How to make a Spellbook

How to make a spellbook

With Halloween creeping upon us, I wanted to try and make a spell book and decorate it using a mixed media art technique. Thanks in part to Harry Potter spell books have become very popular. And who would not want a cool spell book as part of their Halloween decorations?

How to make a spellbook

The cool thing about this tutorial is that most crafters will already have most of these supplies at home.  So no big expense to make one of these Spell books.

How to make a spell book

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Prepare the book

Because you are not decorating the outside of the spell book any book with a hardcover book will work. The design of this spell book was created to stay open all the time.  You can paint the outside of the book with black gesso or acrylic paint to start.

How to make a spellbook

To create the effect of the open book you can use mod podge and some bobby pins.

How to make a spellbook

Start by dividing the pages into groups.  Books are made up of groups of pages bound together, you can use this as a guide. Place the bobby pins on the book to keep the pages together while the mod podge dries. Start at the bottom and add a thick layer of mod podge to the surface. Slightly lift the next layer and add more mod podge, repeat this until you have added mod podge to all the pages.

How to make a spellbook

I found the pages kept falling flat again instead of standing up as I wanted.  To hold them in place while the glue dried, I used some Suran wrap over the pages.  This worked great.  Once the mod podge was dry, I added more mod podge over all the sides of the book. Once all the glue is dry you will no longer be able to close the book.

How to make a spellbook

To add some more character to the pages on the front you can curl up the corners.  I added some more mod podge to the corners of the pages and wrapped them around a straw to get a curled shape.

How to make a spellbook

Paint the book

Once all the mod podge is dry you paint the whole book black.  I used black gesso but acrylic paint should work just fine.

DIY Spellbook

When you are painting the book, you will notice that the papers will become all wrinkled, this will add to the effect.

How to make a spellbook

Making the spell book eye

To make the eye you can use a clear glass bead and some clay.   To add the detail to the eye I tried sharpie pens first, but this did not work very well.  Next, I tried nail polish and it worked perfectly.

How to make a spellbook

You can have some fun at this stage.  I played around with the clay for a while before I was happy with the shape.  The great thing about polymer clay is you can keep reworking it until you are happy. I rolled the clay out using a rolling pin and cut it into long strips.  The eye was made up of long strips just shaped together around the glass bead. The hole shape around the eye was made using the end of a retractable pen.  So, you don’t need to buy any tools. To add some “stitches” to the eye I used some jewellery wire cut to size.

How to make a spellbook

The snake was also polymer clay just rolled and shaped. It does look a little naff, but it will do.

How to make a spellbook

Once you are happy with the designs you made with the polymer clay you have to bake it.  Mine had to be baked in the oven for 30 minutes. To get the yellow colour on the glass bead you can add some mod podge and yellow alcohol ink.

How to make a spellbook

Resin moulds

To make the skulls and hands to decorate the book you can use silicone moulds.  If you don’t want to buy resin to use in the moulds hot glue works just as good.

How to make a spellbook

Add the spells

I cheated on this step and bought the printables from Etsy for a few dollars. I printed them out and glued them to the pages.

How to make a spellbook

Decorating the spell book

You can be creative here using the products you have available at home.  I used some metallic gold wax paste to highlight the black paint.  Dip your finger into the wax and rub it randomly over some of the surfaces.

How to make a spellbook

When you add the gold wax try not to cover all the black or the effect will be lost.  All the embellishments were glued in place using some hot glue.

Halloween spellbook

How to make a spellbook

To add some extra creepiness to your Halloween decor you can add some of these skeleton characters. I ordered these from China last year but they were a lot bigger than I expected but they go great with the spellbook.

How to make a spellbook

How to make a spellbook

How to make a spellbook

More Halloween Ideas

Halloween party wine glasses

Halloween glasses

Halloween-themed wine bottles

Mixed media wine bottles

If you are looking for any of the items used in this project, please consider using our links. By clicking on the links we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Which helps us come up with new and exciting ideas to share with you.

Pinterest pin

How to repurpose an old book into a spellbook for Halloween

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73 Comments

  • Reply
    Marielle
    August 25, 2020 at 8:33 am

    I saw your link at the Over the Moon link up. This is such a creative idea! Perfect for Halloween. I think my oldest would love making it with me. Thanks for sharing!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      August 27, 2020 at 11:55 am

      Thank you so much, it was lots of fun to make.

  • Reply
    Karen, the next best thing to mummy
    August 26, 2020 at 8:25 pm

    I love this fantastic idea #,alittlebitofeverything@_karendennis

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      August 27, 2020 at 11:58 am

      Thank you so much. That is very kind of you to say.

  • Reply
    Michelle
    August 26, 2020 at 10:09 pm

    What a creative idea! I love how it turned out. You did an amazing job!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      August 27, 2020 at 11:58 am

      Than k you so much Michelle, just in time for Halloween.

  • Reply
    Marie-Interior Frugalista
    August 27, 2020 at 4:44 am

    I’ve said it before, you are a DIY steampunk rock star, Anta! This spellbook is AMAZING! Pinned 🙂

  • Reply
    Jasmine Goodwin
    August 28, 2020 at 10:30 pm

    What a great idea and great job you did on this spell book. WOW, it looks really amazing and is great for Halloween decorations.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      August 29, 2020 at 11:40 am

      Thank you so much Jasmine. These spellbooks are popular all year round now thanks to Harry Potter.

  • Reply
    Cecilia
    August 31, 2020 at 7:17 am

    What a eerie transformation! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      September 1, 2020 at 12:27 am

      Thank you, that was the look I was going for.

  • Reply
    Leanna
    August 31, 2020 at 9:04 am

    Your so talented at mixed media art. Your book would be much creepier than the purchased ones because it is actually a book. That eye seriously creeped me out lol. Great idea.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      September 1, 2020 at 12:30 am

      Thank you, only just discovered mixed media this year and I am totally hooked. It is such a fun craft technique. The eye was my first attempt at clay, it was really easy to use.

  • Reply
    Waste Not Wednesday-221 - Raggedy Bits
    September 2, 2020 at 10:58 am

    […] How To Make A Spell Book |Unique Creations By Anita […]

  • Reply
    Laura Walters
    September 2, 2020 at 4:35 pm

    We are so excited that you participated! Thank you for sharing your creativity! This is so cute!

  • Reply
    Beth Watson
    September 2, 2020 at 4:35 pm

    What a great addition to our linky party! We are so happy to have you!

  • Reply
    Meg Daves
    September 2, 2020 at 4:36 pm

    Thank you for participating in our linky party!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      September 3, 2020 at 3:34 pm

      Thank you so much Meg, see you next week.

  • Reply
    Ann Butler
    September 2, 2020 at 4:36 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing! Your project is absolutely darling!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      September 3, 2020 at 3:35 pm

      Thank you so much, that is very kind of you to say.

  • Reply
    Michelle
    September 2, 2020 at 4:50 pm

    This spellbook is totally fabulous, Anita! I will be featuring it in this week’s Creative Compulsions.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      September 3, 2020 at 3:36 pm

      Thank you so much Michelle. I really do appreciate the feature.

  • Reply
    Liz
    September 3, 2020 at 11:16 pm

    Wow, that really looks amazing!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      September 5, 2020 at 9:29 am

      Thank you so much, Liz, that is very sweet on you to say.

  • Reply
    Carol
    September 4, 2020 at 1:20 am

    This is so fabulous! You hit every detail! Featuring when my link party opens up tonight!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      September 5, 2020 at 9:30 am

      Thank you so much Carol, I never know where to stop with these types of projects. lol

  • Reply
    Creative Compulsions Linky Party #75 - My Bijou Life
    September 4, 2020 at 2:25 am

    […] of Unique Creations by Anita made this awesome spellbook! What a wonderful Halloween decoration! If you’re feeling like you […]

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      September 5, 2020 at 9:31 am

      Thank you so much for the feature on my spellbook, I really do appreciate it.

  • Reply
    Michelle @ The Painted Hinge
    September 4, 2020 at 4:48 am

    Wow this is so stinkin’ cool! I love altered book art and this is one of the best I’ve ever seen! Thanks so much for sharing it at Farmhouse Friday!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      September 5, 2020 at 9:33 am

      AWW!! Thank you so much, Michelle, you have made my day. Thank you so much for the feature.

  • Reply
    Cat
    September 4, 2020 at 6:04 pm

    As a librarian I strongly approve of having your own spellbook for Hallowe’en! 😉
    It looks really cool, well done!!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      September 5, 2020 at 9:34 am

      Thank you so much Cat, it can be a sensitive issue. I prefer to re-love them in a different way than throwing them away.

  • Reply
    Naush Samama
    September 6, 2020 at 12:43 am

    Anita, the details in your work are outstanding. I really appreciate the time and creativity you put into a project. Love this one too.
    Naush

  • Reply
    T'onna | Sew Crafty Crochet
    September 6, 2020 at 8:29 pm

    You’re so creative! I love this book! I especially love the eye and hands! This creation really makes me ready for Halloween! I featured your lovely creation at this week’s Snickerdoodle Create Bake Make Link Party!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      September 7, 2020 at 12:06 pm

      Thank you so much for the lovely comment and for the feature on my spellbook.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      September 8, 2020 at 11:32 am

      Thank you so much for the great comment and for the feature.

  • Reply
    Rebecca Elliott
    September 9, 2020 at 1:40 pm

    I LOVE THIS! And I have a couple of old books, in very sad shape, that could use a new lease on life! One question…I spent some time trying to find the downloads you used from Etsy without any luck! Can you possibly provide a link for me?

  • Reply
    Debbie-Dabble
    September 12, 2020 at 11:41 pm

    Anita,
    LOVE this!! I made a Spell book several years ago but now I think I need to add a few things to it!! Thanks for sharing and thanks for visiting!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

  • Reply
    Kay Cranor
    September 13, 2020 at 2:33 am

    WOW! Just WOW! I Love the Spell Book and I really want to try to make one myself. I’m sure you made it look easier than it is lol. Your work is AMAZING and I want to Thank You for sharing. I also Love the Candles so I’ll try my luck with those as well. Wish me luck lol. And God Bless You Always and Keep Up the Great Work, Thanx Again!!!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      September 15, 2020 at 7:09 am

      Thank you so much Kay, I did the tutorial so others can see how easy it really is.

  • Reply
    Tina
    September 13, 2020 at 11:20 am

    Love it, I enjoy a darker Halloween theme..Not into the cute Halloween..You are very talented & I love all of the beautiful creations you’ve made. Thank you for sharing them..

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      September 15, 2020 at 7:11 am

      Thank you Tina, I am with you on the Halloween theme. I just cant come up with the cute ideas, I prefer the creepy.

  • Reply
    Eucharisma
    September 14, 2020 at 1:56 am

    Really clever! I wish small children didn’t prevent me from making cool “adult” Halloween projects like this LOL. Maybe I can slow them down enough to make drippy bottles or even pencils with those silly plastic rings with the glue and rub off stuff for their friends. Thanks for the inspiration!! Even if it is watered down.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      September 15, 2020 at 7:13 am

      Thank you so much, I prefer doing the creepy Halloween to the cute.

  • Reply
    9 Ways to Celebrate Halloween at Home - Making Time for Memories
    September 19, 2020 at 4:44 am

    […] Spellbook by Unique Creations by Anita […]

  • Reply
    Michelle Leslie
    September 22, 2020 at 10:54 pm

    That eye!!!!!!1 Wow Anita, the whole spell book looks amazing, and I had to laugh when you said the snake looks naff. I haven’t heard that it such a long time 😀

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      September 23, 2020 at 12:37 pm

      LOL Thank you Michelle, it is a word I use a lot here and people ask me what naff is.

  • Reply
    Maria
    September 24, 2020 at 7:19 am

    Your pretty creative! Perfect for Halloween

  • Reply
    Mike
    October 29, 2020 at 3:37 pm

    I am so making this book, and a few other things I have seen

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      October 31, 2020 at 12:57 pm

      Thank you so for the great comment and for visiting my website.

  • Reply
    Susan
    August 16, 2021 at 9:25 pm

    Your Halloween decorations are awesome!!

  • Reply
    Sara
    August 16, 2021 at 10:10 pm

    Great idea; I must make one! I’d love to cast a few spells to make my clutter disappear – lol

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      August 18, 2021 at 8:16 am

      Thanks Sara, I wish it could do that. lol

  • Reply
    Rosemary Palmer
    August 16, 2021 at 10:30 pm

    If I ever decorate for Halloween again, this will be made. I have a friend though I think will love this. Will share.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      August 18, 2021 at 8:17 am

      Thanks, We dont do Halloween anymore our kids are all grown up. I make them for my niece.

  • Reply
    Laura L WALKER
    August 17, 2021 at 12:50 am

    I love this. I will share it with my daughter. Laura

  • Reply
    Vicki and Jenn 2 Bees in a Pod
    August 17, 2021 at 5:55 am

    Anita – you are so talented. We especially love the eye! Thanks for sharing another great idea!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      August 18, 2021 at 8:18 am

      Thank you so much, that was my first time using polymer clay.

  • Reply
    Kippi Ohern
    August 17, 2021 at 9:04 am

    What a groovy way to upcycle an old book. Since I love Halloween, I am on the hunt for an old book for a Spellbook.
    Hugs,
    Kippi

  • Reply
    Meegan
    August 20, 2021 at 9:43 pm

    I just love how much detail and creativity you added to this book. From the polymer clay to the curled pages, this is a perfect Halloween decoration. Always inspired when visiting your blog, Anita.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      August 21, 2021 at 6:39 pm

      Thank you so much Meegan, that is truly a lovely compliment.

  • Reply
    Syl
    September 30, 2021 at 1:57 am

    This is off the chain. So much skill and attention given to detail. I didn’t read your background but if you haven’t gotten your experience from set and prop design you are genius. Those colors are just right. Your creativity in making the eyes. I’m getting a Halloween Steampunk vibe from the tea kettle. Brilliant!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      October 2, 2021 at 3:55 pm

      Thank you so much Syl, I wish I had that sort of just. I am self taught, and try and use new techniques every project.

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