5 Crafty Ways to Recycle Old Books

I've been thinking about what I could do with the masses of old books I have.

I know some of you may be a bit sensitive about recycling books for new uses (look away now), but I got over that when I once bought a whole box of old books at a garage sale, only to find they were filled with little bugs and mould. Some old books can't be saved. But here's few ideas I might just try:

1. The Book Bar

See the book bar being built at:

http://www.vestaldesign.com/projects/bookbar/

2. Book Beads

See how to make book beads at:

http://smallestforest.net/2009/11/23/a-quick-tutorial-book-beads/

3. Pages as Craft Paper

I could use the pages as decopage, or to paper a wall, or to cover other books.

4. Paper Dolls

Inspired by my daughters love of paper dolls and their book review blog: Paper Dolls

5. Bookmarks

And I've been thinking about creating some laminated bookmarks from cut out pages and words.

6. Swaps

Here's 11 more useful ways to recycle the old but still readable books (in a less destructive manner). I love the idea of randomly leaving books for people to find on public transport!:

http://www.thedailygreen.com/going-green/community-tips/recycle-used-books-460808

Any other suggestions from those brave enough to take a pair of scissors to an old book?