In this post – how to create a spooky stack of books to add to your Halloween decor.
Books as Halloween Decor
This Halloween I’ve been looking for easy and inexpensive ways to add to our Halloween decor. What could be easier and cheaper than using some books I already own? With the addition of a covering material and some “pretty” creepy ribbon, I was able to make a neutral-colored spooky book stack that looks great on my mantel.
Materials Needed
To start, you’ll need some books. I grabbed three hardcover novels that I’ve already read. (They were all great books and I’ll link them below.) I chose three books of slightly different sizes, but you can also use books that are the same size.
You’ll also need some sort of covering material. I used a laminated canvas material, but you could also use scrap fabric or even brown paper grocery bags. The amount of covering material you need will depend on the size of your books. Choose something that is opaque so that the book covers don’t show through.
I used some cute and creepy spider ribbon to tie the books together and add a little fun.
Lastly, you’ll want to use some hot glue, fabric scissors, and a fine-tipped black Sharpie marker.
Supplies Needed
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SHARPIE Fine Point Permanent Markers, 1 Black Marker
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Surebonder Cordless/Corded High-Temperature Mini Hot Glue Gun
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Halloween Wired Ribbon Grey Spiders Burlap
Buy Now →Step 1: Determine Book Cover Size
I approached the measuring of the covering material much the same as I would gift-wrapping a package. First, I laid the book down on it to see how much extra material there was on either end. Next, I tucked 1-2” of fabric under the cover flap of the book.
Step 2: Fold and Glue Top and Bottom
Use your fingers to make a crease in the fabric on both ends of the book so you will know where to make the fold. Lay the book flat on the fabric to double check the size before you glue. Then use hot glue to glue down the top and bottom folds. Leave about 1”-2” on each side unglued so you can make the flaps.
Step 3: Wrap Book and Tuck in Flaps
For the next step, place the book on the cover. Open up the book and slide one cover into the flaps. I left the book jacket on, but you can remove it if you want. Tuck the edges of the fabric in and use hot glue underneath to secure the flap. Tip: The glue should be between the layers of fabric under the book flap. Be careful not to glue the cover to your book. Repeat on the other side.
Step 4: Glue Book Stack Together
Repeat the covering process for all three books. Then stack the books the way you want them and add a few drops of hot glue between the layers to secure them. I stacked mine off-center so that I can display them standing up or on their sides.
Step 5: Add Ribbon
Measure a length of ribbon to wrap around the books. I love this creepy spider ribbon! Use hot glue to secure it on the bottom of the stack.
Step 6: Add Lettering on Spines
For this step, I was originally going to use letter stamps, but I would have had to buy the stamps and ink pad. Instead, I decided to go the cheaper route and use a Sharpie. I printed words on a piece of paper and then taped them to the spines, one at a time. I traced the letters with a Sharpie, making sure to go slowly so that the ink would bleed through onto the fabric.
Then I removed the paper and traced the outline left behind. Simple!
Step 7: Decorate!
For this last part, I decided to add a little spiderweb (it probably would have looked better with a fine point Sharpie but I used what I had.) I think a couple of plastic spiders glued here and there would be fun too.
The whole stack looks cute no matter where I put it! I love it on our mantel. For more about how I decorated our seaside home for Halloween, be sure to check out The Sophisticated Guide to Coastal Halloween: Skulls, Skeletons & Dark Florals.
Recommended Reading
Good Books
Mad Honey: A GMA Book Club Pick: A Novel
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The Midnight Library: A GMA Book Club Pick: A Novel
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5 Responses
Love your book stack and that ribbon is perfect. Congratulations, you are being featured on TFT. I hope you stop by. https://eclecticredbarn.blogspot.com/2025/10/last-minute-halloween-decorations-on-tft.html
Hugs,
Bev
Thanks Beverly! I do love that spider ribbon! Looking forward to stopping by!
This looks fab, it’ll be a feature at Handmade Monday later today. Spookily I bought a copy of that Matt Haig book last week in a charity shop so I’m looking forward to starting it even more now I’ve seen your recommendation.
Hi Julie! I’m glad you like the project – super easy! I loved the book, I hope you do too.