DIY Halloween Spell Books

Utilizing books for home decorating has been a popular trend for quite some time.  Whether you are using them as a riser to heighten something small or wanting to display the whole book to add to your ensemble, books can definitely finish off the look!  Decorating for Halloween is no exception, and you are going to love making this spooky DIY Halloween spell book to proudly display with your other festive decor.

DIY Halloween Spell Books

Here is What You Will Need:

• Embellishments
• Craft Letters (wooden, puffy–any with a raised surface)
• Hard Cover Book
• Paper Towels (cheap ones 😆)
• Mod Podge
• Black Paint
• Metallic Paints
• Paint Brushes – sponge and small craft types
• Hairdryer
• Old Coffee or Distressing Ink
• Glue Gun & Glue Sticks

Steps for DIY Halloween Spell Book ~

👻 STEP 1 ~

Choose which embellishments you want to use.  Keep in mind that the color of the items do not matter as you will be painting over most, if not all, of them.  I am including a picture of some ideas of items to use, but use your creativity to create the look you want.  Do you have old jewelry laying around, other fun metal craft pieces, upholstery nails, or are you creative with a glue gun?  The spider webs on the books in the above picture were created with a glue gun!

After making your selection, lay out your chosen embellishments on the front cover of the book to finalize your design.  Use your imagination and have fun with this part!

Halloween Embellishment Ideas

Of course, many of these items can be found at craft stores or in the craft section of bigger stores.  However, I am including some links to make it easier.  If you prefer having items shipped to you just click the links below:

51 Pieces of creepy crawlers (& a few prettier insects for a later project!)

Spooky Glow In The Dark Eyes!!!

Assorted Festive Buttons for Halloween Embellishing

Steampunk Skulls and Gears for Frightful Finishes

👻 STEP 2 ~

Lay the book out so that both covers are facing up.  Attach all embellishments you wish to use by hot gluing them on your hard back book.  *Note: If you have embellishments that are already in the finished color you desire, do not put those on until later in the project.  As you see, I have used wooden letters of various sizes for the title of my book.  A large button has been glued to the middle of the cover and then a dimensional plastic skeleton was adhered on top of that.  Ribbon was added down the spine as well to cover the name of the book (you can omit this step).  At this point, you are probably asking yourself, “Are you sure this is going to end up looking spooky?”  Give it time….we will get there!  I promise!

Embellishments adhered to book

👻 STEP 3 ~

Dab or paint a fine layer of Mod Podge all over both covers and the spine of the book with a sponge brush.  Be sure to get in all of the crevices.  Do you need some Mod Podge??  ➡➡Stock Up On Mod Podge Here!!!

1st Layer of Mod Podge

Then separate paper towel pieces into 1-ply sections.  Lightly dampen the 1-ply paper towels and layer all over the book.  *Note: I keep a small glass of water on my work surface for this.  Be sure to make some folds and bumps in it as you go.  Also mold or cut away from the letters and other items you have hot glued on to the surfaces.  Once you have covered the entire book, dab a second layer of Mod Podge with the sponge brush to completely cover the paper towels.  Next you will want to blow dry for 4 to 6 minutes.

Layer of Mod Podge, Layer of 1-Ply Paper Towel, Another Layer of Mod Podge

👻 STEP 4 ~

Using either a separate sponge brush or a small to medium size craft bristle brush, pain the entire book with black craft paint.  For this book, I mixed a little metallic paint into the black to get a slight overall metallic look.  After painting entire book in black, blow dry until it feels dry to the touch.

DIY Halloween Spell Book – Painting step

Halloween Spell book painted black

👻 STEP 5 ~

Using a small bristle paint brush, paint the letters and embellishments with metallic paint.  You can cover all attachments completely, or do a spot brushing on some of the items to give the book an “older” more vintage look.  I also added wisps of metallic pain randomly on the front cover for an extra touch.  If you have save some items that were already “distressed,” you will add these now…or those spooky glow in the dark eyes!

👻 STEP 6 ~

Crinkle the pages of the book a section at a time to give it an “old” look.  Next dip a paper towel into coffee and dab it on the outer edges of the pages to complete your DIY Halloween Spell Book.

I would love to see your creations….please share after you have completed this festive Halloween DIY craft!  Happy Haunting!

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