DIY Spell Book
DIY Spell Book
This creepy Halloween craft turns an old hardcover book into a spooky spell book prop that looks ancient, mysterious, and magical! Perfect for decorating a mantle, entryway, or Halloween party scene.
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What You’ll Need:
What You’ll Need:
An old hardcover book
Wooden skewers or craft sticks
Hot glue gun + glue sticks
Plastic creepy crawlies (spiders, snakes, bugs, etc.)
Sponge paint brush
Mod Podge (or white glue thinned with water)
Paper towel (2-ply works best)
Black chalk paint
Metallic gold acrylic paint
Coffee or black tea
Rag
Instructions
1. Prep the Book
Start with a hardcover book you no longer need. It should be clean and dry.
2. Frame the Edges
Cut wooden skewers or craft sticks to size and hot glue them around the front cover’s outer edges to create a raised frame.
3. Add Creepy Decorations
Glue on plastic spiders, snakes, and creepy bugs. Let them stick out a bit for a 3D effect.
4. Create the Title
Using a hot glue gun, write "SPELL BOOK" across the front and the spine of the book in thick lines. You can also add extra details like spider webs, cracks, or magical symbols using glue.
5. Add Texture with Paper Towels
Use a sponge brush to apply a layer of Mod Podge to the entire cover and spine.
Lay down a full sheet of paper towel on top, pressing it into all the textures.
Add another coat of Mod Podge on top to seal it in.
Repeat to fully cover the front, spine, and even the back cover if you'd like.
Let it dry completely.
Tip: Wrinkle the paper towel slightly as you lay it down for an aged, leathery texture.
6. Age the Book Pages
To give the pages a worn, aged look:
Dip a rag or paper towel into brewed coffee or tea
Gently dab it along the edges of the book’s pages (keep the book closed while doing this).
Let the book dry fully before moving on.
7. Paint it Black
Paint the entire cover and spine with black chalk paint. Get into all the nooks and crannies. Let it dry completely.
8. Dry Brush with Gold
To highlight the texture:
Dip a dry brush lightly into gold metallic paint.
Dab off the excess on a paper towel until the brush is almost dry.
Gently sweep the brush across raised surfaces. The gold will catch on the glue designs, textures, and creepy crawlies, making them pop.
Dry brushing gives your book an aged, magical metallic sheen—don’t skip this step!
9. Let It All Dry
Once you’re happy with the look, let the entire book dry completely. Your spooky spell book is now ready to display!
Display Ideas:
Display Ideas:
Prop it open on a Halloween mantel with candles around it.
Use it as a witchy centerpiece on a party table.
Display it with potion bottles and skulls on a bookshelf or hutch.
Add it to a spooky entryway table for trick-or-treaters to see.
Creating your own spooky spell book is a fun and creative way to add a mysterious, magical touch to your Halloween décor—or just to channel your inner wizard any time of year! With simple materials and a bit of imagination, you can transform an ordinary old book into a one-of-a-kind enchanted treasure. So gather your supplies, get crafting, and let your spell book tell its own eerie story!
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About The Creator
About The Creator
Hi, I’m Mary Ellen, the creator of the YouTube channel "Life is Messy but I'm Learning as I Grow." I’m thrilled you’re here, joining me on this journey of discovery and creativity! As a mother of two, married to my high school sweetheart, and with a career background in childcare, my life is wonderfully busy and, yes, a little messy—but that's part of the fun.
On this site, I share my favorite things: plant-based cooking, crafting and DIY projects, family-friendly travel tips, gardening advice, and the occasional antics of my two adorable cats. I'm always eager to learn something new and love sharing my discoveries with anyone who will listen—so I’m glad you’re here to listen!
Whether you're looking for inspiration, practical tips, or just a place to connect, I hope you'll find something here that sparks joy and encourages you to learn and grow along with me.
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