DIY: Make Your Own BookStacks

Hey there!

Bookstacks are getting really popular these days, and you can buy them from places like Amazon and Etsy. I even sell them here. But did you know you can also make your own? They're super easy to make and they make wonderful gifts!

Bookstacks can be made from wood blocks like this one from Etsy or you can make them from actual books. Goodwill and Dollar Tree are great resources for books. Hardback books as well as paperback books work well. It just depends on the look you are going for. If you have old books laying around, why not use them. Oh how I wish I had not taken so many books to Goodwill over the past couple of years!

There are many ways to get the text on the book - with stamps, using your cutting machine, freehand, or using a stencil. You can even paper mache the text if you want.

Don’t know what to write? Check Pinterest and Etsy for ideas. You are sure to be inspired.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step One: Gather your books. I suggest 3 books that are roughly the sames size as long as the length and width are the same. If you are using paperback books, I suggest tearing off the covers and the spine. If any of the spine remains, use a little light sandpaper to smooth them out.

Step Two: Paint your books, front, back, and spine. I used Folk Art Chalk Paint in Cottage White but any matte paint would work. you can use a foam brush or a small foam roller. It’s good to have a small artist’s brush on hand to touch up and paint the inside edges since they will show when stacked. Once they are dry, stack them by size, putting the largest on the bottom. You can glue them together with a little bit of hot glue for stability if you want. Of course, they don’t have to be white, go with your decor, even mixing some colors if you want.

Step Three: While your books are drying, create your text. Remember it’s up to you how you will create your text. You may find that using a cutting machine or stamps is the easiest way to go. I use my Cricut to cut permanent vinyl and it works like a charm. You can also try paper mache. Print out your text and using some mod podge, apply the text to the spines.

Step Four: Wrap your books with twine, or ribbon, or both. You can even add some decorative florals or wooden balls for embellishment.

If you prefer to learn by watching, there are lots of tutorials on YouTube you can watch.

This one sits on a shelf in my office/craft space.

This one sits on my desk.

This one is in our TV room.

And that’s about it. You have created a beautiful addition to your space. They will be perfectly imperfect!

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Thanks for stopping by.

Until next time…