I’m glad so many of you liked our DIY book page art in that little corner of our family room. By popular request, here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to recreate it. This project is quick, affordable, and requires almost no skill—perfect for an easy, stylish accent on your wall. We made ours on a whim one afternoon and it took less than five minutes.
Here’s how to make your own DIY book page art.
Step One: Pick a book.
Choose a book that means something to you or simply one whose pages you like the look of. A favorite childhood book or a classic makes the piece more personal, but any well-aged paperback works beautifully. We used Oliver Twist because it felt fun and a bit worn—that browned, tattered look adds character. Smaller paperback sizes tend to fit nicely in an 11 x 13 frame if you want to show several pages.
You can often find inexpensive used books at thrift stores, garage sales, or charity shops—keep a few on hand for future projects. In our case the book was already dismantled when we acquired it, so no worries about destroying a pristine copy. And honestly, using the pages as art gives them new life instead of letting them gather dust.
Step Two: Select a frame and arrange the pages.
Use a frame that fits the size you want—an 11 x 13 frame is what we used. Lay the cardboard backing on a flat surface and fan the pages across it in a layout you like. There’s no need for precision; the charm of this piece is its casual, layered look. We kept a title page aside for a separate small project because it was particularly attractive.
Secure the pages to the backing with double-sided tape or small rolls of single-sided tape. Start at the bottom row and work up, overlapping each row slightly so the layers look intentional. Imperfections won’t hurt—the result looks great even when it’s not perfect.
Step Three: Replace the backing into the frame.
Once the pages are secured, put the cardboard back into the frame. You can leave the glass in to keep the pages flat and protected, which gives a more finished appearance. If you plan to photograph the finished piece, removing the glass can avoid reflections and make it easier to capture the details. Either way works—choose what looks best in your space.
Step Four: Hang and enjoy.
Hang your frame and admire the results—an inexpensive, charming piece of art created in minutes. This simple project adds texture and a cozy, literary touch to any room. Feel free to experiment with different books, frame sizes, and arrangements to make the look your own.
The end.