Got a stack of old books gathering dust, or a battered dictionary that’s seen better days? Before you recycle them, put them to good use with your kids! Old book pages make brilliant craft materials, and turning them into something new is a lovely way to spend an afternoon together. Here are 4 fun book crafts for kids that are simple to set up and give lovely handmade results.
#1. Make Heart Strings
This lovely project uses pages from an old book to cut out sets of hearts and string them together for a pretty garland. As well as your old book, you’ll need scissors, sewing thread, wrapping paper and tape. It’s a simple craft that works well for all ages, and the finished heart strings look gorgeous hung across a bookshelf, window or bedroom wall.
#2. Create Bookmarks and Tags
Old books and dictionaries salvaged from recycling can be turned into charming bookmarks and gift tags. Start by making one or two templates out of cardboard — you can cut these in whatever shape you like. Once you have your templates, use them to draw around and cut out the old book pages, making different sized tags or bookmarks. It’s a great way to get a few different keepsakes out of a single book.
#3. Make Paper Pinwheels
This is a nice one for a book-themed party, but works just as well as a standalone craft. Made from pages of an old book, these paper pinwheels can be popped on top of cupcakes or pinned onto sticks for a colourful display. You’ll need an old book, some pins, a pair of pliers and some sticks to pin your wheels onto.
#4. Make Google Eyed Bookmarks
Try our MyKidsTime project to make some Google Eyed Bookmarks! You’ll need some coloured card or construction paper, scissors, a ruler, glue, and a pen and pencil. You could use craft googly eyes instead of drawing them on, but we like that each child can design their own bookmark eyes to make it truly individual.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age are these book crafts suitable for?
Most of these crafts work well for primary school-aged children, especially with a little help cutting or handling scissors and pins. The Google Eyed Bookmarks are simple enough for younger children to manage mostly on their own.
What kind of books work best for these crafts?
Old paperbacks, damaged hardbacks, or dictionaries that are no longer needed work well. Look for books that are already destined for recycling rather than cutting up ones still being read or kept for sentimental value.
Do I need any special craft supplies?
No — these projects use everyday craft basics like scissors, glue, card, thread and pins. You probably already have most of what you need at home.
Can these crafts be adapted for a party or group activity?
Yes, the bookmarks, tags and pinwheels all work well as a group craft activity, whether that’s a rainy afternoon at home or a book-themed party.
Did you try one of these book-y projects? Tell us how you got on in the comments below — we’d love to hear which one your kids enjoyed most.
Related Articles
- Google Eyed Bookmarks: A Step-by-Step Craft Project
- More Fun Craft Ideas for Kids
- Easy Rainy Day Activities for Kids
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