Craft Projects: Artwork Made from Unwanted Books

Somewhere in your home there are probably books that you no longer want. Maybe you have duplicate copies or just aren't going to read the book anymore. Turn those unwanted books from something unwanted into art that you'll love to display in your home. Who couldn't use some more beautiful artwork around their house?

There are some books that have absolutely beautiful or meaningful covers that you want to hold onto even though you no longer want the book. Instead of tossing the covers of the books, turn them into works of art. There are two ways that you can go about this.

The first way is to make an abstract piece of wall art. Take the front covers off of the books you would like to use. Make sure that the back of the cover isn't dusty or dirty and that the edges are even. Using three or more book covers will work best. Lay them flat on a covered surface, then overlap the corners of the covers of the books in any type of design you want in an uneven pattern. Make sure to overlap them a good amount. If you overlap them only slightly, the book covers will not glue properly together. When you have the formation of the wall art you would like, get ready to glue.

Put a very strong glue, such as Gorilla Glue Ò, in between the two overlapping corners to seal them together. Since one or more book covers are going to be slightly elevated off of the flat surface, make sure that you have something to temporarily place beneath them so it will keep them even until the glue dries. After the glue dries, attach one to two picture hooks evenly on the back, depending on how you have your book covers positioned. You now have a beautiful piece of artwork.

If you only have one book cover that you would like to make into wall art, consider using an empty shadow box. Take the front cover off of the book that you would like to use. Make sure that the back of the cover isn't dusty or dirty and that the edge is even. Center the book cover directly in the middle of the backing of the shadow box. Once you have it even, use a very strong glue and glue the book cover onto the backing. Make sure that you apply the glue evenly. Put something with weight to it on top of the cover until it dries. When it dries, reapply the backing to the shadow box and you now have a wonderful reminder of a great book that can be used as artwork.

Making artwork from the covers of unwanted books is simple and easy, and is a great way of incorporating some interesting artwork into your home.