Got a pile of old books or dictionaries heading for recycling? Before they go, why not turn a few pages into something fun to make with the kids? These fun book crafts for kids are a lovely way to reuse old pages, keep little hands busy on a rainy afternoon, and end up with something sweet to keep or give away.
Here are four of our favourite book-inspired craft projects to try together.
#1. Make Heart Strings
This lovely project turns pages from an old book into a string of paper hearts — perfect for hanging in a bedroom window or draping over a shelf.
You’ll need an old book, scissors, sewing thread, wrapping paper and tape. Simply cut hearts from the book pages, thread them onto the sewing thread, and hang your string wherever it will be admired. It’s a simple project, but the instructions are clear and easy to follow for kids of most ages, with a little help from an adult for the threading.
#2. Create Bookmarks and Tags
This is a great way to give old books and dictionaries a second life instead of sending them to recycling.
Start by making one or two simple templates out of cardboard — a bookmark shape and a tag shape work well. Once you have your templates, use them to draw around the old book pages, then cut out as many bookmarks and tags as you like in different sizes. It’s a satisfying project for kids who enjoy tracing and cutting, and you’ll end up with a handy stash of bookmarks and gift tags.
#3. Make Paper Pinwheels
These pretty paper pinwheels are made from pages of an old book and look wonderful stuck into the top of cupcakes for a book-themed party, or simply displayed in a vase or plant pot.
You’ll need an old book, some pins, a pair of pliers and some sticks to mount your finished pinwheels on. It’s a slightly fiddlier project, so it may suit older kids or a grown-up helping hand for the pinning stage.
#4. Make Google-Eyed Bookmarks
For a project the kids can really make their own, try our MyKidsTime idea for Google-Eyed Bookmarks.
You’ll need some coloured card or construction paper, scissors, a ruler, glue, and a pen and pencil. You can use craft googly eyes if you have them, but we love letting each child draw their own eyes so every bookmark has its own quirky personality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age are these book crafts suitable for?
Most of these crafts suit primary school-aged children, though younger kids will need help with cutting and any fiddly steps like pinning the pinwheels or threading the heart strings. The googly-eyed bookmarks are the most independent project for younger children.
Do I need to use a special type of book?
No — any old book, dictionary or paperback that’s no longer wanted works well. Books already destined for recycling are ideal, so you’re not cutting up anything you want to keep.
What other materials do I need on hand?
Beyond the old book pages, most of these crafts use things you likely already have at home: scissors, thread, tape, glue, coloured card and pens. A couple of the projects also call for pins or pliers, so keep younger children supervised for those steps.
Can these crafts be turned into a group activity?
Yes — they work well for a rainy-day craft session with siblings or friends, and the bookmarks and tags in particular make a nice party or playdate activity, since everyone ends up with their own finished piece to take home.
More Craft Ideas to Try
Loved these book crafts? You might also enjoy browsing our other craft and activity ideas for kids, including seasonal makes, recycled craft projects, and simple ideas using things you already have around the house.
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