fantastic and amazing ideas to revive the old tomes that lie dusty on the shelves, converting them into containers to hide objects, plant pots, or even covers for eBook readers.
If you are among those who do not even remotely imagine of transform an old book with scissors and a cutter, by removing the pages and cutting off the cover, this article is not for you. And we understand it perfectly, given the reverential respect and the emotional bond that can be established between the magical paper support soaked in words and its reader. But for all the others who, for the most diverse reasons, do not mind leave room for creativity, here are some fantastic and amazing ideas to revive the old tomes that lie dusty on the shelves, converting them into containers to hide objects, pots for plants, or even covers for eBook readers.
Whole book:
1) Secret container
Perfect for hide your money, your jewelry or anything you want to keep away from prying eyes, your mini safe made from the book is easy to blend in with the other volumes in the bookcase. Making it is easy, all you need is an old hardcover book, a cutter, a brush and some glue. This object can be also used as a jewelery box or valet tray.
2) Cactus planter
In a very similar way to the secret container, it is also possible to create a very cute mini planter that can contain your favorite succulents. Also in this case it will be necessary to glue the pages and make a deep hole, which will however be covered with greaseproof paper and soil. Cut the cover as you like, unleashing your imagination.
3) Charging station for smartphones
Same concept as before, but applied in a slightly different way. This time you will have to cut the cover, to obtain a section equal to size of the charging plug. Therefore, as explained in this tutorial, you need a drill and a razor. At the end of the work, the thread will emerge from the book and on the cover we can place the phone when it needs to be recharged in its new and trendy station, ideal for the bedside table.
Pages only:
4) Decoupage
Decoupage is a decorative technique, whose name derives from the French découper, meaning to cut out. By cutting out the pages of your books, in fact, it will be possible to use them as a decoration, in a fascinating and lasting way, on chairs, table top, small wooden boxes, bowls. Or, as blogger Eli did, giving new life to old jars.
5) Origami
The pages of the book make the paper used for origami really more beautiful. With this technique it is possible to achieve animals for children or ornaments for your home.
6) Gift card
You can use the pages of the book like gift paper, tissue paper or as an imaginative and original packaging material. Alternatively, cut out any shape you like, such as a heart or star and use it as a bow on top of the gift.
Covers only:
7) Headboard for bed
It's an inexpensive and super easy idea to do for the master bedroom or kids room, but also a quick and easy way to reuse a whole stack of old books, all without having to be a professional carpenter. Just cut the covers off and use them to create some sort of patchwork on a piece of plywood which, once mounted on the bed, will guarantee sweet dreams for book lovers.
8) Custody per iPad or eBook reader
Turn an old book into one case for new electronic devices like iPad o e-book readers can be inexpensive and safe since the cover is the gadget. All you need is a cover, without the pages, of the right thickness.
9) Cornice
By using a razor or hacksaw to remove a cutout from your bound book, you can create unique instant photo frames, mirrors or paintings. The rectangle is the quintessential shape, but a heart, circle, or any other image you like will work too.
Of course, we recommend that you only use books that are destined for recycling or a sad lonely life on a dusty shelf. Do you have any other ideas for them?
