Annie's ways to reuse old books
05/29/2022Annie's ways to reuse old books
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Hey York!
If you didn’t know, the library is clearing out some books to make room for new and better ones! We aren’t going to waste the books, so we’re giving an opportunity to everyone in the middle and senior school to take home some of these books for free. Obviously, you can read the books, but maybe you want to do something more creative with them.
Here are 8 ideas to have fun with these books other than just reading them.
1. Decoration!
You can paint, draw, etc. on book covers to make them a decoration in your house. Maybe a book tree, like we saw in the library this winter, or as a table centrepiece. If you’re someone who reads electronically or from the library, maybe you want to start making an aesthetic bookshelf, or you can create an elegant-looking charging station. There are so many things you can do! Make a lamp, decorate a clock, bookends, and more. This website has some fun ideas, but be creative, and embrace your artistic side.
2. Origami!
Have you ever wanted to learn how to make origami? Now is your chance. You can carefully rip out the pages of books and make different animals. Additionally, if you want a more interesting envelope to send a letter in, you can do that as well! The internet has tons of origami videos and step-by-step instructions so you can use every page of your book.
3. Create a sustainable pot for your plants!
If you’re a plant lover, but you don’t like the look of boring pots, you can use bigger books to make a pot out of. This website has some example instructions.
4. Secret Safe!
If you want to hide stuff from anyone that comes into your room, you can use an old book as a storage container. Here is a video for you to follow, but the basic idea is that you’re hiding your stuff somewhere least expected.
5. Paper mache!
Similar to origami, these books that you don’t want to read are great for paper mache. Look up how to make it, but the possibilities are endless.
6. Blackout poetry!
In blackout poetry, you use a marker pen to black out words in a book page so the remaining words form poetry, sort of. It doesn’t need to be perfect works of art that rival the greats, but maybe there’s a theme or a few quotes you love! Take a look!
7. Storage!
You can use your books for storage. Whether it’s a jewelry box, which is made in a similar way to a safe, or even a place to hold pencils.
8. Make your own paper!
Finally, making a paper is a way to reuse these books. It’s super fun, and you can even dye the paper pastel colours for a cool journal. Here is a video on how to do it!
The possibilities of you + old books are endless! Read, create, enjoy, but most importantly have fun.
By: Annie Wasserman
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