I’m a big fan of crafting. When I’m not reading or writing (and sometimes when I am) I can often be found working on a project, usually needlepoint, but also crocheting/knitting, jewellery making, sewing, or something else along those lines. I get inspiration from all kinds of places: my own tastes, magazines, Pinterest, friends and family–but why not combine forces and get inspired by books? Not craft books, but actual novels?
Well, other crafters thought the same thing and have come up with some great literary-inspired projects. Here are some of my favourites:
Amigurumi Little Prince
You can’t go wrong with The Little Prince. This amigurumi version by Eda Gizem K., over on Ravelry is adorable and would be fun to make. Get the free pattern here.
Assymetric Hunger Games Cowl
Perhaps not the most practical item of clothing for the non-archers among us, but still a pretty cool project. Elderflower on Craftster shares her free downloadable pattern.
Bookmarks
Still using old receipts as bookmarks? Nothing wrong with this practical-but-dull approach. Then again, for a little effort you can mark your place in a more colourful–and personal–way with a DIY bookmark.
Alice in Wonderland Flamingo Croquet Set
Morena’s Corner provides a tutorial for one of my favourite DIY projects, ever: an Alice in Wonderland-inspired flamingo croquet set. Anyone up for a game?
Hardcover Book Pendant
Great video tutorial by I Love Paper Beads. You can find written instructions for making this cute pendant here. Or, if you prefer a stack of books…
Stack of Books Pendant
Love it. Via the Darice blog.
Book Bag
I’m normally not a fan of crafts that use (read: destroy) actual books, but some books really have outlived their usefulness and can be ethically sacrificed. And this awesome book bag by Mollie Makes is a worthy cause (but do try to find a book that’s damaged beyond repair, is missing pages, or isn’t valuable). Video tutorial and written instructions here.
Magnets
There are no instructions with these magnets, but they’re simple enough, and can be customized however you want. Use a clean mint tin or jar lid. Glue pictures, quotes, mini figures, and so on inside to create a scene evoking a favourite book. Then glue magnets on the back and adorn your fridge with your handiwork.
Terrarium
This gorgeous terrarium was originally posted on Catch My Party. Although there are no instructions, as with the magnets above it’s a pretty straightforward craft and can be customized for any theme. Keep costs low by looking for the container at secondhand stores or garage sales (you could even use a clean pickle jar, if you want).
For the Lemony Snicket fans out there, here’s a cross stitch Baudelaire bookmark from SealStitchery on Etsy. They also used to offer a “The World Is Quiet Here” pattern, but alas, no more.
Japanese Ribbon-Bound Book
Why settle for making book-themed crafts when you can make your own books? Here’s a tutorial from Homemade Gifts Made Easy on how to hand make a hardcover, Japanese-style ribbon-bound book. What’s that, you ask? Why, yes, I do accept gifts…
And just for fun, here’s a cross stitch I made in honour of Love Lies Bleeding. I didn’t use one pattern but put it together from a few patterns I found online.
Do you craft? Have you completed any literary-inspired projects? Do you know of any good patterns online? Share in the comments…
Want more of my vampires? Download my books…
Love Lies Bleeding: Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books
FREE Blood Magic: Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books
FREE Tooth & Claw: Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books
If you prefer paperback, use this link to order Love Lies Bleeding from Bookshop – a portion of each sale goes directly to independent bookstores, as well as to myself. Thank you for supporting indie! ♥
Cheers,
Aspasía S. Bissas
Further Reading:
10 Lovely Literary Crochet Patterns
Aspasía S. Bissas 
I need that croquet set.
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Me too!
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Ooh such cuteness! I just recently started crafting again partly due to my mental health but also because of my obsession with the A Song of Ice and Fire book series (aka: Game of Thrones). I actually just posted my first completed project on my blog today with more in the works!
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Glad you enjoyed the post! I’m heading over to your blog to see your project–crafting is the best 🙂
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These are all so cute, I love the bookmarks and the cross stitching and all this crafting cuteness 😀
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I’m so glad you enjoyed the post! If you’re a crafter, I hope you end up making some of these 🙂
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I used to craft a lot when I was younger, I think I’ll try out those colorful bookmarks
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Just love your Vampires Suck cross stitch! It’s beautifully done. Who wouldn’t love to have a flamingo croquet set? These are all quite delightful. I do some art and craft work myself. Recently, I’ve thought of doing some to relax. These projects inspire me to give it a go.
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Awesome–I hope you do! I will make that croquet set one day. And thanks for the kind words about my cross stitch 🙂
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