4 Awesome DIY’s to Personalize Your Books!

Let’s start with the basics – bookmarks. Are you tired of all your bookmarks being things you scrounge up from the bottom of your bag? Hair ties, crumpled receipts, paper clips, or other random bits of trash always seemed to be my go-to. Instead of using scraps of paper or dog-eared corners, create your own stylish and personalized bookmarks. You can use various materials like colored cardstock, ribbons, fabric scraps, or even old photographs. Cut them into attractive shapes, add some inspirational quotes, or print out some fan art of your favorite book characters, and voila! You’ll have a bookmark that reflects your taste and keeps your page in style. Make a bunch, and store some in your bag, the car, your bedroom, or any of the other places you find yourself needing a bookmark on the go! 

Have you ever seen (and been jealous of) those personalized “from the library of” stamps people use to personalize their home libraries on booktok and bookstagram? Well, you can upgrade your own personal library in a similar way, without having to buy something new! Bookplates are small labels placed inside books to mark ownership. Adding decorative elements to your bookplates can make them visually appealing. You can design your own bookplates using decorative paper, stickers, or rubber stamps you may already have at home. You can also use the Canva app, or even PowerPoint, to create and print out something unique! Just tack them on the inside cover using a glue stick or other acid-free adhesives (you don’t want to damage your books after all!), and you’re all set! Include your name, a unique symbol, or your very own ‘logo’ to make your books feel like they’re truly yours!

Washi tape is a versatile and colorful decorative tape that can instantly enhance the look of your books. Use it to create unique patterns and designs on your book covers or spines. You can also use different colored tapes to categorize your books by genre or create a rainbow effect on your bookshelf. Washi tape is easy to use and can be removed without leaving any residue, making it perfect for DIY projects. You can find it at any craft store, online, or even at the dollar store! Plus, you can use washi tape for all sorts of other projects too!

Give your favorite books a cozy home with DIY fabric book covers. You can wrap your books in wrapping paper or in fun and funky fabrics! Use double-sided tape or fabric glue, or you can even sew your fabric to create a simple pouch-like sleeve that fits your book’s dimensions. Use fun fabrics and paper, like polka dots, stripes, or floral patterns, to make your sleeves stand out. If you want to use fabric, you can find small, pre-cut squares of fabric called ‘fat quarters’ at most fabric stores, or you can recycle an old t-shirt or even pick up some cool fabric at a second-hand store! Just measure your books in advance so you know how much material you need, and follow a tutorial like this one. 

Not only will these protect your books from wear and tear, but they’ll also look chic on your bookshelf or in your bag. You can even use it as an opportunity to design your own cover for your favorite books!