How neat! I love the wreath and bookmarks, especially!
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Thank you Emily! The wreath is pretty awesome as the bookmarks! Are you going to do one of those?
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I’m not too crafty but maybe I will give one of those a shot 🙂
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That sounds awesome Emily! Have fun with it!
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Wow what creative ideas – I can certainly use lots of them – esp pencil holders
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I would love to see it if you make it! Thank you so much!
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SUPER, SUPER CLEVER!!!!!! I’m seriously eyeing that wreath!!!!
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Isn’t that gorgeous Kathy! You could use so many other papers like sheet music too!
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You just keep at it, those are brilliant!
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Ah, thank you so much Alunaria! You are so sweet!
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Oh my gosh…. I am screenshoting almost all of these ideas… I can’t wait to find some old books now!!!!
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Check out the thrift shops if open. Ask friends if they have any old books they don’t want. I love these ideas.
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Very creative Kelley!
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Thank you so much Bernadine! ☺️
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