DIY Spell Book: A Halloween Craft

Making a DIY spell book is by far our favorite Halloween craft! We have been making them for quite a few years now. Each year we come up with new ideas that we simply just need to create for our Halloween decorations.

While we were thinking up easy crafts to do to celebrate Harry Potter's birthday, we instantly came up with DIY spell books! Since this is one of our favorite DIY Halloween decorations, why not make our favorite craft twice a year?

One of the great things about DIY spell books is how customizable they are. You really can change them to specifically match any decor. You can theme them or make a variety. It’s up to you! That is part of the fun.

We have made a ton of these DIY spell books over the years. Every single one has turned out unique but awesome. These are also easy enough for kids to make their own. If you are looking for a Halloween or Harry Potter craft for kids, you have arrived.

• Textbook/hardcover book
• Mod Podge
• Hot Glue Gun
• UNPRINTED Paper Towels (SO IMPORTANT!)
• Small Halloween Trinkets
• Black Spray Paint
• Metallic Paint/Chalk Paste

You can grab an old textbook you have kept but never look at, or pick up a book from a local thrift store. We prefer using a hardcover book, as it helps the spell book stand on its own. We have used paperback books before as well and they still turn out just fine.

Next, you need a good amount of Mod Podge. You are going to use this to give the book cover some texture and hold the cover together. This is the adhesive we use for almost every step while making this Halloween craft. Occasionally, we use a hot glue gun to glue the trinkets to the book cover before we begin. We have also just used the Mod Podge. The gluing method depends entirely on what things you are adding to your book.

Another supply you need for DIY spellbooks is some small Halloween Trinkets. We have used so many different things. These are also something you can pick up from your local dollar store, Walmart, or craft store. Some of our favorite items have been: rubber snakes, rubber bats, dragon eyes, and skeleton heads. We have also used foam letters to add words.

The possibilities are endless when you are creating! You can create some themed spell books or just go with your Halloween vibe this year.

Additionally, you need paint to finish off your spell books. We use a low gloss black or dark brown spray paint (typically black) and some metallic paint for highlighting. For the metallic paint, we have used Chalk Couture Metallic Gold Chalk Paste or metallic acrylic paint. You can use any color you would like, but generally, we like the look of gold or bronze.

Now that you have gathered your supplies, it is time to create! You are going to lay your book open. This way you can see both covers and the spine. If you are planning to add design to only the front cover, you can just lay it on the table closed.

Place your trinkets on your book. This is really the time you have to visualize what your book will look like before you lock it in. Ignore the colors of your trinkets or letters because you will not see them when you are finished. If you would like, hot glue your items in place.

Here comes the fun part!

Slather Mod Podge over the cover of your book. Then, cover with a paper towel. As you do this, add texture to your book by pinching the paper towel in places; adding bumps. Be sure to cover your additions to your cover and tuck around the edges. This will create a flawless transition from the shapes to the book cover, adding character to your spell book.

You want your Mad Podge and paper towel cover to go all the way inside your book on all of the edges.

As you are placing your paper towel, cover your book cover with Mod Podge again. This will help the paper towel harden and your cover durable. Allow your book to dry completely before moving on. To speed up the drying process, you can use a blow dryer on a cool, low setting

After your book is dry, you can spray the entire cover black or brown. You may need to do two coats. Then you will need to allow your paint to dry.

When your book is all the way dry, it is time for the finishing touches. We like to highlight the details of our spell books with metallic gold or bronze paint. Typically, we use Chalk Couture Chalk Paste but we have also used acrylic craft paint. Use a small sponge brush to apply the metallic touches.

This step adds an antiqued look to your spell book, giving it the feel of centuries of use and page-turning. It's really easy to achieve! First, separate the pages into small groups and crinkle them towards the center. For an even more weathered appearance, lightly spritz the pages with water. Once dry, take your metallic paint and gently dab the edges of the pages with your paintbrush. This technique will give your spell book an authentic, aged effect that enhances its magical charm.

Once your book is dry, it is complete! You can style it by adding fun dangling bookmarks made from skeletons or beads. You can also call it complete and add nothing more.

We love setting up apothecary tables for Halloween or a nice entryway display using our spell books. We have some inspiration for you.

We hope you enjoy making a spell book or two for your own DIY Halloween decor! We can’t wait to see what you create! Be sure to tag us @DIYFamilyTime on Instagram or Pinterest!

Looking for more spell-tasting crafts? We have some Harry Potter crafts that go perfectly with these spell books. Check out our DIY Mandrakes or our DIY Wands. They are so easy the kids can join!

If you want a spell book perfect for your family, check out our Magical Mixology: A Kid’s Potionology. It’s a printable spellbook full of crafts, treats, and experiments to fill your Halloween season with fun and excitement!