If you're a diehard bookworm [1], then you probably cringe at the idea of throwing away old books — even if your bookshelf has reached maximum capacity. Here's a solution: upcycle them into things you want to keep around the house, like jewelry, furniture, and decor. You'll still get to keep your treasured book and make good use of it [2] while you're at it. Read on for 21 suggestions on what you can do with your old books.
— Additional reporting by Nicole Yi
Cards
Tear out old book pages to make greeting cards [4] ($5). The background is suitable for all types of occasions — birthdays, graduations, and more.
Candleholders
Wrap candleholders [5] ($20) with book pages on the outside and cut little shapes to let the candlelight or LED tea lights shine through.
Wedding Paper Cones
Use old book pages to make vintage-style wedding paper cones [6] ($8) to hold your confetti.
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 [7] ($6), read this tutorial [8].
Coasters
Get the look of these Harry Potter coasters [9] ($20) by using ceramic tiles, Harry Potter [10] book pages, and a few layers of decoupage glue and varnish.
Necklaces
Create a book-page necklace [11] ($19) with a cutout of your favorite text or illustration. You can paint the piece with lacquer, or glue a glass gem [12] on top of the cutout to turn it into a durable pendant.
Gift Tags
Turn old book pages into gift tags [13] ($4) that you can attach to presents to better personalize them.
Rings
You can also make book-page rings [14] ($13) to match your necklaces.
Cake Toppers
When you're making cake or cupcake toppers [15] ($4), use book pages to give them a unique look.
Art Print
Transform a book page into a pretty art piece [16] ($10) by printing an image over the page.
Decorative Items
Use small bits of book pages as decorative items and insert them into things like vial necklaces or even terrariums [17] ($12).
Garland
Make garlands [18] ($40) out of book pages to use in parties or weddings. Here's a tutorial for how to make a paper garland [19].
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 [20] ($17)!
Ornaments
Decorate your home and Christmas tree with handmade book ornaments [21] ($5).
Earrings
Recycle book pages to create earrings [22] ($10) that display your favorite quote or part.
Charging Stations
Create a charging dock [23] ($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 [24].
Table Runners
Create a vintage runner [25] ($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.
Furniture
Create furniture pieces like lamps [26] ($95), side tables, or coffee tables by piling up old books.
Birdhouses
Create birdhouses [27] ($15) from the pages and covers of your old books.
Book Wreaths
Wreaths [28] ($20) are an interesting use of book pages and would be perfect for any vintage-inspired wedding or fun party.
Ereader Covers
Use the cover of an old book to create a cover [29] ($30) for your ereader. It's perfect for the nostalgic bookworm who made the transition from paper to digital.