Recycled Book Halloween Decorations

We love books in my family, so a recycled book Halloween book craft is a must-do for us. My son had the idea for this fun project. He wanted to make books that looked like old world magical wizard books, like the spell books in Harry Potter and other fantasy stories. I enjoy doing craft projects with my kids, so I was thrilled to help him with this project.

At a glance: A Halloween book craft that turns thrifted hardcover books into old world magical wizard books. You need hardcover books, craft paint, a sponge brush, and paint pens. Paint the covers, then add titles and designs by hand, and imperfections only add to the look. Use them as Halloween decor for your home, a classroom, or a library, or as a prop for a costume, haunted house, or play.

How to Make Recycled Book Halloween Decorations

Supplies

• Hardcover books
• Craft Paint
• Paint Pens
• Sponge Paint Brush

Step 1: Find the Right Books

It was fun looking through books at the thrift store and being intrigued by some of the titles and subject matter.  My son and I had quite a few laughs. 

We knew we wanted books with covers that could be painted, so we looked for fabric hardcover books with minimal writing on the covers. My son knew the size book he wanted, which was “standard novel size.” I think it would be fun to use a coffee table sized book next time. Be sure to check under the dust jackets to find the right covers. It’s definitely a case of don’t judge a book by its dust cover.

We also tried to choose books that we thought were unlikely to sell otherwise at the thrift store. We left the more popular book choices for other customers.

Step 2: Paint the Covers

We painted the covers of the books with craft paint and a sponge brush. Depending on your paint color and book cover, it may take a couple of coats of paint to cover the original and get the look you want. Brush strokes and inconsistencies in the color add to the authentic look, so don’t worry about perfection.

Step 3: Add Titles and Details

I used paint pens to write the titles and decorate the two books I made. 

Don’t worry about being a perfectionist with your handwriting. To quote Pee Wee Herman, “I meant to do that.” (Can you name that movie?) You’re going for an old world handmade look, so imperfections are required.

My son used a paint brush and made his own hand stencil to decorate his book. He also added an “old-fashioned” key tied to a bit of decorative braiding I had to use as a bookmark. The design was entirely his own idea. That’s what’s so fun about this project: your imagination and creativity can fly.

FAQs About Halloween Book Decor

More Halloween Ideas and Recipes

• Halloween Trivia Questions – These free 35 Halloween Trivia Questions and answer cards are perfect for a party, to add to a lunchbox or as a family dinner activity.
• Halloween Word Search – Three free printable Halloween word search pages, each with 15 words, plus an answer key. Make developing problem solving and word skills scary fun.
• Easy Frankenstein Craft – This easy Frankenstein craft is a great Halloween idea for kids, for party favors, for gift bags, for trick or treating and for a fun Halloween craft.
• Halloween Costume Scavenger Hunt – Make trick-or-treating or your next Halloween party even more fun with this free 4-page printable Halloween Costume Scavenger Hunt.

I had so much fun making these Halloween books and they’re surprisingly easy to make. I think we’ll be creating some more to decorate the Organized 31 home this weekend. For a full wizard’s shelf, pair them with these DIY Magic Potion Bottles.