There are a LOT of tutorials for a Harry Potter-inspired Halloween Spell Book out there. But, I’ve wanted to create my own versions for a while now. It wasn’t until I found a couple of old yearbooks while thrifting that an idea took root. Their textured leatherette covers and embossed designs REALLY seemed destined to become a Book of Spells or even steampunk books, perfect for Halloween decor!
While plain hardcover books are a fine starting point for old spell books, you have to take extra steps to make them look old, textured, and maybe a little spooky.
But that’s already done for you with old yearbooks!
Wrinkled like old leather, and perfect for upcycling into a Halloween spell book.
Can’t find any yearbooks? Old encyclopedias, atlases, and other reference-type books that are oversized and textured would be just as good!
My altered book idea for a Halloween spell book required a few other embellishments. I drew inspiration from the Harry Potter movies and the library at Hogwarts.
So, I gathered some rubber snakes and friends and associated friends…
And some scrap booking stickers.
I also gathered various paints, brushes, gilding waxes, glue, pieces of hardware (like hinges, handles, and clock parts), and leather scraps. This is a fun mixed-media project so use whatever you can scavenge or already have on hand!
I made three different old spell books, all using slightly different crafting techniques to yield varying styles.
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Transforming an Old Yearbook into Halloween Spell Book Decor
I started with the dark red yearbook. I loved the red color but wanted a more mottled appearance.
First, I covered the edges of the pages with painter’s tape before brushing on the blackest latex paint I could find. While the paint was still wet, I blotted it over and over again with a crumpled-up paper towel.
Then, I rubbed on antique gold wax to various pieces of hardware and glued them on the cover. I also use the same gold wax on the shield-shaped embossed design.
All that was left to do was to cover up the yearbook name and graduating year. I used brass jewelry findings leftover from this Christmas project, and flattened metal buttons leftover from this jewelry project to do so.
To finish it off, I removed the painter’s tape from the pages and brushed on metallic craft paint to gild the edges in a fiery copper.
When all was said and done, my Halloween spell book was done! And I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT.
Altered Book Ideas for Old Yearbooks
For this Halloween spell book, I decided to incorporate some of the rubber snakes and bugs.
First, I arranged everything on the cover and snapped a photo so I could recreate it later.
The texture of this particular old book reminded me of lizard skin, so I brushed on green paint (leftover from this cabinet makeover). Instead of blotting the paint, however, I wiped off some of the paint with a folded paper towel.
This left most of the green paint, but took enough off to allow the original brown to peek through. It gave the old spell book a nice “reptile skin” effect!
Next, I spray painted the sticker letters gold and then glued everything in place, using my original photo as my guide.
And just like the antique spell book I had created previously, I gilded the edges of this Halloween spell book with gold craft paint.
Halloween Spell Book for Spooky Decor
For this Halloween spell book, I wanted to go with more of a steampunk style.
I gathered up all the gears I could find as well as some old keys. To cover up the yearbook name, I used a strip of scrap leather (under the keys).
I arranged everything on the cover and snapped a photo to recreate it after painting.
After sticking on the scrapbook sticker letters, I painted the entire book with a medium gray craft paint.
Then, I glued the gears and keys in place before re-painting the letters and page edges with a silvery gold craft paint.
I’m so in love with this one. I think I need to make more Steampunk books, don’t you?
And just like that, the last of my Halloween spell book decor was done!
Making a Halloween Spell Book from an Old Yearbook
These were SO incredibly fun to create. And they really are perfect as Harry Potter crafts as well as Halloween book decor.
Plus, gathering all the decorative elements for each Halloween spell book was like a magical scavenger hunt.
This project is also ideal for a Halloween crafting part. Gather your pals and ask them to bring all kinds of crafty products so that you can swap and share. That way, you can make your Halloween spell book in your own personal style.
I’m also excited to announce that my first book is now available! If you enjoy upcycling clothing and simple sewing projects, then you will love my book on flannel crafts!
If you enjoyed this upcycling idea for a Book of Spells and Harry Potter crafts, then you’ll love these potion bottles from a vintage spice rack!
Craft on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
What a brilliant idea!!
Thank you, Carole!
Very Creative! I enjoy old Halloween ideas! Thank you for sharing
Thank you, Kathy!
LOVE these books ! SO inventive !! But you are one of the best! Thank you for the giveaway. Sounds like a lot of fun!!
Thank you so much, Patty!
Absolutely AWESOME!
Thank you so, so much, Robyn! I’m always nervous posting a “book” project (people are very protective of books), but these are just WAY too cool and fun to make not to share. 🙂
Oh, Sally! I really love these!!!! I’m on vacation right now but can’t wait to get home and make some! You are the bestest!!! Thanks for the fun idea! (….and I think it would be a lot of fun to do as a girls night out kind of activity!!!)
Haha, not Sally, but close. 😉 Thanks so much, though!
Excellent results! Great upcycling idea. thanks
Thank you so very much, Mary!
Oh wow! I LOVE this project! It looks like so much fun! I want to go alter some books!
You are so creative, Sarah! Thank you for sharing with us!
Thank you, Linda!
SOOOOOOOO CLEVERRRRR!! I’m going to run out this weekend and find me an Old yearbook! Fantastic Idea!
Woohoo! Happy hunting and crafting, Lyn!
Oh, I agree about being protective of books. You couldn’t do that project with MY yearbooks. Someone else’s though, are fair game. Loved the leather looks you gave them with paint. Great job, as usual!
Fantastic! You’re so amazing! I love getting your notifications in my inbox. I always try to guess by the title what you could have come up with and it always turns out to be 1000000% better than I could ever imagine. Very cool.
Thank you so, so much- these are incredibly fun to make. I’ve been looking forward to this project all year long and now I’m sad that it’s done, LOL!
Congrats on reaching 30,000 likes on Faecbook?
Thank you so much!!
I order some craft stuff from a company called Wish
I would take that one step further and carefully cut out the pages at the binder then replace it with some journal pages!
I am curious if you put anything special inside the books or just leave the original text. It would be fun to cut a hole in pages and insert spider, rat, etc.
I left the insides untouched, but I think the possibilities are endless!