Looking for a unique decor item? Here’s how to make a personalized book stack.

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I’ve seen photos of a personalized book stack on home and decor sites. I’ve always wanted to make one. I knew it’d be possible with my Cricut.

Sometimes these books are created using stamps. It does give a nice, vintage feel. However I wanted to use my Cricut. I know it’s not exactly the same, but I still love how it turned out.

Use these books for a short message or quote. I’ve also seen family names used as well. There are just so many possibilities.

Supplies Needed To Make a Personalized Book Stack

It’s actually quite easy to make these and it requires very few supplies.

books – they can be either hard cover or soft cover. If you follow me regularly, you know I like odd numbers so mine has stack has 3 books. I had some paperback novels sitting around the house that I used. You can also get books from the dollar store or second hand stores. Some people are fancy and use wood blocks instead.
white paper to cover the books
black adhesive vinyl
machine to cut the vinyl – I use a Cricut Maker
twine or ribbon

Amazon Links

white paper roll

oracal 651

cricut maker

cricut joy

twine

How to Wrap a Book

I remember when I was young, we had to wrap our textbooks for school. This helped protect them and keep them clean. I remember my mom covering my books. This is no different.

The white paper I used was rather thin so I doubled mine up to make sure it was opaque. It also depends on the cover of the book. One of the books I used had a bright orange cover that showed through when I only used one layer.

Start with a piece of white paper that is a couple of inches taller than the book and at least 6 inches wider than the book – take into account both the front cover as well as the back cover
If doubling your paper because it is thin, take that into account for how much paper you need.

Place your book somewhere in the middle and fold the top against the book to make a crease.

Repeat at the bottom.
Using these creases, fold your paper. It should work out so that it is the exact height of your work.

Place your book in the middle of your paper, lining up the top and bottom.
Fold it over the spine of the book and make a crease.
Flip the book over and make a crease for the other side of the spine.
Firm up those creases so that the spine is clearly defined.

Open the cover and fold the paper over to fit, making a crease.
Repeat for the back cover.
Firm up your creases.

There you go! Your book is covered.

Now when my mom used to do my textbooks, she did something fancy in the corners to make it more secure and if I recall correctly, it was even taped She also did cutouts by the spine so that the paper folded over the tops and bottoms of the covers as well. Since these books are not really doing to be used, I kept it simple and just folded it over to make a simple cover.

Personalize the Books

Now the fun part. Decide what you want your books to say. Design your graphic.

You can use any font of your choosing. I like the old-school, typewriter-type looking font, so I used Courier New, which is a pretty standard font that is automatically included in Cricut Design Space.

Cut out your vinyl with your cutting machine. I use my Cricut Maker. Use the setting based on the material you are using. For me, it’s the basic vinyl setting.

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Make sure you know how you are going to stack your books, especially if they are different sizes or thicknesses. Apply the vinyl to the spines of the books in the order you want.

For details on cutting out your vinyl and applying it, check out my post, All About Adhesive Vinyl.

The Finishing Touche

Lastly, stack your books nicely and wind some twine or ribbon around them. You may want to wind them around the books a few times. Finish off with a nice bow or knot.

These would make such nice hostess gifts or housewarming gifts. I love being able to upcycle my old books into these. I must admit I do have a bunch of books sitting around that I should either pass on to someone or turn into personalized book stacks.

Want to remember how to make a personalized book stack? Be sure to save this to your favourite Pinterest board.